Degrassi: The Next Generation - Season Eight Review

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(More customer reviews)The Season:
This season on Degrassi it's out with the old and in with the new. As this season introduces many new characters and drops many of The Next Generation Originals besides a select few (Emma, Manny, Liberty and Spinner). I feel that was one of the problems with this season, I felt there wasn't enough closure with the originals who were dropped, although some of them do appear in the "Degrassi Goes Hollywood Movie", but I'll get to that later. As I mentioned earlier Season 8 introduces many new characters this season and brings back the Lakehurst kids (Holly J, Anya, Jane, Sav, Johnny and Bruce) who were all introduced in Season 7 (besides Johnny, who was introduced in Season 6). I feel that is another problem with this season, WAY to many characters! Some of whom hardly get any character development at all (Leia, Blue, Bruce). Many of the plots this season were a real bore, and a lot of it was relationship drama. I did like a handful of episodes this season though (Didn't We Almost Have It All, Bad Medicine, Jane Says (A-Plot Only), Heart Of Glass, Danger Zone). But in my opinion this season was kind of like somebody threw up, as in I thought it was a mess. From randomly introducing plots in an episode then randomly dropping them, and how everything was wrapped up within an episode, and way to many new characters while they also try to pay attention to old ones. Overall I give Season 8: *** Stars or a C. Now lets move onto the DVD.
The DVD:
Now while I overall didn't like this season of Degrassi, I thought the DVD was great! Echo Bridge Entertainment is really good with putting good extras on their Degrassi DVD's. A lot of the Funamation releases had very boring extras like the Degrassi Flipbook and Trailers for anime shows and old episodes of Degrassi. But on the Echo Bridge releases they put the online mini's, on the set material, and deleted scenes from the season and the movie. Much more well balanced for an extra features disc, in my opinion anyway. The Season 8 DVD set also comes with the 4-part finale turned movie "Degrassi Goes Hollywood", in widescreen. All of the episodes, features and the movie seem to be in good quality when I watch them on my TV, better quality then the Season 7 DVD which seemed very grainy in quality when watching it. So overall I would give the DVD: ***** or an A. Now here's my mini review of the "Degrassi Goes Hollywood Movie".
Paradise City: Degrassi Goes Hollywood Movie:
"Paradise City" or "Degrassi Goes Hollywood" is the 4-part Season 8 finale turned into a 90 minute feature-length film. This is the first ever Degrassi: The Next Generation Movie and it's not that bad. The film brings back some characters who were absent for all of Season 8 (Paige, Marco, Ellie and Craig). One of the things I kept wondering throughout the movie is how Paige ended up in Hollywood working for the Heidi Montag parody, Hailey Montel. It just seemed so random, as the last time we saw Paige she was working for Andrea and was dating Griffin. Also she had an HIV plot that was never wrapped up (Season 7). I just don't like how it showed her in Hollywood with no explanation whatsoever. Paige's part of the plot also felt very rushed to me, and it seemed like she regressed to her Season 1-self. And it sucks because Paige is my favorite character and to see her regressed within 90 minutes was lame. Manny's part of the plot also seemed rushed and she was also randomly dating her drama professer, that was completely out of nowhere. The greatest part of the movie is surprisingly Ellie's part. I was very surprised when I enjoyed Ellie's plot the most, I thought her plot was going to be so boring. But it was actually good as they brought back a very old plot from Season 3 with her dad returning from the war with PTSD. Very good to see Ellie be pretty much all wrapped up. But as for the overall movie it was just okay. I give Paradise City: Degrassi Goes Hollywood: **** Stars or a B.
Okay man that was a long review, thanks to anyone who read all of it and remember "You can make it through!" Haha.

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Season 8 of Degrassi: The Next Generation continues to explore controversial territory for young adults struggling with "first" experiences. Last year, chaos reigned as students from rival school Lakehurst were forced into the halls of Degrassi, but Lakehurst's contribution this year is worse - its principal is especially tough on Degrassi's newest students, a gifted grade nine class. As the grade nines explore their new surroundings, so do Smithdale University freshmen Emma, Liberty, and Manny.BONUS! Degrassi Goes Hollywood: An All-New, Never-Before-Seen Feature-Length Film!Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes are back! This time, the Degrassi gang heads to L.A. to obtain parts in Jason's "Mewesical High." But what begins as a fun chance at stardom turns into a fight for the lead role when Manny messes up her audition, and Paige lands her part! It's swimming pools, movie stars and sunshine - Degrassi style.FEATURING 18 EPISODESSpecial Feature(s): Degrassi Goes Hollywood; Bloopers; 25 Deleted Scenes; Podcast; On the Set; Webisodes; "My Window" Music Video

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Entourage: The Complete Fourth Season (2007) Review

