{movie} drillbit taylor (2008)

Three high school freshmen devise a novel plan for dealing with the treacherous school bully: They hire a bodyguard. Salvation comes in the form of Drillbit Taylor (Owen Wilson), a beach bum ex-soldier who teaches the boys some handy life lessons. Leslie Mann co-stars as an English teacher in this hilarious underdog romp co-written by Seth Rogen and based on an original idea by teen-comedy god John Hughes.

ireviewnetflix.com rating: ** (Actually 2.5) This wasn't bad, but it wasn't that great either. Owen Wilson just isn't a very good actor. It wasn't a bad concept, kids hire a bodyguard, an idea apparently originally conceived by John Hughes, but the execution was poor and hampered by a really disappointingly weak cast. I think with a better cast this movie might have been a lot better. A did it really need to be longer than an hour and half. I think shorter also would have been better.

{television} csi miami; season one (2002)

David Caruso, as the methodical and faultlessly logical crime scene investigator Horatio Caine, keeps his staff focused on solving some tough crimes in this hit television drama series that's a distinct departure from most cop/crime shows. The accent is on the science here, with brainwork often triumphing over legwork.

ireviewnetflix.com rating: *** (Actually 2.5) I didn't like this series as much as the original CSI series or even the CSI: New York series, which I also struggled to enjoy. It barely got three stars and was a step or two away from a solid two stars. First of all, as a city I don't like Miami very much so the location was a bad start. Then, you add in a near dull cast (and the characters they portray) and the horrible cinematography and it almost unbearable. But even the worst CSI series could be saved by the great writing and the individual strength of each episode's murder mystery. As for the cast, David Caruso is horrible and the worst of the CSI lead actors. Kim Delaney is good as always. Emily Procter is wonderful and I love her in this as much as I loved her in West Wing. (Ok, I loved her a little more in West Wing, but that was because her character in West Wing was better.) Khandi Alexander is great and I love her, but I don't really like her character in CSI Miami. Adam Rodriguez is cute, but his character doesn't seem to be anything more than just there and I hope he gets more development as the show goes on. The rest of the cast is just there and doesn't really do more than add to the show where needed. Maybe there will be more character development in the second season, but this first season wasn't a very good outing. Overall, the first season was rough, but I'll give the second season a chance.

{television} the dl chronicles (2007)

Independent filmmakers Quincy Le Near and Deondray Gossett explore the controversial concept of living life on the "down low," a slang term used to describe African-American men who appear heterosexual but prefer to have gay sex in secret. When his brother-in-law (Ty Vincent) rolls into town, a successful banker (Darren Schnase) leaves his place in bed next to his wife (Jessica Beshir) for a taste of forbidden fruit.

ireviewnetflix.com rating: *** While the acting is sometimes awful and the production values are often poor, each episode features decent stories and steamy sex scenes, as always with here! channel content and where gay men are covered. I was actually kind of disappointed that there were only four thirty minute episodes.

{television} hell's kitchen; season two (2006)

World-renowned chef Gordon Ramsay returns to put another group of willing victims through his own special chef boot camp in the second season of the popular reality competition series. This time, the lucky winner will earn the title of senior chef at the Terra Rossa restaurant at Red Rock Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. But first, he or she will have to survive Ramsay's legendary caustic manner and acerbic tongue.

ireviewnetflix.com rating: *** Almost exactly the same as the first season and while it's enjoyable watching Chef Gordon Ramsey yelling at annoying dumb asses who want to be chefs, my biggest criticism is that I don't care about any of the contestants. I mean, I could care less if these people win or lose. There was no favorite this year as I found almost every single one of them either completely annoying the entire time or somewhat annoying from time to time.

four months later...i'm back!

