Avatar (2009)

AVATAR (2009) - Thursday Mid-night show - 12.17.2009 (SLC, UT)



IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0499549/

When I realized that #Avatar (Twitter lingo) was one week away from release, I went straight aways to Megaplextheaters (SLC) online to purchase my ticket. I have to say, I didn't realize I was going to sign up for the Thursday mid-night showing. I'm rather glad I did. Usually, whenever a really good movie is released, I like to attend opening night. This is how I make a determination on a movie's over-all viewer experience. If a movie that is highly anticipated meets the expectation of the audience, there almost always will be a huge viewer involvement. The Star Wars trilogy (both of them) is a perfect example. No one can forget standing in line over night (errr... so I hear anyway) for a ticket. Standing in line just to show off your light-saber and your Darth Maul costume (that was my favorite by the way). But the best part was being inside the theater to feel the excitement in the air. Every time there was a kick or laser fire or any action sequence, the crowd roared. If it was a funny scene, the crowd laughed almost hysterically. These are the tell-tail signs I was looking for while watching Avatar. Sadly, there was very little audience involvement in both the action or humor scenes. My first impression: It's over hyped and the reviews will not go well.

The Plot:
Who are we kidding. All one has to do, is watch the movie trailers (Online in HD @ Apple® Trailers) and the entire plot is unfolded for you. If this is what's going to make the movie for you, then you might want to wait to watch it at a matinee showing. But definitely worth more than the dollar showing a few months later. Much of the movie reminds me of several other animated movies. I saw a bit of Disney's "Pocahontas" and the entire "mother earth" theme, DreamWork's "Prince of Egypt" and the "Moses" theme, Peyo's "Smurfs" (1981, not the 2011) - for the blue characters, and even James Cameron's "Aliens". This last one due to the alien features of the creatures. One can even see a body-armor robotic suit, very similar to the one Sigourney Weaver wore in Aliens. Imagine that. Sigourney Weaver in an alien themed movie with "loaders", fan-driven air crafts, rescue mission, etc. Truth be told, only Sigourney can get away with that. Does anyone remember the "Aliens" sequence where Sigourney is in full body armor robotic "loader", where she comes to save the day yelling out, "Get away from her you B!T@H" Something to that effect you'll see. All that's missing, from Aliens, is Sigourney running around in her underwear. Wait, does she run around in her under wear in Avatar? Dunno.


Q: Aliens? or Avatar?


In the movie itself, all plots and sub-plots are very predictable and obvious. Each development or obstacle in the movie, comes along with it, a very transparent resolve. In fact, you can pretty much put the whole thing together just by reading the IMDB summary and viewing the trailers (exactly what I said at the beginning of the "Plot" summary).

However, do we really watch a movie solely for the anticipation of a plot development or to see a sudden reversal in role or theme? Well, I suppose the answer is yes. But, if you're a big FX enthusiast, or a gamer who loves his video rendering, then you'll enjoy, if nothing else, the visual experience in and of itself.

Visual experience:
I didn't watch the 3D version of it, so I can't speak for it. In the regular showing, the colors and textures are bright and vibrant (sounds very generic and cliche, but there it is). Actually the mix of computer generated textures and actual physical textures, are remarkably seamless, and make for a good marriage. I'm including some screen shots here (no spoilers, there all screen shots from the trailer/teaser). Feel free to click on them for the much larger version.

Action:
You are going to love the action and the hand to hand combat and all conflict scenes. I was very impressed by those scenes.  If you're anything like me, you'll go to the theater and watch Avatar for the action as well as the for the visual experience.  It's a really good adrenalin rush! I don't want to say too much more on this.  You're just going to have to experience it yourself.  If this is what will make the movie for you, then you're in for a treat.










My Rating:
Visual experience: 9/10
Action: 9/10
Story/plot development: 6/10 (not very original)

However, my personal take on it is this:
I'm watching it again tomorrow at the matinee show. Well worth it for me.
For me it was the heart-pounding experience, despite the obvious plot developments. The visual affects and all of the fight sequences that grabbed the "Military" or "Marine" in me. To a less degree, It was also the "Avatar" nature of it. Social media hubs or cyber-living has given us the idea of a virtual self. "A rebirth" to borrow the phrase from "Avatar".
Go and watch it, and figure out if you like it.

Oh, I almost forgot. If you're a "Lost" (of ABC) fan, you'll be excited to see "Anna Lucia Cortez" (Michelle Rodriguez). The same actress that plays Trudy Chacon in the movie.

Dexter S04E06 720p HDTV

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Dexter S04E06 720p HDTV

Title: If I Had a Hammer

Here is what TV.com had to say about this episode:

"Dexter knows it's only a matter of time before the Trinity Killer's latest handiwork is discovered by Miami Metro. He has to work doubly hard to stay one step ahead of their investigation. Debra is shut out from her own case. She considers risking her career and bending the rules in the name of justice. LaGuerta and Batista realize that by playing by the rules they may have painted themselves into a corner. Dexter gleans relationship advice from a most unlikely source when the friction between Rita and Dexter comes to a head."

