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- Review count9
- Helpfulness votes6
- First reviewFebruary 17, 2008
- Last reviewAugust 21, 2015
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating3.7
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Candid's Reviews
![Kingsman: The Secret Service [Blu-ray] [2015]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/2700/2700041_sa.jpg)
Posted by: Candid
from Goodyear AZ
I wrote this review when the movie remake of The Man From U.N.C.L.E. came out in theaters. I have to say that THAT movie WISHES it could be THIS one. [And I think the reviews and box office data support it.]
This movie is the big-screen adaptation of a graphic novel by Mark Millar, and has a general quirkiness like the Kick-A** graphic novel [which Mr. Millar also wrote...and which I can't spell out properly on this web site due to "inappropriate language"]. This flick has:
--some cool Watchmen-style slow-motion action sequences
--some fast Black Widow-meets-Kill Bill fight scenes
--humor
--style
--subtle elegance
--good, old-fashioned gentleman spies and their cool toys
--a Bond-style henchwoman with a unique, deadly gimmick [in this case, lethal prosthetics from the knees down...each of which oddly reminds me of a sewing machine needle assembly for some reason]
--a deliciously zany Samuel L. Jackson playing a semi-serious [and smarter] Dr. Evil-type with nerdy glasses, a lisp, and a gangsta-style baseball cap with oversized bill
The movie is an amalgam of older spy genre movies and TV shows-- back when they were actually FUN to watch. It has its serious aspects, but is not the darker fare we've received since 1987 [when Timothy Dalton took over the James Bond role]. This one is definitely intelligent and entertaining in an offbeat and refreshing manner.
The disc's extras [special features] take an extensive look behind the production of the movie. They're interesting, if lengthy and tedious at times.
My Best Buy number: 0022798152
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![Helix: Season 2 [Includes Digital Copy] [UltraViolet] [Blu-ray] [2 Discs]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/7899/7899014_sa.jpg)
This release compiles every episode from season two of Helix, a science-fiction series that focused on a team of scientists from the center of disease control who travel to the Arctict in order to investigate a possible outbreak of a deadly virus, only to uncover a much larger threat to humans.
Posted by: Candid
from Goodyear AZ
Season 2 picks up where Season 1 left off, but goes faster, darker, and is increasingly uneven. Instead of using flashbacks, the writers used flash-forwards for parts of the continuing story--not a bad thing, but its execution with all the plots-within-plots challenge one to maintain perspective from one episode to the next.
There's nothing wrong with the acting, but the characters devolved--they became increasingly amoral, petty, and thereby unsympathetic. I was actually rooting for the contagion-of-the-season to wipe them all out.
This season was particularly abundant in violence, gore, over-use of the S-word, Freudian slips, Greek tragedies, backstabbing [literal and figurative], and other elements... although it didn't reach Game of Thrones levels. The scripts were intelligent, but far too convoluted for their own good.
All in all, I felt this season was a setup for failure. The network wasn't really supportive and the creative team's drive [including Ronald Moore's peripheral-only involvement] seemed to have lost steam. Whatever the case, viewership declined to such a point that SyFy HAD to cancel the series. Can't say that I disagree with that decision or that I'm sorry to see this series go bye-bye.
My Best Buy number: 0022798152
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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![Justice League: Gods and Monsters [Blu-ray] [2015]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/5839/5839047_sa.jpg)
Customer Rating
5
Not for JL purists, but still most excellent
on July 30, 2015
Posted by: Candid
from Goodyear AZ
I admit that I've always liked Marvel a lot more than DC, but I have to grant that DC has, in general, better live-action & animated TV series' and animated movies. This one is one of the best offerings in the latter category.
This movie is in DC's "Elsewhen" mythos, which puts a "what if" spin on traditional DC characters. [Call it an alternate reality, if you will.]
The JL "Trinity"--Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman--do NOT have the same origins, costumes, and alter-egos that we all know.
Rather, Superman is NOT the son of Jor-El and is raised my migrant workers; Wonder Woman is NOT associated with Greek mythology but is an alien [from a place you'd probably know but least expect]; Batman is NOT Bruce Wayne or a billionaire, but IS a vampire.
Unless you're a die-hard comic purist, what's not intriguing about this?
The movie's creators, cast, and crew, pull it off with style, too. The plot is very smart, gritty, and unpredictable--you don't know who the villain really is until near the end. The animation is in the traditional, excellent Warner Brothers fashion, and the voice cast does a superb job at bringing the characters more to life.
