The thing about intros
We all love tv right? But sometimes intro/theme/credits bit makes you want to scream at the tv to just get on with it, am I not right? They are often so boring. Even if you love those actors you don't need to see the same clip with their name on it every single episode.
But, some intros are nice.
I just want to comment on some... because well, I always think about it when I watch a show XD
Now, it doesn't matter if I love a show to damn pieces, the intro can still be boring.
Farscape for example, best show ever made, but the first two seasons were pretty dull when it came to te intro. Here however we had a nice voice over... which got better in the other two seasons, as well as the sty*le (tv.com, what to you want? that's a normal word!) of the intro itself. Obscure text floating by and such.
Firefly? Another hsow that I love to bits, yeah... not too much love on the intro there. Remember, I'm not talking about the music, but on everything combined. Because the song is really nice for Firefly, but overall the little clip is a bit boring.
Stargate is boring too, first one for SG1? Insanely boring >.< With the statue you know? Yuck. Atlantis is a bit better with everything being blue and the picture freezing. Still boring though, and not really that synced with the music.
Good ones then?
Gotta say, I love the CSI ones. Music is awsome and very fitting, and not actually written for the show. I like that all three shows have a song by the Who. The sty*le of the video is really nice too. Very graphic. I haven't watched much Miami or Vegas lately so I'll just comment on NY. The song kicks ass (and I prefer the version for s1 to 3 thankyouverymuch, more like the original) and I love how the actors' names like float by in big letter that you don't really notice and then they come to the readable version (especially like Eddie's in s4... red letters dissolving into blood behind the white XD)
Loved 4400's, so stylistic and beautiful (stuff aging). Seriously, I liked the intro better than the show XD
Same thing with House MD, well the show is good I just haven't watched much of it. But the intro is, just like 4400, very stylistic and graphical. Probably the most goodlookin intro I've seen.
And from a graphic point of view Criminal Minds is really nice too. With boxes and stuff.
I like Battlestar Galactica's too. The music is absolutely beautiful. Both American and European version. And the video is just of ships and with the basic story line in nice text, lingering on certain words. It's pretty. And then it moves into a very quick teaser of the episode. To me, that never shows too much, just makes it a bit more interesting. And it's so nicely matched to the music. On every beat the clip changes.
And finally the ones I like the most XD And that's Supernatural and current ER. Just the logo and it's done. Back to the story XD
Cause no matter how awsome an intro looks, to me it does start to get boring after a while XD I have watched lots of CSI NY lately, marathoning it really. It's still such a good intro that I don't skip it, but I'm not particulary enjoying it anymore you know. It's just there. Depending on my mood of the moment I might look at the random stuff they throw in though. For graphic inspiration purposes ^^
There are loads more out there. Mostly boring ones (sitcoms are always boring imo), but I'm sure there are good ones too.
What's your opinion?
Posted by darth_pocki, 03/05/2008 6:33am 1 Comments
Print
Email
Comment
Tag
Digg thisBSG destroyed scifi for me
Battlestar Galactica destroyed sci fi for me.
Yes it did, but hear me out ok?
After having seen BSG in a week, lived with it you might say, I can't fully enjoy other sci fi as I used to (with the exception of Farscape and Firefly, I'll mention them later). It feels unreal, shallow, cliché and occasionally even badly acted.
Why? BSG spoiled me, it really did. It plays in a league of its own. The characters feel so real, so human. They are flawed, they hurt, they scar, they love, they die. The ship feels real too, it isn't too "far out". It isn't run by a super smart computer and you can't just press a button or say "computer, do this and that". It doesn't have an energy field around it with blinking percentage showing up at a screen and someone saying that shield's are down. It's a tin can, and it's run by people. It has keys, levers, phones with cords… and people. And they turn the keys, pull the levers, and needs to find a phone whenever they want to contact someone. And there's someone at every little station imaginary. No single computer whiz doing it all. It feels like it's inhabited. People live on that ship.
There isn't some advanced alien race looking like us (having evolved to almost the same thing at exactly the same time in the eternity that is the universe) wanting us dead. The enemy is our own creation, we built them. And it isn't about heroes and all good men and women. It's the few shards left of humanity… on the run. Trying to find somewhere to live, somewhere to restart civilisation.
They aren't "superheroes". They don't succeed with everything. They cheat, they fail, they lose.
It all feels so real.
And the acting is superb. You believe them.
I was so caught up in this show; I believed in the characters so much that I didn't recognize actors that I really should. I am the kind of person who recognizes people from a guest spot on a show I saw two years ago. But in this they aren't actors, the characters are real.
