ninjagaijin Reviews

The Strain (2014–2017)

Can't believe it's the last season

[9/10 · 24 July 2017]

According to the season 4 trailer this is 'the final chapter' - I am so sad about that. I love(/d) this show and I wish it would go for another couple of seasons at least. The first season was a little slow, to build up the characters and retain some mystery to the plot. The second revealed most of the secrets and laid the groundwork for the third. The third was a delight of action reminiscent of Aliens with humans waging a war against another species. The fourth season is even more exciting with humans waging guerrilla war. It also neatly ties it back to the first season and its flashbacks to WW2, comparing the concentration camp to what New York has become in season 4.

I just wish it would go on a bit longer.. I was devastated to come to IMDb tonight to look if there would be a season 5. The site only shows 10 episodes total for season 4. I'm really sad to say goodbye to this show.

Billy Dilley's Super-Duper Subterranean Summer (2017)

Not too bad but lead character designs are shameless rip-offs of previous shows

[5/10 · 11 June 2017]

It's not funny but the writing is decent as far as the story.

The worst part of this show is the blatant rip-offs the main character designs are - a Larson 'Far Side' red-headed lead, supported by a young version of Jon Arbuckle from Garfield and Arlene the cat done as a human. There could be some other aspects to the female character's design too that I am forgetting or misplacing. It just looks entirely generic and a mish-mash of other people's character designs.

Compared with the uniqueness of a show like Pig Goat Banana Cricket (which I adore entirely, the humour, sound, Cooper's visual design and the writing), this show falls entirely flat.

Freddy Got Fingered (2001)

One of the finest films ever made

[10/10 · 7 February 2013]

Tom Green has outdone himself. Which is no small feat. Dadaist and off the wall, pushing comedy in a more abstract and confronting path. This film changed my life. The climax was a true pinnacle of comedy and I can never remove these many colourful scenes from my memory (nor would I want to). One of the most memorable films ever made.

Some people like to try to be outrageous and claim ignorance of the humour (perhaps you have no funny bone in you at all) or that this is perhaps some sort of terrible movie. Well, they are just plain mentally under-developed to think that. Anyone with an IQ over 90 should be able to enjoy this film. Perhaps if you are not in that camp, it might be a little intimidating in its Goddard-esque cuts and absurd-ism. But for those with more than twig in their head, this will totally cut your mustard for you. Elephants will never look the same to me again.

And who doesn't want to get inside the animals? I love animals.

Anyway, the point is anyone who doesn't like this film clearly doesn't like life. The people that think this is the worst film ever produced thus far, clearly have a big soft spot for Speed 2. Which is easily the worst film ever made, not counting Robot Monster. Jackass was a pile of poop in comparison to this high art cinema.

Tom Green for Grand Chancellor

The Strangers (2008)

Trite stupefying and ridiculous

[3/10 · 27 November 2008]

I loved the original Funny Games and heard this film being toted as comparable. The plot and story is weak, while the acting, lighting, sound and cinematography are quite decent. I think no film however should be put up to the glory of the original Funny Games that does not deserve it (this film definitely not being anything like Funny Games - which was somewhat believable at least and brilliantly shot and paced (the original!!)). This movie starts, peters along and just never gets to where it should have been going. All I wanted was a realistic home invasion scenario or something similar. I love when films like this achieve a kind of simulation of a realistic, horrible event. Then when I watch them I can dissect what happened and possibly learn something that might help me never be in that situation. On the other hand, there are films that do not strive for realism, intelligence or inspiration - IE The Strangers. At the very least, the characters could have been slightly intelligent about the situations or the situations could be slightly more grounded in realism! Also, any film that starts with '*based* on a true event/story' is trying to snap you into suspension of disbelief. Don't fall for it, it's a scam. Nothing is ever 'truth' - ESPECIALLY if it is labeled 'a true' story. How is it possible to remove bias from a perspective/film! Finally, as mentioned by others, if you do have some weirdo knocking at your door, best not call a friend, try calling the police. Sheesh!