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jaspervanzyl
Reviews
Forensic Files (1996)
Very interesting.
"Medical Detectives" is an extremely interesting series in which you learn about crimes been solved through the miracle of medical technology. The narrator is excellent and the stories carefully picked. But alas, like all other documentaries some episodes are quite boring, for instance the episode "Killer Fog". But even this episode managed to keep me intruiged in the scientists' brilliant minds. This series will keep me watching until the end of time!
Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist (1995)
Interesting series.
This is a great series with an excellent voicing cast. Jonathan Katz hasdone a smashing job in creating and producing the series. I wonder if he writes everything, even the lines that his patients say... Anyhow, the show is laugh-out-loudly funny, and the animation is lazy yet original. This is an awesome show and everybody who doesn't like it either can't catch the jokes or are plainly crazy!!
Egoli: Place of Gold (1991)
Truly South African.
"Egoli, Place of Gold" has been running since I can remember and the show has some great actors and superb writing. Just like any other soap it also has some unrealistic turns in the script, which can be excused, because you can't keep a show realistic for nine years. This show is really South African, and it remains, even after nine years, a pleasure to watch.
True Believer (1989)
Truly a Memorable Film.
As a huge fan of Robert Downey, Jr. I anticipated this film for weeks when I heard it was on television. So, last Saturday night I turned on the TV and, I wasn't sorry.
James Woods is in a great performance as Edward Dunn, a hotshot attorney who hires Roger Baron (Robert Downey, Jr.) to clerk for him. Woods defends a Korean whom's mother believes that he's been wrongly accused. But all the facts points to the Korean (Yuji Okumodo)...
As I said, Woods is in a great performance, which unfortunately could have been much better had it not been for his wiggy hairdo. Downey is excellent, and you can actually feel his character's anticipation. You can also feel the coldness and bitterness of Okumodo's character. Kurtwood Smith is very interesting as Robert Reynard, and the rest of the cast are also in intruiging performances.
The film is at some points very hard to follow, but overall this film could well be one of the best crime dramas of the late 1980's.
Sin (1998)
Quite fun.
"Sin" is a quite fun shoot-em-up with lots of different weapons to choose from. A good plot drives the story and the game is quite interesting. "Sin" will not always be remembered, sadly, partly because of "Half-Life". See, When the creators of "Sin" heard that "Half-Life" was going to be brilliant, they quickly released "Sin" before it was completely ready for release. So the game was incomplete. The game would have been a masterpiece if only the creators had spent a little more time on programming.
King's Quest III: To Heir Is Human (1986)
The best of the King's Quest series.
The third installment in the King's Quest series of computer games is undoubtably the best. Although the graphics is crude in comparison to today's mind-blowing 3D adventures, and the game is mercylessly difficult at some points, the writing and interesting characters is more than enough to keep you coming back for more.
The story is simple: You play Graham, The crown prince of Daventry. Unfortunately he was kidnapped by the evil wizard Manhanan when he was an infant. Since then he was forced to work against his will for the evil wizard, cooking, cleaning or whatever. Now, a long time later, you decide to escape, and claim your kingdom. There's just one little problem. It's not that easy.
Now you have to travel across the land searching for items to use in your quest for freedom. Your travels lead to an unneccesary copyright protection issue, a few spells that you have to brew up. The only bad thing about it is that not even a full stop may be out of place, or else you turn into a cat or something.
But not even this can contradict the fact that this is without a doubt the best "King's Quest" ever made. Check it out! Just make sure you've got a copy of a walkthrough for it.
King's Quest II: Romancing the Throne (1985)
Fantastic follow-up. Even better than the original.
"King's Quest II: Romancing the Throne" is another classic adventure game from Sierra, the masters of excellent gaming. It follows up to the first, and you are once again Graham of Daventry. Your Quest is to find Princess Rosella, who is missing.
In this game you control Graham with the pointer keys, and have to type commands manually. Yet, even though it's tough work, it's real fun. The only really irritating part is when you type something in that the computer's vocabulary doesn't hold and then says for instance: "What is a smart?" That sucks. The game is a huge improvement over the original. Great fun, very interesting and magically wrote. Although crude to today's graphic adventures, I rate this one seven out of ten.
Phantasmagoria (1995)
The scariest game you'll ever play. *SPOILERS*
When "Phantasmagoria" was first released in 1995 it was the most violent game ever to be made, and censorship issues arose from all over the place. People from all over the world despised of the game and the question as to wether this game should even be available in stores arose. When I first played the game I was already knowledgeable that the game was not for sensitive players. Yet, I put the first of the 7 CD's into the CD drive, installed the game and started playing. To my shock, I wish I hadn't...