This is definitely not your parents'...or grandparents'...or even great-grandparents'...Justice League. Instead, it's a brilliant alternative with elements of realism that fit contemporary sensibilities. Bravo and thumb's up to the movie's creators, cast, and crew.
Just be advised: the movie is rated PG-13 and isn't for young kids.
My Best Buy number: 0022798152
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![Powers: Season 1 [UltraViolet] [Includes Digital Copy] [3 Discs] [Blu-ray]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/prescaled/500/500/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/98175eaa-8354-4c9c-840c-da4e417bc842.jpg)
Based on the graphic novel, Powers is set in a world where superheroes and humans live amongst each other - but the super-powered have a penchant for mischief and misuse of their gifts. Sharlto Copley stars as a detective tasked with keeping the super-human in line. The entire first season of Powers is contained in this multidisc set.
Posted by: Candid
from Goodyear AZ
I never read, let alone heard of, the graphic novel that this show is based upon. I'm neither a gamer nor a follower of PlayStation and the "PlayStation Network" this series is on; I simply stumbled on this show while browsing the new DVD releases on Best Buy's web site.
The description sounded mildly intriguing, so I bought it "cold" #e.g., without foreknowledge#. I don't regret it since I knew what the risks were; I own up to the mistake and take the loss.
The first season of any TV series is often the worst because the cast and crew are fleshing out everything. Tried as I did to be objective and give the benefit of the doubt, I counted more cons than pros with this series. Many of this show's reviews in the IMDb were spot-on for the most part.
In a nutshell, I had to force this show down...so I'll forego the displeasure of a second helping, hope I can get the bad taste out, and pray an enema won't be necessary.
My Best Buy number: 0022798152
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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![Marvel's The Avengers [2 Discs] [Blu-ray/DVD] [2012]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/5998/5998636_sa.jpg)
Customer Rating
5
The best live-action superhero movie made yet
on October 7, 2013
Posted by: Candid
from Goodyear AZ
No entertainment form on this planet is perfect...but this movie is close and far exceeded my expectations. I found it to be the best action/fantasy movie since the Lord of the Rings trilogy and easily the best live-action superhero movie made so far.
I've always favored Marvel comics over DC and am glad this movie (and all the ones leading up to it) have set the bar. I think Marvel is finally in the front...at least, for now...and hope the streak continues.
I liked just about everything presented in this film. Granted, there are some things that detracted from the overall production, but they're few and really aren't worth itemizing in this review. As I mentioned before, nothing's perfect.
I just hope that the studio will release an extended/Director's Cut version that includes the deleted scenes--I found those DVD extras relevant to the story and not detrimental to the movie's flow. Having all the parts will, I think, make for a better viewing experience on DVD.
I have spoken; thanks for reading. Hulk Rules!
My Best Buy number: 0022798152
What's great about it: Nearly all production values
What's not so great: DVD isn't Director's/Extended Cut
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes, Vol. 1 [DVD]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/2244/2244184_sa.jpg)
This action packed release from the animated adventure series Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes follows a collective of superheroes -- Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, and The Hulk - through the first seven episodes in the series, as they pit their skills against some of the deadliest supervillains on earth.
Customer Rating
5
MARVEL FINALLY GOT IT RIGHT
on May 1, 2011
Posted by: Candid
from Goodyear AZ
After all the disappointing Marvel animated series of late, this one is easily on a par with the excellence of DC's Justice League series. The Avengers is exciting and jam-packed with action and plot. Character development is subtle and gradual, but nonetheless there. Some of the characters and costumes are different from the comic books, but is quite acceptable. I don't consider the Disney animation as good or stylish as that of Warner Brothers, but it's easily overlooked. I like that the writers put my favorite character, The Hulk, into the mix and are reinventing his attitude and other characters' perception of him. I can't wait for Season 2 to start. The only thing I don't like is how the DVDs are being released: one disc of six episodes per collection and no Blu-ray release yet. The entire season can probably be put on one standard-def disc...but I guess the studio is just out to get more money out of us.
What's great about it: ACTION-PACKED, INTELLIGENT, AND EXCITING
What's not so great: STUDIO DVD RELEASE PLAN IS IMPRACTICAL AND WASTEFUL
I would recommend this to a friend!
Other Best Buy Products I Recommend
The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes, Vol. 2
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![Star Trek [Special Edition] [2 Discs] [Includes Digital Copy] [DVD] [2009]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/9433/9433543_sa.jpg)
Customer Rating
5
EXCELLENT--A TREK MOVIE MADE LIKE STAR WARS
on December 17, 2009
Posted by: Candid
from Goodyear AZ
Fully accept the alternate reality...its origins and subsequent direction definitely freshen things up and engenders new possibilities.