Yep, can't watch sci fi in the same way anymore.
But, you say, what about Farscape and Firefly that you mentioned in the beginning?
Yeah, those two shows (the ones that own my heart) still feel as good. But then again, when reading the essay collection books on those shows you find them mentioning each other, saying that they're different. I agree completely.
The reason Firefly didn't destroy my view of sci fi? It was so short. But it was the same thing there. Real people, a ship that was a home not a computer and superb actors.
Farscape just kidnapped my heart. The acting and writing was so good. But yes, here you have loads of aliens (looking like us) and not a ship that is an inhabited tin can but a living being (although, that is the thing, it's really alive, and she has her own problems and mood swings sometimes). I won't go deeper on this show, because I won't be able to stop. But yeah, I could surely suspend disbelief for this, maybe largely because Crichton was from here and now. And the people stuff mentioned above still apply to all these characters, even the aliens. The reason it didn't frell up sci fi? I'm not sure, probably because it was quite a funny show at times (light hearted stuff doesn't have the same effect) but also that it had such heavy drama, just like BSG does... (and an insane plethora or aliens)
I already miss being able to enjoy the other shows the same way, but I wouldn't want to trade it back. No frakking way!
Posted by darth_pocki, 02/01/2008 7:58am 1 Comments
Bryan Fuller
I think I really need a Bryan Fuller dvd collection. At least his "creations" so to speak. He makes such wonderful things. Even if we ignore Heroes (which I've already written that I love) and Star Trek (of which Voyager... which he wrote for... was my first fandom) his original creations or whatever... his shows... they make me happy and have something special. Something in common that I can't really put my finger on. But something that makes them really good. And I suddenly feel a need to get them on dvd. Now, that wouldn't be too hard since that is 3 box sets XD
A while ago I watched Dead Like Me, and I loved it (which makes two box sets). And about a week or so ago I just sucked in Wonderfalls and loved it to pieces (and that's the third dvd box). Both of them have that little weird quirky feel. And a girl that is "normal" or well, yeah, she is for like a minute or something. Still, leading a normal and boring life until something happens (she either gets hit by a toilet or faints cause a wax lion talked to her)... but she doesn't miracously change. She's still the same person, someone you can identify with, but she has to deal with this weird thing going on. And the rest of the characters then just happens to plainly rock XD And so does all the actors.
Now, you think, isn't she forgetting a show? No, I say, she is not.
Yeah, Pushing Daisies. Now, this doesn't count into the "I need a dvd collection" because it's fresh tv meat. When the dvd comes out, I kinda need it though XD You see, about two weeks ago a friend said I should watch it and that I might like it. I gave it a shot and only a couple of minutes had to go by before I was completely in love. Such an amazing show! Sweet, adorable, cute, beautiful, funny, quirky... just awsome. I tend to go "aaaaw" out loud a lot when I watch it XD
It was after that I thought that "hey, DLM was good and this is amazing, maybe I should try that Wonderfall one... and I did and I realised that Bryan Fuller just manages to make tv that just makes me so happy. Which means that whatever he decides to create after Pushing Daisies, I will be there immedeately.
Don't have the money now sinc eI have a trip to London planned. Maybe I can get Wonderfalls for Christmas or something...
fall season is on!
The big week of season premieres is over... it has begun.
Well, I'm still waiting for Supernatural s3 to start but the rest (Heroes, Sarah Jane Adventures, NCIS, Bones and Stargate Atlantis) have kicked off.
I'm so happy! XD
Sadly, Mock the Week s5 ended this week and the Eureka season finale is next week. Luckily thought, it seems like Eureka has been picked up for a third season. YAY!
On another note me and a friend went on a little shopping spree last Friday (a week ago that is). We had planned to watch a big bunch of downloaded SPN s2 episodes (cause she was behind)... ended up just watching three and the rest of the night went to discussing said show as well as Dark Angel. Then, around three at night we said "I wonder how much it would be to order both SPN seasons from Amazon?"... we checked, my friend said "It's my favourite show ever and I can afford it" and I said "hell, I really like it and the dollar is so low compared to the Swedish crown right now... and this is what I earned at work today... Lets do it!" And so we did. In the middle of the night we ordered both seasons of SPN each (and my friend added two SPN books too... if they are awsome I might buy them too, who knows) So yay! Hopefully the package will arrive around Friday next week.
I'm quite tempted to order Dark Angel too. Somehow that show just stuck to me... and the two seasons are ridicously cheap O.o But I told myself that I can't buy them until I've been out running twice this month. Cause I need something to justify even more shopping as well as something to force me out on the track again.
