Reviews by mandination

mandination says "Simply amazing" about Neverwhere Mini-series

mandination — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 20:13:46 GMT

Before I ever saw the series, I read the book by Neil Gaiman and perhaps that's why I think so highly of the show Neverwhere. Although the effects are absolute rubbish, if one can bring his/herself to look past them, there's a lot to be seen. I haven't seen many books translated well to film or television, but I think they hit the nail on the head with Neverwhere. The story written in the book is communicated perfectly through this TV series, and it's like watching life be breathed into printed version.

Like I said, the effects are terrible and the backgrounds and scenery aren't anything to look at, but the portrayal of the characters is absolutely amazing. If you're a fan of the book, then it's a definite must see.

However, if you’re not a fan of the book, or if you haven’t read it, then I wouldn’t bother watching the mini-series. Again, I feel that the story is translated amazingly well, but I also know how shoddy the quality is. The pacing is, perhaps, a bit off, which would...

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mandination says "Nostalgic sci-fi kid's show." about Space Cases

mandination — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 20:08:43 GMT

Now, I admit that one of the reasons I feel such affection for Space Cases is because I grew up spending my weekends watching it as it was aired.

Aside from that, I have to say after re-watching it, it was a great show. In the beginning, it was all kid's stuff; just silly jokes and fantasies - but as the show progressed, it got better. It developed more of a plot, the characters became deeper and it got more exciting and watchable.

And then it was cancelled.

I suppose I can see why, as it was a children's show and started to get perhaps a little too deep for the audience it was intended for. Now, I'm not saying that this show became absolutely cutting edge of brilliant, just that it got much more intense and interesting than it started out as. It's the kind of show that, after watching what was filmed, I have the urge to track down the writers and ask them where this was going. I really want some kind of closure, but I'll probably never get it.

Other than for nostalgia,...

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mandination says "Torchwood is a great series, but does everyone feel that way?" about Torchwood

mandination — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 19:59:13 GMT

As a “Doctor Who” and 'Captain Jack Harkness' fan, I was thrilled to hear about the spin-off Torchwood. As I watched the first episode, I wasn't disappointed at all. It has the same amazing writing as the new “Doctor Who” series, complete with all the mind-blowing twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat as you watch.

The first season of “Torchwood" roped me in, but it had some very iffy moments. It seems to be consensus, even among diehard fans of the show, that the season one finale was way off the mark. It was confusing and over-dramatic, and I’m sad to say that there were a couple of other episodes I’d describe very similarly.

Season two of “Torchwood” made up for any shakiness I felt I saw in season one. The first and final episodes were the best I’ve ever seen. It’s as if the writers learned to balance out the sex with the action and wit. The end result is that “Torchwood” has blossomed into a fast-paced, well-written drama with a healthy...

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mandination says "While I'm a fan of this show, I hardly expect anyone else to be." about Scrubs

mandination — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 19:52:11 GMT

“Scrubs,” in my opinion, is absolutely hilarious and packed with just enough plot to keep me watching. I have to admit, though, that I watch it more for the cheesy jokes and running gags than for anything else. As the show has progressed, it's really seemed like any of the drama or plot of the show has taken a backseat to the ridiculous, sometimes out of place jokes.

There are a few instances when the writers of the series show their brilliance; sometimes tough issues are tackled within the 'Sacred Heart Hospital' and sometimes real-life situations are addressed. These are the times when “Scrubs” is at it's best. I find myself far more drawn to the show when the plots address what's actually going on in the hospital; when they revolve around the patients more than the recurring characters. For instance, while JD and Turk’s close friendship provides a lot of laughs, I’d rather see how the two handle a terminal patient they’ve grown close to. While Elliot is funny with...

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mandination says "Maybe it's geared towards kids, but I like it, too." about Sarah Jane Smith Adventures

mandination — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 19:37:46 GMT

"The Sarah Jane Adventures" is the latest addition to the new "Doctor Who" triumvirate, which also includes the new "Doctor Who" series, which was relaunched in 2005, and "Torchwood", an adult and dark-themed spin-off of "Doctor Who". "The Sarah Jane Adventures" is a science fiction show that centers around Sarah Jane Smith, a previous companion of the mysterious Doctor character that all three shows center around. While she used to travel through time and space in the Tardis, now Sarah Jane has made her home on earth and her mission to defend it.

Even though the basis for the show might be confusing unless you're an avid "Doctor Who" fan or, at least, familiar with the show, I wouldn't count yourself out if you're new to the series. Waving away the background, you're left with a pleasant family friendly sci-fi show that's full of adventure and cute little life lessons.

I'm a little wary of spin-offs. I guess I sort of have it instilled in me that the original is the best and anything...

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