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.

Wake Up (2010): A-
Movie
Category: Documentary - Spiritual

The main character of this documentary sees angels, demons and ghost spirits. Trying to figure out his role in all of this, he embarks on several journeys. Though he never gets his true purpose, the main character does seem to get some inner piece about these phenomina in his life. An interesting film with interesting opinions. If you are into this sort of thing, the film is worth buying.

Stephen King's Bag of Bones (2011): C
Movie
Category: Horror/Drama

The movie is not like the book, but that does not stop it from being enjoyable. Bag of Bones was not one of my favorite books, but the movie is well told and acted. A writer is visited by ghosts and learns of the atrocities visited upon former residences of the house. I actually found the movie more enjoyable than the book. This film is worth renting at full price.

11/22/63 by Stephen King: A
Books
Category: Science Fiction

Not everything Stephen King writes is great, though I have enjoyed everything that I have read by Stephen King. 11/22/63 is one of those great books. It is the tale of a man who goes back in time to live his life and eventually stop Oswald from killing Kennedy. While the story focuses on Oswald, and the assassination of Kennedy, it is the intervening time between his arrival in the past and the assassination that takes up the bulk of the story. This is for good reason time wise, but also contains some of the best parts of the story. Will he prevent the assassination? What happens when he gets back to his own time? I'll let you find out. Suffice it to say that 11/22/63 is worth buying in hardback.

The Shack by Wm. Paul Young, Wayne Jacobsen, Brad Cummings: B
Books
Category: Drama - Christian

There has been a lot of controversy around this book. Some hate it, citing that it does not fully fit the reality of the Bible. Others love it for the message it brings. When a man's daughter has been abducted, he is called by God to the shack of her abductor in order to have a conversation with Jesus and make sense of this tragedy. Of course the story does not fit the Bible literally. In the Bible, it is said that Jesus will not return until the judgment. The Shack was not intended to be taken literally, but as a metaphor for life. It was intended to help the author and readers (through the main character) through the author's understanding of A Biblical perspective towards life. Not everyone is going to have the same understanding of this book, much as not everyone is going to have the same understanding of The Bible. This is why differing factions of Christianity have developed over the years. I enjoyed it as a book. The writing was decent, if not fabulous, and the message was both strong and uplifting. The shack is worth buying for full price.

Fawlty Towers (1975 - 1979): A-
TV
Category: Sitcom

A mainstay of British Comedy, made famous in America through being shown regularly on PBS (of course if it wasn't good enough it never would have been shown). Basil Fawlty (John Clease) is the owner of a small British hotel. Along with his wife and a small crew of miss-fits, Basil stumbles his way through disaster after disaster (many of his own making) in an attempt to keep the hotel running. Well written and funny, Fawlty Towers is worth buying.

Defiace (2013+): C-
TV
Category: Science Fiction

The show takes place in the future after there has been war and there are several alien races, along with aftermath such as space ship junk falling from the sky. Most of the film takes place in St. Louis (Defiance) where the main character is recruited to be a law man (peace keeper). The show also has a video game tied directly in to it and its creation. There is intrigue as several characters are caught up in covert plans, but this seems to fall flatter than it should. I am interested in the characters, but not enough to watch regularly. The show has the potential to be a lot better than it is. As is, Defiance is barely worth recording or hunting down on the internet.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (2005): A
Movie
Category: Children's Fantasy

I have always been a fan of The Chronicles of Narnia. In this story, four children are sent off to avoid the war and live in a house in which they discover the wardrobe which leads to Narnia. Here, they fight off the White Witch and thus end the hold of winter and free Narnia. Practically everyone knows the story. While there are a few discrepancies, this movie follows the book well enough to satisfy most viewers. Furthermore, it manages to capture the sense of wonder that children feel. One of the problems that I have never gotten over is that one of the stories describes Lucy's golden curls. Thus, since a young age I have always envisioned Lucy as a blond. In the movie, she is not. This may seem like a small thing, but it has always bothered me.

Jobs (2013): C-
Movie
Category: Drama - Biographical

Although he had many of the mannerisms and the body language of Steve Jobs down, I found it hard to think of the main actor as anyone but Ashton Kutcher. This led me to wonder if they would have been better off going with a lesser known actor. The movie was, for the most part, boring. Many times I found myself shifting restlessly in my seat and wondering when the movie was going to end. Whether the story is based on true life or not, it is up to the writer and film makers to find a personal story-line, an arc on which to hang the film. In this, the movie failed miserably. Pirates of Silicon Valley (1999), made when Steve Jobs was still alive, was a better film. Jobs is barely worth renting at full price.

