The Dead Zone Season Six

Anthony Michael Hall, you thought he was dead but no, he was really just in the “Dead Zone” John Smith (Hall) was in a coma for six years. When he had awoken from this coma a lot of things were different. One life moved on without him and two, well he developed psychic powers. He can see things that a lot of people can’t. He will predict the eventual downfall of our society. Can he stop it? That is a different question to ask.

In this final season it is labeled as ‘The season that will change everything’ I will agree that this season definitely answered all the questions that fans were asking. I feel that this show was one that came and grew on people. That isn’t as bad as it sounds. Believe me. I hate to throw out sayings like ‘Cult Classic’ or ‘Huge Following’ there is no doubt that people liked this show. It had a strong fan base and well it lasted six seasons. That’s more than most shows that get picked up and tested. “The Dead Zone” picked off parts of the Stephen King Novel and ran with it without fear. Some people didn’t like this idea others accepted. I feel that they did a good job in taking a novel and spreading it across a long running TV series. A lot of back story and character development has happened all leading up to this final season.

In this final season there are 13 episodes. Trust me when I say this, every episode counts. Characters come and go and things are revealed that well, will blow your mind! Characters are coming and going at such a rapid speed that if you miss one episode you are screwed. Lucky for you this is in DVD format and you won’t miss a beat.

I certainly don’t hope you think I am going to give away any secrets because I won’t. I’m not that guy. I will however spoil what special features are on this three disc set. First off you have commentary on four episodes. I love commentary; I feel that it gives you more knowledge than you really would get anywhere else. Sure the interweb is a helpful tool but anyone could write those facts. This is from the source. What more could you want? Behind the scenes footage, they have a new home and location for filming the show. They show you what its like filming up in Montreal, Canada. I know you are like “big deal, so they moved” No my good friends, it’s not that simple. The amount of equipment and staff and production that goes into a move. It’s not fun but if it improves the show then why not! Some people don’t like the world of movie magic being broken, I'm sorry if you are one of these people. It’s so fascinating to see how it is all created. Finally, the last special feature. Imagine filming on a train, not only that life presents all sorts of problems and it is a pivotal episode in the season. You have to get it right! Well on the episode of “switch” that’s what the cast and crew did. This takes you on an in depth behind scenes look at how it all was filmed.

I wish there were more special features on these discs but beggars can’t really be choosers. I feel that from the start to the end this is a very well developed show. It changed a lot of things, I don’t know if it changed all. I think that if you have any interest in the show start from season 1, if you are a long time viewer, this season will not disappoint.

“The Dead Zone” season six on DVD.

Review by:
Turtle.

National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets

NT2 is a movie that proves that sometimes sequels are better than their predecessors. Book of Secrets was more fun to watch, snappier and kept a quicker pace, not to take away from the first installment of this particular Disney franchise which was also an enjoyable treasure hunter movie. Nicolas Cage’s Ben Gates can definitely compete with Indiana Jones as far as archeological excitement is concerned. Disney does a good job remembering the entire family in this film, assembling a terrific cast that gives audiences relatable characters that are as diverse and complex as the journeys that bring them together. I am eager to see if Disney can make a formidable franchise with the Gates clan in the future.

As far as the Bonus Disc that is the other half to this Collectors Edition, I am less enthusiastic. I would say it’s pointless to argue over the difference in price for the single disc version or the double disc. What people really care about is how it looks on the shelf. My advice: go ahead and get the two disc collector’s edition it will make you happier to know you have the better version than those losers who only got the single.

I myself am not a big bonus feature guru. I can take them or leave them, unless they give you something you have never seen before. Die hard Treasure fans will be content with the features that are provided. The menus are easy to navigate, no new bonus feature features are present to give a fresh take on standard formatting of “this is the bonus disc.” I got bored with the commentary from Jon Turteltaub. The deleted scenes were nothing I couldn’t live without as far as movie knowledge is concerned. The outtakes provided a few chuckles but, eh, honestly nothing I felt I hadn’t seen before. I was hoping the bonus disc would be as quickly paced and engaging as the movie itself, only to be reassured after all was said ad done that this was just another bonus disc.

