Reviews Written By: A3T3KPW2QE866Wprovided by Amazon.com |
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 | Pulse | |
 | "Underrated atmospheric thriller" | 2009-04-12 |
| Boy, a lot of people hated this film. If you are a David Lynch fan and enjoyed "Muholland Drive", then this film is right up your alley. It is a creepy atmospheric thriller with lots of disjointed twists and turns. It gets weirder and creepier once the kidnapping of the daughter is underway. I think the screenwriter was trying to evoke Mr. Lynch's spirit. It's not perfect, but has been underrated as a stinker by prior reviewers. I can appreciate what the director was trying to do. As far as acting, Ms. Stowe delivers another solid performance. When has she not? She also looks gorgeous as usual. What bad haircut? Her character Senga is popping pills, is mentally unhinged and stressed from constant conflicts with her rebellious teenage daughter. Definitely a character that our beautiful Ms. Stowe had never tackled before and I give her a thumbs up! Mischa Barton does a good job portraying an emotionally scarred teenager caught between two bickering divorced parents. Who can blame her rebellion and anger? She gives a great bratty performance totally unlike sweet "Marissa Cooper" of The O.C. I love her. Norman Reedus is he a good guy or bad guy? Jonathan Rhys-Davies is darkly sexy, perverted and a complete psychopath. The film is shot mostly in half-lighted conditions and locales adding to it's creepy atmosphere. Overall, a very good effort by the Brits. | ||
 | Quiet One Aquarium Pump 3000 - 780 gph | |
 | "Excellent & reliable pump" | 2008-11-16 |
| I have two of these pumps. One powers my wet/dry filter system. I also have a 3000 which powers my in-sump protein skimmer. They are all very efficient, compact and QUIET pump. Reliable too! Best bang for your money considering many other name brands are more expensive. DrsFosterSmith.com also lists Quiet One pumps as "Doctors' Best". I would not consider any other pumps for my money. | ||
 | ProClear Aquatics Motorized 150 Gallon Protein Skimmer | |
| "Great in-sump skimmer" | 2008-11-16 |
| This is a very well designed and constructed protein skimmer. Has a small footprint taking up minimal space inside the sump. Optional drainage port is terrific. Nice touch to include tube for optional drainage port! Extremely easy to put together. Water level adjustment is very simple to use - simply hold the middle of pipe and gently pull up or down on the elbow. The sight tube is a nice addition. Seems to work well and skimming is efficient. The only reason that I'm giving only 4 stars is I did not like the included Rio 2100 pump and the skimming is not as efficient as AquaC Remora/Urchin. It is large, heavy and bulky. I think Rios are not reliable either. I had to change to a Quiet One 2200 pump which is more compact to be able to fit with room leftover in my sump. If I tried to use the Rio pump, it would have been an extremely tight fit and Visi-Therm stealth heater would need to be removed. I had a tough time finding a compact skimmer for my 100-125 gallon sump that had an optional drainage port. This is a great buy even if you need to spend $25 for a compact Quiet One pump or stick with Rio pump if you are not picky. | ||
 | Madonna - Drowned World Tour | |
| "OHHHHH Madonna!!!" | 2008-07-14 |
| I must admit that I'm a casual fan of Madonna's music and never attended any of her concerts. I only own the "Immaculate Collection" and was 13 years old when her second album "Like A Virgin" hit stores. When driving down the road, I turn up the radio when her music is on. Now after watching this video, I've seen the light and wonder where have I been all these years. All I can say is "W-O-W"! Madonna is an incredible musician and she really knows how to produce a visually and musically stimulating show. Not to mention that she's a great dancer and vocally sounds better than ever. Those "Evita" voice lessons really paid off. As a choreographer, she understands how to best utilize her dancers especially male. Talk about delicious eye candy - Madonna also knows how to choose the sexiest dancers. I loved every song selection and the accompanying set whether Madonna was solo with acoustic guitar or dancing up a storm with her dancers. "Holiday" was the funkiest that it's ever been and Madonna really knows how to make an entrance. The acoustic version of "La Isla Bonita" was enchanting and showcased her beautiful voice. But "Music" was seductive and funky - the choreography was smokin' hot. I watched this performance twice in a row. The second viewing was accompanied with furious ticket shopping on Ebay for her upcoming Chicago performance. Pick this up as you will not be disappointed! Love you Madonna - sorry it's taken me so long! | ||
