Ally-19 Reviews

Wild Things 2 (2004 Video)

What's the point??

[11 September 2004]

This film is not so much a sequel as it is a remake. And even worse, it seems to be taking itself way too seriously. The original Wild Things worked because it was tongue-in-cheek - Bill Murray's performance alone should certify that.

So, why on earth would they make a sequel? Well, okay, there are probably some horny teenage boys out there waiting to see what benefits the sequel holds considering the first part contained a three-way and hot lesbian action. Well, boys you're not going to be disappointed because, the film contains plenty of T'n'A. Too much in fact, as it seems to think that this will excuse its plot. Or lack of.

I was surprised to see Susan Ward in this considering she had already played the same type of character in The In Crowd (which, is a lot better than this in terms of being a trashy, guilty pleasure), Isaiah Washington (what's he doing in this??) and a newcomer Leila Arceri who seems to try too hard.

Anyway, don't waste your time on this. You might as well rent out Wild Things. And for those Susan Ward fans why not try The In Crowd?

Uptown Girls (2003)

Great cast, shame about the script...

[27 August 2004]

Brittany Murphy has always been a firm favourite of mine since she acted Alicia Silverstone off the screen in Clueless so, I was looking forward to seeing Uptown Girls even though it had received less-than-stellar reviews.

Murphy delivers the goods; showing that she has great comic timing and paired with the (surprisingly) brilliant Dakota Fanning, the 'reluctant buddy' chemistry is apparent. Throw in the sweet (yet underrated) Marley Shelton, Donald Faison (Murphy's old Clueless buddy) and a blink and you'll miss it appearance from Heather Locklear and you have a talented and promising cast (with the exception of Jesse Spencer, who just plain sucks. In fact, the pig had more depth than he did).

However, the film's weakest link is the script, it simply isn't enough to hold your attention all the way through and descends into cliche-ridden moments which do nothing to emphasise the talents of the two leads.

Aside from a few bright moments - disappointing.

4/10

No Angels (2004–2006)

NHS Direct - 'overworked and underpaid'...

[17 March 2004]

No Angels is a refreshingly honest and darkly humorous take on the whole 'doctors and nurses' concept. Therefore, anyone expecting to see 'Florence Nightingales' roaming the wards best be warned. These naughty nurses work hard and play even harder.

Revolving around four central characters as they juggle work and play - sometimes combining both - No Angels is well written and highly acted. Comparisons to Sex and The City are likely but are easily dismissed. Although sexy, these girls lead anything but glamorous lifestyles.

Overall, the series makes no attempts to apologise for the antics of all involved but instead offers a realistic insight into the work of the unsung heroines of Britain's National Health Service. As the title states, these nurses may not be angels but they are certainly indispensable.

Popular (1999–2001)

Spectacular!

[10/10 · 10 September 2003]

In opposition to the previous reviewer (what the hell were you watching - a rerun of Dawsons' or a home video??)

Anyways, Popular is without a doubt one of THE best teen tv shows to hit screen in the US/UK.

The show has just the right mix of comedy and drama which is reminiscent of Heathers. Even the music used with the show sounds like the same music that was used in Heathers.

Yes, the show spoofs 'teen issues' but, also adds its own unique take on them.

I think you just have to be able to know when to take it seriously and when to laugh - take note previous reviewer! You need a BRAIN.

Anyway - just wish they'd get on with it and put it on DVD. It's the least they could do since they unceremoniously ended the series without a proper resolution (b*****ds!)

Overnight Delivery (1998 Video)

Pure Entertainment!!!

[9/10 · 18 April 1999]

The film's just there to make you laugh and keep you occupied for an hour and a half. Who cares whether it wins any awards or not! Who cares whether it was a bit unrealistic (the dorms being like 4 star hotels!) I thought it was great! I just love Reese Witherspoon she has been one of my favourite actresses ever since her performance blew me away in Freeway (you have got to see this film if you're a die-hard Reese Witherspoon fan!). Therefore, I just had to rent this movie! The combination of Reese with Paul Rudd was great - they were hilarious! Christine Taylor was great too as his snotty Cheerleader girlfriend (I loved that dream sequence!) An entertaining film that's worth watching for the performances as well as Kevin Smith's contribution (that's if it wasn't all edited out!)

The Baby-Sitters Club (1990)

Much better than that poor excuse for a film!!!

[10/10 · 19 March 1999]

I remember watching this with my friend, and to tell you the truth - it's not that bad! Sure, it's corny and cheesey and whatever, but the actresses were a hell of a lot better than those morons that acted in the movie!! At least these actresses made their friendship seem natural rather than forced and awkward like the actresses in the movie! This, to me, is a classic (genuine), it reminds me of when I was at school, and is a hell of a lot funnier and interesting than the film! In my opinion, if Ann M. Martin wanted to make a movie, than she should have done so at the time the TV series was being made! She should have used the same actresses that she had used for the TV series! To me, the characters described in the book were portrayed more realistically by the actresses in the TV series than in the awful movie!! I just regret the fact that the actresses in the TV series seem to have faded into oblivion whereas, the awful actresses in the movie have actually found more work!!! There is no justice in America!!! And by the way, if people criticise this series for being "unrealistic" then they should realise that the movie could hardly be described as "realistic". Besides the TV series was aimed at young teens, so it's hardly going to show sex, violence and bad language is it?!?! People have to put this into perspective, and when it is put into a young teen's perspective, it works out as a great TV series!!

The Thin Red Line (1998)

Terrence Malick is an AUTEUR!!!

[10/10 · 11 March 1999]

All I can say is WOW!! What a fantastically beautiful film! It is not the battle scenes that stick in your mind, but the performances of an incredibly talented ensemble cast - especially Jim Cavaziel and Sean Penn. The cinematography was simply breathtaking, and the script was superb! Unlike Saving Private Ryan, this film focused on humanising the characters, and made them seem more realistic, rather than some cheesy male bonding scenes (Private Ryan). The film also took an unbiased point of view of the war, rather than simply portraying the men in terms of good and bad. See it and be AMAZED - Malick definitely deserves an Oscar!