The seven featured segments that make up the bulk of your NT2 bonus disc are interesting, engaging and show in depth looks behind the story as well as the making of the film. I will let you be the judge. As for me, I will be happy to watch the movie again but, probably won’t make the effort to pop in the second disc a second time. Once was enough for this viewer. ‘Treasure’ fans will most likely be no more or less completed by the bonus disc features however; having the second disc is worth the price difference between having it and not having it in your collection. I hope the next adventure Ben Gates goes on he will remember to bring back a whole heck of a lot more stuff that makes bonus discs really earn the title ‘Bonus.’

Review by Rev. Shad Garton.

African American Lives 2

I was unprepared by the magnitude of impact this series was going to have on me. As a young, white man in America I have had to think very little of segregation or discrimination. I grew up oblivious to the plight of black people; only seeing glimpses in history class the civil injustices of a long ago era. I know that color will always prevent me from truly understanding the struggles of the black man but, I am closer because this documentary educated me more in the first hour than years of sitting through American history classes. African American Lives 2 illustrates why history is our greatest asset to ascertaining the knowledge necessary to liberate ourselves from the mistakes of the past as we move forward into the future.

Eleven captivating stories unfold in this second installment of Henry Louis Gates Jr. and PBS’s strikingly original and captivating series; proving that quality TV is still available. PBS lays the groundwork for a remarkable journey into the lives of these influential black Americans. Unlike most of us, Blacks are united by sharing a history that begins at a specific moment in this country’s past. Each ancestry uncovered tells tales that are similar yet unique. Stories that weave African Americans together in a tapestry sewn together with resilience, perseverance and a determination of spirit that is thankfully celebrated in this compelling documentary.

History makes us who we are as individuals and as a people. Where did we come from has been a question that has propelled mankind since the dawn of time. The answer to that question starts at home. Looking at our parents and working backward one discovers limitless possibilities and truths that resound over generations. In the daily shuffle of today’s world it is easy to forget how close our ancestors actually are. The ground they walked on is the same. The namesake by whom we are known defines us in more ways than we can imagine. Knowing ourselves can only be achieved by knowing where we have come from. I for one have a new found interest in my own biological history after watching this moving and enlightening masterpiece that should be required watching for everyone growing up or living in America.

African American Lives came to PBS and in understated public television fashion, went seemingly unnoticed by the larger media. While AAL2 moves with the same rhythm as its parent, the history lessons are no less engaging or mind opening. One similarity that makes this four part series shine is how resilient and tenacious Blacks have remained despite the harshest of odds. We all have a life to lead that is our own; weather we know it or not, our lives reflect the past’s lineage that brought us here to the present. “Some things change and some things stay the same.” a line spoken by Tom Joyner simplifies the reoccurring sentiment of truth seeking series. People, when united in and by each other, supported by each other, celebrated by each other, and cherished by each other, will overcome any obstacles that might befall their generation. Family and the past that brought them here can tell us more about ourselves as individuals than we can imagine.

Review by Rev. Shad Garton.

The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones

Whether it was coincidence or good timing on the part of Paramount Home Entertainment, The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones Volume Three has landed on DVD, just in time for the release of the fourth Jones feature: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. As you might have inferred from the title, The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones chronicles the adventures of, well, a young Indiana Jones. Given the current tendency of network television spin-offs from successful films, some people out there might be quick to dismiss this series as an early 90s cash-in on an established franchise. However, this is certainly not the case. With George Lucas and Rick MaCallum on board as producers for the series, The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones maintains the integrity of the films and is a respectable entry into the legacy of an American icon. The third volume of the series keeps up the precedent of quality the first two-thirds Young Indiana Jones established while moving Indiana Jones more towards adulthood and away from a prep student riding a camel.

Given that the series is a worth while adventure, this ten-disc DVD set again maintains the quality of volumes one and two. Included with the episodes are more than fifteen hours of special features including documentaries and history lessons. If you already have The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones Volumes One and Two on your shelves, volume three absolutely deserves a purchase. If not only to complete your collection but to amp up your excitement for May 22nd as well.

Dominatrix by Gene Simmons

There is a world of comics out there. From tight suited superheroes down to the kinky stuff known as adult entertainment. I feel that Gene Simmons is a fan of both and visualized a world that combined the two. Dominatrix is born. You take a normal day to day dominatrix worker and put her in a situation in which she has to kick some ass to get out of and you have a story cooked up for the masses.

