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Paul-sen
Reviews
Battlestar Galactica (2004)
Overrated
Short summary (for readers suffering from ADS): This show isn't altogether bad, but also it is overrated by quite some margin. For the longer view, please bear with me.
From the start, I liked that the characters weren't just good or evil, each one seemed to have its very own flaws and shortcomings. Sadly, this is not enough to make them believable: In a good screenplay a character's actions follow some reasoning discernible to the viewer. With half the main characters best classified as "erratic", the series clearly fails in this department. While the actors are very good and have the power to pull you into the story, you are violently (you may take this literally) thrown back into the real world more often than not, remembering that the characters do not lead lives of their own, but instead only act on the whims of the screen writers. If the characters aren't erratic for a moment, they usually do stupid things. Anyone with half a brain wouldn't do the things that they do, and it hurts watching them. In short, I don't want to watch idiots acting like idiots. Moreover, when every idiot runs about with a gun, threatening to shoot people, sometimes even doing so, some episodes can be taken as an involuntary promotion flick for tight gun control. Thank god (or the gods) that America is not that far down the path of random violence and bloodshed (or is it already?).
There's no point in getting too deeply involved with deficiencies like technology failing or helping whenever the plot needs it most, or improbable things like a warship capable of FTL travel but lacking security cameras. SF fans have seen and believed far worse. The bigger problem is the aimlessly meandering story arch as it develops over the whole four seasons: while the Cylons might have had a plan, as the titles said, the writers clearly had no plan, and it shows more often than not. In summary they failed, with the disappointing final episodes not helping at all. Also, right from its start, the series seemed obsessed with superstitious and naive belief systems. Some episodes, especially the final four (pun intended), where but barely tolerable. Angels of God (the Gods?), give me a frakking break. Some viewers may take this all with a shrug, but it left me scratching my head. What exactly is the point? Did the writers have to take the "deus ex machina" plot device literally?
There are lots of things that this series gets right, and lots that are outstandingly good. The cast is very good and many episodes are fun to watch. However, the conclusion of the series, and the serious shortcomings in plot and character development do not warrant a rating better than 6 out of 10 points.
Vorne ist verdammt weit weg (2007)
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Is flower rental a good business idea? Should a physician work as a gardener? How do women make men become human beings? Should shopping carts be manufactured in China?
The movie doesn't answer any of these questions, but it is good to see that someone asks them.
This is comedy, but with a mission - a difficult combination, which usually at some point is just no fun anymore. Not in this case. The movie seems to get away with it, keeping a light touch that takes nothing seriously.
Still, after a promising start, somewhere halfway I felt that the movie didn't quite fulfill its promise anymore. I am quite unable to point my finger on any particular problem. There's nothing wrong with the acting or the cast, maybe it's just about those many little things that add up to a result less than what it might have been.
Conclusion: While it could have been better, don't miss it!
Serenity (2005)
Watch the series first
Firefly is easily one of the best TV series in the SF genre. If the IMDb ratings can be trusted, also the female viewers seem to agree with this assessment (maybe only after they've been talked into watching it). The series provides a solid background for the movie you shouldn't miss. While striving to be self-contained, without this background the characters remain flat and unlikable, and their relationships dull and stereotyped.
Also, the plot has its weak points. The Mr. Universe character is created out of some cliché, and the Miranda secret is so simplistic that you begin asking yourself if this is from one of the more ill-reputed star trek episodes, when you promised yourself you wouldn't ever watch it again.
All this probably sounds worse than it is. While the movie falls short, you'll find that a lot of the things that made the series exceptional are still there. The movie is well made, and the dialog is fun to listen to.
Once more, even though I am repeating myself here: watch Firefly first. You will enjoy the movie far more than otherwise.
Pride & Prejudice (2005)
No. This film just does not work.
What I did not like at all was this film constantly trying to be most obvious about the subtle nuances, probably to make sure that even the most doltish viewer is capable to understand what is going on.
If you read Jane Austen's novel, or have seen an earlier screen adaptation of it, pass on this one, you will be disappointed. This film just fails to convey the charm and ambiance of the novel.
If this does not put off, you will find lots English countryside (some shots reminded me a little of Wuthering Heights 1939), and a love story loosely based on motives found the novel. This might actually be enjoyable to some. But don't call it Pride and Prejudice.