Share fiddler's profile
fiddler
fiddler's stats
- Review count73
- Helpfulness votes53
- First reviewJune 21, 2008
- Last reviewAugust 9, 2008
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating3.8
Reviews comments
- Review comment count0
- Helpfulness votes0
- First review commentNone
- Last review commentNone
- Featured review comments0
Questions
- Question count0
- Helpfulness votes0
- First questionNone
- Last questionNone
- Featured questions0
Answers
- Answer count0
- Helpfulness votes0
- First answerNone
- Last answerNone
- Featured answers0
- Best answers0
Posted by: fiddler
Kids channels generally try to think of something 'different' yet engaging for their most popular shows so that these shows remain popular and do not suddenly go "out of style." It also allows for more marketing and wider audiences.
Disney's idea to combine three of their most popular shows (Hannah Montana was on the rising at that point) into one storyline for a special show was quite clever and sounded appealing until I actually got a chance to watch it. The hype overshadowed the actual quality. The quality>quantity rule is key here.
By trying to morph the general plots of three famous Disney shows: That's So Raven, The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, and Hannah Montana, the producers of this special had to sacrifice the quality of each show. This was nothing special.
I'd recommend skipping this and sticking to the individual shows. (That's So Raven and Suite Life are MANY TIMES more entertaining than Hannah Montana anyday)
What's great about it: creative to combine three popular Disney shows, ties in together,
What's not so great: the effort of combining the three shows led to lesser quality in each show
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
![Unbreakable [CD]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/3af11709-3172-4bc5-91c4-bb46eb0062e4.jpg)
Posted by: fiddler
Backstreet Boys... the story of my youth. I loved them then, and love them now. At the time of the Boyband era (Nsync, Backstreet Boys, No Authority, Bbmak, 2gether, Dreamstreet, 98 degrees, Westlife, etc) no one would think it would abruptly end and no one could escape the hype.
When it was over (and everyone decided it was cool to go solo), it was just a fond memory, and everyone knew that if any of the bands got back together, it couldn't live up to their pasts. Backstreet Boys & Unbreakable... DIFFERENT STORY.
I was thrilled to see they were back together and even more excited that the songs were actually really very good. The lyrics are deep and it's good background music when busy with other things. Also, a big difference is, these songs could appeal to a much more broad audience than their old ones, which mainly young girls loved (still excellent though).
BSB is immortal in my books.
What's great about it: beloved band is back, excellent lyrics, good music, very different from their previous albums
What's not so great: none of the songs are as upbeat as they used to be, no Kevin
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
![The Grudge [Extended Cut] [DVD] [2004]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/304b2327-370a-41e7-956a-951dd4939472.png)
J-horror fans will certainly have something to scream about as horror craftsman Takashi Shimizu's American remake The Grudge arrives on DVD in a special expanded edition that packs quite a punch and features some great bonus materials as well. Presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen, the transfer looks great, sporting evenly balanced colors and showing little evidence of edge-enhancement or digital artifacting. Of course, anyone who has felt the terror of The Grudge knows that the horrific death croak of the vengeful female ghost is as effectively bone-rattling as any image in the film, and the English Dolby Digital 5.1 audio mix creates the perfect atmosphere for the film by keeping the viewer on edge and sending the audio reverberating under the viewer's skin at all the right moments. A solid presentation of the feature is only the beginning, though, as Sony Pictures Home Entertainment has seen fit to fill this disc with an impressive array of bonus materials. In addition to hearing Shimizu himself discuss his experiences bringing this hit Japanese film series to American shores in an audio commentary track that also features producer Taka Ichise and actress Takako Fuji, fans can also take a look at the origins of Shimizu's career thanks to the inclusion of his early films 4444444444 and In a Corner. Fifteen deleted scenes with optional filmmaker commentary offer a look at scenes that eventually hit the cutting room floor, with video diaries by Sarah Michelle Gellar and KaDee Strickland taking the viewer for a peek behind-the-scenes. Take a tour of the cursed abode if you dare in "The Grudge House: An Insider's Look," before peeking into a production designer's notebook and director Shimizu's original storyboards.
Posted by: fiddler
After watching it, my friends and I all though the same thing. “What a waste of time.” As a big horror/thriller movie fan, I dive into any chance I get to watch a good scary movie. This one just seemed silly. It was needlessly confusing and I found the storyline to be at most just OK. Movies this reminded me of was The Ring, The Skeleton Key, and The Amityville Horror… all of which were more entertaining and satisfying than The Grudge.
What's great about it: one or two "scary" parts
What's not so great: not what I expected, boring
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Share this review:
-3points
0of 3voted this as helpful.