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley: A
Books
Category: Science Fiction/Horror

Until I read this book, I did not know what I was missing. The story of Doctor Frankenstein and The Frankenstien Monster is so much more complex than even the best of movies portrays. Dr. Frankenstein uses human body parts to create life, but that life turns out to be uncontrollable. Intelligent and well written, I recommend that everyone read this book at least once. Worth buying, perhaps in Hardback.

Becoming Human by Neil Lee Thompsett: B+
Books
Category: Science Fiction

Written by a kid, Becoming Human has become one of those rare books that everyone is talking about. Quite honestly, I did not think the writing was that great. I still think everyone should read this book, however. Violence is a plague and aliens must experience it in order to keep man in his place. Becoming Human is worth paying full price for.

House of Cards (2013): A
TV
Category: Drama - Political

I have always shied away from political dramas, but this show, exclusive to Netflix, quite simply blew me away. We see a truly evil man in Kevin Spacey's role of a congressman who will truly stop at nothing to manipulate his way through politics. To tell the truth, I was a little frightened of the man and fear that this is the way politics are going. Outstanding performances and writing! House of Cards is easily worth buying.

How I Met Your Mother (2005+): C+
TV
Category: Sitcom

The story of Ted told through flashbacks to his children. Most of the stories are actually inappropriate for children, often taking place in part at the local (hangout) bar. This show features a great ensemble cast, including Jason Segel (The Muppets), Alyson Hannigan (Buffy the Vampire Slayer - TV), Cobie Smulders as Robyn Scherbatsky (aka Robin Sparkles) and a magnificent performance as the womanizer Barny Stinson played by Neil Patrick Harris (Doogie Howser). The only annoying part is that while Ted is already grown, his voice-over is done by Bob Saget. This makes no sense. Still, How I Met Your Mother is worth at least recording or tracking down on the internet.

Evil Dead II (1987): A-
Movie
Category: Horror/Comedy

I saw this one as a second feature in a drive-through theater, and it blew me away! Actor Bruce Campbell revises his role as college student Ash in this re-make of the original Evil Dead film, but this time with a solid budget and a wry sense of humor that led this film to become a cult classic, as well as the best by far of the original Evil Dead films. It features some of the experimental camera work that director Sam Raimi would later become known for. Evil Dead was later re-made for release in 2013. Evil Dead 2 is definitely worth buying if you are into this sort of film.

This is the End (2013): D+
Movie
Category: Comedy

The world has come to an end and a series of Hollywood stars attending a party have front row seats. It was painfully obvious that the writers either did not read, did not pay attention to, or simply chose to ignore, Revelations. Putting aside these large inconsistencies with the Bible, the movie was, for the most part, boring. Most of the movie was spent in a house with the main characters sitting around and doing very little. The only time I laughed was at the performance of Michael Cera supposedly as himself. Save your money on this one. This is The End is only worth watching at a discount or through a service that you are already paying for.

Boy's Life by Robert R. McCammon: A
Books
Category: Fantasy/Horror

Robert McCammon has written some real clunkers. He has also written some real jewels. Boy's Life is by far the best thing that Robert McCammon has ever written. It follows the adventures of young boy in a small town and the strange creature that haunts it, but is really about a boy and his father. I have always said that if there is one thing that college taught me, it was the ability to read more than one book at a time. Boy's Life is the book I'm referring to. It was so enjoyable to read that I could not put it down, so for the first time I learned to read my assigned books at the same time. Boy's Life is worth buying, in Hardback if possible.

The Dark Tide by Dennis L. McKiernan: B
Books
Category: Fantasy

Hobbit-like creatures called Warrows must rise to fight off an evil darkness spreading across the land. It is obviously a copy in many respects of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, right down to the main characters being wee folk from their own land, but it is a good story. It kept me reading. The Dark Tide is worth buying for full price in Paperback.

Carnivale (2003 -2005): A
TV
Category: Drama

Brilliant! Set against the backdrop of the great depression, carnival follows a circus crew fighting for the fate of mankind. Always intriguing. The characters (and acting) seem real. The world feels real. I find myself caring for them. I'm also curious to see what is happening with the strange events taking place and just who is involved and how. Carnivale, especially the first season, is well worth owning.