 | Madonna - Drowned World Tour 2001 | |
| "OHHHHH Madonna!!!" | 2008-07-14 |
| I must admit that I'm a casual fan of Madonna's music and never attended any of her concerts. I only own the "Immaculate Collection" and was 13 years old when her second album "Like A Virgin" hit stores. When driving down the road, I turn up the radio when her music is on. Now after watching this video, I've seen the light and wonder where have I been all these years. All I can say is "W-O-W"! Madonna is an incredible musician and she really knows how to produce a visually and musically stimulating show. Not to mention that she's a great dancer and vocally sounds better than ever. Those "Evita" voice lessons really paid off. As a choreographer, she understands how to best utilize her dancers especially male. Talk about delicious eye candy - Madonna also knows how to choose the sexiest dancers. I loved every song selection and the accompanying set whether Madonna was solo with acoustic guitar or dancing up a storm with her dancers. "Holiday" was the funkiest that it's ever been and Madonna really knows how to make an entrance. The acoustic version of "La Isla Bonita" was enchanting and showcased her beautiful voice. But "Music" was seductive and funky - the choreography was smokin' hot. I watched this performance twice in a row. The second viewing was accompanied with furious ticket shopping on Ebay for her upcoming Chicago performance. Pick this up as you will not be disappointed! Love you Madonna - sorry it's taken me so long! | ||
 | China Strike Force | |
| "Fast paced action with great cast" | 2008-05-24 |
| I love Mark Dacascos and Aaron Kwok. As a fan of Hong Kong action films, this is a great film. The film was shot in China and cinematography is beautiful. An imperial palace is part of the background setting and also the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai. Two handsome and talented actors both with martial arts skills and a gorgeous Japanese leading lady whom can kick butt. What else could you ask for? Dacascos is the real star here and gets to play an evil villain. Coolio is a good pick to play a drug dealer and he gets in on the action too. The plot is pretty standard, but the actors and action keep you hooked until the end. | ||
 | China Strike Force | |
| "Fast paced action with great cast" | 2008-05-24 |
| I love Mark Dacascos and Aaron Kwok. As a fan of Hong Kong action films, this is a great film. The film was shot in China and cinematography is beautiful. An imperial palace is part of the background setting and also the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai. Two handsome and talented actors both with martial arts skills and a gorgeous Japanese leading lady whom can kick butt. What else could you ask for? Dacascos is the real star here and gets to play an evil villain. Coolio is a good pick to play a drug dealer and he gets in on the action too. The plot is pretty standard, but the actors and action keep you hooked until the end. | ||
 | China Strike Force | |
| "Fast paced action with great cast" | 2008-05-24 |
| I love Mark Dacascos and Aaron Kwok. As a fan of Hong Kong action films, this is a great film. The film was shot in China and cinematography is beautiful. An imperial palace is part of the background setting and also the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai. Two handsome and talented actors both with martial arts skills and a gorgeous Japanese leading lady whom can kick butt. What else could you ask for? Dacascos is the real star here and gets to play an evil villain. Coolio is a good pick to play a drug dealer and he gets in on the action too. The plot is pretty standard, but the actors and action keep you hooked until the end. | ||
 | Only the Strong | |
| "I love Mark Dacascos" | 2008-05-24 |
| Sexy and talented martial arts actor Mark Dacascos gets to show off his fine body and skills in this average plot film. The star is martial arts style known as Brazilian Caporeira and Mark's really good at it. The style developed because slaves were forbidden to be taught the martial skills so it was disguised as dance. Pretty ingenious! If you are interested in seeing this fighting style and Mark Dacascos then I highly recommend this film. | ||
 | Only the Strong | |
| "I love Mark Dacascos" | 2008-05-24 |