So it's been awhile since I reviewed any of my Netflix or any of the downloads that I've watched that are also available on Netflix, but after an extended sabbatical, I think I'm ready to get back to reviewing the content on Netflix. I can't believe how much I've watched and how much I've missed reviewing in the past four months. Well, maybe I'll watch them again and review them then. Anyway, thanks for the support and let's get back to business. - Christian

{movie} fat girls (2006)

Ash Christian wrote, directed and stars in this coming-of-age tale about a gay teenager struggling to find his place in a small-town Texas high school. Theater-loving Rodney Miller (Christian) may not hang with the high school A-crowd, but then again, he doesn't really want to. Along with his best pal, the supersized Sabrina (Ashley Fink), Rodney embarks on a series of adventures that bring both romance and inspiration in this indie comedy.

ireviewnetflix.com rating: * This was really disappointing. The characters were empty, the story was boring, the script was horrible, the actors were horrible (especially the leads Ash Christian and Ashley Fink), and the cinematography was the worst. The whole movie felt like an amateur movie. Ash Christian wrote, directed, and stared in this movie proving three things at once: he can't write, direct, or act. Absolutely horrible.

{movie} gone baby gone (2007)

When a 4-year-old girl goes missing in Dorchester, one of Boston's toughest hoods, private investigators Patrick Kenzie and Angela Gennaro (Casey Affleck and Michelle Monaghan) reluctantly agree to take the case. But the investigation proves tougher, riskier and more complex than they could have imagined. Ben Affleck's directorial debut, adapted from the Dennis Lehane novel, also stars Ed Harris, Morgan Freeman and Amy Ryan (in her first Oscar-nominated role).

ireviewnetflix.com rating: *** Casey Affleck is wonderful. The ending was wonderful, but the journey there had a some slow points along the way. Overall a very good movie.

{movie} rendition (2007)

Suspected of being a terrorist, Egyptian-born Anwar El-Ibrahim (Omar Metwally) "vanishes" from an international flight and is taken to a secret prison. Now, his wife, Isabella (Reese Witherspoon), desperately tries to uncover his whereabouts -- as well as his true intentions. While she looks for answers, CIA analyst Douglas Freeman (Jake Gyllenhaal) objects to the interrogation practices used on El-Ibrahim. Meryl Streep and Alan Arkin co-star.

ireviewnetflix.com rating: ** This was really disappointing. I guess I was just expecting more of a story and more of a thriller and more politics and I certainly didn't get what I was expecting. There was a bit of all of the aforementioned elements, but just not to enough to keep me hooked throughout. The movie just failed to deliver on what was an incredible premise. It could have been much more tense and gripping. The cast was wonderful, but the movie just dragged along.

{movie} step up (2006)

Sentenced to a stretch of community service at a prestigious school for the arts, streetwise troublemaker Tyler Gage (Channing Tatum) unexpectedly discovers his natural talent for dance when he pairs with one of the academy's ballerinas. Leading choreographer Anne Fletcher's dance-filled directorial debut co-stars Jenna Dewan, Mario, Drew Sidora, Heavy D, Damaine Radcliff, De'Shawn Washington and Rachel Griffiths.

ireviewnetflix.com rating: ** (Actually 2.5) This movie was just all right. It didn't seem worth all the praise and attention it was getting and it certainly didn't seem worth a sequel. It just seems to me that it's all been done before. The story was all right, the cast was all right, the music and a very hot Channing Tatum were the only saving graces (and Channing Tatum was the only reason for the third star).

{movie} the amateus (2007)

Depressed divorcé Andy Sargentee (Jeff Bridges) hatches a plan to produce an adult movie and get rich in this charming independent comedy. He drafts his buddy Barney (Tim Blake Nelson) as co-producer and taps Emmett (Patrick Fugit), a kid who owns a video camera, for director of photography. But the production is plagued by a host of problems, not the least of which is a leading man (Ted Danson) who has trouble "performing" on command.

ireviewnetflix.com rating: *** A unique, quirky little comedy with a great cast and a very entertaining, fun story.