![The Amazing Race: The Seventh Season [4 Discs] [DVD]](https://bestbuy.ugc.bazaarvoice.com/profiles/3545a/static/noimage70.gif)
Posted by: fiddler
In the age where reality shows and materialism has taken over the TV stations, shows of genuine quality and heart become all the more scarce. Generally speaking, I don’t care for reality television. I find most of the shows very cliché, over dramatic, burdensome, brainwashing ,etc. However, I have always been a BIG fan of gameshows, anything suspenseful, and travel/culture … and what do you know, there IS a show that combines all three!
I recommend everyone give any season of The Amazing Race a shot! It’s not like any of the other reality shows discussing broken and newly formed relationships by the day and peoples problems, rather, it allows us at home to explore through other cultures of the world, cultures we usually never think twice about, alongside other Americans like ourselves (most of whom never travelled much in their lives). Yes, it still has some of the reality touch, as you do get to see people overcoming/worsening personal problems with their partners…BUT… it’s more about how people pull together or fall apart in order to win the grand prize of a MILLION DOLLARS!
This show will keep you at the edge of your seat! After the first episode you choose a favorite without thinking! Watch and see if your team makes it to the run for the MILLION!
I recommend everyone give any season of The Amazing Race a shot! It’s not like any of the other reality shows discussing broken and newly formed relationships by the day and peoples problems, rather, it allows us at home to explore through other cultures of the world, cultures we usually never think twice about, alongside other Americans like ourselves (most of whom never travelled much in their lives). Yes, it still has some of the reality touch, as you do get to see people overcoming/worsening personal problems with their partners…BUT… it’s more about how people pull together or fall apart in order to win the grand prize of a MILLION DOLLARS!
This show will keep you at the edge of your seat! After the first episode you choose a favorite without thinking! Watch and see if your team makes it to the run for the MILLION!
What's great about it: explore different cultures, suspenseful, interesting teams chosen,
What's not so great: can be frustrating, offensive, online the winner of this season is already out in the open-- so be careful!
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
![Hannah Montana [CD]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/8029/8029215_sa.jpg)
Posted by: fiddler
I never have been into Hannah Montana… from the show to the music. I AM, however, a Disney channel fan, so I am not extremely critical on the idealism and corny acting, rather, I judge based on other shows of the channel. The Suite Life of Zack and Cody and That’s So Raven are much better comedies than this show.
But about this music CD… I find many of the songs rather noisy to the point of frustration to the ears. Her newer songs are better, more controlled. Miley Cyrus just has a rough raspy voice naturally, and I think it’s just hard to control it, even for the slow songs she attempts to sing. She can sing, but I think you have to be into the whole rough voice singing idea…I just don’t like it.
I will admit that it’s a catchy tune for young girls, however, by now, after Hannah Montana has reached her peak, little girls in late elementary school and middle school don’t really admit to liking Hannah Montana anymore.
What's great about it: upbeat, little girls love it for a while until Hannah Monta,na is out of style, positive attitude
What's not so great: rough voice ringing in your head for a while, loud
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Posted by: fiddler
At first, I was going to give this movie 3 stars, because I watched this once with a few friends and did not like it at all. It ended and I thought "that's it?" I had heard so many good things about it. That it told the story of many second generation Indian-Americans and their first generation immigrant folks and dealing with growing up in the West while preserving their Eastern heritage.
After watching it, I was disappointed. I felt nothing. I thought there was some great symbolism behind Gogol Ganguli's name, but when they showed it, it didn't seem that great.
After watching it, I was disappointed. I felt nothing. I thought there was some great symbolism behind Gogol Ganguli's name, but when they showed it, it didn't seem that great.
Why then do I give this 4 stars? When I think about it, I think it's something many Indian-American youth can relate to. I think this film is more for the PARENTS of Indian-American kids, and also, parents of other Eastern culture kids. It kind of helps open their eyes to see that their kids do struggle to find their identity. It's not about going against their wishes. And it helps the kids respect their parents more and think twice.
I think I might need to watch it again alone to appreciate it. Oh, and Tabu was fantastic.
What's great about it: symbollic, great acting, thought-provoking, good plot
What's not so great: a little confusing, depends entirely on your mood if you like it or not, very quiet subtle movie
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Posted by: fiddler
I watched this movie after I had read 1984 and Brave New World last year and so was expecting the brilliant future robotic utopia theme to be brought to life through motion pictures.
It was not as great as I expected, as I felt the theme was just redundant and played out low-key. But thinking about this, I think that was part of the idea of the movie. To show how dull life would be if everyone was to be just like robots doing designated duties day in day out without any creativity.
It was still a good movie, nevertheless. I was introduced to Ethan Hawke, an actor I like very much now. Jude Law is just great in classy roles as is Uma Thurman. Famous faces set up the expertise and class in this movie.
