kdean-5 Reviews

The Mandalorian (2019– )

This could become the best of Star Wars! -- see the movies, see the animated series, now see this!

[10/10 · 15 November 2019]

First, I'm not talking about books or expanded universe; in talking about things brought to Star Wars canon on big screen and home television. In order to fully express myself about The Mandalorian, I first have a comment about Star Wars prior to The Mandalorian. I have enjoyed all of the Star Wars movies, and like many other people, I enjoyed none nearly as much as the original trilogy. Since the originals, there have been movies that were fun and had there positives, including great character moments (I.e. droids with great lines and personalities), some good battles, some fun seeing the return of beloved characters, and I for one enjoyed the politics and intrigue and Palpatine's schemes in the prequels. But, I feel the animated series succeeded in renewing and enhancing my love of Star Wars unlike anything since the original trilogy. I liked both the stories *and* the characters from Clone Wars and Rebels more than any movies since the original trilogy. In fact, I would go so far as to say my favorite Star Wars characters of all time are from Clone Wars and Rebels. They even made me like a character previously didn't like from movies. And, they were able to develop and expand on stories, characters, groups, concepts and backgrounds (such as clones), and, they did it very, very well. The animated series are the best of Star Wars canon since the trilogy in my mind. My only complaint, which isn't really a complaint, is that they were animated instead of live action. I remember thinking, this is great; if they could make this live action, I could it more than the original trilogy. I thought, the best thing for Star Wars would be if some of the people who made Clone Wars and Rebels so great would participate in the creation of a well done live action Star Wars series that takes time to develop great characters and ongoing stories. And, now, after seeing the first episode of The Mandalorian, I have hope that could actually be happening right now. And it's important to remember, this is a series, not a movie. The first episode of Rebels reminded me of the movie Aladdin, and I wasn't really on board, but it became every bit as good as Clone Wars and had some awesome characters and stories. The first episode of The Mandalorian was in my mind better than the first episode of Rebels. And it is just the beginning. We are used to seeing live action Star Wars in the form of a stand alone movie or trilogy. If the first episode of The Mandalorian was, say, the first of a trilogy of movies, I might feel like it didn't develop his character fast enough, or didn't give us enough in certain areas. But this is a series. In the first episode they already started a new story that feels original to me; they captured a lot of the essence of Star Wars, and there was some good humor, cool battles, and he (The Mandalorian) met a character I fell in love with in minutes (IG) - all much like the animated series, but live action! And, they are just getting started! I am excited to see the main character develop, learn more about his background, see the stories unfold, and fall in love with more new amazing characters I am confident they will introduce. And on a side note, I really hope to see a lot of The Force, force users, and hopefully an aged character or two from Clone Wars or Rebels can make an appearance. That would make my day. Anyway, many of the best series I've ever seen took a while to get into the groove, but I think the Mandalorian is off to a great start. I happily purchased a year of the streaming service just for this show, and I anticipate no regrets. If you liked Clone Wars or Rebels, I highly recommend this series. If you liked the characters or stories in any of the movies, or like Star Wars at all, I recommend this series.

The Leftovers (2014–2017)

I think about The Leftovers for hours after watching!

[10/10 · 2 August 2014]

I find myself awake at night theorizing about this series, trying to solve the mysteries. I am hungry from more.

This series arouses curiosity and captivates the mind with its intriguing events, and it appeals to the emotions with intense, tear-jerking moments and scenes delivered by great actors.

There are very few series the induce this much activity in the brain. I haven't seen a series of this kind since 'Lost'. Not that I don't enjoy watching some lighter shows that give the mind a break, but there are too few shows on television that are deep, interesting, and stimulating to the mind. I like to try to figure things out. I'm very pleased to watch 'The Leftovers'.

The cast is great. I'm enjoying some actors I've never seen and rediscovering others. I have a new appreciation for Christopher Eccleston. I liked him in other things, but I'm very impressed with him 'The Leftovers'.

Unfortunately, many series of this high caliber end up canceled for reasons that baffle me. I am concerned when I see that happen while seeing mindless shows do well.

Some series I enjoyed include 'Flash Forward', 'Lost', 'Fringe', 'The Event', 'Awake', 'Touch', 'Revolution', 'Nowhere Man', and 'Believe'. Sadly and strangely, nearly all of them were short-lived. If 'Leftovers' were to be canceled, I'd be tempted to give up on television altogether and stick with books. But, hopefully other great shows like 'Walking Dead', 'Game of Thrones', 'Orphan Black', and 'The Returned' will remain for a few more years.

I hope 'The Leftovers', being one of the highest caliber shows on television, lasts as long as 'Lost'. This show has many of us captivated. Maybe if they throw in a charismatic and witty cowboy-like character (Sawyer), and some romantic entanglements, it will bring in more viewers.

I don't want this show to sell out and throw in things that make the rest of us roll our eyes knowing they did it just for the sake of bringing in viewers. But, honestly, this is such a good show that I'd put up with an occasional eye-roll to be able to watch the good stuff.