{movie} stargate: the ark of truth (2008)

This feature-length saga continues the story line of the epic cult favorite television series. As the Ori prepare to attack Earth, the SG-1 team searches for the Ark of Truth, a powerful weapon said to be capable of defeating these potent enemies. Meanwhile, the International Oversight Committee has a secret agenda that becomes an even greater threat to SG-1. Michael Shanks, Claudia Black, Ben Browder, Amanda Tapping and Christopher Judge star.

ireviewnetflix.com rating: **** (Actually 3.5) Oh, Stargate, how I missed you. While I had Stargate Atlantis to satisfy me, it wasn't the same as the original Stargate. This was a decent first outing for the Stargate movies. While it felt like a bit just like a two-part episode, it was still very good. There were a couple of slow moments, but overall a great movie and a great story.

{movie} mr. woodcock (2007)

When self-help author John Farley (Seann William Scott) returns home to visit his mother (Susan Sarandon), he's shocked to find out that she's fallen for his sadistic high school gym teacher, Mr. Woodcock (Billy Bob Thornton). Now, with their upcoming nuptials looming, it's all John can do to apply his self-help techniques to his own life and make sure his mom says "I don't."

ireviewnetflix.com rating: ** This was disappointing. I don't know why, but I was just expecting more. The story was weak. The cast was Susan Sarandon is so much better than this kind of film. Seann William Scott is stuck in these kinds of roles and will never break out. Billy Bob Thornton is sometimes wonderful and sometimes crap and unfortunately, this time he was the latter. The only pleasant surprise is Amy Poehler, who is always funny.

{television} journeyman; season one (2007)

San Francisco reporter Dan Vassar (Kevin McKidd) finds himself involuntarily traveling through time, separated from his wife, Katie (Gretchen Egolf), while he tries to right the wrongs of the past. But his efforts don't always have positive effects on the future. Along his travels, Dan is reunited with his ex-fiancée, Livia (Moon Bloodgood), who died in a plane crash. Will Dan's efforts to save his former love destroy his future with Katie?

ireviewnetflix.com rating: **** Excellent! I'm so mad they cancelled this show. Aside from one or two episodes that were just alright, this show was amazing! I love the premise, the story, and most of the episodes were solid and very entertaining.

{television} the it crowd; season one (2007)

The most important people at Reynholm Industries are the tech support team, or at least that's how Moss (Richard Ayoade) and Roy (Joel McHale) see things in this comedy about the vast gulf between the IT department and the employees who need their services. Office manager Jen (Jessica St. Clair) has the difficult job of making sure the two socially incompetent technical wizards keep everything running without alienating anyone.

ireviewnetflix.com rating: **** This was a pleasant surprise. I was expecting an enjoyable show, but this was way more enjoyable that I could have ever imagined. This show was very funny. A wonderful cast only helps hilarious stories.

{television} reno 911; season two (2004)

Picking up where they left off, Thomas Lennon, Kerri Kenney, Ben Garant and the rest of the comic cast return for more tomfoolery as ham-fisted cops trying to safeguard the town. The sophomore season, which includes 16 hysterical installments, features guest appearances by Danny DeVito and singer Kenny Rogers. Among the bonus material are an Aspen Comedy Festival featurette and a host of deleted scenes and outtakes.

ireviewnetflix.com rating: *** I really enjoy this show. It's not a favorite as it does have some unfunny moments, but overall it's a really enjoyable show with a really funny cast of characters.

{television} john from cincinatti; season one (2007)

In the quiet community of Imperial Beach, a tormented family of pro surfers is thrown into conflict by the sudden arrival of two strangers, a young Midwesterner (Austin Nichols) who wants to learn how to surf, and a man with a hidden agenda and dark motives. Created by David Milch, the man behind HBO's "Deadwood," this moody oceanfront drama also stars Rebecca De Mornay, Luke Perry and Bruce Greenwood.

ireviewnetflix.com rating: * I'm not shocked at all that this show was cancelled. First of all, its premier followed an episode of The Sopranos and it lost almost 8 million viewers. Second of all, it sucked. I mean, it's really bad. Bad dialogue, bad writing, just a weak show. I couldn't suffer through the whole season. Three episodes were bad enough.

