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bonesaw

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#1 Edited By bonesaw

I'll be honest folks, I've never been one for the touchy feely sort of movies. Usually, its due in part to the fact that most of the actors overdue their roles to the point where it becomes less about the overall story and more about who can cry the hardest even if its at a seemingly inappropriate moment. That's what I figured Mr. Holland's Opus would be: a cliche emotional drama where the "new guy" hates his new job and everyone around him because they don't understand him. To degree, this is partially true, but its conveyed in such a way that through most of the film you are able to actually sympathize with the characters internal and external conflicts because they are based in a realistic and common environment that most people can relate to in some way, since most people went to school and have a pretty clear idea of what it was like to take a class like music appreciation only because it was required of you. While this is made clear several times throughout the movie, its done so in a way that not only reflects the feelings of the students who are seemingly forced to be in the class, but the frustrated teacher who has to deal with them. In this way, we get to see a side of a teacher that most of us would never expect to see when we were in school causing trouble because we were too focused on making friends and trying to fit in amongst our age group as opposed to being concerned with how our teachers perceived us. Really though, who expected us to, or rather, who could expect the students in the movie to care what there teacher said or did during a stupid elective class. Its not until Mr. Holland discovers his true passion for teaching that we really see how one man can change effect so many lives in what seems like so little time.

The story, of course, revolves around the life of Mr. Holland(Richard Dreyfuss), an inspired composer who takes a teaching job at a local high school during the 1950's so that he can compose on his free time and eventually create a masterpiece that will bring him both rich and famous. However, from the moment he steps in that classroom, things don't turn out that easy as he becomes more and more frustrated with his students poor test scores and lack of participation. Now at this point, it would seem that Mr. Holland would be better off just sticking to composing instead of dealing with a bunch of rascals who couldn't give two shits about what he has to say about music. However, instead of giving up and taking the easy route, Mr. Holland reaches deep inside himself and exposes these blooming adolescence to the origin of their favorite rock n' roll tunes, which not only makes the class more bearable for his students but also makes the teaching experience that much more easier and enjoyable for Mr. Holland as he is able to slip bits and pieces of the classics into his curriculum while keeping the focus towards the more "modern" hits so that he can keep his students engaged while educating them on new types of music. This method is the starting point in which Mr. Holland truly finds his passion for teaching, because he his not only able to capture the attention of his students, but is also in the process enjoying the fact these kids are actually learning something and its all because of him that they love his class. At points throughout the film, he does deal with specific students who are having trouble finding their places in his class; such as Gertrude Lang, a perfectionist who believes she isn't good at anything until Mr. Holland teaches her how to play the clarinet by taking aspects of her life and telling her to convey them through music, which results in some truly magnificent pieces. There is also the stereotypical slacker/jock who was kicked off the football team because of his grades, and his only taking music so he boost his grades. At first, this seems like a lost cause because this athlete as expected has never picked up and instrument in his entire life, and what do you do with a kid who sucks at all the other instruments? Why, you make him play the bass drum of course! Now this easier said than then, since the kid has seemingly no rhythm which makes teaching to play quite a hassle, but as time goes on Mr. Holland is able to make him a bass drumming guru, turning him into the one thing he thought he would never be: a happy and content band geek. These are just several of the many people's lives Mr. Holland effects throughout the film, and really makes this movie stand out from any other because the interesting and captivating personal stories conveyed accurately through the music of each character.

Of course, what kind of drama would this be without a little personal conflict? While initially everything seems find and dandy, with Mr. Holland's new career going so smoothly and the arrival of a new born son, what could possibly go wrong? Well as it ironically turns out, Mr. Holland's son is actually born deaf, which really complicates things because this is Mr. Holland's passion and its all he knows, which makes raising a son who is permanently deaf is a real hassle. However, Mr. Holland does eventually learn to accept his son for his unintentional faults, and his able to covey his music through other methods which really shows how important it is for Mr. Holland to share his passion with the ones that he loves. I won't lie though, it wears a little thin after a while, with Mr. Holland jumping back and forth between his kid and his teaching it can get a tad annoying especially when you just watched an emotional and powerful scene with Mr. Holland creating a musical, then being immediately dumped into the cliche scene of "wife gets pissed at husband for spending too much time at work, neglecting their disabled child, etc." It's all stuff we've seen before, and even though its their for some sort of realism, it does sometimes break up the pacing of the movie too erratically which can sometime take you out of the moment.