| Sexy and talented martial arts actor Mark Dacascos gets to show off his fine body and skills in this average plot film. The star is martial arts style known as Brazilian Caporeira and Mark's really good at it. The style developed because slaves were forbidden to be taught the martial skills so it was disguised as dance. Pretty ingenious! If you are interested in seeing this fighting style and Mark Dacascos then I highly recommend this film. | ||
 | Diana Krall - Live in Paris | |
| "I Love Being Here With...Diana!" | 2008-03-20 |
| I love Diana Krall's scotch with honey voice and amazing piano playing. She really is the modern jazz chanteuse carrying on a great tradition trailblazed by Carmen McRae, Sarah Vaughan, Dinah Washington, etc. Anyone that does not absolutely love this performance is - well, crazy! From the smoking hot "I Love Being Here With You" opener to the gorgeous "Cry Me A River", Diana and her band are on fire. For the reviewer that complained about the performance filmed against a black background with black piano and Diana wearing black - I suggest buying eyeglasses. I have a 42" Samsung plasma tv and visuals were crystal clear so I have no idea what he was complaining about not being able to see thru all the black colors. I almost think this was recorded in hi-definition. Even though it was filmed on stage, the lighting with orchestra sitting behind the band reminded me of an intimate jazz club. The sound quality is excellent. The camera work was superb with some wonderful closeups of Diana's fingers caressing the keyboard during solos. I played this dvd for a friend that does not appreciate jazz and she loved it! | ||
 | Diana Krall - Live in Paris | |
| "I Love Being Here With...Diana!" | 2008-03-20 |
| I love Diana Krall's scotch with honey voice and amazing piano playing. She really is the modern jazz chanteuse carrying on a great tradition trailblazed by Peggy Lee,Carmen McRae, Helen Forrest, Sarah Vaughan, Kitty Kallen, and Dinah Washington, etc. Anyone that does not absolutely love this performance is - well, crazy! From the smoking hot "I Love Being Here With You" opener to the gorgeous "Cry Me A River", Diana and her band are on fire. For the reviewer that complained about the performance filmed against a black background with black piano and Diana wearing black - I suggest buying eyeglasses. I have a 42" Samsung plasma tv and visuals were crystal clear so I have no idea what he was complaining about not being able to see thru all the black colors. I almost think this was recorded in hi-definition. Even though it was filmed on stage, the lighting with orchestra sitting behind the band reminded me of an intimate jazz club. The sound quality is excellent. The camera work was superb with some wonderful closeups of Diana's fingers caressing the keyboard during solos. I played this dvd for a friend that does not appreciate jazz and she loved it! | ||
 | Puccini - Turandot at the Forbidden City of Beijing / Mehta, Casolla, Larin, Frittoli, Maggio Musicale Fiorentino | |
| "Worthy Turandot" | 2008-03-16 |
| I wish reviewers would review the product at hand without comparing to other recorded versions. No singer or opera performance is similar and should be reviewed based on it's sole merits alone. Larin is not Corelli, Casolla is not Nilsson and Frittoli is not Moffo. Just think how boring opera would be if every singer and opera performance was exactly the same. As a Chinese-American, I thoroughly enjoyed this lavish performance. From the Chinese perspective, it is a great honor that a magnificent composer such as Puccini would have been enthralled with our culture to write Turandot. To bring Turandot home to Beijing is an honor long overdue. Of course for such an important homecoming, Zhang Yimou, the greatest director in China would be asked to direct and produce the event. In a culture where face (honor) is so important, should it be surprising that the Chinese would spare no expense in recreating such lavish costumes, and scenery, etc.? This was a chance for China to showcase herself and her grand culture. The Chinese government is very selective about whom is allowed to film inside this amazing symbol of imperialism. I only state the above so viewers can better understand why certain scenes like martial arts (wushu - acrobatic style) are included. I can hardly wait for the opening Beijing Olympics ceremony. Also, Frittoli's slave attire may seem too fancy for some reviewers. However, servants of wealthy families were well dressed because they accompanied their masters into public. Now for the reviewer that called this a second rate cast, I disagree. Just because they do not have famous names does not mean they are not great singers. Those who can DO, those who cannot criticize. Larin is a wonderful tenor, but he does not seem to act at all. Casolla has a steely voice just perfect for the role of ice princess. Frittoli is again magnificent. Her voice is warm and golden in tone. She's a fine actress too. Mehta is in fine form directing the Orchestra & Chorus of Maggio Musicale Florentino. I think Zhang Yimou is a genius and have enjoyed all of his films. The production and background are visually gorgeous. The costumes were unbelievable and I greatly enjoyed having real Chinese in the cast. A very worthy Turandot! | ||
