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Reviews by Just Another Robot
Engines of God
Posted : 2 years, 4 months ago on 27 July 2007 05:25
(A review of The Engines of God)Scientists travel to a distant planet to sift through the stunning remains of a lost civilization... The beautiful thing about this story is that it's so easy to read. It's a page-turning 'X-Files in space' with likeable characters, gripping scenes and a truly strange mystery. If you like science fiction that plays like a vivid movie in your head, try this one. Jack McDevitt is a master storyteller. And I love the classic cover artwork from Jim Burns.  0 comments, Reply to this entry
Celebrity Big Brother - UK version
Posted : 2 years, 4 months ago on 25 July 2007 03:43
(A review of Big Brother)Oh dear :) Whatever you might think of 'Reality TV' in general, you have to admit that when Big Brother first came out in July 2000 (UK), it was quite an innovation. 24-7 cameras on a willing group of unknowns who had to pull together to gain food or favours from BB, and survive a weekly round of voting to rid them from the house... The first series was required viewing for a huge section of the UK audience, and the initial BB winners along with the likeable losers (including 'Nasty Nick') became tabloid sensations... for while. By the third series 'celebrities' were getting in on the act, initially for charity. But as the shows continue, the 'celebrity' arm has become a vehicle for 'forgotten faces' to re-vitalise their careers. And yes, there's plenty you can say about the controversies that surround BB, from misleading edits to exploiting the vulnerable in order to gain higher ratings - like BB's treatment of Pete, the guy with Tourette's syndrome. But set aside those issues, and BB is great 'switch-off your brain' entertainment, especially the celebrity version - there are genuine laughs to be had, and you can er... catch-up on the stars of yester-year and act like you know your TV trivia. Top marks to BB for experimental programme-making. 0 comments, Reply to this entry
Sixth Sense
Posted : 2 years, 4 months ago on 25 July 2007 02:13
(A review of The Sixth Sense)Clever, classy and beautiful shot. The muted tones and intimate staging, really draw you in, and try as you might, you can't but feel captivated by Haley J Osment's performance. And to be honest, I really thought I knew what was going on until that breath-taking scene with Bruce Willis when the penny drops - literally. Best of the unexpected twist endings? Would be very high on my list. 0 comments, Reply to this entry
Empire Strikes Back
Posted : 2 years, 4 months ago on 23 July 2007 02:24
(A review of Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back)Empire is definitely the best of the series, largely because of the remarkable storytelling. Yoda is perhaps the most finely drawn character, and the training sequences with Luke are deeply life-affirming. A Yoda line I love, and sometimes quote "Do or do not. There is no try." 0 comments, Reply to this entry
The Water Margin
Posted : 2 years, 4 months ago on 23 July 2007 01:39
(A review of The Water Margin)Watched this series on TV as a kid along with my brothers, and we loved it. Even though I didn't know what was going on exactly, it felt powerful, and in my tiny-young mind, all the characters were superheroes... Returned to the series as an adult and felt uplifted. Tapped into the deep and mystical meanings I missed as a kid, and can see how influential the narrative and battle sequences have been on recent action epics. Seminal. x On BBC 2 1976-78. Got the image from amazon http://www.amazon.com/Water-Margin-Ku-Feng/dp/B000I2J6VY 0 comments, Reply to this entry
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