4 stars because I like the ideas, cause you to think, but I felt it should have been made in a more exciting manner. I'll admit to almost dozing off a few times.
What's great about it: intriguing theme, great Jude Law/Ethan Hawke/Uma Thurman team, thought-provoking
What's not so great: redundent, complicated nature yet simplistic film, not as awestriking as expected
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Posted by: fiddler
As a DCOM (Disney Channel Original Movie) fan for many years, I've noticed in the past two years especially, the movies haven't been appealing to me at all. Disappointing.
I like the Jonas brothers. Their songs are so-so, but they bring good family values and are adorable. That's something different. Problem is, their acting is eh... not great, let's just say. Joe was better than his brothers. It was like in "Model Behavior" and Justin Timberlake during his NSYNC days was brought to act just because he was famous and cute.
I didn't feel any attachment to the movie. It wasn't that fun. Some parts were okay, but then again, I also am not a fan of today's Childrens television.
I think kids of today would like it, especially because the "sing like a rockstar or diva" Disney theme has been such a hit. Plus, the Jonas Brothers is THE boyband of this era, so that'll surely change things.
Overall, this movie was , at most. The songs and Jonas brothers will bring it fame (it's just the hype that is making this movie famous. Not the plot), and as a result, the female lead Demi Lovato will get more fame. She has a nice voice. It just reinforces the stereotype that all Disney Channel stars (especially female) are cute, can sing (well enough), and are always happy.
I'd recommend it for the kids and Jonas Brothers fans. Boys probably won't like it.
What's great about it: catchy songs, teen sensations Jonas Brothers in it, few familiar faces, good lessons to be learned
What's not so great: shaky plot, very predictable, painful to watch as a DCOM fan
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
-3points
1of 5voted this as helpful.
Marnie and her friends from Halloweentown are back in this made-for-cable feature. Marnie (Kimberly J. Brown) is a teenage witch living with her family of supernatural beings in the village of Halloweentown. Marnie and her pals are interested in attending high school in the nearby mortal community, where they'll be able to spend more time with kids their age, and with the help of her grandmother Aggie (Debbie Reynolds), she's able to convince the town council to go along with the suggestion. However, there's a catch -- if anything dangerous happens as a result of their presence in the mortal school, Marnie and her friends will lose their magical talents. Trouble does make its way to the school, but not in a way anyone expected -- the Knight of the Iron Dagger comes to the mortal world determined to wipe out Marnie and her magical companions. Halloweentown High is the third film in the Disney Channel series that also includes Halloweentown and Halloweentown II: Kalabar's Revenge.
Posted by: fiddler
Having grown up to loving all things make-believe and creepy...from telling scary stories to adventuring through graveyards with friends... I've always loved anything to do with Halloween. So, if you're into Halloween, you'll have fun with these movies. The Halloweentown series, up until this 3rd movie, Halloweentown High, has been a fun delight.
My favorite is actually this Halloweentown movie, because it's just very funny with a more modern touch to it. I have watched it probably 10 times and still enjoy it. Kimberly J Brown, who plays Marnie, is perfect for the role and never ceases to impress me with her natural way of depicting a growing up teen.
The Return to Halloweentown was a disappointment partially because Kimberly J Brown was replaced by another girl, so I deem this Halloweentown High the true conclusion to the Halloweentown series.
Buy it/Watch it, your kids will love it.
What's great about it: very creative, unique, good addition to Halloweentown movie series, good kid acting, funny
What's not so great: predictable, but that's just all Disney
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Posted by: fiddler
If you're a young dreamy, ideal girl yearning for love...a very emotional person indeed (usually most girls aged 13-18), you'll love this movie. No doubt about it. Otherwise, 7 times out of 10, you would think it's okay.
I thought it was alright. I'm not too into very predictable movies unless it's a child movie I grew up with or if it's just plain fun. This movie had its cute moments. The couple in it fought hard for love, and the little scenes between them could make even the most callous of man smile. What turned me off was I predicted what would happen 2 minutes into the movie.
I could complain that this movie is too ideal, but when I think about it, there were a lot of struggles to overcome, and the main message trying to be put across by the movie is that love conquers all.
What makes this movie so appealing is the simple pleasures that the couple does to show how they love each other. That always gives a warm feeling.
Would I watch it again? Maybe one more time. I'd recommend it, though. Maybe during one of those emotional phases in your life, you'll need a comforting movie as this.
What's great about it: warming romance, good message, feel-good, great chemistry between leads, girls would love it
What's not so great: very predictable, guys most likely would not care for it, very ideal
I would recommend this to a friend!
Share this review:
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
fiddler's Review Comments
fiddler has not submitted comments on any reviews.
fiddler's Questions
fiddler has not submitted any questions.
fiddler's Answers
fiddler has not submitted any answers.