But YAY! Finally the fall season is in motion... and it looks like it's gonna be a really nice season ^^
DA, SPN and upcoming
so... a couple of weeks ago someone on my LJ friendslist mentioned Dark Angel and I remembered that I had planned to watch it someday but never got to it. So since I was (still am) in that empty deadzone between seasons, when absolutely nothing is on, I thought I should give it a try. And that I did.
Oh my, I got sucked in right away. I loved Michael Weatherly from before (being an NCIS fan and all) so that just made it easier *laugh* But all the characters were so very lovable!
Yeah, really liked tha show and swallowed it like within a week. In season two I really liked the character of Alec (played by Jensen Ackles), he made me laugh so much XD And well, I had tried out Supernatural a while ago but I didn't really fall for it. Too much thriller/horror-ish for my taste (I just find horror movies and such boring) but since I remembered the character of Dean (yes Jensen Ackle's character) as being somewhat similar to Alec I thought I should give Supernatural another try. And then almost all evenings of the past week as been swallowed by that show. It just sucked me right in.
It amuses me a lot and then it has some nice angst sprinkled on top XD So now I totally look forward to s3, yay!
Because yes, the end of this void of nothingness in the TV world is soon coming to an end. There is one week, the last week of this month, when everything just explodes for me. Unless anything has changed since I last checked this is what I'm talking about:
monday 24th - Heroes
tuesday 25th - NCIS
tuesday 25th - Bones
friday 28th - Stargate Atlantis
thursday 4th (oct) - Supernatural
all the shows I follow... their new seasons starting (almost) the same week... SPN is just put in the week after. Ooooh it will be such a good week *purrs*
Just 2 and a half week left. Yay!
ok, I'm being a bit unfair. There are shows that are going now too, but it's not the big exciting ones... Mock the Week, Sanctuary and Heroes Unmasked, thank you for making the wait a bit easier ^^
Posted by darth_pocki, 09/06/2007 1:19am 0 Comments
My Recent Reviews
|
Battlestar Galactica (2003) Avg Score: 9.13 Total Ratings: 13342 Total Reviews: 505 Users who agree: 11 Users who disagree: 1 |
Why? BSG spoiled me, it really did. It plays in a league of its own. The characters feel so real, so human. They are flawed, they hurt, they scar, they love, they die. The ship feels real too, it isn't too "far out". It isn't run by a super smart computer and you can't just press a button or say "computer, do this and that". It doesn't have an energy field around it with blinking percentage showing up at a screen and someone saying that shield's are down. It's a tin can, and it's run by people. It has keys, levers, phones with cords… and people. And they turn the keys, pull the levers, and needs to find a phone whenever they want to contact someone. And there's someone at every little station imaginary. No single computer whiz doing it all. It feels like it's inhabited. People live on that ship.
There isn't some advanced alien race looking like us (having evolved to almost the same thing at exactly the same time in the eternity that is the universe) wanting us dead. The enemy is our own creation, we built them. And it isn't about heroes and all good men and women. It's the few shards left of humanity… on the run. Trying to find somewhere to live, somewhere to restart civilisation.
They aren't "superheroes". They don't succeed with everything. They cheat, they fail, they lose.
It all feels so real.
And the acting is superb. You believe them.
I was so caught up in this show; I believed in the characters so much that I didn't recognize actors that I really should. I am the kind of person who recognizes people from a guest spot on a show I saw two years ago. But in this they aren't actors, the characters are real.
Yep, can't watch sci fi in the same way anymore.
I already miss being able to enjoy the other shows like I used to, but I wouldn't want to trade it back. No frakking way!
|
Higher Ground Avg Score: 8.78 Total Ratings: 249 Total Reviews: 37 Users who agree: 1 |
Then ever since I fell in love with Firefly, and with that Jewel Staite, I've somewhat wanted to watch Higher Ground again, but never got around to it. Then not too long ago I found my way to the cast list again and realised that two other actresses from shows I totally adore nowadays were in it as Cliffhangers (A.J. Cook and Kandyse McClure if you're wondering). I just had to give it another go.
I set out thinking that I would manage to watch it due to slight nostalgia and squeefulness over actors. That a show about troubled teens in a school in the mountains would be quite cringe worthy… oh I was wrong.
I didn't end up gobbling up this show for the actors, but for its excellence. It just made me so happy. Despite the hardship these kids go through they still brought a big smile to my face… and even tears to my eyes on numerous occasions. And if a show makes me cry, it sure is a good one.
