bulletproofclod

I'll admit, at the beginning of the show I saw a promising concept that yielded minimal satisfaction, but the character of Walter, played to perfection by John Noble, kept me interested long enough for this show to finally start to reach its potential.

Sure, it's a storyline that's been done frequently what with the X-Files and other similar but less lucrative series, but Fringe has a lot going for it. The show has a good cast that sometimes displays a bit of wooden acting here and there and the protagonist Olivia started out seemingly frigid and more bland than rice and beige combined, but as the season carried on, everything started to improve episode by episode.

There are twists and turns at every corner, a lot of cast members to keep things fresh and chemistry between leads Olivia and Peter that is played to perfection so as to offer the obligatory but not overwhelming will they/won't they angle that most crime shows feel the somewhat unnecessary need to touch upon. But at least thus far the show has been successful in keeping the possibility as a background afterthought and have only made efforts to develop their friendship, which is a safe bet so early in the series.

While in the beginning the show took itself too seriously, the writers and producers seem to have finally decided to go with what works, especially evidenced in the blossoming of Olivia Dunham. And while she won't be a fan favorite any time soon, she has become increasingly more likable and easier to relate to.

Only time will tell if Fringe will age like fine and well-cared for wine or simply turn vinegary from neglect, but the twists, turns, the increasingly bizarre story lines and Walter's presence are enough to make a sci-fi fan or crime show buff want to tune in.

Let me start off with a basic disclaimer, though it almost seems silly because most people judge a review by the rating and subheading. I am a fan of Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series. The books, and even the movie, is a fun form of escapism for people of all ages...though primarily the target audience seems to be adolescent girls with stars in their eyes over the fictional Edward Cullen.

The movie is made quite well, though some of the casting is suspect (the choice of Carlisle leaves much to be desired) and whether you are a die-hard fan of the books or not, one must acknowledge the corniness that is Twilight. Admittedly it's different when you're reading two teenagers profess their undying love and swear an eternal commitment, but when you see it on film it is undeniably cheesy, and there is nothing Catherine Hardwick, Robert Pattinson or Kristen Stewart can do about it.

The high school awkwardness is endearing and rings true as opposed to what Hollywood typically portrays adolescence to be (re American Pie, Gossip Girl, almost any teen movie of the nineties) it's easy to identify with Bella Swan, fish out of water and chock full of clumsiness.

The script simply reflects the novel, and it suffers accordingly. Some of the hackneyed lines could have been removed without detriment, and some of the cringe worthy scenes even evoke laughter from the crowd. The meadow scene, a fan favorite, is disappointing and almost silly, evoking awkward giggles when the bad CGI kicks in.

It's an entertaining movie that followed the popular book, but a less loyal adaptation would have been better.