Besides this though, the writing and story direction are spot on, with the Mr. Holland's teaching career chronicled perfectly from the a simple graduation in the beginning to an epic musical that truly shows how far Mr. Holland as come in terms of teaching his students, and also how he has evolved into an masterful composer. The cast for the most part is perfectly conveyed in this film, with each actor seeming to fit in perfectly to their individual characters perfectly as is they had been them for years. Sure there is the typical asshole teacher you see in most school films, but he does a solid job at playing his role, and doesn't appear to often thankfully, which as result keeps the film from hitting to many roadblocks

In the end, Mr. Holland's Opus is by and large, a emotional drama that admittedly does have its share of touchy feely moments, but they are portrayed in such a realistic and believable manner, thats it really hard not to get sucked into those types of moments. Even if your in to these types of films, you should at least give it a rent if only so you can see the captivating and emotional unfolding of one of the most heartfelt and enjoyable movies of all time.

5.0/5.0

one of the most heart felt and emotionally inspiring films of all time!

15 years ago

bonesaw

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#2 Edited By bonesaw

Jack Nicholson is a man who revolutionized the way actors actually became one of their characters as opposed as to being an actor who is just plays the same character over and over again (i.e Keanue Reaves, Jason Statham). Between is portrayal of the once infamous Joker in the original Batman movie directed by Tim Burton, to his role as a corrupt general in A Few Good Men who is trying up a conspiracy in which soldier is brutally murdered. Between these two roles in which Nicholson shows us how easily he can change his spots, it should come as no surprise that he masterfully pulls off the role of a mentally ill bum known as R.P. McMurphy, or "Mac" to the patients who come to know and love him throughout the film. From the moment he first appears on the screen in his black disheveled beanie, and cheap leather jacket acting as if nothing can touch him, I knew that I was in for one hell of a ride.

The plot is mainly based around Nicholson's character and how and why he ended up where he is and weather or not he is actually insane or not. From the beginning, its easy to tell that Mac isn't actually insane, but rather a lazy troublemaker who's job it is to make everyone's life around him a living hell just for his own amusement. However, while Mac does retain most of his trouble making ways throughout the film, he eventually discovers a decent, and charismatic side of himself that could only be revealed in the presence of those who are actually insane and weirdly understand and accept his mischievous ways. At first, it seems like Mac is going to cause more trouble as usual, especially in a place where no one can hardly keep tabs him much less punish him; but, as Mac becomes acclimated to his environment and befriends many of the patients who have been there for years, we start to see a Mac who is still a troublemaker and a hustler, but also we see a Mac who does these things because he wants his new found friends around him to have a good time and live like normal human beings for once in their secluded lives. As a result, it becomes easier and easier to actually admire Mac as a misunderstood and caring human being as opposed to a typical criminal who only causes trouble to help themselves and not those around them.

Acting is almost always spot on with each character having a distinct and amusing personality which makes simple encounters between most of them down right hilarious more often than not. This is due in part to the fact that a few of the actors from this movie went on to become some of the most well-known and respected actors of our time; such as Danny DeVito as the annoying but helplessly amusing and incompetent Martini, who is personally one of my favorite characters, because of his unique charisma and the sly way he easily gets under everyone's skin usually causing massive shouting matches which are by far some of the most memorable moments of the film. There is also the once well-known Christopher Lloyd as the snide and by far the most "out-going" and insane amongst the patients. More often the not, he his the one who simply aggravates the hell out of people because his blunt criticisms and booming voice which usually results in mass hysteria and panic amongst the patients. While these characters do an superb job at portraying their mentally insane characters, none can surpass the brilliance and originality of one Nicholson's best performed roles as Mac. Between his sarcastic overtones, and his seemingly sly and dirty sense of humor, Mac is simply one of those characters that should be recognized as a guy that you could see yourself hanging out with if he wasn't committed in an insane asylum of course. Also worth mentioning is the head nurse who is expertly acted by Louise Fletcher. Simply put, she does an outstanding job of portraying a character who is both serious and by the book, while at the same time a sympathetic woman is has unprecedented patients with these mentally disturbed men.