First of all, I'd like to begin by letting everyone know just how disturbed I am by seeing a naked John Lithgow. Not a pleasant sight. I'm almost laughing on the inside, really.

It's interesting to note that throughout this episode, Dexter continues to see parts of himself in "The Trinity Killer" (Arthur Mitchell as played by John Lithgow).



Since the season began, baby already haven been born, Dexter and Rita marital problems have only grown. In the last episode, Rita finally finds out that Dexter never rid himself of his old apartment. As usual, Dexter's people skills only worsen the situation.
In comes family therapy. Dexter admits that he hasn't a clue on how to communicate with Rita. This leads Dexter to look for answers. Back to Arthur Mitchel AKA: The Trinity Killer. Since Dexter is seeing so much of himself in Arthur, Dex decides to find some life's lessons from Arthur's own life; Managing his serial killings and his model family. Of course, this splits Dexter's focus. Family vs hunting down The Trinity Killer.

Answer: "Two birds with one stone". At least that's how I see it. In following and studying Arthur Mitchell for the inevitable chopping table, Dexter is learning the tricks of the trade. Since season 1 of Dexter, we've always known that he sees himself as mimicking life and emotions. But is learning from The Trinity Killer another lesson in imitation? Who knows. Dexter freely admits that he cannot see his life without Rita and the kids.

Back to Miami PD. La Guerta and Batista are facing transfer due to their "official" relationship statement. How to resolve. Career or relationship first. Well, the resolve on this is somewhat sad, but the obvious development if we're to keep all of our regular or favorite characters. Career before relationship. I never really was one for office romance anyway. It never ends good. At least, in this episode both La Guerta and Batista go their own ways without creating a hostile work environment.

Dexter is still on the prowl. Finding clue after clue; Pushing Arthur's buttons for a reaction. If Dexter only had a hammer? Well, it would seem that in the end The Trinity Killer gives Dexter his very own "starter kit", hammer included.

I rather liked this episode. I always like all or most Dexter episodes. I'm sure that next week we will be met with yet another suspenseful episode. And for those of us that are caught up with the slogan "Dexter: America's most likable serial-killer", we just can't wait to see Arthur Mitchell on Dexter's chopping block... errrr I mean table.


**All links to media content delivery services will be deleted within 24 hours**

Friday 720p HDTV Reviews 10.30.2009

Another Friday is upon is. This means that more of my favorite (favourite to my UK friends) shows will be airing.
Tonight we will have the following shows that I will be watching and reviewing. Keep in mind that I only watch and review the shows I can find broadcast in HDTV 720p or 1080p.

All Content to follow post-airing & enjoyed watching. ;)

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*My favorite pick for the night:



---My Review will follow here---
***All links to media content delivery services removed w/in 24-36 hours***

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Smallville Season 9 episode 6: #Title

---My Review will follow here---
***All links to media content delivery services removed w/in 24-36 hours***

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Dollhouse Season 2 episode X: #TItle

---My Review will follow here---
***All links to media content delivery services removed w/in 24-36 hours***

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Sanctuary Season 2 episode X: #Title




***All links to media content delivery services removed w/in 24-36 hours***

Battlestar Galactica: The Plan (2009) BluRay - Major Spoilers

Summary by TV.com
IMDB:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1286130/

Our much awaited BSG movie has released, and audiences everywhere must be excited. I must warn you though, that this review contains MAJOR SPOILERS, so if you have not seen this movie yet, please go no further.

I was anxious and excited at receiving my promotional BluRay preview copy. I'll start off first with saying that BSG fans everywhere will not be disappointed. The movie addressed many unresolved questions. It also met every expectation I had for an endeavor of this nature. The first movie based from Battlestar Galactica, was of course, "Razor". Yet another BSG movie that I was very satisfied with.

Our opening scene:
10 months after the attack on the Colonies. Two human form cylons, John Cavil (played by Dean Stockwell), are being escorted to an air lock to be jettison off the Galactica. A familiar scene for all of us who saw the episode where Starbuck re-unites Caprica's survivors with the rest of the fleet, including a second Cavil. Before they can be thrown out the air-lock, one speaks to the other. There final words before being jettison (we don't see thiis), "We failed... our greatest error... killing the humans...." This is where we go back "10 months earlier". Here we are thrown into a ressurrection ship with the "Final 5" in stasis, or a resurrection tub-thingy. This is where our "Plan" begins. In part, I don't want to give away the actual "Plan", cylon Cavil and Cavil want to teach their parents a lesson and send them to the colonies to experience a mortal existance. In this, their children (human form cylons) will have humbled their parents. Once again, I am not revealing the "Plan", at least not completely. I told you there would be major spoilers.

