BrucePike Reviews

Stargate Universe (2009–2011)

Dark and suspenseful

[10/10 · 20 May 2010]

Ignore the negative reviews from fanboys who are upset that it does not have the exact same look and feel of Atlantis and SG1. This is without a doubt the consistently best show in the Stargate franchise.

The tone of Stargate Universe is far darker than that of the two previous shows, it is also far less predictable. There is more character conflict, which helps create good suspense and drama. You don't know who can be trusted, particularly Dr Rush - masterfully played by Robert Carlyle. Dr Rush and Colonel Young (Justin Louis) - the reluctant leader of the expedition - are two of the most notable and interesting characters on the show. Justin Louis plays the seasoned leader type character perfectly, and adds a lot of weight and authenticity to the show. Jamil Walker Smith also deserves credit for his portrayal of MSG Greer, a combat seasoned marine with a mysterious past. He is a man of few words, but tends to have a short fuse in non-combat situations. He helps add a very authentic military feel to the show.

All in all, this is a very enjoyable ride that will have you at the edge of your seat, and leave you wanting more.

Disaster! (2005)

Aptly named

[1/10 · 18 May 2010]

If you are the type who will giggle uncontrollably at the mere mention of poop or penis, no matter what the context, then you will love this movie. However, if you happen to be over 12 you will most likely be yawning and looking at your watch waiting for the film to be over. I am by no means prudish or sensitive to crude humor, I am a big fan of South Park. However, unlike South park, there is no intelligent satire or clever parodies in this movie. The jokes are so juvenile and predictable that it consistently falls flat on its face.

It's almost as if the makers were expecting the long worn off novelty of adult animation to carry this movie alone, without giving any particular thought to the script whatsoever. Oh look, they are parodying Armageddon, ha ha, oh look there's poop, ha ha, oh my god, that is so funny. This basically sums up the whole movie, minus the laughs. There is absolutely nothing funny about this movie. It is aptly named "Disaster!". It is not even worth 99 cents from the bargain bin. It would be a waste of 99 cents. Even if you got to see it for free it would be a waste of 83 minutes.

Bottom line: avoid this movie if you value your time or money.

Legend of the Seeker (2008–2010)

Best fantasy TV series produced in a very long time!

[10/10 · 18 May 2010]

Based on the Sword of Truth fantasy novel series by Terry Goodkind, this show follows the adventures of Richard Cypher, The Seeker, who sets off on an epic journey to fight the evil ruler Darken Rahl. He is accompanied by Kahlan Amnell, a beautiful woman with magic powers known as a Confessor, and Zeddicus Zu'l Zorander, a wizard of the first order.

You would expect a show like this to be cheesy, but nothing could be further from the truth. This show is without a doubt the best fantasy TV series produced in a very long time. Despite the budget constraints of a weekly television series, it manages to keep the grand and epic adventure feel alive. Action sequences are stylishly done with cool 300-style slow-mo effects, and the stories keep getting better and better. The casting is nigh on perfect, particularly that of the lovely Bridget Regan as the beautiful and graceful confessor, Kahlan. This character could easily have been played wrong, but Regan flawlessly plays the many subtleties and aspects of Kahlan, who is caring, gentle and sensitive, but also stubborn and a fierce warrior you would not want to end up on the wrong side of. Craig Horner also does an excellent portrayal of Richard, The Seeker, and Bruce Spence was practically made for the role of the wizard, Zeddicus. Craig Parker also deserves credit for his portrayal of Darken Rahl, he manages enough subtleties to keep this character from becoming too predictable. He has a very distinct voice, which makes him very recognizable, and its perfect for Darken Rahl.

Unfortunately this show seems to be hanging in the balance with no word on a third season, so if you haven't seen it already, make sure to tune in or buy the box set. A show this good deserves many more seasons.