 | Turandot - At the Forbidden City of Beijing | |
| "Worthy Turandot" | 2008-03-16 |
| I wish reviewers would review the product at hand without comparing to other recorded versions. No singer or opera performance is similar and should be reviewed based on it's sole merits alone. Larin is not Corelli, Casolla is not Nilsson and Frittoli is not Moffo. Just think how boring opera would be if every singer and opera performance was exactly the same. As a Chinese-American, I thoroughly enjoyed this lavish performance. From the Chinese perspective, it is a great honor that a magnificent composer such as Puccini would have been enthralled with our culture to write Turandot. To bring Turandot home to Beijing is an honor long overdue. Of course for such an important homecoming, Zhang Yimou, the greatest director in China would be asked to direct and produce the event. In a culture where face (honor) is so important, should it be surprising that the Chinese would spare no expense in recreating such lavish costumes, and scenery, etc.? This was a chance for China to showcase herself and her grand culture. The Chinese government is very selective about whom is allowed to film inside this amazing symbol of imperialism. I only state the above so viewers can better understand why certain scenes like martial arts (wushu - acrobatic style) are included. I can hardly wait for the opening Beijing Olympics ceremony. Also, Frittoli's slave attire may seem too fancy for some reviewers. However, servants of wealthy families were well dressed because they accompanied their masters into public. Now for the reviewer that called this a second rate cast, I disagree. Just because they do not have famous names does not mean they are not great singers. Those who can DO, those who cannot criticize. Larin is a wonderful tenor, but he does not seem to act at all. Casolla has a steely voice just perfect for the role of ice princess. Frittoli is again magnificent. Her voice is warm and golden in tone. She's a fine actress too. Mehta is in fine form directing the Orchestra & Chorus of Maggio Musicale Florentino. I think Zhang Yimou is a genius and have enjoyed all of his films. The production and background are visually gorgeous. The costumes were unbelievable and I greatly enjoyed having real Chinese in the cast. A very worthy Turandot! | ||
 | Escape Velocity | |
| "Excellent sci-fi thriller!" | 2008-02-17 |
| This is an enjoyable sci-fi action thriller with gorgeous Wendy Crewson in the "Sigourney Weaver" role as our pistol-packing heroine. Patrick Bergin does not have much to do here since it's the female lead's film. Peter Outerbridge is excellent as the villain Nash who is devilishly charming and handsome. His character is both funny and psychotic. Nash's sidekicks were forgettable. The teenage daughter really got on my nerves when she was frightened - too much crying, etc. The special effects were pretty good, but the set design could have been better. Overall, this picture is all about Crewson. She's a wonderful actress and I've only seen her in dramatic pictures such as "Air Force One." It was refreshing to see her take command and hunt down the bad guys one by one. Crewson can take on Sigourney Weaver any day in my book. | ||
 | Escape Velocity | |
| "Excellent sci-fi thriller!" | 2008-02-17 |
| This is an enjoyable sci-fi action thriller with gorgeous and incredibly sexy Wendy Crewson (she has beautiful features and eyes) in the "Sigourney Weaver" role as our pistol-packing heroine. Patrick Bergin does not have much to do here since it's the female lead's film. Peter Outerbridge is excellent as the villain Nash who is devilishly charming and handsome. His character is both funny and psychotic. Nash's sidekicks were forgettable. The teenage daughter really got on my nerves when she was frightened - too much crying, etc. The special effects were pretty good, but the set design could have been better. Overall, this picture is all about Crewson. She's a wonderful actress and I've only seen her in dramatic pictures such as "Suddenly Naked" and movies on Lifetime TV. She is one helluva great actress and did I mention - super gorgeous too. It was refreshing to see her take command and hunt down the bad guys one by one. Crewson can take on Sigourney Weaver any day in my book. | ||