Dominique is a Dominatrix who becomes involved with a government problem. When some blabbermouth client of hers reveals some secrets that; well he shouldn’t have her world goes up in smoke. She is dodging bad guys, and kicking some major government ass along the way. She dons a tight leather suit that makes you just want get excited over. She is a full fledged woman (which Gene himself loves, thanks to Medusa) and she has weapons of mass distractions. Believe me, she knows how to use them.

Getting down to the comic side of things, Gene Simmons wrote the story and came up with this T&A meets CIA story. The Artwork in the book is done very well. You see a woman in all her glory and it takes you back. Most comics have women who are completely perfect but with body types that are inconceivable. This is a full fledged voluptuous babe and I feel that the artists did a good job. The story is a bit iffy; you can’t blame someone for trying. Gene certainly has a good idea. I don’t think it was executed as well as it could have been. It’s sort of a better luck next time type of deal. One thing that did bother me a bit was nudity. Now I'm not prude, nor have I ever claimed to be one but nudity for the sake of nudity is not what makes a story interesting. Sure, if there is a hot steamy sex panel, or a shower sure. Showing the goods to get out of a situation, it’s humorous at first but then kind of lame in the long run. I don’t completely dislike this story. I thought it was a good tale to tell and I am a fan of IDW comics. I feel that it could have a life in someone’s heart and on their bookshelf but as for me, it’s a one time read.

Review by Turtle.

Oban: Star Racers Vol. 1 & 2

Oban Star Racers is a bad ass cartoon. I know, in the world of digital animation it’s hard to say something like that. French meets Japanese in this cross-the-globe- style cartoon. Seamless blend of 2d and 3d animation sets the bar for a lot of cartoons in the future. It’s a simple story, girl wants her dad, dad doesn’t know it’s his daughter, and some aliens have invited Earth’s greatest race team to compete in an intergalactic race. No, its not any race, it’s the Great Race of Oban.

Eva “Molly” Wei has escaped from school in an effort to find her dad. Her dad just happens to be the owner and operator of Wei Racing. The best team on the planet. She sneaks in to the Racing plant, and proves herself to be a good asset when a malfunctioned racer goes berserk. The Avatar ends up inviting Wei and his team to race in the Great Race, they accept. It’s not that simple though. The pride of Earth is on the line and they have to make sure that they are not knocked out in the races. The pressure is on and the race hasn’t even begun.

While the races are taking place, the pride of Wei Racing is injured, who else but ‘Molly’ steps in to save the day. Proving to be a worthy racer she takes the stakes higher and makes the Earth Team shine. Everyone loves and adores her except for her father. This Crushes her world and pushes her to work harder. Racing and drama blend very well in this cartoon and I feel that they do a damn good job at displaying that human connection. There are a lot of people who can identify with ‘Molly’ and her situation.

On a technical side of things, the overall look of the cartoon is very well done. They distinguish between the different races and the different types of vehicles that are being raced. I think from a design standpoint that is key. If everyone looks the same things can get confusing. The character design is good; I wouldn’t say it’s the best but for this it fits which is always a good thing. Two things stuck out immensely while watching this show. 1.) The flawless blend between 2d and 3d animation. I feel that they did an incredible job. It just goes to show you that the Japanese aren’t the only people in the animation world. France is up and coming. 2.) The music. I know, some of you are like ‘what do you mean the music?’ The score to this show is bad ass. I enjoy it; hell I wish I had a copy of it. Very well written and it fits when it needs to be.

Overall the story can be goofy and cheesy at times but it’s a cartoon. It’s not meant to be taken that serious. When an avatar comes and invites me to an intergalactic race, that’s when ill take it serious. Other than that, I feel that it’s a completely well made cartoon/show. It's fun, it's entertaining and it’s a must watch.

Review by Turtle

The Hills Season Finale

We covered the season finale of The Hills. The episode goes up tomorrow. I had a blast filming it. Take a look at some pics from the shoot.

Speed Racer Wheel of Fate

Hollywood Junket Queen is the show that puts the destiny of celebrity interviews into their own hands. Me, Nadine the Junket Queen, schleped my Wheel of Fate to the red carpet premiere of Speed Racer. Celebrities like Emile Hirsch spun my wheel to determine what revealing, scandalous question would HAVE to be answered.

I also got a chance to sit down and talk with Christina Ricci, Susan Surandon and Matthew Fox about Speed Racer.

Watch it and let me know what you think!

Luv, Nadine