You play Adrienne Delaney, a bestselling author. You and your husband Don move into an old, deserted mansion, unknowing of its evil, demonic history. Everything is fine at first, but then Adrienne starts getting curious, and so the saga begins... From the first night in the house Adrienne has strange nightmares. Don seems sympathetic, but not for long...
In the house you discover locked doors, rooms behind fireplaces, a baby room with a strange cloud in it, and other unexplained mysteries. You also find two people living in your garage. You slowly but steadily discover the demonic forces of the house, but when you finally unravel the might, it might just be too late...
The game is not only shocking but downright evil. The game brings you shock after shock, and Malcolm's story will haunt you for a long, long time. The game left me having nightmares for weeks, and I won't play it again, that's for sure. Not that the game is bad. It's excellent, really, with a great cast and fantastic writing, brilliant directing and a spooky plot. I won't play it again because of this. It perfectly captures the idea and it showcases heavily on these talented actors. It's just too spooky.
The game is very short for seven CD's, but not very short compared to other computer games. Hardened player will scream from excitement toward the end, where Adrienne has to run for her life, chased by Don.
When me, my brother Jaco and my nephew W.P finished the game and the ending credits started showing, we were too pale and sweaty to say a thing. When the music that comes with it started playing, we simultaneously started dancing without a word. It was only when the music ended that we fell down on the bed laughing. Laughing at what we saw in the game.
Take a piece of advise from somebody who knows: Take this game bit by bit. Or else...
Theme Park World (1999)
Pretty dull game.
"Theme Park World" was a major let-down when I played it for the first time. And the second time. And the third time. The graphics were confusing and the gameplay was too hard. The game is a let down in that Bullfrog wanted to release the game too quickly, and so the game is incomplete. There was very little research done as to running a succesful business, and nobody really worked hard on this game. So you can see at first glance. Well, I guess what I'm trying to say is that this game left a lot of room for improvement.
The Secret of Monkey Island (1990)
Brilliant, intelligent, funny!
This classic game from LucasArts is a masterpiece at first glance. The puzzles aren't extremely difficult, nor very easy, so it provides good entertainment for young and old. I was six when I first played this game, and it took me years to finish.
You play Guybrush Threepwood, a genius in disguise. This becomes the basic outline on which all else in the game is based. Director Ron Gilbert has done smashing job on creating this classic gaming series, something all others could aspire to.
The game is filled with brilliant punchlines, extremely funny characters, and a simple, yet twisted plot.
Ladies and Gentlemen, please stand up for the fantastic talents and creations of LucasArts!
Monkey Island 2: LeChuck's Revenge (1991)
Here we go again! Weeeeeeeeeee!
The weird, interesting second sequel to the classic Secret of Monkey Island is just about as much fun as the original, probably because director Ron Gilbert has teamed up once more with the brilliant co-creators of the first game.
This time around you once again play Guybrush Threepwood, who, by reputation isn't exactly what you call smart, nor handsome. Ha! Well, this time you have to find something big... The TREASURE OF BIG WHOOP!
The sequel is also filled with hit-the-spot punchlines lines, for instance:
Elaine: "Get out of my house, Threepwood!"
Guybrush: "But I came all this way just to see you. At least get me a beer!"
Overall, the sequel isn't quite the original, but certainly lives up to all expectations. Praise Ron Gilbert for what he's done for games, and let us always remember Guybrush Threepwood!
By the way: GUYBRUSH THREEPWOOD FOR PRESIDENT!
King's Quest: Quest for the Crown (1984)
Classic. The adventure that started it all.
When Ken and Roberta Williams decided to create an adventure game for the Personal Computer, they decided on King's Quest. And they couldn't have made a better choice. As this was the game that started it all.
King's Quest was followed by seven sequels, and fantasy adventure games are now plenteous. And although I did not enjoy this game as much as it's sequels, and even though it's crude when compared to today's standards, this was the game that started quality gaming.
Half-Life (1998)
Best game of all time!
Although I'm not (and never was) a huge fan of first person shooters, "Half-Life" is the best game of all time. Me and my brother was playing it for about two weeks until he finished it. Ever since then we have never stopped playing it, and Sierra has definitely got two more fans. Not that we didn't know about Sierra, as we played all of the King's Quest series games.
As far as the story goes, you play Gordon Freeman, a scientist at the Black Mesa Research Facility, a huge nuclear building with thousands of employees. You get assigned to do a "harmless" experiment with two of your colleagues. But something goes wrong. Horribly wrong... And suddenly the existence of all mankind is in your hands.
