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Reviews
Star Trek: Voyager (1995)
A starting point for many
I have read differing views on ST:Voyager, and not just here. I admit, that like any TV sci-fi series, it has it's weak spots, but I also feel it is faithful to Gene Roddenberry's ideals. Perhaps because it has been less confrontational than DS9 it has been seen as 'failing' but I strongly disagree. I know of many people who have become interested in Star Trek because of this show. Like me, they have appreciated the positive role of Captain Janeway. She blends Kirk's spontaneity, Picard's diplomacy and Sisko's sympathy. If ST:Voyager brings new people to Roddenberry's world, has it really failed? Through their interest in Voyager I have had the pleasure of introducing several people to ST:The Next Generation and ST:Deep Space Nine. Please don't judge a show by it's 'interactions'. Each Star Trek series is unique. Appreciate that!
Schindler's List (1993)
A movie that had to be made and has to be seen
I only saw 'Schindler's List' for the first time in April 1999. I had dismissed it as an attempt to tug at heartstrings.
Boy, was I wrong.I watched this movie and felt horror, shame and relief. It inspired me to apply (as a mature age student) to University to study History, in order to try and understand this period in human history.
I wasn't interested in the Holocaust when I watched it - I was more interested in Liam Neeson. But since then I have made an effort to try and understand it from the three different angles - the Nazis, the Jews, and the Rest of the World.
Awake your social conscience and watch this movie. If you've already watched it and can't understand what I'm saying, then read some accounts of the Holocaust - try 'The Diary of Anne Frank' - then watch it again.
It has had a profound effect on how I view and judge people.
American Playhouse: Sunday in the Park with George (1986)
Taught me to appreciate Sondheim
Working in a music library, I first encountered Stephen Sondheim's work in 1995 - and hated it!
I was shown this movie and changed my mind completely. As a piece of theatre it is superb and as a 'movie musical' - well there has been a lot worse. The music tells the story. If you've ever encountered Sondheim and hated him, please, please, please take a look at this show. If you can, check out 'Into the Woods' and 'Sweeney Todd'. The man's a genius. And so are Prince and Lapine. Performances by Mandy Patinkin and Bernadette Peters are brilliant and very real. You can feel their emotions; worry, obsession, regret. Even if you don't usually watch musicals, give this one a go. You won't regret it.
P.S. Star Trek : Next Generation Fans - check out Brent Spiner in a very non-Data role. I nearly didn't recognise him, and it proves he can sing.