Through and through this not only one of the best psychological dramas of the seventies but simply one of the most touching, hilarious and down right craziest movie of all time. Between its captivating and well told story, to its unique and memorable characters who run the gamut from being quiet and mysterious to loud mouthed and simply ridiculous, this movie probably has one of the most endearing and simply mesmerizing cast of any film I have seen in a long time. In the end really, is doesn't really matter what type of movies you like or what genre's your interested in...this is simply a movie that everyone must see at some point in their lives because it'll truly capture your imagination and attention, while a the same time showing how the now highly respected and rejoiced actors of our time, Jack Nicholson, get his first real hit as seemingly lay and useless nobody, and turned him into one of the most awe-inspiring characters of all time.

5.0/5.0

one of the most intriguing and magnificent films of all time!

15 years ago

bonesaw

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#3 Edited By bonesaw

Jakob187: yea its a shame this series went to such a waste... could have been so much better. I think I have heard of Feast... don't really know much about it but the title alone sounds intriguing. thanks for the heads up!

Fr0Br0: Don't think I have heard of Cube but from you've told me it sounds pretty gruesome and enthralling to say the least. thanks for the suggestion!

15 years ago

bonesaw

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#4 Edited By bonesaw

Horror movies of the 21st century have been known for there terrible writing and dialogue and predictable story-lines. movies such as Prom Night and Black X-mas are just a couple of the many dreadful horror/suspense movies that have plagued the movie industry for sometime. That was the norm for some time until one unexpected cult film came seemingly out of nowhere. Sure its sequels aren't nearly as good as the one that started the franchise, but it is still one of the only recent horror movies that is even remotely memorable. Unlike most horror films of late, this movie requires your immediate attention in order to understand figure out how and why the mysterious psychopath know as Jigsaw (Tobin Bell) is committing these murders and how is latest victims, Adam (Leigh Whannel) and Dr. Lawrence Gordon (Cary Elwes) are connected to all of the recent murders that have taken place. From the beginning, you are immediately thrown right into the thick of the story with Adam and Dr. Gordon first finding out that they have been taken captive and chained in some room which can only be described as desolate and an almost unnervingly perfect locale to entrap these men. From there its just a matter of these two characters trying to figure out why they have been placed here and what they have in common would place both of them in this situation. At first you get the feeling that the plot is going the usual route of most horror movies (victims find out where they are, proceeding to panic and trying to break the bonds which they already know are impossible to break but still doing in anyway because they fail at first to ask themselves the obvious question: "why are we here?"). Thankfully however, this doesn't last long with the characters eventually coming to grips of what their in for and ultimately trying to find a way out of this small, enclosed tomb. Of course, the whole movie doesn't take place in this one little room, rather it is simply there to state that "this is the present, this what is happening now", with other sequences that take place outside of the room being past events to help flesh out each of the characters backgrounds and purpose while moving the plot along in a gripping and suspenseful fashion.

You'll notice right from the beginning that the majority of the actors in this film aren't really anyone you'll recognize as an A-list celebrities or someone who as been in any recent films. Sure Cary Elwes definitely known for his roles in The Princess Bride and Robin Hood Men in Tights, two films which are seemingly opposite from the gruesome violence of SAW; and Danny Glover, who was most well known for his bad-ass cop attitude in the Lethal Weapon Films, which carry over nicely into this film as he does reprise the role as an older and more experienced cop. However, for the most part, the actors in this movie are mostly new acting scene and for the first time appearing in a now well-known cult classic, to a pretty outstanding job in their individual roles. Sure its not necessarily Emmy award winning by any means, but for a couple of has-beens and unknown actors to be able to pull off a memorable in a twisted and complex plot, its quite impressive how easily these actors can immerse you in this disturbing tale of violence and deceit.