America's Got Talent (2006+): B
TV
Category: Reality

I rarely watch standard television. There are just too many things on that I do not enjoy. Plus, chances are the things I like to watch aren't on when I can watch them anyhow. Put these two things together and TV is just not worth the price to me. I would much prefer to watch online. I can watch only what I'm interested in and do it during my own time. America's Got Talent (AGT) is one of those few shows that are better to watch on TV, especially if you want to vote. AGT is a Talent Show with huge steaks. It can be annoying when they switch judges. Half of the time I do not agree with the judges. Of course I don't always agree with the American Voters anyhow. What's most annoying to me is that I don’t get to see enough auditions. With the time restraints of the show, you mainly see the winners. Even then, many of the winning moments are abbreviated. Over all, AGT is worth watching live on television.

Star Trek Into Darkness (2013): A
Movie
Category: Science Fiction

I was impressed with the first movie by J. J. Abrams, despite the annoying fact that it almost completely negated everything that we have been watching about this world for generations. This sequel is better! I did not expect much from this movie both as a sequel and from the commercials, but without giving anything away, this movie blew the first one away. The biggest problem with rating this film is that I can say practically nothing about it without spoilers, so I will just say watch It!

Army of Darkness: D
Movie
Category: Horror/Fantasy/Humor

This sequel to the Evil Dead films goes too far, featuring slap-stick, over the top, humor rather than the subtler, more wry sense of humor that made Evil Dead 2 so great. Actor Bruce Campbell revises his role as Ash, where he is transported back in time and where we learn about the so called beginnings of the Evil Dead films. As a film, Army of Darkness is only worth seeing for reduced price, or on a service which will not cost you more to watch it. As a part of the series, it may be worth buying just to have.

The Hollowing by Robert Holdstock: A
Books
Category: Fantasy

A fascinating story. It holds you in its arms and pulls you deeper into it, like the woods themselves. When a Father loses his Son to the woods, he goes after him. Only these woods have a dark secret that is made even worse by the presence of the boy. The father must try to get his son out and fight off the danger of the woods. Apparently there are other stories (this is the 4th) written about these woods, but I have not gotten around to reading them yet. When I picked up this book, I was fascinated by the world within the woods that Robert Holdstock invented. The more I learned about them, the more fascinated I became. They hold a direct line to the psyche. If you like these sort of tales, then The Hollowing is definitely worth buying (perhaps in Hardback). You would be remiss at not reading this book.

Tex and Molly in the Afterlife by Richard Grant: B-
Books
Category: Fantasy

Tex and Molly die, but do not leave the world behind. Instead, they move through a reality partially re-invented by their own minds and try to do well. Strange, perhaps a little silly, and overall non-spectacular. A good read, but not a great one. Tex and Molly in the Afterlife is worth buying for full price in paperback if you are into this sort of thing.

Coupling (2000 - 2004): A
TV
Category: British Sitcom

If you liked Friends, or even if you just tolerated it, you are going to love Coupling. The show is at its best when the characters, and particularly the shy and awkward Jeff, get deeper and deeper into their lies to try and cover them up. Although best in seasons 2 and 3, the show is really funny coming out of the gate in season 1 also. It only begins to marginally run down in season 4. Coupling is worth buying.

Pawn Stars (2009+): C++
TV
Category: Reality

Everybody has probably heard of Pawn Stars. This show follows the exploits of the workers and owners of a Las Vegas Pawn Shop. You never know what is going to be brought into the shop and you never know what the owners and workers are going to do. It is the items that excite me the most, but others may prefer the owners and employees. If they were not interesting and enjoyable I myself would probably not watch. Luckily, they are. It is that human touch, the fact that we care about these guys, that makes the show enjoyable. As I have said, due to the nature of a reality show I usually do not recommend buying it. This show is probably the closest I will ever come. I do not usually watch shows on TV. I prefer the internet because I can watch them on my time and do not have to be in front of the TV at a certain time. Pawn Stars is definitely worth recording or finding on the internet.

Brazil (1985): A+
Movie
Category: Comedy

The first time I saw this Terry Gilliam movie I absolutely loved it and it still holds a warm place in my heart today. Through a computer error, Sam Lowry finds the woman he loves and finds himself thrust into the role of saboteur and freedom fighter. Set in the backdrop of a future Brazil, this film shows bureaucracy at its worst. Funny, inspiring and just bizarre enough for my tastes, this film is definitely worth buying.

Adventureland (2009): B
Movie
Category: Drama

I had never heard of this movie before I saw it, but it contained Jesse Eisenburg and Kristen Stewart, so I thought I would check it out. It is good movie about the angst of youth, but not the best movie ever written. I get tired of movies about poverty and crime and drug use, but it is not bad. This film is worth seeing in the theater, if you can find it there. For the rest of us, it will have to be rented or watched either online or on TV.

