tv_pikachu

Nightflyers held my interest throughout the whole season. But like most horror related genres, you have to suffer supposedly smart people making the most asinine and stupid decisions possible. That sort of comes with the horror territory.

Science-Fiction horror has always been difficult to pull off, and very few do well in the long form as it is much better suited to stand alone films like The Thing, Alien, Event Horizon, and Pandorum (etc.). When you stretch it out over the span of 10 episodes, the number of bad decisions is hard to ignore. While it may work in a slasher film, it creates a feeling of fatigue in science fiction where you have to wonder how people who are obviously smart enough to get into space can make so many bad decisions.

Otherwise, the Nightflyers story was compelling with lots of good sci-fi elements and a spot on cast, amazing sets, and decent visual FX.

Without getting into spoilers, in my person opinion, the ending felt a bit rushed and then leaves a lot unanswered questions. Obviously, this series is bidding for a second season. Whether it will get one or not is another question, because a lot of people don't seem to like the banal aspect of horror mashed into their helping of sci-fi.

Really, I didn't mind it that much. I found the creepy tone and visuals to create a unique look for the series that you don't see in any other sci-fi on television right now. So, I actually think that the positive aspects outweighs the negative one.

The editing could have been tighter in areas, but the scripting and the dialogue felt natural. The main character is a whiny boob but everyone else was fine.

So, would I recommend it? Maybe to sci-fi enthusiasts who can roll with the punches of two genres butting heads. In the end, it was entertaining enough to warrant watching. But maybe it doesn't have very much re-watch value. It's all a matter of preference really.

This is a very thoughtful and charming documentary directed by Francesco Cabras and Alberto Molinari. Of the cast and crew from the motion picture "The Passion of Christ" get asked about their own personal beliefs and faith when it comes to God. Over 200 people were interviewed. Everyone from Jews, to Christians, to Muslims, to Atheists, to people who are still looking for the answers give a very open and honest take on the big theological questions we all ask at least once in our lifetime. Yet, the best part about this documentary is that it is not preachy, rather, we merely sit back and listen to people's individual life experiences and stories. There is a rich pallet of ideas as we hear people's frank and personal opinions about God, Religion, and how they see the world around them.

This documentary consistently remains thoughtful, never breaks into a sermon, but lets us think and come to our own conclusions. Instead of trying to force the concepts on us, we learn from others, and as God would have it allows us to freely make the choice to come to Him. This film is more about a discourse than any one specific message, but if it has a message it is that we all are wonderful and unique as human beings.

All of Studio Ghibli's films paint very elaborate worlds. Often times Japan is the backbone to these worlds, whether it be a mythological Japan as seen in "Spirited Away" or a very realistic and contemporary Japan as seen here in "Whisper of the Heart." I must say, having lived in Japan, this film captures a very realistic vision of the city, countryside, and over all feel and atmosphere of the country. It's world is painted so richly that you almost forget that you're watching an animation.

Along with a heart warming coming of age story, a wonderful musical score by Yuji Nomi, and re-introducing the Baron (from the Cat Returns) comes a wonderful tale of adolescents, growing up, and love which brings us back to our nostalgic youth. I highly recommend this film for families, romantics, people interested in Japan, and anyone looking for a great animated film.