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Reviews
Journeyman (2007)
Been on this Journey Before
I saw the pilot for the show on a free Blockbuster DVD. I was hoping to like it more, especially since I like the main actors. But 10 minutes into this one, and I knew I was just watching another formulaic network show.
There are definitely some interesting twists in the pilot; however, the writers insist on establishing atmosphere and introducing characters in such a heavy-handed/seen-it-a-million-times kind of way.
Some comments have been made about make McKidd's accent -- believe me, if you saw him in a British film like the very fine, very intense "Dog Soldiers," you'd be reaching for the subtitles button in a hurry. As for Moon Bloodgood, who always lights up the screen, it's been noted that she was in the short-lived "Daybreak," which also had a time shifting premise. That was a far superior show, which was not afraid to keep us off balance (and that might have spelled its demise), but it was an engaging, challenging and enjoyable viewing experience. Even when I really didn't know exactly what was going on, I was hooked strongly enough to endure the discomfort of watching six unaired episodes online.
I can't predict if this show is going to make it because I'm not a good judge of mass-market appeal. It's obvious from the pilot that nothing in "Journeyman" will get you too excited or unsettled. It's a by-the-numbers network narcotic that will wash over you, without disturbing your TV expectations. So sad to say, but my first trip with the "Journeyman" will be my last one.
Hostel (2005)
Better Than I Expected
Based on some other reviews plus the ad campaign, I expected an unrelenting gore fest. Actually, this is a very Grimm fairy tale (pun intended) with just enough fantasy and allegory to keep you interested while not losing your lunch. Thematically, this is also a very political film that takes various swipes at the notion of anti-Americanism. (Note how Jay Hernandez' bi-lingual ability, unusual for mono-lingual Americans, is a plus.) Of course there are many incidents in the movie that are way over the top and highly implausible, but, again, this is a cautionary fairy tale, and it sticks to those old-fashioned rules of good, evil and retribution while being very entertaining.
Wicker Park (2004)
Not Even for Free
I tried this movie because it was among a handful of free DVDs offered by Blockbuster.com, and it was the only one I hadn't seen. Anyway, I want my 120 minutes back.
I have no idea what this film is trying to be but it fails on all counts. It is not an involving mystery, though it lamely uses a patchwork of flashbacks and flash forwards to create and answer questions. Soon enough, you've figured it out, but feel like "OK, so what?" Plus, the creative crew for this lemon also tries their hands at giving us a romance movie (though Josh Hartnett cannot generate any discernible emotion) and a stalker thriller, though there is no real danger or jeopardy.
In short, a boring, yawn-inducing mess.