Ghostbusterx Reviews

Battlestar Galactica (2004–2009)

Quite simply the best sci-fi show ever made

[10/10 · 6 November 2009]

When George Lucas announced that he was to make the Star Wars prequels I had this preconception of a darker, better acted, and more more grown up version of the movies that were made in the late seventies - early eighties. Instead we got a bunch of kids movies, littered with some of the most terrible cinematic decisions ever put on celluloid.

And then the re-imagined Battlestar Galactica came along, which I must add, I watched from start to finish only after the show had made it's debut on mainstream television.

I was initially sceptical of whether this would be any good, but after having reached the finale I can honestly say that this is quite simply the best sci-fi show ever made. The scripts are top notch, the acting superb with a real heart and soul, and characters that, even with their faults, will be remembered with great affection by the viewers for many years to come.

This is the template for all future TV shows. I't does not overstay it's welcome, knows when to stop, and constantly delivers fresh, new ideas as the seasons progress.

Series 1 was a great introduction; series 2 built on the initial success and delivered some of the shows highlights; season 3 was awesome for the first half (until the writers strike kicked in just after half way - but still highly entertaining); and season 4 put the icing on the cake with what I consider to be a tremendous and satisfying end to this great series.

The only downside was that I wished it could have continued, but I guess it is better to exit on a high and leave the crowd wanting more.

For me this has stripped Star Wars of it's crown and raised the bar where although it may one day be equalled, will never be bettered.

Awesome

The Simpsons Movie (2007)

Totally awesome!

[6/10 · 25 July 2007]

The Simpsons Movie delivers on every count and is thoroughly engaging from start to finish. Best of all, my arse did not get numb as it was only 82 minutes long. Some critics have said that it seems like four episodes tacked together but you gotta hand it to them, the Simpsons creators have crafted what could easily be four of the best episodes ever. After viewing the movie it becomes clear that more risks are being taken and the characters are having fun doing things that you wouldn't normally see on TV. I guess the Simpsons formula has become a game of 'Let's see how long we can keep it going before is gets boring' which, I can say with all honesty, seems a long way off. This is as fresh and original as it ever was.

I envy Matt G's huge bulging wallet! ***** out of *****

The Chronicles of Riddick (2004)

Another epic popcorn movie

[7/10 · 11 June 2005]

The Chronicles of Riddick is an epic sci-fi popcorn movie from Hollywood that has solid production values, a menacing score and the promise of being a major cinematic event. However, unlike the Matrix sequels which suffered from the somewhat confusing plots and subplots (honestly, did you really understand what it was all about?), Riddick plays it maybe a little too safe and gives us a very simple storyline to immerse ourselves within. This is where the popcorn element kicks in, and ultimately leads to a potentially disappointing experience.

So, what can this film be compared to? Well, the first one that springs to mind is Dune. Riddick has a very similar production design, what with its ancient religions, obscure technology and architecture. But that's as far as it goes, because if you peel off the layers you will see that this is just another action film that deals with an escape, an invasion, another escape, and then the final showdown.

If you are the kind of cinematic viewer who likes to reap the rewards from special effects and action sequences then you should enjoy this film, but don't expect any major plot twists or revelations. I was expecting the film to reveal something about Riddicks past and his destiny, but there was none of that, Just a bad ass Vin Diesel kicking seven shades of crap out out of an intergalactic army, which I quite enjoyed.