{television} grounded for life; season five (2005)

Returning for a final season of the Emmy-nominated series, the offbeat Finnertys continue to struggle with their lives and relationships as they learn what it means to be a family. In Season 5 developments, Sean (Donal Logue) finds out that Claudia's (Megyn Price) pregnant before she does -- and then starts having sympathetic pregnancy symptoms. Meanwhile, Lily (Lynsey Bartilson) has boy troubles and Jimmy (Griffin Frazen) goes vegan.

ireviewnetflix.com rating: *** I think what I love most about this show is how real the family was. The show easily could have lasted another five years and still been funny.

{television} weeds; season three (2007)

Matthew Modine joins the cast as a real estate mogul who hooks up with both pot-dealing soccer mom Nancy (Mary-Louise Parker) and her friendly nemesis Celia (Elizabeth Perkins) in the third season of this high-flying hit Showtime series. Meanwhile, Nancy's son Silas (Hunter Parrish) finds romance with a religious girl (Mary-Kate Olsen), and Nancy gets a legit job. Carrie Fisher guest stars as Celia's divorce lawyer. Kevin Nealon co-stars.

ireviewnetflix.com rating: **** (Actually 3.5) Not as great as the previous two seasons, but the show is still solid, funny, and entertaining. The season finale left me wanting more and I can't wait to find out what happens in the fourth season. I could have done without Mary-Kate Olsen, though.

{television} the riches; season one (2007)

After years of roaming across the United States with a band of Irish gypsy con artists, Wayne and Dahlia Malone (Eddie Izzard and Minnie Driver, in an Emmy-nominated role) try the straight life and assume the identity of an average suburban family in the South. But being normal might be the trickiest con yet for Wayne, Dahlia and their three kids. The dark comedy also stars Todd Stashwick, Shannon Marie Woodward and Aidan Mitchell.

ireviewnetflix.com rating: **** This was an incredible first season for a show with a great premise and a great cast. While the gag of the family trying to protect their secret does run a little thin sometimes, overall the show is excellent and I'm looking forward to the second season. The cast is wonderful and the episodes are always entertaining.

{movie} michael clayton (2007)

Screenwriter Tony Gilroy makes his directorial debut with this dramatic thriller about burned-out corporate lawyer Michael Clayton (George Clooney), who's built a career on cleaning up his clients' messes. When a guilt-ridden colleague (Tom Wilkinson) threatens the settlement of a multimillion-dollar case, Clayton faces his biggest challenge ever. Tilda Swinton (with her first Oscar win), Sydney Pollack and Michael O'Keefe round out the impressive cast.

ireviewnetflix.com rating: * This was absolutely horrible. I couldn't even make it through the first hour without putting an end to the suffering. I don't know if it was the horrible story or the horrible acting of the awfully overrated George Clooney, but I hated this movie. How was this nominated for an Academy Award? Well, I guess this goes to prove that the Academy is out of touch with mainstream America.

{movie} redacted (2007)

Written and directed by Brian De Palma, this docudrama about the war in Iraq uses news broadcast footage, trial coverage and video blogs shot by soldiers and civilians to illustrate the contrast between different forms of media coverage. Homing in on an incident in which a 14-year-old Iraqi girl was raped and killed by U.S. soldiers, De Palma presents a thought-provoking argument that the realities of war are, in fact, victims of perspective.

ireviewnetflix.com rating: * Painfully, mind numbingly, incredibly dull. This was an boring waste of film. I would much rather watch a real documentary on the War in Iraq, not a film pretending to be a documentary.

