Ender's Game (2013): B *
Movie *
Category: Science Fiction *

Having read and enjoyed the book and some of its sequels, I did not go into this film expecting much. Perhaps this was the key. Perhaps it had been so long since I had read the book that it was not so fresh in my mind that I could readily see the changes and could therefore see it as a film. It was certainly not so fundamentally altered as to be nearly unidentifiable, such as one of my favorite films Starship Troopers. The film did not grip me as completely as the book, certainly. There was not as much emotion in myself, and for that reason it felt a little flat. Plus I knew the twist at the end and was therefore looking for it in the characters throughout. Still, I enjoyed it as a movie and it was certainly watchable. Worth seeing in the theater.

The World's End (2013): C- *
Movie *
Category: Humor/Science Fiction *

After Shawn of the Dead, I expected more. The logic of the film, even as a comedy, was flawed and unbelievable. The movie rehashes an old joke that was funny the first time but doesn't fit as well and consequently falls flat this time around. Technically the movie was adequate and the acting was okay. I just could not get behind the premise. This movie is worth renting at full price if you are bored.

Carrie (2013): B- *
Movie *
Category: Horror *

The 1976 Brian DePalma version may be dated and the technology might not be as advanced, but the mind accepts its limitations and fills in the gaps. The new film was basically a remake of this film, which was based on the book. A good thing about the remake is that it might bring in a new audience. For those of us old enough to have seen the original there is little that is different here, which makes me wonder why they bothered remaking it. Unfortunately what was considered ground-breaking in 1976 is not ground-breaking today. If you have not seen the original, then it is worth seeing in the theater. If you have, then you might want to consider waiting till video.

666 Park Avenue (2012+): C-
TV
Category: Horror

My biggest complaint about this show is that several of the characters look similar, making it hard at times to figure out just who is doing what. In this show the new manager learns of the building's dark secrets and her connection to the building. Supposedly intriguing by slowly revealing information, this only works if you are interested enough to follow the show regularly. Quite frankly, I don't have the interest or the patience. I'd rather watch it all at once after the show is off the air through some service. If you are interested the show may be worth recording or hunting down on the internet.

Crumb (1995): A
Movie
Category: Documentary

It is rare that I recommend purchasing a documentary, but every once in a while something comes along that is too interesting and unique to pass up. Crumb is one of those films. I had heard his name in passing, but before I watched this video I knew next to nothing about the man. Crumb is a documentary about R. Crumb, the man who started the independent comic movement with his bizarre drawings. After watching the film, I noted that he actually seemed the most well adjusted member of his entire family - and that's saying something!

Red Dwarf (1988 - 2009): A
TV
Category: British Sitcom - Science Fiction

Red Dwarf is one of those unlikely shows that made it. The first season in particular has a very low budget and it is not until the third season that we really start to see some drastic change. Those early shows, however, I feel are not only necessary to understanding the story more completely but have some great moments of comedy as well. The interactions between the characters is often the source of the humor.

The IT Crowd (2006+): B-
TV
Category: British Sitcom

I find very few shows worth scheduling my time to watch on normal TV that are not worth buying. My time is too valuable. The IT Crowd comes close. The quality of writing and acting are superb and it contains those who have gone on to make films. The IT Crowd is about a group of misfits in a business IT department. The supporting cast is not always in top form. There are some business leaders, for instance, that do not match the quality or style of the main characters. There are moments, however, of pure comic brilliance. I am thinking specifically of the first show of season two where the characters leave the office to attend a play. While for myself it may not be worth watching on television, the quality is that of a show worth watching on television.