I'm so sad that it never got a second season. But I do think that the end works as the end for the series, everyone being happy and looking up at the 'falling stars'… even if it would've been better as a season finale of course. Because I do think they had set it up nicely for a second season, with a new character seemingly there to stay (I would've loved to see David evolve into someone we could actually like) and a way for us to not lose Kat even if she's graduating.
And oh man, I wish they would give this show a proper DVD release.
To those of you who might be reading this and wondering if you should watch the show: DO IT!
But please keep in mind… the original order the episodes aired (which is the order here on TV.com) is WRONG. Very much so actually. Stuff makes very little sense if watched in that order. You have a character there all of a sudden that you've never seen before but everyone seems to know… and a couple of episodes later you get her intro episode. Not too good. Therefore I want to give you what I (and many others) believe is the proper order (at least it worked very well watching it like this):
1x01 – Scott Free
1x02 – Babe in Arms
1x03 – Our Strongest Link
1x04 – Walking the Line
1x05 – Hope Falls
1x06 – What Remains
1x07 - Crossroads
1x08 – Worlds Apart
1x09 – Seductions
1x10 – Close Encounters
1x11 – The Kids Stay In The Picture
1x12 – Best Behaviour
1x13 – Wherefore Art Thou
1x14 – Attention Deficit
1x15 – Exposed
1x16 – Innocence
1x17 – Daised and Confused
1x18 – One of These Days
1x19 – Because It's There
1x20 – Falling Up
1x21 – Mended Fences
1x22 – Because I Love You
|
Farscape Avg Score: 9.03 Total Ratings: 3683 Total Reviews: 138 Users who agree: 1 |
First of all, the references: I’ve always wished for a sci-fi show that refers to other sci-fi shows or other cultural stuff for that matter. And here I got it, and a lot of it. Since John is from our time we know what he knows. I really like that.
Then we have the pain and the amazing acting on that part. I seldom really feel for characters when they suffer since many actors have trouble expressing the “core” of it. But in Farscape we get it, all the time. Both Aeryn and John suffer a lot throughout the series, but both try to be strong and not show it. But the eyes always tell. So much pain in one gaze and it always struck me deep. It’s stripped down, sincere and I love it.
Before I go onto seasons I shall not forget the love stories. The major one involving Aeryn and John really got to me. I think it’s cause of how much they really have to struggle, how much pain they have to take before it works, and then it all shatters again.
The smaller love stories like Chiana and D’Argo or Zhaan and Stark, they are a nice counterweight to John and Aeryn. They are easy, happy and working. Sure, all come to an end eventually, all painful of course, but while it works it really works, unlike John and Aeryn then. And this without it getting cheesy. That’s the worst thing one can do with a relationship on tv/movies.
[here’ll be spoilers of course]
Season one and two
Here the balance between humour and pain/depression is good. Or well, it goes from much humour and action and then calms down a little, then turns towards pretty painful towards the end of s2. But overall it’s a good mix. Characters evolve all the time throughout the seasons, which is very likable. If they would’ve been static I would have given up long ago.
Season three
First episode was called "Seasons of Death" and well, season three really -is- the season of death. Here the pain came crashing down, hard. To be honest no show has made me cry as many times as Farscape. And I very seldom cry. They manage to kill off almost everyone at least once, of course they live again but we still get the death. And then there’s the suffering, especially John’s suffering, from other things than dying. All acted on so very well.
But towards the end of the season it was almost becoming too much, too heavy to bear. (It could be because I watched three seasons in two weeks though.) We had gotten through Aeryn’s funeral and Zhaan leaving but then we lost John due to radiation. When everything had become perfect between him and Aeryn and the wormhole-knowledge was finally released, he just died. So sad to see, especially Aeryn’s reaction, knowing that there would be another John waiting on Moya but that it would be to start over again but with a very painful baggage. And to add to all the sadness; Crais and Talyn sacrificing themselves for the greater good.
Season four
It started out very weird and the first couple of episodes felt very rushed. Then it all came together and the rest (most) of season four turned out to be two big story arcs. In the first three seasons we got some small, 3 episodes or such, story arcs but here it was more around 6. That made it all very thrilling. The beginning of the season was crazy in every way. Weird weird eps, humorous ones. Then the rest, the two big story arcs, not as humorous anymore but it didn’t matter. It was awesome either way.
But the worst thing one can do is end the entire series with the screen saying “to be continued”. Grah! But luckily we finally got PKW.
Peacekeeper Wars.
It was a very good closure of it all. I got my happy ending but with sacrifices, just like I want it to be. And I have to say, Aeryn is one hell of a woman. Firing a rifle while giving birth, oh my. I am very satisfied with this ending, I really am.