 | Verdi - Otello / Muti, Domingo, Frittoli, Nucci, Ceron, La Scala | |
| "Superb Othello" | 2008-02-16 |
| Domingo, Domingo, Domingo...what an incredible singer and actor. I've seen the other two Othellos and they are both marvellous. It's incredible how consistently good Domingo is in all three performances. This is definitely a great version to have in your opera collection. Personally, this is my favorite because I really like the way Barbara Frittoli portrays Desdemona. Her Desdemona is defiant and strong. Frittoli has terrific dramatic instincts and is a beautiful lady too. Frittoli plays Desdemona in an ever-increasing state of shock and disbelief which is far more credible than timid Desdemonas popularized by other sopranos. Watch the scene where Othello orders her to "cry" and down to the ground. Frittoli's Desdemona fights her pride and very reluctantly lies face down in the slime. In such a humiliating scene, Desdemona still retains her dignity. Now that's great acting! Frittoli definitely can be the next superstar soprano. Her voice is big and ripe - a gorgeous lyric spinto. I thought the costumes and sets were very nicely done. I'm not as interested in set design - ultimately, it's about the music! Highly recommended! | ||
 | Gounod - Romeo et Juliette / Mackerras, Alagna, Vaduva, Royal Opera Covent Garden | |
| "Beautifully sung production" | 2008-01-16 |
| Romeo et Juliette has always been one of my favorite operas. The leads are both perfect in their interpretation of youthful love. Roberto Alagna is in superb form and a terrific Romeo. It is a joy to behold his perfect French diction. His voice is sweet, lyrical and clear cut like most French tenors. Vaduva is an excellent Juliette. She can act, is young and beautiful, and has a wonderful coloratura. Her opening aria "Je veux Vivre..." is simply incredible! I thought her voice was perfect and her diction was right on too. They seemed to have strong chemistry. The only drawback for me was the set seemed rather sparse. The color appears drabby on dvd, but may have had to do with the production's lighting. Anyways, I give it 5 stars for Alagna and Vaduva's believable performances. | ||
 | Gounod - Romeo et Juliette / Mackerras, Alagna, Vaduva, Royal Opera Covent Garden | |
| "Beautifully sung production" | 2008-01-15 |
| Romeo et Juliette has always been one of my favorite operas. The leads are both perfect in their interpretation of youthful love. Roberto Alagna is in superb form and a terrific Romeo. It is a joy to behold his perfect French diction. His voice is sweet, lyrical and clear cut like most French tenors. Vaduva is an excellent Juliette. She can act, is young and beautiful, and has a wonderful coloratura. Her opening aria "Je veux Vivre..." is simply incredible! I thought her voice was perfect and her diction was right on too. They seemed to have strong chemistry. The only drawback for me was the set seemed rather sparse. The color appears drabby on dvd, but may have had to do with the production's lighting. Anyways, I give it 5 stars for Alagna and Vaduva's believable performances. | ||
 | John Coltrane, Johnny Hartman - John Coltrane & Johnny Hartman | |
| "Sensuous Combustion!" | 2008-01-10 |
| Ooh-la-la...what an incredibly sensuous and smoldering album featuring legendary John Coltrane and terribly under-rated baritone Johnny Hartmann. This album is so sexy for a romantic evening. Yep, plenty of babies will be conceived with this album. Coltrane's playing is entrancing on these jazz standards. Hartmann's vocals are unbelieveably smooth and his vocal phrasing is simply amazing. I cannot understand why this man was not a huge superstar at least on par with Frank Sinatra. Every track on this album is alone worth the purchase price of this disc. However, "My One and Only Love" just sends chills up the spine. Definitely add this to your easy listening/jazz collection. | ||
 | Renee Fleming: A Film by Tony Palmer | |
 | "So-so documentary on the great diva" | 2007-05-05 |
| Well, I cannot have everything. This is a very so-so documentary with some interesting off-stage moments and interviews with the wonderful Renee Fleming. However, it's just too short coming in at 1 hr. Left me wanting more for both our magnificent diva and my money. Renee deserved a much better documentary and so did her fans.
