reddishHUE Reviews

Torchwood (2006–2011)

Good if you understand what it's about

[8/10 · 12 March 2008]

Torchwood isn't like the good old sci-fi, like Star Wars or Star Trek. I think that's the main source of all the flak it's been receiving. Torchwood is about human nature and homosexuality set against a backdrop of a team hunting aliens in Cardiff.

Give Torchwood a chance. It's not supposed to make you think; just let it wash over you and enjoy the show. Although John Barrowman's acting can come off as cheesy and overly sexed-up at times, there are a few gems. The other members of the team are excellently portrayed by Gareth David-Lloyd, Eve Myles, Naoko Mori, and Burn Gorman.

I'll give Season 1 a 7/10 and Season 2 a 8/10.

Torchwood: Reset (2008) Season 2, Episode 6

Torchwood Lives Up to Its Potential

[9/10 · 24 February 2008]

So far, I have been very impressed with Torchwood's new season, but this one has made me a fan of the show forever.

Initially, Torchwood was a show that let me indulge my John Barrowman fan girl fantasies. During the second season, I started watching it more for what it is. But this one nearly made me pee in my pants with suspense.

The plot was smart and blood-thumping, the dialogue good with some appropriate touches of humour. I can finally say that Torchwood has become the show that it should always have been.

Lets hope that the Torchwood writers keep up this intensity and energy.

Doctor Who (2005–2022)

The Third Season

[9/10 · 17 July 2007]

After crying during Doomsday, I awaited the Doctor's return after Runaway Bride (which was, by the way, brilliant). When I heard that Freema Agyeman was to play the next companion, I wondered if she was a good choice. I was and am a Rose Tyler fan and I was not willing to let my loyalties die just yet.

I suppose Martha (Freema's character) is good in her own way. However one thing that annoyed me was her breathy "Doctor!" which sounds like a hysterical teenage fangirl. Her character seems a little one dimensional, and the chemistry between the Doctor and Rose was not there with him and Martha.

The episodes in Season 1 and Season 2 were perfect: emotional, humorous and smart. The new season, however, has been disappointing. The episodes have been cheesy and feel recycled. What Russell T. Davies seems to be delivering is that all female companions (at least in the new seasons) fall for the Doctor after seeing "what an amazing man he is." I hope that there will be some improvements in the seasons ahead. But, for the moment, I can only give the third season a 4 out of 10 stars.

Passport to Paris (1999 Video)

Don't Expect Too Much

[3/10 · 14 February 2007]

I was once a big Olsen fan. I received this movie when I was six and watched it almost nonstop until I was nine. Then it lay on my shelf gathering dust until yesterday. I was left speechless.

Mary-Kate and Ashley play Allie and Mel, two twelve year olds who are sent to spend Spring Break in Paris with their ambassador grandfather. Along the way, they meet, as one might expect, two cute French boys who show them the more fun side to Paris. I guess the two boys were okay, fake French accents aside.

The plot is predictable and the humour is shallow and corny. Mary-Kate and Ashley play two shallow girls with too much make up on their face.

Don't watch this movie if you're not into the Olsen twins or family movies.

Van Helsing: The London Assignment (2004 Video)

not THAT bad

[8/10 · 3 January 2006]

This is a good piece of anime. It's short and it contains a lot of nonstop action, awesome animation, and reasonably good dialog. Hugh Jackman did a wonderful job in lending his voice to the character Van Helsing. It explains the beginning in the Van Helsing movie.

I love it. It's better than sitting down and watching a long movie. Since this movie lasts only 33 minutes, it's definitely something to do when you have nothing to do. The plot isn't that complicated, so it doesn't require much concentration to unscramble the story.

Overall, this is an excellent prequel to the original Van Helsing movie.

I'll give this movie an 8/10 and a pat on the back.

The Phantom of the Opera (2004)

Being Disfigured Has Never Looked This Good

[9/10 · 1 January 2006]

I admit, I was terrified and mystified when I watched the Phantom of the Opera. Everything about the musical is terrific. From the singing to the acting, from the songs to the sets. Every part of the show oozes and emits music, colors, and beauty.

Emmy Rossum plays Christine Daae, a protégé who works in the Paris Opera House. Emmy is talented and a perfect Christine. Hell she is only 18! I think we shall be seeing her a lot in the future.

Gerard Butler was perfect as the Phantom (or Erik, to those who have read the book). He is as mysterious, scary, soulful, and passionate as the Phantom himself. He clearly shows how different the Phantom is from normal people. Gerard has a wonderful voice and I hope we can hear more singing from him in the future.

Patrick Wilson plays Raoul, a young man who is old friends with Christine Daae. Patrick Wilson knows how to sing powerfully and yet not overdo it. Good casting choice.

This movie is beautiful and the songs are heavenly. I'll give it a 10/10.