The nice people at Sierra has once again created a masterpiece. Or wait, not only a masterpiece, but the greatest most creative computer game the world has ever seen! I salute Sierra for what they've done for the gaming industry.
Half-Life is a symphonic blend of action, drama, adventure and story. Utterly brilliant.
Poketto monsutâ (1997)
Great series!
Pokemon is finally a creative, fresh idea that you haven't seen a lot lately. The creatures are very well thought out, and the voicing is excellent! Here and there sees a well struck line, for instance:
Ash: If anybody's there you can come out, and if you're a monster or a ghost, you can just stay where you are!
Pokemon is not just for children, if that's your idea. Some adults can also find entertainment in this great animated series!
10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
Extremely funny!
When I saw this film for the first time my expectations were extremely high, as I've heard about this film's excellence from friends and T.V. And, I'm glad to say, I wasn't disappointed.
The acting in the film is very convincing for such inexperienced actors, especially the stunningly beautiful Larisa Oleynik's role as Bianca Stratford. "3'rd Rock From The Sun"'s Joseph Gordon-Levitt is very interesting as the loser who is in love up to his ears, Cameron. Heath Ledger is pretty good as Patrick, and the Australian accent (even though my brother is going to kill me for saying this!) is quite... provocative. The ladies will like this one a lot! The rest of the cast (including Julia Stiles) is very good as well.
The directing is well done, so is the casting, so is the photography, so is the cinematography, and so is the film overall. If you haven't seen this one yet, try it! It will make your day.
The Curse of Monkey Island (1997)
The best Monkey Island. Hands down!
The 3rd installment in the brilliant Monkey Island series is undoubtably the best. Guybrush Threepwood is back with his usual antics, only this time it's in sound!
The graphics is of huge improvement in this game. It's kind of Disney-type drawings rounded off by a stunning background. The voicing is excellent and becomes incredibly funny towards the late beginning of the game. Murray, the talking skull is classic, and Denny Delk does a smashing job as the poor fella.
The game has a great plot and very loveable characters, and although you miss Ron Gilbert's fantastic directing, the new crew does what Gilbert did about just about as good as the big man. Overall, Monkey Island 3 is without a doubt the best installment in the briliant computer game series.
King's Quest VII: The Princeless Bride (1994)
Great game!
The seventh in the ultra-classic King's Quest series is a must-have for all fans of good adventure games. You control both Princess Rosella and her mother, Queen Valencia in this fantastic, under-rated little game.
The story: Princess Rosella falls into a magic pool in her garden. Through This she travels to a magic land far away, and has only one quest: To get out of it. Her mother then jumps in after her in search of her daughter, and also lands in this land of magic, fantasy and the unknown...
The title is now out as a "Sierra Original", which means it's available at a very low price for those of us who have to keep a budget! The title is most definitely worth every penny, and if you see this game in stores (it's pretty rare, so keep your eyes open!) I just want to tell you one thing: BUY!
The 43rd Annual Grammy Awards (2001)
Very happy with all the winners
I can honestly say I'm very happy with the winners at this award ceremony. U2's "Beautiful Day" is a flawless rock song, which definitely deserves Song of the Year. Shelby Lynne is nothing special, but out of the nominees for Artist of the Year she could well have won. I'm very happy with Paul Simon's Lifetime Achievement Award. He is one of the biggest and best musical legends of our time. But the biggest star of the night was Eminem. His amazing, emotion filled performance of "Stan" with Elton John was excellent. I'm just sorry he didn't win album of the year.
Sorry to say, but I'm glad Madonna didn't win Song of the Year. "Music" is the worst song she ever recorded, and I can't understand why the critics are so fond of it. It has no melody, no good lyrics, just poor singing and worse production.
Overall, This year's Grammy Awards was far from a let down, with very good live performances from Moby, Eminem, Macy Gray, Blue Man Group and Elton John. A good way to have spent my Thursday night.
The Practice (1997)
The best television series of all time.
"The Practice" is the best television series of all time, hands down! It has brilliant writing, excellent directing, fantastic filming, and most of all: the best acting ensemble ever in a television series. Let's start by reviewing the actors one by one:
First and foremost, Dylan McDermott is Bobby Donnell, a young, ambitious, complex lawyer and senior partner in the firm Donnell, Young, Dole and Frutt. McDermott portrays this part with pure excellence, and nothing can contradict this.
Steve Harris portrays Eugene Young, the ruthless, yet sensitive lawyer in the firm. He puts his clients before his believes of right and wrong. He has an 11'year old son, Kendil and an ex-wife Sharon (Aunjanue Ellis). Harris is absolutely incredible in his role and is the best performance ever by an actor in a television series.