Story wise, this is by far one of the most well though out and complex stories that I have ever seen in a horror movie in a long time. It keeps you guessing from beginning to end while making sure to effectively fill you in on whats going on with all of the characters and how they are all connected in this tragedy. The result is a film that is both highly entertaining and complex with just the right amount of gore and horror to give you the sense of the twisted and disturbed mind of Jigsaw. That's another thing, while you do get to see the disturbing and actually cleverly though ways of Jigsaw's traps and purpose behind them, you don't really actually ever get to see Jigsaw himself. At first this may a seem a bit unusual to slasher fans who are used to seeing the killer within the first 30 minutes as slices and dices his victims. Instead, Jigsaw takes the more subtle approach and instead allows the victims to kill themselves in his playground of terror while he simply sits back and watches his victims satisfying perish because of their own stupidity. In a way, this is actually what makes the movie so enticing, in that this killer never has to show himself to scare and destroy the morality of a person. Instead he simply leaves a brief recording of his voice and a description of what the victim must do in order to survive. This makes each well thought out trap and demise of each victim extremely gruesome and satisfying to watch because it is just simply unbelievable how one man could orchestrate so many things at once in order to not only teach victims a lesson but to ultimately never be caught or suspected of such sadistic and twisted malice.

In the end, SAW is a film that captures the imagination and emotion of what a horror movie should be. Between its complex and captivating story to its expertly written dialogue to its surprisingly memorable characters, SAW is simply a movie way ahead of its time. Sure its not a genuine classic like Friday the 13th or A Nightmare on Elm Street, but then again, its hard to compare the complexities of saw to wanton violence portrayed in the latter films. So, if your like me and have been waiting for a captivating horror movie to come around that has all the violence with a great story SAW fits the bill in almost every way. From the films somewhat confusing beginning to its epic and jaw-dropping conclusion, you'll be glad you immersed yourself in this menacing tale of a serial killer who hides in the shadows.

4.5/5.0

one of the most unique and complex horror movies of the 21st century

15 years ago

bonesaw

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#5 Edited By bonesaw

At a glance, Dexter seems like nothing more than another rip off of the critically acclaimed, long running tv series CSI. Its got everything from the precise, in depth investigations of a mutilated body to controversial dramatic sequences between the main characters. However, all similarities stop there, as Dexter proves itself worthy of being not only a great stand alone crime/drama series, but also one of the well crafted and invigorating shows of all time.

For starters, Dexter is able to extinguish itself adequately from all of the other crime dramas out there by its unique take on the main character Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall). Sure, he's an upstanding guy who does an unusually thorough job of crafting a crime scene based on just blood alone, but he also as a darker side... another more disturbing side if you will. From beginning to end, the show focuses mainly on Dexter's disturbing desires to kill all the while trying to show us a more noble side of him that is deeply involved in trying to catch another serial killer like himself. From there, Dexter takes over and shows the world through his eyes and what we see is a place of crime and despicable human beings which transitions into Dexter stalking and eventually killing his victims in some very satisfying and twisted ways. However, what makes this show wholly unique and captivating is the actual "personality" that Dexter conveys so precisely and realistically its almost as if we are actually following a fully fledged and trained killer. Albeit a vigilante killer who is more than just a psychopath with an obsession with blood. It goes much deeper than that, with Dexter assuming the role of actual human being at times when situation calls for it, and how portrays this false of himself to all of his co workers and even his sister. Its almost as if he is putting on an invisible mask which only Dexter knows he is wearing and feels no shame that he is deceivingly fooling these people on a regular basis. As a result, we get to see Dexter an emotionless and amused psychopath who views the world as his own personal carnival.