Suddenly we're back to the colonies, observing the final 5 in their every day lives. In at least one SyFy released preview (Comic Con 2009) it is revealed that Cavil is traveling with Ellen, and takes her to an infirmary headed towards an outgoing vessel. No one can forget the memorable moment when Ellen is returned to her husband, Colonel Ty. Commander Adama, President Rosalind and Lee Adama are suddenly suspicious she might be a cylon. I mean, come on. All these months without so much as a peep that she is out and about any of the colonial vessels until that moment. Her story: She was saved by someone, taken to a hospital, and then he left. The small holes in this story are filled in for us. This is nothing new. SyFy told us as much in their Comic Con 2009 trailer.



Being a movie, and not an *HDTV (I will always reference TV as HDTV here since all of my reviews are for 720p shows), we see partial nudity, mostly female above the waist, and some male below the waist. Sex and booze. LOL. We get some of that here and there. More so than we'd see on television.

The actual events of the invasion on the colonies are spelled out for us, colony by colony. The locations and activities of the final 5 during the attack is shown to us, making for good back ground information. Along with this, we are shown the strategic locations of several different cylon models during the attack on the colonies. My gods. They're everywhere, it seems. Even in locations we thought were cylon free. Interesting to see, and puts certain things into perspective. I'll let you figure that out for yourselves when you get around to watching it, if you haven't already. Remember, I have a link to my "non-spoiler" blog entry for this movie.

For us guys, and some girls I'm sure, the parts that make this movie worth watching is the graphic battles, explosions, cities burning as well as the human spirit rising above this devastation. Just as we all would expect, there is a lot of this; orbital bombardment, nuclear explosions with their mushroom clouds. Also, Something that we see/hear more of, is the voice of the hybrid, enigmatically narrating; At least in the beginning.

"All this has happened before." Who can forget these words from the BSG episodes, and "Razor" the movie. I'm adding this line here, because I like it, and can't seem to fit it in anywhere else in this entry.

In order for this movie to make sense, and tie into the Battlestar 2004 series, we have to revisit many of the scenes from the series itself. Not so many that it doesn't make for an original and independent movie. It certainly is not a cut-and-paste of the mini-series with just a couple of added scenes here and there.

One of the biggest mysteries we expect to be unraveled is a question from season 1 episode 1: "33 minutes" I think one of the Galactica crew members says, "Why 33 minutes? Why not 30, or 35?" This is never really explained, however SyFy's Comic Con 2009 trailer hints that there will be an explanation.

While trying to explain the "33 minutes" cylon attack, Cavil speaks to a moribund Ellen and calls her his mother. Speaking of "father" Sam, Mother "Tori", father"Saul" et. al. and partially explaining "The Plan". Interestingly, Ellen appears to understand all of this at some level, although she is still very disoriented from having been caught in an explosion earlier in the show.

An underlying thread that we constantly see, is a cylon nation that is much more fragile than we have been lead to believe. At each campaign, each battle each stand off, we are shown how close to defeat the cylons actually are. We see the other side of things as experienced by the cylons. Some are conflicted, others close to leaving their brothers and sisters and attempting to live a human existence. As we know, Cavil is the only model who knows who the final 5 are. Because of this, only he knows the complete "Plan". The other models are still trying to piece together this plan of Cavil's.

We see a human side to many individual cylon models hidden through out the colonial fleet. In fact, some are not willing to follow through Cavil's orders of sabotage, kamikaze runs or any acts that might otherwise cripple the fleet. An unexpected twist really. It's during these moments, that we see a more vulnerable human side of our toaster friends. Even Cavil, of all people... errrrr... I mean cylons, shows us a human side for just a small moment. It's a moment where he sacrifices his own food ration to feed an unwanted child. Actually, he continues to bond with this child, up until the point that he kills him. I believe this to be a symbolic token for Cavil in finally ridding himself of any human resemblence.

Throught the movie, we see the true lack of cohesion within the cylon nation, and the efforts of one model (the number 1 AKA Cavil) constantly manipulating all the other models to his "plan". A plan that seems obvious, but continues to get more and more complicated as we go on.

Don't get me wrong. We know through SyFy that the "Plan" is about viewing the Battlestar Galactica story through the eyes of the cylons, and the inevitable choices Cavil and the rest make in an attempt to complete their genocide of the human race. This is a given. But the key elements of this plan, are in constant flux.

In the end, we're right back where we started, 281 days after the desctruction of the colonies, and aboard the Galactica. Cavil and Cavil rejoined at the air lock.

All in all, I was quite satisfied. There were several new scenes with some of the characters. However, the characters we don't see in new scenes, and to much disappointment, are the characters of Lee Adama and of course the Deanna model. I understand that Lucy Lawless was ever only a special appearance, but Jamie Bamber as Apollo shuld've been there. Actually, I think there is only one scene with Jamie Bamber, and it is a re-visit from the original mini-series.

I recommend the movie. I think all Battlestar Galactica fans will be happy with this. There is after all, only so many un answered questions that can be addressed in 2 hours. So for those of us that like a good mystery, rest assured. We still have many questions that don't need to be answered. Too much information just kills a story line in my opinion.