If you like this show, spread the word and write some reviews. See you if you can get others into it. This show needs to stay for the long haul!

The Vampire Diaries (2009–2017)

Brilliant! Damon's chemistry....

[9/10 · 9 May 2010]

Damon has the best chemistry with everyone. Ian Somerhalder (Damon) is the star of the show and should be expanded, along with Nina Dobrev as Elena.

Damon and Stephan are both great characters. Damon's emotion is most true, intense and believable. His relationship with Elena as opposed to Stephans seems more authentic and has the greatest potential.

Vampire Diaries has taken me by surprise. It is a great show with great characters. I was disinterested at first because it seemed like a cheesy high school soap opera with vampires or a wannabe Twilight. They have definitely proved me wrong. Damon's character has exceeded my expectations and surpassed similar characters on other series by far.

Alias (2001–2006)

Suspense! You can't wait until the next episode

[10/10 · 8 February 2008]

Practically every episode is an edge-of-your-seat cliffhanger. Yes, in some ways it's a lot like La Femme Nikita, and that's a compliment. Both are great shows. Alias starts off fantastic for the first couple of seasons. It became a little weird for me on and off in later seasons, but still was great, and I watched every episode. I was hooked from beginning to end! What's not to like? - Love, action, suspense, great character development, and the twists! The twists are my favorite part. And it's not all about mystery and death - the love story is good too. I wish it didn't have to end as early as it did, but if it ended in part due to commitment to family and child, then I wouldn't have it any other way. If they could ever bring it back though, I will be watching!

Blade: The Series (2006)

Give it a chance. It gets good. Hooked by the 5th episode.

[9/10 · 27 September 2006]

I wasn't sure if I'd like it at first. I was worried it would be a silly action show with no plot, bad acting, and no depth. Even after watching the pilot, I was hesitant, and I didn't watch any more for awhile. But I did record the first season(DVR). Later, when I had more time, I went back and watched a few more episodes, in order. I got hooked. My conclusion: It's not a silly action show as one might expect. A good story develops into a great one, with a lot of intrigue and mystery. To me, its a little bit like ALIAS meets UNDERWORLD. I hope people give it a chance. There just aren't many shows like this on TV. We lost DARK ANGEL and other good shows. Hopefully this one will stick around. While I like Smallville and watch it religiously, it's nice to watch something a little darker with less teenage drama. I'm a fan of a certain kind of vampire story -- like UNDERWORLD, VAMPIRE THE MASQUERADE, KINDRED THE EMBRACED, and BLADE. So, this new series is satisfying me and I hope it stays. Jill Wagner's character Krista Starr was a brilliant idea. She is a very good, very necessary, character for the series. If it was just Blade and his sidekick, I believe the series would fail quickly. And, Jessica Gower's character, Chase, is great! Scary, striking, beautiful, and very memorable. I'm also fond of Neil Jackson's character, Marcus. A good choice. So there you go, a good ALIAS/UNDERWORLD show, with Marcus, Krista and Chase as my personal favorites (so far).

Firefly (2002–2003)

Great Series, Great Movie, Come Back!!!

[10/10 · 15 July 2006]

This has it all: intriguing mystery, fighting action, and romantic tension... all very well done. When the movie came out (I recommend watching the whole series first because it makes the movie that much more spectacular when the surprises and twists come), I was very impressed. I hope Firefly returns to television! The relationships are great, the personality and character development, and the comedy! The humor is great! A show that can successfully be funny, romantic, action-packed, and have a stimulating mystery and back plots. What's going on with River? Watch the series and get hooked, then watch the movie - you'll get some answers that make your jaw drop! We need to bring this show back to television. Joss Whedon is a genius, as is Nathan Fillion and the other actors. Well written, well performed. If you didn't give Buffy or Angel a chance -- give this a chance. It's worth it. By the way, I finally broke down and watch the Buffy series and Angel series, every episode, and was amazed at how good they actually were -- excellent chemistry and character development, they could make you love a character you hated or hate a character you loved. Well done.

First Knight (1995)

Best Arthur/Camelot Movie I've Seen - Excellent Lancelot/Lovestory

[9/10 · 26 June 2005]

Jerry Zucker is brilliant. I saw "Ghost" in the theater when it came out and it was my favorite movie for a number of years, and I eventually bought it on DVD. When I saw "First Knight" on video in the late 90's, I loved it and I eventually bought it on DVD too, and at the time I did not even know the same guy directed both movies! Jerry Zucker directed two of the greatest love story movies I've ever seen. I am surprised that "First Knight" has not been a bigger, longer-lasting and more talked-about hit. Not only is the relationship between Lancelot and Guenevere well done, but it is the best Arthur/Camelot movie I've ever seen. While it is not the traditional repeat of the sword and stone movie with Arther being the one main character, I think this great new vision of the story is brilliant. From an ordinary guy who watches a lot of movies: This one is great! Action, passion, fine acting and good chemistry!