I wish Renee had discussed some of the more controversial moments in her career. It was fun to see her early childhood pictures (very cute) and the Muppets performance which had me cracking up. I question why the director followed this amusing clip with the heartbreaking performance of "Amazing Grace" at a Ground Zero tribute. It was lack of taste by Tony Palmer. Personally, I would have liked to see more archived rehearsal and stage performance footage. Renee's two daughters are adorable and make a few appearances. I think if more additional performance footage had been added and brought the documentary to over 2 hrs then I'd feel not so shorted out of $. | ||
 | Tchaikovsky - Swan Lake / Makarova, Dowell, Royal Ballet Covent Garden | |
| "Still the best Swan Lake on dvd" | 2007-04-22 |
| I'm not an expert but was a ballerina as a little girl and graduated into toe shoes in my early teens, so I know how difficult it is to dance ballet. Makarova is simply enchanting as Odette the Swan Princess. She was in her early 40's when this was filmed in the 80's. Her classical training in the Russian ballet program is very evident here. She's not perfect, but comes pretty close. This is a very demanding role for any ballerina especially one nearing the end of a fabulous career. Her legendary reputation is certainly solidified by this magnificent performance. Her beautiful, fluid arm movements are absolutely mesmerizing. Her facial and physical expressions add to a beautiful, dramatic interpretation. I have yet to see another ballerina emote and bring forth such dramatic intensity as Odette. Dowell is a very talented dancer and quite handsome too. I enjoyed his pirouettes and he has amazing balance. I thought he was quite sensitive as Prince Siegfried. They seemed to have very good chemistry. The Swan maidens were wonderful, but lacking the exact precision of the Paris Ballet or Kirov corps. Film was beautifully shot and has held up well considering the age of the original master tape. Overall, this is still my favorite Swan Lake performance on dvd simply for Makarova & Dowell's performances. At the curtain call, it was charming to see Makarova kiss a single red rose from her bouquet and present it to Dowell for a job well done. | ||
 | Tchaikovsky - Swan Lake / Makarova, Dowell, Royal Ballet Covent Garden | |
| "Still the best Swan Lake on dvd" | 2007-04-22 |
| I'm not an expert but was a ballerina as a little girl and graduated into toe shoes in my early teens, so I know how difficult it is to dance ballet. Makarova is simply enchanting as Odette the Swan Princess. She was in her early 40's when this was filmed in the 80's. Her classical training in the Russian ballet program is very evident here. She's not perfect, but comes pretty close. This is a very demanding role for any ballerina especially one nearing the end of a fabulous career. Her legendary reputation is certainly solidified by this magnificent performance. Her beautiful, fluid arm movements are absolutely mesmerizing. Her facial and physical expressions add to a beautiful, dramatic interpretation. I have yet to see another ballerina emote and bring forth such dramatic intensity as Odette. Dowell is a very talented dancer and quite handsome too. I enjoyed his pirouettes and he has amazing balance. I thought he was quite sensitive as Prince Siegfried. They seemed to have very good chemistry. The Swan maidens were wonderful, but lacking the exact precision of the Paris Ballet or Kirov corps. Film was beautifully shot and has held up well considering the age of the original master tape. Overall, this is still my favorite Swan Lake performance on dvd simply for Makarova & Dowell's performances. At the curtain call, it was charming to see Makarova kiss a single red rose from her bouquet and present it to Dowell for a job well done. | ||
 | Samsung D807 Phone (Cingular) | |
| "Great slider phone" | 2007-04-15 |
| Samsung has made a very attractive and slim slider phone with an incredibly vivid color LCD. This is probably one of the best slider phones on the market. The only complaint that I have is the keys on the main outer display are too flush and if you have larger fingers, then you will probably constantly hit the wrong buttons. Sound quality is excellent and will also depend on carrier reception. Speakerphone is very good and can be utilized with or without phone being opened. Overall, an excellent entry into the slider phone market by Samsung in a compact package. | ||
 | Previn - A Streetcar Named Desire / Previn, Fleming, Gilfry, San Francisco Opera | |
| "Wonderful modern opera" | 2007-04-09 |