Friday 720p HDTV Reviews 10.09.2009

Another Friday is upon is. This means that more of my favorite (favourite to my UK friends) shows will be airing. By far, Sunday evening brings my favorite show: ShowTime's DEXTER.
Tonight we will have the following shows that I will be watching and reviewing. Keep in mind that I only watch and review the shows I can find broadcast in HDTV 720p or 1080p.

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*My favorite pick for the night:


Stargate Universe Season 01 Ep. 03: Air (3)
Keep in mind, that last week, we saw Air (1) Air (2) back to back. It's time to resolve the first and biggest problem that the new Stargate expedition faces. Resolving their problem of running out of air aboard the latest Ancient vessel: "Destiny".

Here is how TV.com summarizes the episode:
Lt. Scott and Dr. Rush travel to a desert planet to locate a mineral essential to Destiny's life support system.

---My Review will follow here---
***All links to media content delivery services removed w/in 24-36 hours***

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Smallville Season 9 episode 3: Rabid

Here is the skeleton of the episode as summarized by TV.com
Zod releases a virus that transforms humans into zombies throughout Metropolis, with the only cure being found in the blood of a Kryptonian. When Lois is infected, Clark is forced to choose between using his own blood to create an antidote, which would reveal his presence to Zod, and doing nothing.

---My Review will follow here---
***All links to media content delivery services removed w/in 24-36 hours***

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Dollhouse Season 2 episode 3: Belle Chose

Here is the skeleton as summarized by TV.com
At the request of a Dollhouse shareholder, Victor is imprinted with the mind of the man's nephew. The man's unstable, psychotic, homicidal nephew.
Now, just as Ballard is starting to adjust to his new role, he must call upon all of his FBI training when Victor escapes the Dollhouse to wander the streets with a killer in his head.

---My Review will follow here---
***All links to media content delivery services removed w/in 24-36 hours***

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Sanctuary Season 2 episode 1: End of Nights: Part 1

Episode summary as written by TV.com:
While desperately searching for Ashley, who remains in the hands of the Cabal, the Sanctuary team encounter a con artist named Kate Freelander. After her relationship with the Cabal went sour she gives Helen the location of a secret Cabal facility that may lead them to her Ashley..

To be honest, I was very much looking forward to this episode. As we all remember, Season 1's finale left us all at the tip of our chairs begging for resolution, but being left with anticipation. This is a good sign that the writers of the show know what they're doing. It's pure strategy that captivates the audience. I really rather look forward to it. Funny that, eh.

Amanda Tapping was nothing short of exceptional in her role as Doctor Helen Magnus. We saw a part of Dr. Magnus that we had not previously seen. During an interrogation she performs, Dr. Magnus walks the fine line of searching for answers vs. seeking retribution over the unknown whereabouts of her daughter, Ashley Magnus.

The plot gets better. At the end of last season, we are introduced to the secrets of Dr. Magnus longevity. Pure vampire blood. It also happens to be the source of John Druitt's powers (AKA John the Ripper).

That Ashley disappearance and that these two powerful individuals (Dr. Magnus & John Druitt)are her parents, is no coincidence. Ashley's sudden disappearance, along with a vial of pure vampire blood is the foundation of this episode's plot. The show seems to be gravitating towards the virtually extinct civilization that was vampirism.

This episode is a must watch. I'm very much looking forward to this week's upcoming episode, "End of Nights: Part 2"

I know I haven't mentioned much, but suffice it to say that Ashley's powers have increased dramatically. The powers even rival those of her father, John. It would seem that at this point Ashley has no control of her own conscience and has become a hybrid of human and vampire. To make things worse, the organization that is holding Ashley captive, have begun creating genetically pure (wiped memories & cell regeneration properties) to be vessels for Ashley's cloned conscience/powers.

Well, something like that anyway. It's enough for me to keep hanging in there episode to episode.

Oh, and please remember that these episodes are best seen in HDTV (720p or 1080p)


***All links to media content delivery services removed w/in 24-36 hours***

Thursday - 720p HDTV Reviews 10.08.2009

So it's Thursday night. I'm all revved up and ready to go for my fave shows, and then just the extras. Here is a glimpse of some of the shows I'll be watching tonight.

I'm keeping it short, as obviously, I want to actually watch them.

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Two weeks ago, I first heard the name, "FastForward". Being a big HDTV watcher, I went to TVRage and read the shows synopsis. I have to say, I wasn't very impressed by the plot line. Another week went by, and I began reading some posts @SyFy (SyFy.com). The show peaked my interest. So, last week I did an episode by episode catch up. There's something about a mystery that catches people's attention. And for me, a mystery in a sci-fi kinda way. So tonight, I'm looking forward to episode 3 of the series. I will return to give my opinion of the episode. In the meantime, I've placed some links here to some media content delivery services. ;)

FlashForward Season 1 E03 720p HDTV (CTU release) 
***Any links to media content services are deleted w/in 24-36 hours***
Sorry folks.