Lindsey Dole is portrayed by the beautiful Kelli Williams, who gives everything she can to insure that only the best comes from her acting skills. Lindsey is a fighter, an expert at constitutional law. She isn't easily distracted by anything other than the love of her life, Bobby.
Camryn Manheim is brilliant. And not only that, she also makes an excellent statement for bigger women. Her performance deserved an Emmy, without a doubt. Her character, Ellenor, is a sensitive, yet strong person who will help her clients no matter what.
Lisa Gay Hamilton portrays Rebecca Washington, and does it very good indeed. "Beck" is a simple person, who fails to begin a social life because she is too caught up with her work. Rebecca enjoys her work, but pests wacko judges. She is a valuble addition to Donnell, Young, Dole And Frutt, and is the kind of lawyer you would like to have on your side if the need arose.
D.A. Helen Gamble is played beautifully by the excellent actress Lara Flynn Boyle. She is a lawyer who believes in doing what's right. Because of this she despises greatly of defense attorneys and the people they sometimes have to defend. Boyle perfectly portrays the heartless, and somewhat hate-filled person Helen is.
Michael Baddalucco is fantastic as Jimmy Berluti, the sweet, father-like lawyer of the firm. Berluti has no special knowledge of the law system, but his strength lies in the fact that he can come through to juries as a normal, regular guy. Baddalucco won an well deserved Emmy in his respect for his portrayal.
And last but not least, Marla Sokoloff plays Lucy Hatcher. She is the secretary of the firm, and is a quirky, fun person who can't keep her opinion to herself. This has created the firm some problems in the past, and will quite possibly continue to do so in the forseeable future. Sokoloff, although not yet a Hollywood veteran, handles the part as if she's played it for a long time.
The Practices' creator, David E. Kelley has once again created a masterpiece, and shows that he will make a success of whatever he does. None of his former productions can live up to this series. "Ally McBeal" is totally overshadowed by this exquisite television triumph. Guest appearances are top class, especially John Larroquette's excellent portrayal of Joey Heric. You will never, ever, in your entire life find another show like this one.
Malcolm in the Middle (2000)
Finally a great comedy series
"Malcolm in the Middle" is a brilliant show, with smart, funny writing that always hits the spot. With the greatest acting ever in a comedy series, the show can truly become one of the best television triumphs ever.
Let's start with Frankie Muniz. This brilliant young actor has himself as a true talent in his breakthrough performance as the genius Malcolm. Not only is he perfect for the role, but he handles it with ease and great humor. His character is sort of the brain in the family, the genius. Malcolm is a colourful teenager, already liking girls, getting zits and having rushing hormones.
Secondly, Bryan Cranston is hilarious as the deep, half-crazy, philosophic father, Hal. His calm, soft approach to the part is very umm... "cool". He's the kind of father everyone wants. The acting in his respect is fantastic.
Jane Kaczmarak is hilarious as Lois, the sadistic, crazy mother. Her children live in fear of her, and she doesn't even remotely care. Kaczmarak has made the character her own, and does it brilliantly.
Reese, portrayed by Justin Berfield is a self-pronounced stud, who doesn't care about anyone or anything but himself. This really adds up smashingly with the plot in this series. Berfield portrays this character with an simple charm, and couldn't succeed better.
Francis (Christopher Masterson) is a treat. He's the misunderstood troublemaker of the family, who blames everything he does wrong on his parents. (not without reason, I should suspect)! Masterson portrays his character so perfectly, it's scary. Really. He's definitely going to become a big favourite for the ladies.
Finally, Erik Per Sullivan portrays Dewie. He is the youngest, baby of the family, and is extremely funny in the process. His timing with the lines he has to say is incredible, and you can feel a new talent in the horizon.
Overall, this show is already a classic, and will go on in television history as "fantastic"! "Malcolm" reflects perfectly on the average family, and is not something you see a lot of. I'd like to see this more often
Psycho (1960)
The best film of all time!
When Alfred Hitchcock started to direct this film in 1959, he could have had no idea that a film starring Anthony Perkins and Janet Leigh could bypass the brilliance of his films starring James Stewart (Vertigo, The Man Who Knew too Much and Rear Window). But how wrong he was...
"Psycho" went on to become the highest grossing black and white film of all time, (In a time when colour films were already popular) the highest grossing horror film of all time and the highest grossing Alfred Hitchcock film of all time. The film made Anthony Perkins a superstar, but sadly, this was more harming to his career than uplifting, as the movie-going public always have (and always will) only seen him as Norman Bates, and nobody else. This was concurred as Perkins never again made a film of real value, but in 1983 "Psycho 2" was a huge hit for Universal Pictures. Janet Leigh on the other hand, went on to make a few well done done films in her respect.
