Normandie2001

Becker is a staple in my 'TV diet', so to speak. It became my replacement for 'Seinfeld', with it's storylines that begin and finish neatly in each show, with a few exceptions. The show revolves around Dr John Becker (Ted Danson, also from another of my favourite shows, Cheers), an acid-tongued yet good doctor working in New York (I think) alongside his two assistants sarcastic Margaret (Hattie Winston) and the ditzy Linda (Shawnee Smith). There's a diner he frequents, where his friends the blind Jake (Alex Desert), and Reggie (Terry Farrell) work. Becker is obviously one of those guys who's sees the glass half empty. He moans over everything and wallows in self-pity. But he does have his moments where he does seem human. Ted Danson is perfect for this role. He has the appearence and personality of Becker done perfectly. The supporting characters are foils for Becker, and often hit back at him with some good comebacks. It's a great show, and I see it having a long run. 7 stars.

What can I say that hasn't already been said? Moulin Rouge is truly all of what it seems. You really get hit by all the noise and colours in the first 15 minutes. Dancing, yelling, singing and chaos ensues, but after that initial burst, the film settles into the story. Christian (Ewan McGregor, looking every inch the soulful, sincere lover) is a penniless poet/writer who's moved to Montmartre to join in the Bohemian revolution. He falls in with a group of hardcore bohemians (led by John Leguizamo's lisping dwarf, Toulouse Lautrec) and somehow manages to fall in love with the Moulin Rouge's great courtesan, the beautiful Satine (Nicole Kidman, perfection personified in this), while writing a play for the famed dance hall. Intervention comes in the form of the Duke (a menacing Richard Roxburgh), who believes Satine is his property. Watch out for Jim Broadbent as Harold Zidler, owner of the Moulin Rouge, and a cameo by Aussie pop queen Kylie Minogue as the 'Green Fairy' of 'Green Fairy Absinthe'.

The performances are strikingly beautiful, and everything each character says has meaning. The supporting characters are vital to the story, and in more than one scene they have a key role to play. That said, I think Moulin Rouge will begin a renaissance in musicals, and influence the way they're done for years to come. 9 stars.

David E. Kelley once again brings us a fresh, different look at a normal aspect of our society. He did it with Doctors (Chicago Hope), Lawyers (Ally McBeal and The Practice) and now he does it with teachers. The storyline is simple: The school year for the faculty in an American High School. But Kelley perks it up with spicy storylines and tackles issues that I know my teachers would definitely not talk about. But the teachers at Winslow High are different. Very different from your average teachers. Firstly, there's Principal Steve Harper (powerful performance from Chi McBride), who must deal with all the complaints, students and teachers alike, and deal with it the best he can. His vice is Scott Guber (a steely eyed Anthony Heald), a by-the-book sort of guy who tries to keep his emotions in check. Of the teachers, there is Lauren Davis (Jessalyn Gilsig), head of the social studies dept and nicknamed 'the nun' for her morals and values. Teaching geology is Harry Senate (Nicky Katt) whose unconventional teaching methods (ie: shooting a gun in class) has kept his students in force.

In the History classroom resides Harvey Lipschultz (Fyvush Finkel going spot on), the old, jewish History teacher who tends to put his foot in his mouth alot and Marla Hendricks (passionate performance from Loretta Devine), the pill-popping, wise-cracking one who keeps Lipschultz in check. In the English classrooms reside Marilyn Sudor (Sharon Leal), the sort of teacher that all the male students can't get enough of; and Milton Buttle (Joey Slotnick), the Shakespere loving yet somewhat insecure, nerdy guy. Also part of the faculty are Louisa (Rashida Jones), the secretary who keeps Harper and Guber on track during their busy days, and Kevin Riley (Thomas McCarthy), the football coach who loves to see his team win.

Besides what I've mentioned of the actors' performances, all the actors do a great job with their characters and what they go through. Episode 3 tends to stand out the most when Hendricks makes a passionate speech that sums up all the teachers want to say. I think if my teachers had the chance, I'm damn sure they'd say it.

I'll say it's kind of true to life, perhaps not as much happens in one school day in normal life though. But I still love watching it, and can highly recommend it. 8 stars.