| I was really not sure from the previous reviews whether or not I would like this modern opera version of "Streetcar Named Desire". Personally, I just had to watch it because of the outstanding cast including Renee Fleming, Elizabeth Futral and Rodney Gilfry. Although there were moments when I longed for a beautiful aria instead of recitations, I did enjoy this opera. The cast were all in outstanding voice and Rodney Gilry has tremendous charisma. What a body too! Oh, there I go being superficial. He was perfect as the smirky, mean and arrogant Stanley. Fleming displays fragile and sensitive beauty in her portrayal of Blanche. Futral is lovely as the sweet Stella. I think the libretto could probably have been better written which is why I give it 4 stars. The music was lovely and the SF Orchestra is a perfect accompanist. | ||
 | Previn - A Streetcar Named Desire / Previn, Fleming, Gilfry, San Francisco Opera | |
| "Wonderful modern opera" | 2007-04-09 |
| I was really not sure from the previous reviews whether or not I would like this modern opera version of "Streetcar Named Desire". Personally, I just had to watch it because of the outstanding cast including Renee Fleming, Elizabeth Futral and Rodney Gilfry. Although there were moments when I longed for a beautiful aria instead of recitations, I did enjoy this opera. The cast were all in outstanding voice and Rodney Gilry has tremendous charisma. What a body too! Oh, there I go being superficial. He was perfect as the smirky, mean and arrogant Stanley. Fleming displays fragile and sensitive beauty in her portrayal of Blanche. Futral is lovely as the sweet Stella. I think the libretto could probably have been better written which is why I give it 4 stars. The music was lovely and the SF Orchestra is a perfect accompanist. | ||
 | Donizetti - L'Elisir d'Amore / Pido, Alagna, Gheorghiu, Opera National de Lyon | |
| "Delightful Elixir!" | 2007-04-09 |
| Although the superstar couple Alagna and Gheorghiu are the leads in this opera, it is Alagna who really is the star in this live opera. Alagna displays his fabulous voice and comedic ability. He really makes his lovesick character to be believable and funny. Gheorghiu is in fine voice here too, but somehow her acting ability seems to be more strongly suited to drama (she was superb in "La Traviata"). Her performance seems forced. She's still a fantastic beauty with a voice like an angel. I think her overbite is just cute. The performance was well filmed as visual and sound are excellent. The rest of the cast are in spectacular form. | ||
 | Donizetti - L'Elisir d'Amore (The Elixir of Love) / Pido, Alagna, Gheorghiu, Opera National de Lyon | |
| "Delightful Elixir!" | 2007-04-09 |
| Although the superstar couple Alagna and Gheorghiu are the leads in this opera, it is Alagna who really is the star in this live opera. Alagna displays his fabulous voice and comedic ability. He really makes his lovesick character to be believable and funny. Gheorghiu is in fine voice here too, but somehow her acting ability seems to be more strongly suited to drama (she was superb in "La Traviata"). Her performance seems forced. She's still a fantastic beauty with a voice like an angel. I think her overbite is just cute. The performance was well filmed as visual and sound are excellent. The rest of the cast are in spectacular form. | ||
 | Spaceballs | |
| "May The Schwartz Be With You" | 2007-04-03 |
| For those of us whom grew up with Battlestar Galactica and the mother of all sci-fi movies - "Star Wars", this is an affectionate and hilarious spoof of the sci-fi genre. It's ludicrously funny and gross at the same time. The best casting was in Rick Moranis as "Dark Helmet" and the scene where he plays with his dolls is hysterical. The double entendres keep you rolling in your seats. It's not Mel's best work - "Blazing Saddles" and "Young Frankenstein", but it will really strike a nerve with sci-fi lovers. I especially loved the rip-off scene from "Aliens". Let's go to ludicrous speed! | ||
 | Spaceballs | |
| "May The Schwartz Be With You" | 2007-04-03 |
| For those of us whom grew up with Battlestar Galactica and the mother of all sci-fi movies - "Star Wars", this is an affectionate and hilarious spoof of the sci-fi genre. It's ludicrously funny and gross at the same time. The best casting was in Rick Moranis as "Dark Helmet" and the scene where he plays with his dolls is hysterical. The double entendres keep you rolling in your seats. It's not Mel's best work - "Blazing Saddles" and "Young Frankenstein", but it will really strike a nerve with sci-fi lovers. I especially loved the rip-off scene from "Aliens". Let's go to ludicrous speed! | ||
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