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There really isn't much to say about "Vampire Diaries". It's pretty straight forward. This sudden trend of vampire stories has gotten a little over the top. I'm a big "True Blood" fan. From what I hear, it's supposed to be a comedic rip off of the Twilight series of books/movies. I didn't care much for Twilight either.
The first few episodes are pretty dry, and reveal the characters in a very adolescent sort of a way. It takes place in a high school. A long lost vampire who returns home after a hundred years or so, decides to enroll in the local high school to pursue a pretty face that is identical to his long lost love from his past.
Yeah. It doesn't leave much to the imagination. Plot lines are very simple and very predictable. For anyone that is a LOST fan, you'll recognize the antagonist of the story. Yet another vampire. The brother with a dark side. The character is played by the same actor that played "Boone" on LOST. At this point, I can't remember the names of the main characters (high-school sweet-heart, good vampire that doesn't drink human blood and the bad vampire brother out to tempt his brother and obtain global domination. Or something like that LOL)

Vampire Diaries Season 1 E05
***Any links to media content services are deleted w/in 24-36 hours***
Sorry folks.

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Supernatural. One simple word or title. It's quickly become one of my favorite (or favourite to my Brit friends) HDTV shows. If you've been watching Supernatural, you'll know that the series has slowly been building towards "The Apocalypse". As in The Biblicle apocalypse.
So that means end of the world kind of stuff. Any episodes past this, Michael & Satan, is almost anti-climactic. I mean, the devil is free and that's it.
What I like about this episode, is that the brothers Sam & Dean re-unite. Two weeks ago, they were free to go their own way. This week, they're back in the saddle again like a dynamic duo. Now that they're teaming up again, they're back on the road "on training wheels" meaning, that the brothers are going back to simple. Have I told you that I like simple?
The Supernatural producers have decided to go back to basics. Where do you go from Apocalyptic? Back to basics, baby. What I find really funny is that Sam is back to being Dean's kid brother, or his "b!T@H" so to say. He's portrayed as the "Skully" to Mulder, the side kick even. And just for fun, Paris Hilton is thrown in as well. It isn't one of Supernatural's best episode, but it brings us back to the series' roots; Hunting demons, omens, ghosts and demi-gods. I'm glad Supernatural is back to simple.

Supernatural Season 5 E05
***Any links to media content services are deleted w/in 24-36 hours***
Sorry folks.

Thursday - Misc. HDTV experiences

OK then. I'm sure I don't have to ask, "How many of you tweet" (reference to Twitter). I've made friends throughout the entire Net-universe. Funny that ;).
I didn't dawn (or is it don?) on me that some (online friends) may not be privy to international tv (HDTV 720p in my case).

I'd like to discuss some of my misc. international HDTV shows. One that I began watching about a year ago, is a British drama that follows in the footsteps of its predecessors. Law & Order: UK starring:

• Bradley Walsh (2) Detective Sergeant Ronnie Brooks
• Jamie Bamber Detective Sergeant Matt Devlin (AKA Lee Adama of Battlestar Galactica)
• Harriet Walter Detective Inspector Natalie Chandler
• Ben Daniels Senior Crown Prosecutor James Steel
• Freema Agyeman Crown Prosecutor Alesha Phillips
• Bill Paterson (1) played Crown Prosecution Service Director George Castle

Here is a summary from an online TV rating fave of many, TVRage:

"Law & Order" has been a staple in American homes for 18 years, and now London is being hit with the crime drama from Dick Wolf. "Law & Order:UK" will feature all new episodes with an all new cast exclusively for United Kingdom viewers.

For a detailed summary of each episode, visit IMDB episode guide .

Episode 1: Care
**Links and review to follow here**

Episode 2: Unloved
**Links and review to follow here**

Episode 3: Vice
**Links and review to follow here**

Episode 4: Unsafe
**Links and review to follow here**

Episode 5: Buried
**Links and review to follow here**

Episode 6: Paradise
**Links and review to follow here**

Episode 7: Alesha (This one has already been done by the Original Law & Order and the character of Dr. Olivet)
**Links and review to follow here**

Episode 8: Samaritan
**Links and review to follow here**

Episode 9: Hidden
**Links and review to follow here**

Episode 10: Community Service
**Links and review to follow here**

Episode 11: Sacrifice
**Links and review to follow here**

Episode 12: Love and Loss
**Links and review to follow here**

Episode 13: Honour Bound
**Links and review to follow here**


Although this season has ended, I am still debating whether I liked the series or not. It has all of the elements of the Law & Order's that we're familiar with as well as a justice system that is vaguely familiar to me. I'm sure EVERYBODY had to take a class in Western Civilizations or some kind of Legal/Justice system in their college years. Right?
However, you're gonna find this funny, I never could get used to those funny looking wigs. Even more, I assumed that there would be a certain pomp and circumstance revolving the entire UK judicial system. Instead, I was awakened to the reality of how humble (economically) any public defense system is anywhere in modern times. Of course not including 3rd world countries. They're lucky if they have a legal system, much less a fair one. Back to the wigs. LOL. I couldn't get over the wigs that looked like they cost maybe $10 US dollars.
It's intriguing to watch something familiar (Law and Order-esque) with an international twist. I've decided I'm going to follow the series the following season. Season 02 begins sometime in early 2010. I'm thinking closer to February since that was its original premiere date.