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(More customer reviews)I press "Play." The HBO static kicks in. Yet, the "Superhero" theme by Jane's Addiction is nowhere to be found. Before we begin, ENTOURAGE's 4th season presents a mini-documentary (like THE OFFICE) detailing the trials and tribulations of getting a dream project made. This change of pace promises great things to come; the premiere episode of ENTOURAGE's fourth season will undoubtedly go down as one of its greatest.
As the show continues, it continues its solid streak for a while. Although the remaining 11 episodes are shot in the traditional style we've seen this show use for years, things become even more desparate and challenging for Eric, Vince, and Ari than ever before. Their domestic lives and careers are really put through the ringer this time.
Eric continues to try to expand his career, but struggles to get what he wants most: Respect. Vince actually matures more than the rest of the cast this season. His optimism is no longer a boyish laziness; he actually steps up to plate when the line is drawn in the sand. Ari Gold has plenty of issues on his own. If you thought his financial woes in seasons' past made him a bitter man, wait until you see how his domestic life tests his aggressive masculinity.
You may have noticed I haven't mentioned Turtle or Johnny Drama yet. Well frankly, ENTOURAGE really drops the ball with them this season. While the gang's rapport is still very funny, I'm frustrated that neither of these two characters have shown any growth since the show began in 2004. Seriously, does Turtle really only think about sex, weed, and assorted materials? Gimme a break! Drama's insecurities are becoming pathetic, but at least Kevin Dillon's brilliant performance still sells it. Never once did I think that Drama wouldn't behave the way he does.
I don't want to give away any cameos, but be assured that they all pay off. Remember Scarlett Johannson's pointless bit from the Season One finale? Don't worry, you won't find any of that useless "Hey-Look-It's-Him/Her" garbage.
Special mention also has to go to Rhys Coiro's turn as crazed auteur Billy Walsh. While I can't believe a man like that is inspired by a real person, he's given just the right amount of screentime (and madness) to be effective, but not overstay his welcome. Also, Perrey Reeves and Rex Lee (as Mrs. Ari and Lloyd, respectively) get to kind of "star" in their own individual episode. While neither really contributes anything significant to Season Four's overall story, they were a nice change of pace.
I guess that last sentence summarizes my overall reaction to Season Four. I found these 12 episodes to be very entertaining, and with plenty of neat ideas thrown in to keep things from getting stale. But when I look at the season from beginning to end, the middle patch really doesn't have much to with the bookends. For example, there's a nice small angle involving Anna Faris. While it works the way it plays out, there were so many lateral moves the writers could've done with it. But in the end, very little has changed.
That's the problem with Season Four - Nothing's Really Changed.
The creators had one of their best plots when Ari Gold wasn't in Vince's good graces. That's why that particular season was so excellent. The writers and creators took a chance. But in Season Four, the chances are merely temporary. For four years, I've watched these characters take small steps into uncharted waters, only to return to shore. It's time to shake things up again before ENTOURAGE starts getting stale. That day hasn't come yet, but be assured that this series is still a very slick, entertaining comedy.
SEASON ONE --> 7.0 / 10
SEASON TWO --> 8.0 / 10
SEASON THREE > 8.0 / 10 (Part 1)
SEASON THREE > 9.0 / 10 (Part 2)
SEASON FOUR -> 8.5 / 10

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Sure it would be great to have it all, but at what price? For Vince, Eric, Drama and Turtle, life in Hollywoods fast lane can be an intoxicating ride. In Season Four, in fact, Eric and Vince have taken on new roles as producers. Will their film be hailed as a critical masterpiece, or will it end up on the trash heap of broken Tinseltown dreams?

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Entourage: The Complete Fifth Season (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)I am 82 years old and this series has kept me jumping. The first three season were great, but the boys really hit their stride in the fourth season. The humor in this segment with Drama and Turtle is some of the best I have seen. The sub characters which are inserted from time to time are well cast. Dom and Billy come to mind. Outstanding in his ongoing role is Ari's secretary. I like the way in which Doug Ellin keeps two to three stories going within each segment, but ties them all together. The fast pace is a key element in holding your interest. I feel the best defined parts are Ari, Drama, Vince and Turtle. There is something lacking in E. I like him, but he needs to become less boyish. I hope I don't run out of steam before the series ends. How about another 7 or 8 years. If you guys will hang in I 'll certainly try. RD

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For Vince, Eric, Drama, and Turtle, life in Hollywood's fast lane can be an intoxicating ride. In Season Five, can the guys put the Medellin fiasco behind them and orchestrate a career comeback for Vince?

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The Filth and the Fury - A Sex Pistols Film (2000) Review