The characters were all so lovable. Some I fell for immediately (John, Aeryn, Zhaan etc), some were more difficult and took a couple of episodes (Rygel, Chiana, Harvey…). I think the only one that never really touched my heart was Sikozu, but I didn’t hate her she just never reached me. Everyone else; just lovely. The characters were so different from eachother but together they created a perfect balance. Another thing I immediately liked was that it was very equal. Both men and women were strong and kicked serious ass (and both were weak at times). Also, everyone was attractive (or cute) in their own way, that’s somewhat unusual.
Lastly, everyone is grumpy about it being cancelled after only four seasons but I am not. Don’t get me wrong here, let me explain. You see, my favourite sci-fi show is Firefly. I never had the chance to see it on tv when it was originally aired, (same goes for Farscape , since I live in Sweden) but got the dvds. I came to peace with it only being 14 episodes and then a movie. Here I get an equally splendid and lovely sci-fi show with 88 episodes and a 4 hour miniseries. That is just heaven and bliss.
Now I will set out on a little quest to convert my surroundings to this. I will not ask them to look upwards, but to their tv or computer, and share the wonders I’ve seen. And I will patiently wait until the end of October for the complete box set…
|
Ewan McGregor Avg Score: 9.54 Total Ratings: 185 Total Reviews: 19 Users who agree: 1 |
He's talented, handsome and he do all kinds of roles.
I think the last part is what makes him my favourite. He can do anything and sure does it too! From junkie to bisexual rock star to Jedi to clone to psychiatrist to singing writer. And he doesn't seem to be shy to do anything on screen either. He kisses men, run around naked, fight invisible enemies and oh my god, he can sing!
I think it was Mouline Rouge that made me fall in love with this awesome actor. That voice, he could sure have become a singer if he wanted (although I'm so happy he decided to act instead... well, now he does both in Guys and Dolls, but that's not the point).
Another thing is that he seems so funny and loving. I've seen documentaries/behind-the-scenes where people always talk fondly of him. How he brightens up the place and stuff. And of course, he always speaks well of his co-stars. (I remember him saying "She's a tough cookie. I love her to pieces" about Scarlett Johanson for example...very sweet)
Yet another sing that's so lovable about him is that he seems to act for the fun of it, and not for the money. Many actors stick to the big Hollywood movies when they've become well-known. But not Ewan, no. He has been playing Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars (my favourites btw), some of the biggest movies out there, and now he decides to record a small low-budget movie in Britain playing a gay man. Just for the love for acting.
And his Scottish, how charming isn't that?
When "The Island" premiered and it didn't bring in as much money as they expected they blamed it on using "not stars of today, but stars of tomorrow". I can agree that Scarlett is a star of tomorrow, cause she sure is rising. But Ewan? He certainly is a star of today!
Speaking of The Island and Star Wars. I am always amazed by how this 34 year old actor can go from portraying a middle age war-torn Jedi to a naive 20-year old clone. Within the same year... and doing it very good! He almost seems ageless.
Anyway, he is amazing and I'm so looking forward to his future movies!
|
Di Gi Charat Avg Score: 6.84 Total Ratings: 34 Total Reviews: 4 |
I love how they alter between less simple to almost child-drawing style (I love that in general in anime). And the weirdness of the story is just awesome.
My favourite characters are Puchiko and Gema. I can't really choose between them you know. And both feels like evil side-kicks to Dejiko. And honestly, doesn’t't Puchiko seem way more evil than her sister (or whatever she is, -that- is a bit confusing)? Even if she almost does nothing. She's like a very cool, calculating villain, but on the good side.
It's amazing how much they fit in 3 minutes too, well, it might be the insane speed of it. Most of my friends who I have forced to watch it with me has said it was way to hyper for them to understand. But well, according to me, that's the charm and greatness of this show!
Let's summarize: this is a show worth watching. But don't do it with headache. ^^
nyu~
Profile
Last online Sep 7, 2008 2:39 am PT
Member since Sep 30, 2005
Profile views: 995 (+ 3 new)
| Send Message | |
| Report Abuse | |
Stats
Rank: Holy Level 10!
Forum Posts: 69
|
Submissions Accepted: 111 Pending: 0 Denied: 17 Total: 128 |
Reviews Shows: 4 Episodes: 1 People: 1 Total: 6 |
Science-Fiction 29: 23.8%
Action/Adventure 28: 23%
Comedy 13: 10.7%
Other 18: 14.8%
About Me
