sarine_voltage

Sliding into San Franciscos in parallel worlds, this show held me as a captive audience; I was happily binge-watching when I started noticing more and prolonged periods of violence and gore--from characters who were anchored in peace, mindfulness, and non-aggression(!?!) it made no sense.

The introduction of L. A. as a landing spot brought with it more signs of the downward spiral to come (along with all that is stereotypically Hollywood at its absolute worst).

Mid-season 3, enter Kari Wuhrer as what I thought to be THE worst and most talentless "guest star" ever chosen (the woman doesn't know how to be, let alone "act"); little did I know some complete idiot was placing her as a main character, thus destroying the show by causing it to be completely unwatchable.

Whoever's brilliant idea it was to inject her into an otherwise cool-ass show was either getting paid handsomely to do so, getting blackmailed, intentionally wanting the show to go down and/or severely brain-damaged (the stereotypical Hollywood role in exchange for sexual favours can't even be the reason, because the woman has zero sex appeal; even the filming crew's pathetic attempt to focus on her breasts or butt don't create appeal, just more of a turn-off).

The professor may not have been so easy on the eyes, but he completed the circle of characters, had some talent, and was part of making the show work. The very transparent and feeble attempt by someone(s) [director(s)? Producer?(s)] trying to up the ratings resulted in making the show unwatchable. They're really stupid and I'm sad.

Okay, so I'm not Australian, just in the spirit. And if it's not already obvious, I super-enjoyed watching Ocean Boy.

The end credits for Savannah and Rasmus read "introducing" and what an amazing introduction it was! With a truly joyful display of youthful play and talent, they remind you of what it's like to be a teenager and make you want to head to the ocean and play in the waves and sand.

As for acting, everyone came across as very real and believable in their roles; dialogue and actions are charged with unfiltered human emotion, at times wrenching your heart with deep compassion.

Savannah shines in showing some serious ballet talent as well (until you've tried dancing in the sand, you can't really appreciate the awesomeness of her ballet moves--this coming from one ballet-trained person herself), and Rasmus is just one brilliant surfer, with the footage of him together with Luke on the waves being nothing short of breathtaking! Seriously. Rasmus kind of reminds me of a young Charlie Hunnam--while staying his completely own person, of course--and what a cutie-pie he is! (Never cut your hair, Rasmus!)

I will say that although this feels to me like a "family" film (albeit ever so "dysfunctional"), it's pretty heavily laden in "raw" language. This didn't bother me at all (I can't bring myself to call a word "bad", how can a word be "good" or "bad", it's a word for chrissakes!) and for some reason I believe it to be just "regular" talk for Australia and so consider it part of the authenticity. I only mention it as something that those who are easily offended by words should be aware of going in, so they can adjust their "offended meters" accordingly and not hate the film for it.

If there's some life lesson to take from this flick--aside from enjoying some of the most spectacular shots of the Australian waters, landscape, and, of course, surfing--I'd say it goes like this: Just like surfing, life is all about balance. Hang in there and roll with the waves. Just when you think The Universe is really smiling on you, she goes and takes it all away; and just when you think your life couldn't suck any worse, she goes and surprises you by dropping the best present you could ever imagine right in your lap.

I'm heading out to play in the ocean now, so enjoy the show!

First, I've got to say I LOVE this series and don't know/understand why it only ran for two seasons!?! I'm re-binging it all (for at least the 3rd time). Eight years or so later, it could have been made yesterday--nothing feels outdated, it's all just shiny.

Every thing about this show works (and works it), from a truly unique and compelling storyline to the way it was filmed, to every single one--EVERY SINGLE ONE--of the characters and actresses/actors portraying them, no matter how minor, it's obvious that a lot of thought, care and attention was paid to present this as real and as believable as it gets. It's almost as if you had a hidden camera and were watching your much-more-interesting neighbours in action. Oh, and the soundtrack and music don't suck, lots of the music is even pretty hella cool, so yay! Ik it sounds like I should be reviewing the whole series, but this particular episode was so good that I had to come here (and IMDb saying "be the first to review" at this time left me no choice).

So ahhh, it's the holiday season, where one can expect to find the cheesiest to the saddest overly-done tales of "family cheer"; this episode, however, contains neither cheese nor any overly-doneness. What it does offer is everything that can make one want and continue to watch what someone else's holiday celebrations (and the aftermath) are like, drawing you in with an I've-never-seen-anything-like-this-before storyline (as has come to be expected from the entire series) that's delivered so most excellently. In this episode, you'll be taken on a heartfelt and emotional roller-coaster ride that'll have you laughing, exasperated, warmly touched, outraged and on the edge of your seat with apprehension--and all in less than an hour(?!?)... is it drama? ...comedy? ...romance? ...sex? ...action? ...love? Yes!

I can't say enough good things--just watch it!