Eddie McKeirnan Reviews

X-Men (2000)

One of my favourites!!!

[5 August 2000]

When the "X-Men" movie came out, I had some doubts about it as I had seen the animated series and read a few issues of the comics and didn't like it very much. The only reason I went to see "X-Men" was because it had Ray Park in it and I absolutely loved him in "The Phantom Menace" as Darth Maul.

I have to say, "X-Men" is one of the best movies I've ever seen in a while, aside from "The Phantom Menace", thanks to the magnificent performances of all those involved. Hugh Jackman, who is well known in Australia, was a heck of a lot better than I expected and he really fits the role of Logan/Wolverine. Patrick Stewart also did a great job of portraying Charles Xavier, and ditto to Sir Ian McKellen as Magneto. I also had my doubts about James Marsden as Cyclops, but he too turned in a great performance. Heck, there aren't even any slackers in this cast.

My only real complaint about the movie after watching it was that the ending could have had some more action in it.

So go see "X-Men". I guarantee you will enjoy it. I rate it 8.5 out of 10.

Stingers (1998–2004)

A top-notch Australian drama series

[1 March 2000]

"Stingers" is a high-quality drama that is deadlocked with "Water Rats" as Australia's most popular cop show. "Stingers" deals with the story of a bunch of undercover cops whose real names are not known. It is their job to infiltrate gangs or companies that are suspected of illegal activities and then have them busted, which is a risky and dangerous job as there is always the danger of being recognised as a cop by someone they may have put away before.

The cast is competent and well-chosen and give their likeable characters life. The storylines are of high-standard in excellence, and they usually contain unpredictable plot twists and turns.

"Stingers" is a recommended series.

Voltron: The Third Dimension (1998–2000)

An excellent CGI series!!!

[1 March 2000]

"Voltron: The Third Dimension" is the sequel series to the animated series "Voltron -- Defender Of The Universe" and it is an excellent series.

The storylines are excellent, the voice acting top notch, and the battle scenes are extremely enjoyable. But my only complaint is the facial movements -- some of it didn't look right, but the animators have improved in the second season over the first.

All in all, V3D is a great series and a highly recommended one. My favourite episode is "Dark Heart".

Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)

An excellent film!!

[1 March 2000]

I saw "The Phantom Menace" on my Birthday in 1999 and I enjoyed it very much. Not only was the special effects stunning (especially Jar Jar Binks), the action scenes were spectacular.

The cast was well-chosen and enthusiastic, Ray Park in particular as the vicious Sith Darth Maul. His martial arts prowess was eye-boggling and a treat to watch. Liam Neeson and Ewan McGregor did well too, considering they aren't experienced like Park.

The best scene was the final confrontation between Qui-Gon Jinn (Neeson) and Obi-Wan Kenobi (McGregor) against Darth Maul -- the lightsabre duels were fast and furious and highly enjoyable.

Although "The Phantom Menace" isn't as good as the first three "Star Wars" films, it was 'not a lot on heart, but a lot on fun', as quoted by Leonard Maltin.

I can't wait for Episode 2!

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997–2003)

Quite enjoyable, I do say.

[1 March 2000]

I have to admit "Buffy" is one show that is a must-see. Originally, I hated the first episode, so I didn't watch the first season. But I saw all of season two and I have to say, it was quite good. Since then, I've been watching Buffy and have been able to catch up on the early episodes.

One of my favourite characters is Xander because he's a goof, a nervous wimp, a coward, and very funny. Spike, or William the Bloody, is another favourite -- the Englishman vampire speaks with an english accent much like Giles' except the librarian has a softer voice. I also liked Principal Snyder, who is often referred to as 'Snyde-head' -- his scenes are always funny to watch. It's a pity he was killed off at the end of season three.

The cast of Buffy were well-chosen and the story lines and humour remain quite fresh and original and the series is still going strong despite David Boreanaz and Charisma Carpenter having departed the show (they both now appear in the Buffy spin-off series "Angel").

Overall, "Buffy" is one show I recommend to teens and I rate it 8 out of 10.

Beast Wars: Transformers (1996–1999)

An excellent CGI series

[1 March 2000]

"Beast Wars", which is the sequel series to the animated "The Transformers" but set before that show, is an excellent CGI show with great animation and voice acting.

The storylines were mostly good but there were a few ones I didn't like ("Power Surge" and "Tangled Web" for example). But what really bugs me is the way the characters' weapons just appear at times from nowhere.

This series lasted three seasons before its title was changed to "Beast Machines", which I have yet to see.