Smart plot and good, if somewhat uneven, character development. Some of the acting was either a bit over-the-top or a bit wooden, but it still meshed well overall and conveyed the spirit of the original characters.
The director wanted and succeeded in making a Star Trek movie in a Star Wars manner. Some of the new set and ship designs were't as neat and/or symmetrical as in the original franchise (particularly the hideous USS Kelvin and the cavernous engineering parts of it and the Enterprise that seemed very disproportionate to the scale of the ships), but it lent more towards the Star Wars look.
The humor was tasteful, funny, and enhanced character interactions. Sound, special effects, make-up, and costumes were outstanding, if hard to assimilate at times. The music was appropriate and enhanced the feel of the movie.
As a military retiree, the one thing I found the most unrealistic and implausible was the casual jump of some of the main characters through the Starfleet military rank structure. I know the story had to move the characters to their customary positions within the movie's two or so hours, but this rush still rankled me...not that it really diminished my enjoyment of the movie.
All in all, I'd say the movie is worthy of the name and franchise. Kudos to all the cast and crew who created this very fine piece of entertainment.
What's great about it: SMART TIE-IN WITH ORIGINAL FRANCHISE; LOTS OF ACTION, LAUGHS, AND POSSIBILITIES
What's not so great: COMPLETELY UNREALISTIC ADVANCEMENT OF CHARACTERS THRU RANKS
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![Hulk Vs. [Blu-ray] [2009]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/9146/9146373_sa.jpg)
Customer Rating
4
A Smashingly Good DVD
on January 31, 2009
Posted by: Candid
from Goodyear AZ
Very entertaining--leaves one wanting more. At the risk of sounding biased since the Hulk is my favorite comic character, I enjoyed it when he cleaned everybody's clocks while taking a licking himself. I liked the Wolverine feature best of the two--it's grittier, funnier, and more adult...like how superhero comic books should be translated to the big or small screen. The only thing I didn't like about this particular feature was the blockiness of the Japanese animation. The drawings were too caricature-ish, too many sharp angles, and choppy movements. (The creators and crew wanted that look, but it didn't do anything for me.) Excellent voice talent, writing, and direction. The Thor feature was more stylish, better drawn, had good action, direction, and story. Thought the Norse gods, including Thor, were portrayed on the wimpy side, though. The ending is rather sappy, too, but the feature was nonetheless entertaining. I don't know about anybody else's copy, but my Blu-Ray disc's transcoding is either defective or improperly programmed. I can't load or start the disc using the "play" button; have to use the "fast-forward" (or whatever it's called) button. It'll bring up the menu and will play fine from there, but it took a while to figure out and is annoying. Not sure if I want to exchange the disc, but the faulty transcoding and the "cons" that I mentioned for each feature prevent me from giving this DVD release an "excellent" (5-star) rating. I nonetheless recommend it, but with caution--see if you can have the disc checked at the store first.
What's great about it: Blood-pumping action; smart scripts; excellent voice talent.
What's not so great: Faulty disc transcoding; some animation isn't very good; some character development is weak.
I would recommend this to a friend!
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![Dragonlance [DVD] [2007]](https://pisces.bbystatic.com/image2/BestBuy_US/images/products/8626/8626917_sa.jpg)
Customer Rating
1
T-R-B-L: Terrible
on February 17, 2008
Posted by: Candid
I read and enjoyed all the Dragonlance books and didn't expect the DVD to mirror the first book in any way (like Lord of the Rings, but I loved the movies anyway). I tried to like the Dragonlance movie...but just couldn't. I watched a few time, but just got more disgusted with it The essence of the book is there (if barely) but it was interpreted and presented horribly--I doubt too many of the cast and crew bothered to read the book and, thus, their interpretation is sorely lacking. The animation is uneven--combining 2D and 3D elements in a poor mix; elements are blurry; and some cells are just badly drawn. The performance of most of the voice actors was also uneven--either over-the-top or just plain wooden (aka dull). Overall, the direction was poor--it just didn't present all the elements in a viable manner that someone unfamiliar with the tale would easily understand, let alone get swept away by. Sorry, but D&D-based movies (animated or live action) require something more from filmmakers than what's been presented to-date. Remember the abominable Dungeons & Dragons-The Movie? Dragonlance is sadly just its animated twin. I'll bet the book authors, Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, are disappointed.
What's great about it: Narrowly follows the essence of the book
What's not so great: Bad animation, direction, and voice cast
No, I would not recommend this to a friend.
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