Of course, Dexter would be nothing without a solid cast of characters who are able to interact with Dexter in multiple ways other than just saying "hi" to him when he comes in the office every morning. Between Dexter's loud mouthed and up in your face Dexter Morgan (Jennifer Carpenter); who admires Dexter while at the same time envying because he gets all of the glory and praise. To Sergeant James Doakes (Erik King), a hard ass cop who from the beginning despises Dexter for being an unusual and secretive person and also for the fact he is just an asshole in general to everybody around him. This results in some pretty amusing and at times hilarious dialogue, which gives Doakes as a character more staying power and really pressures Dexter to act as human as possible in a world where serial killers are highly frowned upon. Other characters such as Angel Batista(David Zayas) and Vince Masuka (C.S. Lee) do an outstanding job at attempting to be Dexter's "friends" all the while initiating some pretty raunchy dialogue which makes Dexter roll his eyes and wonder: "why do these guys even try?" Finally, Dexter's love interest Rita Bennett(Julie Benz) does an especially good job at interacting with Dexter in that she understands him and his unusual quirks. Sure, she never finds out about his killing ways, but its at least nice to see that Dexter can be a little vulnerable around someone, even its only for brief moment. As a result, we get the feeling that Dexter is more than trying to be human just to avoid being noticed, to some degree he does it because he wants to fit in and be understood and this is especially apparent when he is around Rita and her two children. Overall, acting is top notch with hardly any issues mess ups to speak of which is usually unheard of espicially in tv dramas where at least on character mucks up there performance.

Story wise for this season, it presents itself from the perspective of Dexter and his search for a very unusual serial killer known as the "Ice Truck Killer". At first Dexter gets a little pissed off because there is no blood at any of the crime scenes which is both his profession and his aphrodisiac. However, Dexter, in time, comes to admire this twisted killer and his methods which eventually evolves in the two forming a bond of some type with the killer leaving Dexter little "presents" which he hides conveniently hides in his freezer where he can admire them privately in his own twisted in disturbed manner. Of course, the plot takes several twists and turns which involve Dexter coming to realize who he is and why and where the desire came to kill so easily. From there, its all about Dexter trying to track down this maniac and why he feels such a comfort around all of the crimes and why this killer as take such a particular interest in him.

Really though, at its bare bones Dexter is really nothing more than a twisted tale of the life of a serial killer, and for me, that was more than enough to get me hooked. Between the way the story is told in such a disturbing and twisted fashion which almost makes you feel like you yourself are bonding with Dexter on a personal level, to the level at which suspenseful and twists are conveyed and thought out, this a nearly flawless performance any way you look at it. So, if your looking for a crime drama, that has more than suave lead investigator Dexter is right up your alley. Between its masterful storytelling and stellar casting and acting, you shouldn't deny yourself the twisted and exotic world or Dexter Morgan....a professional blood investigator by day and a demented, psychopath by night who will win you over in this masterpiece of murder and deceit.

5.0/5.0

a twisted and demented crime drama that will have you on the edge of your seat!

15 years ago

bonesaw

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#6 Edited By bonesaw

Jakob187: you bring up some really good points and ideas which really helped me to understand why you enjoyed it so much. however, this was not the first time i saw this movie (in fact i saw it in theaters when it came out), so to sit down and watch it a third time won't do much at this point. Even so, your critcisms and opinions are most appreciated regardless, as they not only help me be more aware as a reviewer but also let me see a different perspective from my own, which helps in that it lets me see a different side of this film that i would normally wouldn't have seen before. In fact, i honestly think you should write your own review of the film because 1. you know go a great deal about this director and the way in which he presents his films and 2. you have alot of solid points that I think most people (including myself) would really help us understand why this film had is so important to you.

Check out my other reviews and let me know what you think of them as well, because so far your opinions and criticisms have been not only fair well though out, but really invaluable in helping me develop as both a writer and a critical reviewer. thanks again for the comments, and if you happen to know of any other movies that you have enjoyed and want to see reviewed feel free to give a shout, i would be more than happy to consider them:)

15 years ago

bonesaw

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#7 Edited By bonesaw

Jakob187: for me, i just thought that a little more time could have been spent on delving into the personal aspect of Joey. Sure we know he was part of a crime syndicate, but we don't we really know what he did or why he left them in the first place. As a result its hard to be fully engaged in this film without a little back story on this character to make overall experience feel truly meaningful. Also I get the plot was supposed to be disjointed, but even so, I felt that it never really went anywhere and was over before it could really become truly compelling like it should have been. Nevertheless, a pretty decent movie by all means. thanks for the comment!