For those reading this, I'll try and have some links to online media content delivery services. To my usual readers (I think it's me, my niece, my mom when she's not at church, and my doggie Jack), I'm sure I don't have to define the terms: "Media content delivery systems". So stay tuned. I'll have some links here soon, but will not be up here for very long.

You can also watch these online at iTV.com but only if you live in the UK.

Looking forward until then (prolly tomorrow 10/09/2009), I'm heading to bed and finish catching up on my HDTV shows whose seasons are about to begin.

J.

Saturday 720p HDTV Reviews

Unfortunately, there are not very many shows on Saturday evening at all. Even less, still are any 720p HDTV series. Still I wanted to put in an entry for Saturday. Actually for each day of the week. The only thing of interest to me on Saturday evening's schedule is Merlin 2009. Sadly it is only available in streaming media or media content delivery services (that would be me ;) ) in Xvid. Yuck. I hate Xvid and DivX codec (with the exception of DivX new DivX HD h264 codec - 6.8.5).




I'll include a little about the series here.
Merlin 2008 (Season 1), and Merlin 2009 (Season 2) are British series', and has recently been adopted by NBC for US broadcast. You can also read more about this series at TVRage, a very popular source of television information for nfo content. You can follow any of the links above to view more information, or simply follow this link to TVRage: http://www.tvrage.com/shows/id-18834


I might be back to write a review, but I don't think that will happen. Since I am interested in this series, I have decided to watch Season 2 Ep. 01-03 in XviD.

Stay tuned for Sunday's post. Sunday evening brings us Dexter, and a few other delights. As usual, I'll have links (for 24 hours) to various media content delivery services.

Until then.

Friday 720p HDTV Reviews

OK. Today is the BIG premiere of SGU (Stargate Universe) that we've all been waiting for. The phrase "Stargate Universe" has already become a trending topic on Twitter. Thankfully "Google Wave" and "Wave" have finally disappeared from the trend. ;)

I've decided to create my 720p HDTV Blog (brought to you by the 720p-PIMP). Any link references will only be on here for less than 24 hours... so pay attention.





Stargate Universe Season 1 episode 1-2 (2 hours):Air (1), Air (2)
Here is the skeleton of the 2 episodes as summarized by TV.com:
Air (1)
A research team studying the Stargate's ninth chevron is forced to flee through the gate when their secret base is attacked by an unknown enemy. They end up stranded on an Ancient ship named Destiny, billions of light years from Earth.
Air (2)
The evacuees from Icarus Base discover that the life-support system on the Destiny will fail in a matter of hours.

I've decided to remove this review, as it was WAY too long, and was more of a play by play review. What I have to say about the season premiere is that I was not satisfied with it. It left something to be experienced somehow. It really is not typical of the 2 other Stargate series, and leaves me wondering whether I will like this or not.

True that I was overly hyped over SGU, but even then, we are left with too many unresolved questions. There are too many dis-jointed plots. The characters include every single discipline of all Stargate series, with the exception of a medical chief let alone a doctor. I was left with the feeling I experienced when I first watched "Lost in Space", "Voyager" (though it became a favorite of mine) and somehow the movie Aliens.

I think I'll just have to grow into it. But lets hope that the producers don't keep us hanging. A new ploy being used by the writers, is having each episode rely on the following one. On Stargate Atlantis, most episodes had a definite resolve. Perhaps there was room left for future visits on the same topic, and the occasional 2 part episodes. The same can be said of the original Stargate series, SGC. I will not like the soap opera like episodic series unless it provides something much more meatier than what we are given.

Here's hoping that our next episode will have some resolve, and some verified communication with Earth. I too do not trust Dr. Rush, just as most of the expidition team members. The evacuees don't trust him either. He is creepy in a sort of hermit who doesn't communicate with anyone. This really is alienating everyone, especially since he has declared himself as the leader of the expidition supposedly by Gen. Oneall. We have no idea if this is true. Dr. Rush will not allow access to the ancient devices that allow communication with planets over great distances.

So then, it[s wait for next week. Hopefully the end of the episode will not completely leave us hanging again. "Lost" and "Voyager" at least did that for us. There was some kind of resolve at each episode.


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Smallville Season 9 episode 2: Metallo

Here is the skeleton of the episode as summarized by TV.com
Lois' new colleague, John Corben, undergoes a horrific transformation when he awakens from an accident with superhuman strength and a heart made of kryptonite. Determined to use his new power to further his vendetta against the Blur, Corben sets out kill the vigilante. However, the situation becomes even more complicated when Lois' own investigation leads her into Corben's hands.

