Change Your Image
TeEn AnGeL
Reviews
Flashdance (1983)
I can't have it all.........
Oh, what a feeling I had when I watched this movie. Instead of making me believe I could dance right through my life, this film made me want to sleep right through it. I usually enjoy musicals involving many astounding hits from the 80s, but still, the sheer star power of Joan Jett and the Blackhearts performing 'I Love Rock and Roll' was just not enough for me this time. Though what I enjoyed most was that funky dance music that came after Joan...It was sooooooooo FUNKY!
But funky music aside, there was not much else to enjoy in this film. I felt empty as I watched Kyle T. Heffner perform the role of Ritchie. He subtly reminded me of Mike Damus and the funny, hilarious and extremely corny jokes he told. Oh Mike, if only you were old enough to play Ritchie back then.
But getting back to me, often, all alone I have cried silent tears full of pride. So I thought I could relate to this film because I too was once a dancer like Jennifer Beals, sadly it was much more of a difficult road to acceptance for me. Yes, Flashdance ended on a positive note, and I can only hope that one day I could be like Alex. But digression is something I do often, so let's get back to my review, I give this film 5 out of 10 because the story was rather weak, and the acting was so bad, I felt I could have acted all the parts out better than them...except maybe the part played by Jumbo Red. For him, I watched until the end.
Shrek 2 (2004)
I'm Still A Believer
`Everybody's after love...' as am I, although I feel less unloved when I watch films like this one. Shrek 2 brought many a tear to my eyes as I learnt the true meaning of friendship, dreams, and most of all the joys of finding your one true love - even if they look like an ogre (although personally the ogre princess Fiona wasn't *that* unattractive!). I for one would be happy to meet someone who understood me and my `ogre-ish' needs in every way. But I digress....This film was great. The acting was pure brilliance! The voice actors were well-suited to their animated counterparts, but if only my favourite actor Mike Damus could've starred in it. In fact, I'd say this film was missing one thing. And that one thing was the presence of an angel in a starring role.
So you ask, am I now an accepted member of society? Well sadly no, but when I watch films like Shrek 2 I feel one step closer to acceptance, although I know I'll never be able to achieve it by watching animated comedies. But I digress once again, Shrek 2 is almost as good as that other brilliant film Shrek, the one that made me believe to begin with. I award this film 9 out of 10....it lost 1 mark for not having Mike Damus in it!
And so I shall leave you, hoping for some ch-ch-changes in this funky town of mine
Shrek (2001)
Now I'm A Believer
"...And I saw (his) face..." Yes! Shrek, the most beautiful ogre ever, is truly beautiful underneath. Sure he might be different within his society, but he did not let other people's opinions get in the way.
I, a rejected member of society, took a lot from this film. I learned so much from this lovable ogre. (I only resemble him *slightly* you know...)
Shrek is one of the better films i have seen in my lifetime, although it doesn't compare to films like American Beauty and Edward Scissorhands and of course the ever brilliant Lost in Yonkers.
Sweet Valley High (1994)
Not quite as sweet as Teen Angel...
After Teen Angel and maybe Home and Away, i must admit that Sweet Valley High is just the best show ever!
I just love the *brilliant* acting and the set designs were superb! And that opening theme song... well what can i say, has there ever been a better song ? (Although that "you know we belong together" song from Home and Away came close and the entire Lost in Yonkers soundtrack is pretty good).
Anyway when i talk about the brilliant acting i am referring to one actress in particular - Bridget Flanery! She played the original Lila and then they replaced her for some reason. I considered not watching Sweet Valley High for awhile after that but there *are* several other good actors in it (such as the Daniel twins). But back to Bridget Flanery - not only was she brilliant in this show she did have a guest role in my favourite tv show of all time, Teen Angel. For those of you who watched it she played the role of Jessica. And she played it so well it brought tears of joy to my eyes when i saw her.
Sweet Valley High was a wonderful tv show and it is a pity they ended after so few seasons.
Edward Scissorhands (1990)
Cutting Edge: Brilliant acting Conchata $$$$
Edward Scissorhands was a beautiful masterpiece. Never has one felt so connected to Johnny Depp. His character was very charismatic, and the film was very warm and gave me a sense of security and well-being.
But that's enough about Johnny. The true star of this film was Conchata Ferrell by far. Her role as Helen was brilliantly portrayed and ever so realistic. Of course my theory is that Teen Angel is really the high point of her career. I believe that an actress like Conchata is definitely more suited to roles like Pam on Teen Angel, but before that, this was truly a magnificent early role for her.
By the end of this film, I felt more in touch with myself and my feelings for others. I learnt to understand that cruelty to people is terrible and that when one is shunned by society as I myself am, it helps to see films like this and realise that these movie producers care about more than profits.
Edward Scissorhands was, after American Beauty, the best film I have ever seen in my life. Good work Tim and keep making more films like this one!
A 10 out of 10 for this one!!
Home and Away (1988)
Best of soap
Home and Away is one of the best tv soapies that I have ever seen. This show not only combines good story lines but good-looking characters. I know that may be shallow, but that makes it all the more appealing to watch. It is almost as good as Teen Angel (an American comedy), but of course you can't compare them because they are two totally different genres.
For as long as I have seen Home and Away, I have been entirely swept up in the drama of the series. I mean, who would have ever thought of a whole community consisting of so many adopted children living in a caravan park? Now, that's just original!
Oh yeah, not to mention, I really loved Morag Bellingham. What a great character. I hope to see more of the actress, Cornelia Francis, in future television.
Lost in Yonkers (1993)
Mike Damus is a stand-out performer. He should be in more films.
Lost in Yonkers was exceptionally well done. I did have a fairly high expectation of it because Mike Damus was in it....and Richard Dreyfuss also...but I mainly borrowed this movie from the store because of Mike. This film was well acted, well directed and the soundtrack was just pure brilliance! i recommend if you do not want to watch the film, you at least listen to the soundtrack...
My only complaint with this movie was that Mike played such a small and relatively insignificant role - i do realise it was based on the play by Neil Simons, but nonetheless Mike deserves better!
In general, I very much enjoyed what I saw as it was not violent, didn't have any cocky humour, or bad acting. I particularly enjoyed Aunt Gertie's speech impediment because Susan Merson who played her pulled it off extremely well-another brilliant performance!
My question to you is, can Mike Damus ever make a bad film? The answer is no. No he can't.
American Beauty (1999)
i am not alone
I thought this film was visually brilliant, the smattering of rose petals was pure genius. I especially liked the directing by Sam Mendes. He should make more films, or even do more theatre. I was very lucky to witness the original stage production of Little Voice which was directed by Sam.
American Beauty gave me a personal level of understanding. I identify with this film because i often feel very much rejected in society and am shunned by others for being different. I think this film was a wonderful way of portraying individuality and inner desires.
Overall, American Beauty opened up my eyes and made me realise that there is someone else out there like me.
Teen Angel (1997)
Fly back Teen Angel!
I thought Teen Angel was THE COOLEST show ever!!!! By coolest, i mean that there is no other show which delves into teen issues as accurately as this one. The writers of this show obviously have done their research into what it's like to be a teen angel. i myself feel as though *i* am a teen angel, so i can relate to this show. I especially liked the first episode where Marty dies!! This is only because the special effects just blew me away!...and it was sooooooooooo funny!What classic jokes! Have you ever heard of a concept where an angel has retractable wings?
And Steve is the most well developed character because he helps the show stay grounded. Good work Corbin! I just wish the show went on for much much much MUCH longer!!!!!!!!