I rate this show better than the "Transformers" at 7 out of 10.

Universal Soldier (1992)

One heck of an action film!

[1 March 2000]

"Universal Soldier" is undoubtedly one of the best action films ever made, and it is made so by the excellent performance of Dolph Lundgren as the evil Sergeant Andrew Scott.

This film, which also stars Jean-Claude Van Damme in one of his better films has all the elements of your standard action film -- violence and coarse language, but no sex which is good, although some butt nudity is featured.

The final showdown between Van Damme and Lundgren is the film's high point, and is one of movie history's longest fight scenes -- it runs for over 15 mins.

This film was followed by two Made-For-TV films which had Matt Battaglia replacing Van Damme.

On a scale of one to ten, I rate this 7.5

Total Recall (1990)

An excellent sci-fi action film

[1 March 2000]

"Total Recall" is one of the best sci-fi action films ever made thanks to the excellent direction of Paul ("RoboCop") Verhoeven and the intriguing storyline with unpredictable twists and turns. Also helping out this film is the fantastic visual effects and the occasional one-liners from Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Ronny Cox is another plus to this film as the villainous Cohaagen, another one of his best film roles, alongside his Dick Jones from "RoboCop" and Ben Grogan in the TVM "In The Line Of Duty: The FBI Murders".

Michael Ironside ("The Glass Shield") is another star who shines in this film as Cohaagen's right-hand man; Sharon Stone ("Basic Instinct") fares well as Schwarzenegger's 'wife'; Rachel Ticotin ("Con Air" and "Turbulence") makes a good heroine as Schwarzenegger's girlfriend; and Marshall Bell ("Twins" and "Starship Troopers"), in a major role but short appearance as an alien with a secret.

So, if you're an action or sci-fi buff, "Total Recall" is the film you'll want to see.

The Simpsons (1989– )

This series is a hoot!

[1 March 2000]

"The Simpsons" is one of the best comedy shows that ever graced the television screens. Even thought it's been going for nearly 12 years, it remains fresh and downright humorous, and it hosts many references to tv shows, movies, celebrities and literature.

The voices are excellent and many of the storylines were excellent, although there were some I didn't like, such as when Bart worked at a burlesque in "Bart After Dark". But most episodes I find extremely funny, such as "When Flanders Failed" and "Miracle On Evergreen Terrace".

"The Simpsons" still remains popular, and I hope its popularity doesn't dwindle. I rate this series 8.5 out of 10.

Masters of the Universe (1987)

The BEST live-action film adapted from a cartoon!!!

[1 March 2000]

Okay, so this film isn't exactly Oscar material, but it's extremely enjoyable! The storyline was great, and the visual designs of the Castle of Greyskull (both interior and exterior) is excellent.

Dolph Lundgren is perfect as the heroic He-Man and Frank Langella is at his best as the villainous Skeletor (who is one of my favourite film villains), but it is James Tolkan who steals the show as the tough-a***d cop Lubic.

Many people accused this film of being a 'Star Wars rip-off', but it isn't because the vehicles that were seen in this film also existed in the animated series.

Overall, this is a very entertaining film and I rate it 8.5 out of 10.

The Bill (1984–2010)

A highly-enjoyable UK drama

[1 March 2000]

"The Bill", a very popular UK drama in Australia, is one of my favourite television series thanks to the excellent quality of the storylines and the superb and convincing performances by all of its stars.

However, I think too much of the action takes place with the CID (Criminal Intelligence Division) unit, and that we should see more of the uniformed officers.

As I mentioned before, the storylines were excellent in quality and the recent storyline involving PC Eddie Santini's (Michael Higgs) harassment of WPC Rosie Fox (Caroline Catz) was one of the best storylines I've seen on "The Bill". I already know of several major up-coming storylines, but I won't be giving anything away except to say to Aussie viewers that you are all in for a treat.

What I'd really like to see on "The Bill" is some more storylines involving the uniformed officers like PC Dave Quinnan (my favourite character played by Andrew Paul) and PC Tony Stamp (Graeme Cole).

Overall, "The Bill" is an excellent cop show and it is highly recommended viewing.

Voltron: Defender of the Universe (1984–1985)

The best animated series ever!

[29 February 2000]

"Voltron -- Defender Of The Universe" is my favourite animated series of all time thanks to the excellent storylines, great voices, exciting action scenes and best of all, a highly memorable music theme.

"Voltron" is a true classic and it shall always remain a classic. So, if you haven't seen it before, go see it now!