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(More customer reviews)...to pull out all my old Pistols LPs and remember how fun they are to listen to.
This movie almost seemed to zip by too fast, but then, so did the Sex Pistols. Come to think of it, the last 20 years (when I first started listening to them in junior high and chopped my hair off into a spike) also zipped by pretty fast...they put all the best songs, the best performances in here, along with some rare footage.
Sex Pistols fans may have already seen the interview with a nodded-out Sid Vicious and sleazy girlfriend Nancy Spungen (who makes Courtney Love on one of her bad days look like Grace Kelly in comparison) trying to wake him up for the camera as he snores ("Sid, wake up...they're tryin' ta interview ya..."). But what no fans may not have seen is a short, heartbreaking clip of an interview with Vicious after he is out on bail after being arrested for her murder. When the interviewer thoughtlessly asks him if he's 'having fun right now' (what was that reporter thinking? the kid looks completely miserable), Vicious just chuckles bitterly and asks him, "Are you kidding? No, I'm not having any fun, at all." When the interviewer asks him where he wishes he was right now, Vicious' quiet, calm answer to the question is so chilling and heartfelt that it made every hair on my body stand on end. In a scene shortly after, John Lydon talks about Sid getting his aforementioned wish, and for a minute you think that in the voice over he is laughing, because as a rule you don't see John Lydon displaying any other emotion other than general crankiness. Then you suddenly, shockingly realize he's actually in genuine tears over his dead boyhood friend.
But you can also see the fun the Sex Pistols had while it lasted-especially memorable during a retelling of how they played a children's party (still not sure what the story behind this was, or what the people who organized it were thinking, but it was a stroke of genius), with footage of them covered in cake after they start a food fight, to one of the Pistol's best songs (in my opinion), "Bodies". What struck me is how the Sex Pistols (who, at the time, were not far out of their teens themselves) look and act about the same age as the kids at the party. They are obviously having just as much fun as the kids, too- they try to look like tough punk rockers but can't wipe the smiles off their faces as they joyfully have a ball.
The soundtrack, timing, and editing are all perfect. "Submission", another of my favorite songs (and in my opinion, one of their more underrated ones) is played over the credits, and it fits perfectly. As I said, my one complaint that was it zipped by too fast, but talking with my husband after the movie, so did the Sex Pistols. One of the better rock documentaries I've seen. A must see for Sex Pistols fans.

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"Ever get the feeling you've been cheated?" sneers Johnny Rotten at the Sex Pistols' farewell performance. After seeing this picture you'll understand his disgust, but Julian Temple's sharp portrait of the ragged, raw band of working-class Brits won't leave you disappointed. The Sex Pistols left their legacy in a whirlwind 26-month reign, spitting out a caustic, confrontational brand of rock & roll that became the rallying cry for angry, disaffected youths in late 1970s England and defined the punk movement. Their story was first told two decades ago in the cynical The Great Rock and Roll Swindle, also directed by Temple but produced by the Sex Pistols' smarmy manager, Malcolm McLaren, who stage-managed the film into a self-promoting vanity project. For The Filth and the Fury, Temple turns to the four surviving band members to tell their own stories. His vibrant, vigorous direction captures the period of social unrest and alienated youth without turning into a history lesson, and shows the Pistols in all their insolent glory: spewing obscenities and gesturing lewdly to audiences and press alike, screaming out lyrics, overcoming musical limitations with pure passion and attitude. Rare, raw concert footage (including their final performance, which is appropriately enough the song "No Fun") and previously unseen interviews with the deceased Sid Vicious further energize the portrait. There's even footage of the smiling band cutting cake for kids at a fundraiser with nary a nasty gesture or sneering comment. Now there's a side of the Pistols you don't see everyday.

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Entourage: The Complete Sixth Season Review

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(More customer reviews)This season really gets Entourage back on track where as the previous season was a downer for the boys while Vinnie wasn't that mega-star that he used to be. Everyone watches this show because they wish the story was about them and this season doesn't disappoint. Vinnie is back to being the star that he is with all the girls vying to be his arm candy. The boys are starting to do a lot more on their own in this season, almost making it appear as though Vinnie is bothered by being alone, but they still come together as a crew as usual to cap the season.

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For Vince, Eric, Drama and Turtle, life in Hollywood’s fast lanecan be an intoxicating roller-coaster of a ride. After hitting some speed bumps the last couple of years, Vince’s career is in high gear after his role in a new Martin Scorsese film. But now that Vince is back on top, is it finally time for the entourage to step out of his shadow?
DVD Features:Audio CommentaryBEHIND THE SCENESFeaturette

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Kramer vs. Kramer (1979) Review

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(More customer reviews)1979's Kramer vs. Kramer mirrored a trend that was becoming more and more prevalent in America in the 1970's, the breakup of marriages. Dustin Hoffman & Meryl Streep star as Ted & Joanna Kramer. Ted is the prototypical yuppie. His job in an advertising company is really accelerating and it is taking up most of his time from his family that also includes eight-year old Billy (Justin Henry). Ted is so involved in his career, he knows little of the day-to day routine of his own household. One day, Ted's world is shattered when Joanna leaves him and Billy in order to find herself. Ted must learn how to raise his son, juggle his work and home life and go through a divorce trial. The film is both poignant and touching as Ted & Billy bond and form a loving relationship. Mr. Hoffman is excellent as is Ms. Streep and Jane Alexander gives a strong turn as the Kramer's woman's libber neighbor who Ted feels egged Joanna on and caused the breakup of his marriage. But the true find is young Justin Henry. He gives one of the finest performances by a preteen in movie history. The film was much lauded and praised and come Oscar time, Mr. Hoffman finally took home the Best Actor award after several failed nominations. Ms. Streep won Best Supporting Actress, director Robert Benton took home the Best Director award and the film won Best Picture.

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KRAMER VS. KRAMER - DVD Movie

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