I'm going to add skin to this skeleton. My personal opinion that is. For starters, the first few minutes before the opening credits, OMFG!! (F being frak or frag from SyFy's Battlestar Galactica LOL) Seriously though. I think this has got to be one of the darkest and disturbing scenes that Smallvile has ever produced. Don't get me wrong. I enjoyed the thrill of the new dark style, including a darker Clark Kent. It's remeniscent of the Batman that many of us grew up with to the more realistic "Dark Knight". Still, do not for one moment believe that I enjoyed the actual truck-run-over incident that created "Metallo" (John Corben), and left him in a pool of his own blood. Shortly after this scene, John Corben finds himself in an abandoned warehouse inside of a dirty surgical room filled with Mary Shelly like surgical instruments.

Next. What's up with Lois' flash backs to the missing 3 weeks of her life (End of season 8 through episode 1 of season 9). I'm sure it plays well into the series finale plot and all. But is anyone else tired of the character of Clark Kent being doomed to solitude explicitely because of his failed relationships? Mind you, the relationships failed because he neglected the world, and the world cannot take care of itself without the full cooperation and attention of "The blur".

With Jimmy Oleson dead, Chloe has become cynical and very hardened after Clark's refusal to change the past in order to save him from Clark's neglegenct duties of being mankind's savior. I get the feeling that soon she will be calling him Kal-El so as to help push him into the roll he should have been before Jimmie's death. She is however, keeping Clark on Jor-El's path. Her reasoning is that if he is going to embrace his Kryptonian side, and abandon his humanity, (with reference to Jimmy of course) he must commit to this path whole heartedly. This is where Lois' flash back dreams come into play. We are getting glimpses of a future where Kal-El puts Earth on the endangered list, by becoming romantically involved with Lois. Again. He can't multi-task. Save the girl, or save the planet.

Back to Lois. Lois is nabbed by Metallo (John Corben transformed after being mysteriously hit by a truck). The Blur saves her, but only after inadvertantly killing John Corben, A.K.A. Metallo. In an attempt to save Lois without being harmed himself by Metallo's Kryptonite fueled heart, Clark burns a plate of lead onto Corben's chest. No one likes a burned plate of lead on their chest. So, of course Metallo forcefully peels off the now cooled down plate of lead and along with it, his meteor-rock powered cyborg heart. Dead. Metallo is now dead.

Back to the first few minutes of the episode. John Corben is speaking with Lois on his cell phone telling her that he will expose "The Blur" for what he really is. A vigilante with no regard to the consequences of his actions. Ok, those weren't the exact words. He's holding up a picture of his sister in his hands. A sister that was killed by a murderer. This murderer we find out is a survivor of a bus crash "The Blur" saved. This is why John Corben blames Clark for his sorrow, and why Metallo begins his vandetta against him.

Tess Mercer is now back in shape and kicking the hell out of a punching bag just shortly after being violently held hostage by the Candorians. Oh, the new villains of the story (also from Krypton) are no longer referred to as Kryptonians, but Candorians. The city (Capitol city presumably) of Krypton. As is expected of Tess, she is on the hunt so to locate our Kryptonian... I mean Candorian friends. We quickly discover that Luther Corps. technology was used to build Metallo in a Frankensteinish way. A quilt of stolen technologies. We have no idea in this episode who created Metallo. We'll have to find out later. Just before the episode's end, Tess's assistant shows her pictures taken around the world of Kryptonian symbols burned onto the ground. This is where we are left in our cliff hanger. The assistant zooms in on one of the images (it's a digital photo on a tablet pc) and we see the image of Clark nude right in the middle of the El family crest burned on to the ground. We still don't know if Tess recognizes Clark or not, but we have to assume that she sees enough, including the El family crest, to know it really is him. I'm including a screen shot of this crop-circle like family crest on Tess' tablet pc.

All in all, I rather liked the episode. The plot line flowed well (even if my review here doesn't show it). We continue to be given mysteries to hold the audience in suspense for up coming episodes, and a direction of the inevidable end of Smallville the Series.


Screenshot:
The "crop circle" El family Crest with Clark Kent in the middle of it. As seen by Tess Mercer.
1080p:
http://img96.imageshack.us/img96/562/svs09e02elcrestclarkac1.jpg

720p:
http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/562/svs09e02elcrestclarkac1.jpg


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Dollhouse Season 2 episode 2: Instinct

Here is the skeleton as summarized by TV.com

When Echo is imprinted as a new mother, her reactions are more intense than anyone predicted. Senator Perrin steps up his investigation, and Adelle pays November a visit.

I've decided not to write a review on this series, as I have lost interest this season. However, I did want to include Dollhouse on here since it is a Friday evening show. And of course, any links to any media content delivery services.
;)


-All Links removed-

PHP 5 Power Programming: Great Online Reading

I've been working on this pet project of mine for some time now. I've been slowly chipping away at it. I'm currently customizing a popular CMS by "sanitizing" some of the coding and mod'ing some of its core components. It's ready to roll, however, I'm not usually satisfied with my work, unless I can validate it against the published works of well known authors of their field.