About the film: Anthony Perkins' performance as the stuttering Norman Bates is in my opinion the greatest film performance of all time. His nervous, boyish acting style brings a simple charm to the character, and he even succeeds in creating a sympathetic approach from the public. He even succeeds in hiding his character's madness, and couldn't do it better. Janet Leigh is perfect as the thief, and you even have more sympathy for Norman as for Marion. The rest of the cast, (John Gavin - Sam Loomis; Vera Miles - Lila Crane; Martin Balsam - Milton Arbogast and John McIntire's Sheriff Chambers) are all as good as it gets, but no one matches Anthony Perkins performance. Sorry to say, but John Gavin is miscast. He looks too gentle, too moral to ever cheat on his wife. This is the only bad thing about this cinema classic.
The classic shower scene not only created a single shock, but a film memory to haunt for generations to come. Alfred Hitchcock filmed this scene with great care and delicacy. You can sense this with the fact that not a finger is out of place, and even Janet Leigh still showers in fear.
I was disgusted when I learned that Perkins wasn't even nominated for an Academy Award, because he should have won it! He wasn't nominated for ANY prize of ANY kind, and to crown it all, Janet Leigh was nominated for an Oscar and won a Golden Globe. Well deserved, I should think, but Perkins was the real reason that the film reached such success, not Leigh, nor Hitchcock.
I salute both Anthony Perkins and sir Alfred Hitchcock for what they've done for film history, and for the fact that there will be only one Tony Perkins, and one Alfred Hitchcock.
Boy Meets World (1993)
Great Show with lots of valuable lessons to learn. Two thumbs up!
I only saw this show for the first time about a year ago. But since then I have been hooked on the strange antics of Cory and Shawn, Eric's hilarious wisdom and Topanga's charming smile.
Ben Savage is perfect for the part of Cory, Rider Strong brilliant as the complex, philosophic Shawn Hunter. The beautiful Danielle Fishel is good-as-can-be in her part as the soft, tender Topanga. William Daniels does not only act the part of Mr. Feeny very well, he does even look the wise, life-trained Mr. Feeny. But the real treat of the show is Will Friedle. He's hilarious the eccentric,half-mad, energetic Eric. I can't even imagine a better choice for the role. Two thumbs up to the casting directors!
"Boy meets World" is a great show with lots of valuble, positive life lessons to learn. It just comes to show you that even though this world is obsessed with drugs and sex, leading a positive, productive life can be very rewarding. I give this show two thumbs up!
Law & Order (1990)
Always interesting and intriguing.
Law & Order first caught my attention when I was lying bored in front of the T.V. Ever since I wouldn't miss an episode for the world. Jerry Orbach is very good in his part, Benjamin Bratt too. But Sam Waterston is awesome. His performance gives a new name to the life of law. Brilliant. As for the show itself, it's always interesting, always intriguing. The crimes are real to the viewer, and you feel as if you're right there in the courtroom when the prosecution is made.
"Law and Order" is a great lawyer show. It's not "The Practice", but definitely worth a watch!
Rain Man (1988)
Utterly brilliant. Quite possibly the best drama ever.
When I first saw this film I was about eleven or so. But even then, young as I was, I could see the film is in a total class of its own. Hoffman's acting is probably the best performance ever by any actor of any kind, right behind Anthony Perkins' fantastically generated Norman Bates. All regards to Mr. Hoffman, as he really made this film much, much more than "worthwhile". Tom Cruise is to be seen in his best performance to date as the greedy, self-centered Charlie Babbit, one in which you can actually see him enjoying playing his character.
Barry Levinson's directing in of pure brilliance, and not a finger is out of place. The cinematography is also very well done, and the setting of the film is perfect.
This could well be the greatest film drama ever to be seen, and the film deserves every piece of good critic that comes its way.
If you ever want to rent a good film for a cold Sunday night, rent Rain Man!
Psycho III (1986)
Nothing more than a spoof
The film "Psycho 3" is an interesting film, but is actually nothing more than a silly spoof on other horror films. Perkins is fairly successful in starring and directing the film, but the directing could have rather fallen into the hands of a professional director. Another problem is that spoofing on stuff could cause not only confusion, but also disgust in groups and individuals. Nudity, as seen in this film, is not worthy of the "Psycho" name, and Perkins probably had a great time filming these scenes. I'm glad for his part, but really, is it necessary? The violence is also of a more extreme nature than needed. Overall, this film isn't bad, but it doesn't even contend with its predecessors.