15 years ago

bonesaw

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#8 Edited By bonesaw

Like most movie's based on graphic novels, or novels in general, A History of Violence is another one of those movies that is all flash and little substance. While there are some exceptions to this rule (Sin City, 1408), this movie seems to lie in limbo between a crappy overdone and poorly re-written script based loosely on the plot, to a monumental masterpiece that captures feel of the books that came before them while still keeping you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. Thats why its frustrating to find myself loving the movie for certain elements (great action sequences and casting) and absolutely despising it for others (poor character development, generalized story that fails to impress). But through it all, I found myself liking it more than hating because although most of the characters are irrelevant to overall importance of the story (either because they get killed or they only appear briefly to give the plot that extra push it needs to proceed), its the way in which Tom Stall (Viggo Mortensen), AKA Joey, communicates with them and or puts them out of their misery that makes this film enjoyable to watch. Sure the acting is great, with most of the characters behaving as you'd expect with little substance or emotion that as result makes you feel disconnected from the characters who's job it is to make you feel a sense of desperation and sorrow when one conflict after another plagues Tom and his family till the very end. However, even with this major problem, its made up for pretty efficiently by the simple fact that Tom can kick some serious ass. Unlike most action heros, Tom doesn't go guns blazing for people, he instead waits like a stealthy assassin until the moment makes itself available in which Tom can unleash some serious gut-wrenching attacks, which unfortunately happen so fast that you don't even have time to blink before realized that something crazy just went down. And ultimately, thats what saves this movie from being another book to movie translation, in that these sequences are thought out and spaced accordingly throughout the film. Although, it would have been nice if there had been a few more of these insane fights as there are only a couple throughout the films 90 minute showing, which ends almost to quickly and on a mysterious if somewhat confusing ending.

So, while this movie doesn't win any awards for having an inspiring plot or well thought out characters, it still puts on a hell of a show in the "violence" category as far as im concerned. In order to really enjoy this film, you to have to understand for what it is: "A history of violence", nothing more nothing less. Sure it may not be the most awe-inspiring film to come out in the last couple of years but it is definitely without a doubt a hell of an actionfilm at heart which is at least worth a rent if your itching for quick film with tons blood and violence with a mediocre story to push it along.

3.5/5.0

A decent action flick with unqiue fighting scenes

15 years ago

bonesaw

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#9 Edited By bonesaw

Ever since 24 first debut back in 2001, it was one of the shows that seemingly revolutionized the way a tv series captured an audience. Between its careful association with the specific hours throughout the day which equal to one full day in real time, to the innovative use of split screens to tell multiple stories at once, 24 was destined to be one of the best action packed and suspenseful series of all time. I must admit that my expectations were low because when I watched trailers or a few minutes of an episode, all I saw is a run of the mill action series with predictable plot twists and characters. However, it was only when i finally started watching the series from beginning to end that I saw how magnificently each character developed and how each story line seamlessly transitions into another to make a at first confusing series of events into one intricately devised action blockbuster that keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout.

At first, the story starts out in fairly predictable fashion with Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) making a routine trip to CTU to investigate a possible assassination attempt on a black presidential candidate, David Palmer (Dennis Haysbert, AKA All State Guy). While his teenage daughter Kim (Elisha Cuthbert) stealthy sneaks out of the house to party with friends. Now you may be asking yourself, "how do these stories in anyway shape or form relate to one another, and how would this make for a suspenseful and unpredictable story. I dealt with this same dilemma at first, trying to piece together how an assassination attempt on a presidential candidate could relate to the escape and eventual kidnapping of Jack's daughter. Luckily, this confusion doesn't last long as after the first couple hours you start to see subtle connections which ultimately lead to a much larger conflict than is first implied. However, this is not the first time this happens, several other sequences are also purposefully told in this fashion to not only confuse you but to really keep you guessing and hooked until the end. I'll admit I wasn't too thrilled about it at first, simply because it was just hard to fathom and understand how to completely different story lines could come together and actually make sense. But really, thats what makes 24 so great. It doesn't go the easy route of presenting one story line at a time with easy to understand hints and plot twists that while predictable are welcomed because they don't force you to think. 24 goes in the completely opposite direction, with several story lines being thrown at you all at once, with so many characters introduced with well thought out personalties and to top it all off there are seemingly endless amounts of twists and turns throughout the show that at times it can become a little frustrating and overwhelming. In the end though, this helps the story alot more than it hurts it as this experience never completely overwhelms you or over stays its welcome longer than it needs to. For the most part, the intense scenes are placed appropriately and hardly if ever lead to extreme confusion; its just something that I foundand while it occasionally didn't really tarnish the experience for me, it was really just something I had never experienced before which is why I was a little thrown off by it at first.