I've been reading a few books, and have been consulting with official online social forums. However, I haven't really been satisfied until I ran into 2 very specific books. The first, I won't really feature here ("Beginning PHP and PostgreSQL 8: From Novice to Professional ") The second book I've been digging into is "PHP 5 Power Programming".

I'm finding it very useful and easy to apply with very little changes to my current coding. Mostly, I'm finding the security rich features in it quite satiating. (Yes. I know. I could've just said satisfying or filling my hunger.)
One particular reference I found very insightful is on the topic of users (malicious or otherwise) inserting malicious script into forms, or injecting data right into your database. Also mentioned was a common rooky mistake of allowing cross-site script access (or API access.)
from your own site. Although this book was written a couple of years ago, It still very much applies today. For those of us that have been following some of the online trends and threats, we know through Mashable that Reddit was attacked in this very fashion; cross-site scripting.

Of course I did RT (Retweeted) Mashable on thist, and left a comment on their page as well regarding proper "sanitizing" of web applications.

I'm trying to keep it short. Read this book if you are a coder, even if you are a proficient or advanced coder. Obviously Reddit's admins could have used a refresher course.

You can download this book as a free digital version of this (.pdf) @ http://www.computer-books.us/php_2.php

You can purchase your soft cover copy @ Amazon.com: OR just: http://bit.ly/3mfyf5 PHP 5 Power Programming (Paperback) Price: $37.23

For now, this is Jerry Z. going back to my reading and coding.


For those of you on Twitter, you can always follow my tweets and look for my latest.

Lost University - Introduction

LU: Introduction 101 and the launch of ABC's new fan site. More than just an interactive community.

For those that know me (mostly online friends vs. offline friends - funny that), LOST is amongst the top of my favorite shows. I have already begun making many friends from ABC's latest promotional site: LOST University AKA: "LU", or simply visit: http://www.lostuniversity.org/
For a complete listing of all LU courses, click on the "LU" logo. It's comprehensive with fun courses for LOST fans.

At first glance, Lost University or LU appears as a mock site with the sole purpose to lure fans to visit ABC's latest fan site and dazzle them with familiar imagery and the concept of a "University" environment. In fact this is only partially true.

I first signed up on ABC's promotional site: LOST University a couple of months ago under the auspice of an "Open Enrollment" invitation. Sure enough a week or so ago, I received that invitation via email. I navigated directly to LU. Much to my surprise, many had already "pre-registered" and taken their evaluation or placement test or entry exam... the very same day the invitations had been sent out via email.

Not wanting to get behind in the slightest bit, I too took my entry exam. I like to think of myself as a "know-it-all" wanna be of LOST the series. But apparently, after taking my entrance exam, I found out that my knowledge was lacking. Twenty-three questions in all revolving around key characters, peripheral observations of background data, interpretation of symbols or hieroglyphs and a few other things I can't remember. I won't mention my score here, because I'm still too embarrassed over it (between 16 & 18 out of 23 lol).

Shortly after establishing my rank via enrollment testing, I was taken to my "Binder" or preferences, where I uploded my AV and created my very first LU ID Card. I naturally used my online AV (Col. John Sheppard (Joe Flanigan) of Stargate Atlantis fame), and also uploaded my personal pic. to personally identify myself. I'm including them here.

After taking my exam, I immediately went into the forums section to meet fellow LOST fans. I was quite surprised at the content and structure that fellow fans had already established for communication. Again, all within an hour or two of ABC's release of invitations to open enrollment.

So far, from what I can tell from reading the EULA and ToS, all course work will only be available through LOST's Season 5 Blu-Ray interactive portal via a BDLive enabled player. Some features will be available via the web portal, However it also appears that LU staff (CarltonCuse) are making an attempt to facilitate members not having Blu Ray equipment or capabilities.

For more on Social networks and Interactive Media:
[ Read My Blog on social-networks and streaming media ]

For those of you on Twitter, you can always follow my tweets and look for my latest.

I'll have updates on media released for class course work, as well as interesting links for content offered by other fans that are sharing their BDLive enabled player downloaded media. (http://twitter.com/JerryZambrano). Search the following tag: #LOSTUniversity.

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LOST Season 5 BluRay is scheduled to be released on: December 8, 2009

Pre-Order @


Amazon or simply go to http://www.amazon.com/Lost-Complete-Fifth-Season-Blu-ray/dp/B001AQMBJQ

Keep reading fans. Follow the forums at LU, and check back on my Twitter page for up to date released media (non-traditional of course.)

*No Terms of Use/Service or End User License Agreement will be violated on this blog.

Sorry to those of you that hoped otherwise.

;)

Jerry Zambrano (Jaredzusmc @ LU)