“Perfect Strangers”: Seasons 1 and 2
Relying on the tried-but-true odd-couple set up, “Perfect Strangers” focuses on the comical lives of Larry Appleton (Mark Linn-Baker) and Balki Bartokomous (Bronson Pinchot).
Category: Reviews
“Third Watch” — Season 1
Equal parts “ER,” “Rescue Me,” and “Law & Order,” “Third Watch” received critical raves when it premiered in 1999 on NBC. All 22 episodes from that first season are included in this 6-disc box set, and the episodes (many of which reflect political issues of the time) stand up well. The third watch refers to the 3 to 11 p.m. shift of firefighters, police officers and paramedics who risk their lives to keep New Yorkers safe.
“All Roads Lead Home”
“All Roads Lead Home” does not fall in the same category as a classic like “Old Yeller.” But it does tell a heartwarming tale that features some super cute animals, including an adorable, scene-stealing puppy. At times a tad too earnest, the movie (which is inspired by a true story) makes for pleasant viewing that could open up some nice dialogue between parents and children about how compassion comes in many different forms.
“The Simple Life”: Season 5
There are plenty of actresses who aren’t particularly good thespians, but they have a likable presence that makes them pleasant to watch on the screen. There is none of that here: Neither Nicole Richie or Paris Hilton are good enough actors to make the viewer believe that any of this is real.
“The Last Legion”
By Jae-Ha Kim Amazon.com January 18, 2008 Swordfights, battles, and betrayal fuel The Last Legion, which tells the story of the last emperor of Rome: a slight 12-year-old boy who is a descendent of Julius […]
“Mad Money”
Ironically, “Mad Money” was directed by Callie Khouri, who wrote “Thelma & Louise” and “Something to Talk About”–movies that had all the key components (compelling storyline and characters worth cheering on) that “Mad Money” is lacking.
“Trail of Crumbs” by Kim Sunee
With Trail of Crumbs: Hunger, Love, and the Search for Home (Grand Central, 370 pages, $24.99), first-time author Kim Sunee writes a fascinating account of her life thus far. Abandoned as a child in South Korea, Sunee remembers telling the policemen who found her that her name was Chong Ae Kim, she was 3 years old and her mother — who had left her with a small fistful of food — would be coming back for her. endure insensitive remarks from people who don’t understand the longing children may feel for the birth families they can no longer remember.
“Two and a Half Men”: Season 2
Take a pair of bickering brothers, a precocious child, an ex-wife, and a meddling mother and you’ve got “Two and a Half Men.” In the sitcom’s sophomore year, which aired during the 2004-2005 television season, siblings Charlie (Charlie Sheen) and Alan (Jon Cryer) have their living situation somewhat under control.
“Rob & Big”: Seasons 1 and 2
Less asinine than “Jackass” and more “real” than “The Hills,” MTV’s reality series “Rob & Big” is an entertaining diversion that mixes friendship and a few crazy stunts into each episode.
“Saving Sarah Cain”
Directed by Michael Landon, Jr., “Saving Sarah Cain” is a sweet film with an Afterschool Special vibe about a family thrown together by unfortunate circumstances.
Marriage minded: Though the author is happily married, her book looks at a woman not so lucky in love
Fairy tales often end happily ever after the couple vows to each other, “I do.” Anastasia Royal knows better. With her debut novel “Undoing I Do,” the Wilmette-based author paints a funny, poignant and realistic portrait of what happens when a golden couple’s marriage unravels.
Marlee Matlin: ‘A Chicago girl, inside and out’
Since winning the Academy Award for her breakthrough performance in “Children of a Lesser God,” Marlee Matlin has been renowned for her acting. But Matlin also is an accomplished author of children’s books.
A psychiatrist and his former patient tell her story of multiple personalities
When Karen Underhill entered his office 18 years ago, psychiatrist Richard Baer had no idea that his troubled patient would become the subject of his debut book, “Switching Time.”
“The Beyonce Experience Live”
Though Beyonce Knowles has earned fame as an actress and a spokesmodel, she is first and foremost a singer, as she showcases in the entertaining concert film The Beyonce Experience Live. Polished, effortlessly glamorous, and a strong showman, Knowles is the Diana Ross of the 21st century. The singer-songwriter is equally comfortable belting out a rocking dancing number or crooning a heart-wrenching ballad.
“CSI” — Seventh Season
The seventh season of “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” is as solid as any of the series’ previous years. The stories are strong, the actors share potent chemistry, and the characters are believable because they are flawed human beings. This year, “CSI” delves into the complicated romance between head investigator Gil Grissom (William Petersen) and his underling Sara Sidle (Jorga Fox). The two are reticent to let their colleagues in on their relationship, and the season finale offers a gasp-inducing prospect of their future together.
Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium
Equal parts whimsical and bittersweet, “Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium” is a family-friendly movie that will charm youngsters. Dustin Hoffman stars in the titular role of an eccentric 243-year-old owner of a magical toy store.
“I Love New York”
“I Love New York” is as trashy as the role Pollard plays. Unlike ABC’s “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette,” which at least goes through the motions of picking suitable contenders, VH1 has stacked the deck against New York (and, let’s face it, the men). Their nicknames (Token, Trendz, White Boy) are more interesting than they are.
“Wings” — Season Five
Despite some outdated clothes and hairdos, “Wings” has a timeless quality that makes repeat viewings of the sitcom worthwhile. A comedy with heart, the show–which originally aired during the 1993-1994 season–is filled with humor, great acting, and a cast that shares genuine chemistry. At its core, “Wings” is about the relationship between the Hackett brothers.
“Oasis: Lord Don’t Slow Me Down”
For all intents and purposes, Noel and Liam Gallagher are Oasis. So in Oasis: Lord Don’t Slow Me Down, it doesn’t really matter that the rest of the band (which includes Ringo Starr’s son Zak Starkey on drums) wasn’t in the lineup when the group made it big in 1995 with songs such as “Wonderwall.” The two-disc DVD offers a documentary as well as a concert filmed in the group’s native Manchester, England, in 2005. In its heyday, Oasis was at the top of its game.
“CSI: Miami” — Season 4
A marriage, a murder, and a mole all play relevant roles in the fourth season of CSI: Miami. Easily the most stylistic show in the CSI franchise, the series stars David Caruso (NYPD Blue) as Horatio Caine, the lead investigator with the Miami Police Department. With his black clothing, Caine stands out in a sea of pastel-clad colleagues that include ballistics expert Calleigh Dusquene (Emily Procter), underwater recovery whiz Eric Delko (Adam Rodriguez), and medical examiner Alexx Woods (Khandi Alexander).