Acting wise, Everyone from the head honcho and off the books hero Jack Bauer to calmer roles like that of Tony Almeida (Carlos Bernard) a calm and skeptical CTU investigator who is suspicious of Jack's methods of law enforcement all put on an excellent performance of really immersing you into the show with their own quirks and personality traits which really makes them seem like real people as opposed to talented actors. The only character I truly thought hurt the show if only in the slightest was Jacks wife Teri Bauer (Leslie Hope). I can't really put my finger on it but something about her just irritated me. Maybe it could have been the fact that she either over acted certain parts or was just a bitch for no real reason at all. Either way, she isn't terrible overall, but at time she could be a bit much. Kiefer Sutherland on the other hand is the inevitable star of the show, which is due in part to is spot on acting in almost ever scene. From being tough and pissed off, to being depressed and hopeless, Sutherland does it all and makes it very believable and realistic at that.

As I said before there are countless plot twists and conflicts which range from highly predictable to shockingly unexpected. All of the plot twist (predictable or not) have there part of the show and really round out the show in terms of the right amount of shock value and emotion that goes into each of these sequences.

In the end, 24 is ulitmately a show that requires commitment and patients. Its not like an episode of CSI where you can come in the middle of the season and expect to understand whats going on with this episodes story. 24 requires a much more personal relationship because each episode builds off the suspense and plot points of the other, and chances are if you missed even a single episode you probably missed an important piece of information which is crucial in understanding the next episode. Which is why I think 24 is been around for as long as it has. It does what most tv series can't: it captures your attention from beginning to end, something that most shows can only do within the first few episodes. So, if you're looking for an action packed balls to wall suspenseful tv series 24 definitely fits the bill in every way. However, if your one of those people who watched snip-its of most shows, than I'd probably rent a few of the episodes before taking the plunge and buying the first season. But im sure, after watching those few hours you'll no longer be a sporadic tv watcher, but a devoted and committed fan of 24 where every hour is essential in this thrilling and emotional roller coaster ride.

4.5/5.0

a truly unique and suspenseful television series

15 years ago

bonesaw

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#10 Edited By bonesaw

hello my few fellow readers,

it has been a while since ive written a review (the last one was DOOM which i reviewed at the beginning of the new year). between coming back to college, keeping up with classes, and even a bit of laziness, i have just been unable to sit down and take some time to write a review on some of the recent tv series ive been watching. However, come this weekend i will (hopefully) start writing again after taking a more than 20 day hiatus. So until then ive compiled a brief list of what i plan to review in the coming days with a brief one sentence summary which should entice you to read the full review when i write it. (eventually)

24 season 1: didn't think i'd like this one too much, but i was actually quite taken with the stellar acting (especially Kiefer Sutherland) and the unique split screen filming technique.

Dexter season 1: one of the most darkly twisted and captivating shows ive seen in a long time...deffinitely one of the best shows of all time in my opinion

Twilight zone season 1: a classic show of suspense and mystery that gets off to a slow start on the first few episodes but picks up the pace immediately after with superbly crafted twists throughout and endings that'll leave your jaw hanging.

thats it for now,

i just want give a couple shout outs to all my friends and family for supporting my writing, especially my gf Ariel, my sister Mollie, my parents, and Jordan my sisters bf. id also like to give a general shout out to all of those who have read and commented on my reviews so far. your criticisms have been helpful in making me a better writer and unbiased reviewer.

thanks again to everyone,

tyler

15 years ago

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bonesaw

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