Bad Haircut: Stories of the Seventies by Tom Perrotta: A-
Books
Category: Literary/Mainstream

I grew up in the '70's and let me tell you, Tom was right on. Perhaps it was my sense of nostalgia, reliving the past and the memories it brought back, but let me tell you that I loved this book. It is a rare thing indeed to find a collection of short stories in which I have enjoyed reading each one. Usually there are one or two stories that stand out to me and the rest or what I call fillers - hardly worth my time or hard earned money. In this book, this was definitely not the case. I have to admit that it has been some time since I read this book, however, I do not think there was one story that I did not enjoy. Worth buying.

Sewer, Gas and Electric: The Public Works Trilogy by Matt Ruff: B
Books
Category: Science Fiction

It all sounds a bit silly for some and maybe it is. For the rest of us, it is a good read. Nothing special, nothing fancy and nothing particular stands out as a work of great fiction, but it is a good and solid read and there is a mystery to be figured out. Sewer, Gas and Electric takes you exactly where it says you will, and maybe where you would rather not go. The book is filled with a cast of eccentric characters for you to enjoy. Worth paying full price for.

Twin Peaks (1990-1991): A
TV
Category: Drama/Crime

Twin Peaks is one of my favorite television shows of all time, at least season one. Season two got a bit strange (in a worse way) and boring after they discovered who killed Laura Palmer. David Lynch should have never talked them into that one. I was fascinated by the strange (in a good way) and unique characters, was drawn into their lives and was pulled in by the mystery. Twin Peaks is definitely worth owning.

American Pickers (2010+): C+
TV
Category: Reality

As I have said before, I rarely recommend buying reality shows. This one speaks to me, however, and I enjoy watching it. We watch two pickers who are passionate and interesting as they travel around America, often cold calling at homes, as they search out products to sell in their shop. It doesn't hurt that the lady running the shop and tracking down leads for them is smart and attractive as well. If you are into antiques, or just rare or strange items, then this show is definitely worth recording or tracking down on the internet to watch.

12 Monkeys (1995): A
Movie
Category: Science Fiction/Thriller/Mystery

Directed by the brilliant Terry Gilliam of Monty Python (can you tell I like him?), 12 Monkeys is a study in psychotic behavior. Not only does the main character (played by Bruce Willis) not know if his experiences are real or not, but the other characters and audience don't know either. Part of this is through Bruce Willis' acting, more is how the film is put together. Terry Gilliam's twisted mind is perfect for the task. Supposedly a virus is released which kills much of the population and prevents people from being able to live above ground. The main character is sent back in time to prevent this from taking place. A brilliant film. Worth buying.

28 Weeks Later: B
Movie
Category: Horror/Science Fiction/Thriller

This movie is a no brainer and can easily be over-analyzed by thinkers. Easy to predict. A sequel to 28 Days Later, we learn more about the virus that started the zombification, attempt to re-begin population and see the virus re-introduced. I enjoyed the first film to a point. This film was worse, but still good. In many ways, the film goes over the top and has some heavy-handed political commentary, but is still enjoyable. If you just want a film that will scare you and gross you out without thinking too much, then 28 Weeks Later is worth seeing in the theater.

Author and Agent: Eudora Welty and Diarmuid Russell by Michael Kreyling: A+
Books
Category: Non-Fiction

I picked this one up on whim from my college bookstore and was pleasantly surprised. This book tells the story of the relationship between Eudora Welty and her agent through correspondence. It was fascinating to me. I could not put it down and it quickly grew into one of my favorite books. Especially good if you are a writer or just fascinated by the time period. Author and Agent is well worth buying. Should be available in Kindle format for those who want to spend a little less because they are unsure. Perhaps one day it will be.

The House of Doors by Brian Lumley: C
Books
Category: Horror/Science Fiction

Overall a good read, but nothing spectacular. A group of people get trapped in a house, each door seeming to lead to a bizarre and potentially dangerous world. I loved the Necroscope books by the same author and felt a bit let down as a result. A light, fun read, but nothing to get excited about. Worth buying used in soft back or checking out of the library.

Black Adder (1983+): A
TV
Category: British Comedy

A classic! Black Adder tells the tale of Edmund Blackadder. Each season involves a different period of history in which the so called relatives of Mr. Blackadder (all named Edmund) live. This show includes some great names in British Comedy, including: Rowan Atkinson (as Edmund), Hugh Laurie, Stephen Fry and Brian Blessed. Well worth buying.

Storage Wars (2010+): C+
TV
Category: Reality

A group of people go head to head to try and buy abandoned and auctioned off storage lockers. Entertaining. For some reason, I really got into this one. You never know what they are going to find. The first of its kind, this show spawned several sequels. I rarely recommend buying reality shows, but this one is definitely worth recording off of TV or hunting down on the internet.

I Am (2010): A-  
Movie
Category: Documentary

I have been working on a story about how we can go about changing the world, such as paying folks a living wage, one person at a time. By caring for one another, placing human value and need ahead of other things such as personal objects and money, we demonstrate not only that we care but that we are all, in a sense, one. Through this demonstration, we create this feeling in others and, through them, others still. As this feeling grows, we begin to see more and more change until the larger part of us begin to act in accordance with this ideal. Then I came across this documentary. It explains step by step how we are all interconnected and about how, by helping each other, we are actually helping ourselves. It is rare that I recommend a documentary for purchase. Usually, it has to be supreme. This one is good, but does not hit that mark. I recommend this documentary for the information it provides. Worth buying.

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Seven Dwarfs (2004): C-
7 Zwerge (original title)
Movie
Category: German Comedy

A take-off of the Snow White story. The Seven Dwarves live in a female-free zone within the enchanted forest. When she enters their world over a bridge, they can't resist her. When the Evil Queen abducts her, they have to get her back. An amusing, if not great, German twist on the fairy tale. Lightly humorous. The antics of the dwarfs reminded me of the 3 Stooges. Brarely worth renting for full price (if you are interested in this sort of thing).

Full Dark, No Stars: A+
Books
Category: Horror

I have been a long-time fan of Stephen King. One of his "constant readers," so to speak, I have eagerly devoured nearly everything that he has written. One of the best series' he ever wrote was probably "The Dark Tower" series. He has written many great stand-alone novels. Although he has written greater short stories, such as "N," as far as his short story collections are concerned, one of his best and tightest is "Full Dark, No Stars." Featuring four short stories (1922 A, A Good Marriage A, Big Driver A and Fair Extension B+), it was like watching a massive car wreck. I tried to stop, I tried to look away, but I simply could not. Worth buying.

Monty Python's Flying Circus: A-  
TV 
Category: British Comedy

Everyone loves Monty Python's Flying Circus! Before the films, there was the TV show featuring 6 young men (John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Michael Palin, Terry Jones and Graham Chapman) spoofing just about everything they could get their minds on. Who could forget "The Parrot Sketch" or "The Lumberjack Song?" Their comedy was nearly brilliant! If not for one of their flaws, finding an ending for the sketch, I would give them full marks. As it is, Monty Python's Flying Circus is well worth buying. . . and now for something completely different

Stalker (1979): A+
Movie 
Category: Science Fiction

One of my favorite movies of all time! Stalker is Russian film maker Andrei Tarkovsky's take on the novel "Roadside Picnic" by the Russian Brothers Arkady Strugatsky and Boris Strugatsky. This film covers only a small portion of the book and is quite different, but well worth checking out for its own merits. Strikingly beautiful, you will have to pay full attention to this film for both its imagery and to understand it completely. This film is also subtitled. A slow paced film, it may be harder for many to sit through but is well worth it. Worth buying.

Ratings

Welcome to Moron Entertainment! For those of you who are unfamiliar with my work, my ratings are slightly different than the typical 5 stars that you are used to. My ratings are based on the American grading system. A low grade does not necessarily mean that I do not like the product being discussed. My Grading system is as follows:

Movies
(A) = Worth Buying.
(B) = Worth seeing in a theater (even if it is not worth buying).
(C) = Worth Renting for full price.
(D) = Worth Renting at discount (or through a one price monthly rental service).
(E) = Worth watching for free (such as on network TV).
(F) = Not Worth Watching.
(NR) = Not yet rated.
I have either not yet seen it or have not formed a solid opinion yet.

TV
(A) = Worth Buying.
(B) = Worth scheduling your time (to watch on normal TV).
(C) = Worth recording on TV or hunting down on the internet.
(D) = Worth watching on a paid-for monthly service.
(F) = Not worth watching.
(NR) = Not yet rated.
I have either not yet seen it or have not formed a solid opinion yet.

Books (A) You would be remiss at not reading.
(B) = Worth buying at full price.
(C) = Worth buying at discount (or renting from a service, such as a library, that you are already paying for).
(D) = Worth reading for free.
(F) = Not worth reading.
(NR) = Not yet rated.
I have either not yet seen it or have not formed a solid opinion yet.