{television} the george lopez show; season one and two (2002)

The first two seasons of this hit ABC sitcom unfolds with an introduction to blue-collar factory worker George Lopez (played by comedian George Lopez in his television debut) and his extended Los Angeles family. The household comprises his wife Angie (Constance Marie), daughter Carmen (Masiela Lusha), son Max (Luis Armand Garcia), best friend Ernie (Valente Rodriguez) and George's overbearing mother, Benny (Belita Moreno).

ireviewnetflix.com rating: **** I really enjoyed this show, much more than I thought I would. Sometimes a stand-up comedian's comedy doesn't translate well to a sitcom, but Lopez's does and most of the shows success can be attributed to the supporting cast. Everyone in the supporting cast is wonderful and adds something to the show with their character, even the kids.

{television} x-files; season three (1995)

Cover-ups abound as FBI agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) delve deeper into the mysteries of paranormal activity in our midst. From big-time bureaucrats who won't talk to small-town folks who won't even open their doors, Mulder and Scully have their work cut out for them as they attempt to save the world, one thrilling mystery at a time.

ireviewnetflix.com rating: *** This season was just all right and I know why I waited so long between seasons to watch season three. This isn't my favorite show and more often than not turns out to be background noise. Favorite episodes this season are impossible for me to find as every episode, even the ones I really liked, are just all right, enjoyable when you watch them the first time, but not episodes I'd want to watch again.

{television} dexter; season two (2007)

Mild-mannered Miami forensics expert Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall) continues his double life as a serial killer in Season 2 of Showtime's hit drama. Keith Carradine joins the cast as FBI agent Frank Lundy, whose investigations may expose Dexter's dark secret. Call him crazy, but there's method in Dexter's madness as more of Miami's worst meet their demise. Meanwhile, on the home front, he keeps up appearances as a model citizen.

ireviewnetflix.com rating: **** Another great season of Dexter, maybe slightly better than the first. Michael C. Hall is wonderful as is the rest of the cast. This season is so strong and so well produced.

{television} the apprentice; season five (2006)

Donald Trump's children, Ivanka and Donald Jr., sit in as guest judges for the fifth season of this elimination-style reality show that pits eager young entrepreneurs against each other in a battle for a six-figure prize -- the chance to run one of Trump's companies. Over the course of 16 episodes, contestants launch promotions for a variety of popular products, including Grape-Nuts cereal, Sam's Club, Norwegian Cruise Lines and Arby's.

ireviewnetflix.com rating: *** Another great season of The Apprentice. Lenny was your stereotypical, egotistical, arrogant Russian asshole. Brent was a loser who, unfortunately, only personified the fact that ugly, fat people have a harder time getting ahead because no one takes them seriously or, really, wants to be around them. Pretty people get ahead because they are pretty. Just a fact of life. Speaking of pretty people, Tarek is HOT!!!

{television} allo allo; season four (1987)

This "Secret Army" spinoff followed the ongoing efforts of a philandering French café owner (Gorden Kaye) to hide two British airmen in his attic during World War II's German occupation. In the fourth hilarious season, Yvette (Vicki Michelle), Michelle (Kirsten Cooke) and Edith (Carmen Silvera) get dolled up to distract the Germans, and Lt. Gruber (Guy Siner) hides high-art forgeries in a string of tasty sausages.

ireviewnetflix.com rating: *** (Actually 3.5) Not as enjoyable as the first season, in my opinion the best season to which the following seasons could never manage to live up to, but still a great show and a great season. Sue Hodge is a pleasant addition and is hilarious as new waitress Mimi Labonq.

{television} rising damp; season two (1974)

Rupert Rigsby (Leonard Rossiter) is so detestable he's delectable as the parsimonious landlord of a shabby shanty. Week after week, Rigsby endures the antics of his hilarious tenants Miss Jones (Frances de la Tour), Philip the African prince (Don Warrington) and longhaired med student Alan (Richard Beckinsale). Relive the classic -- if politically incorrect -- moments of the 1970s hit British sitcom with this collection of Series 2 episodes.

ireviewnetflix.com rating: **** (Actually 3.5) Leonard Rossiter is absolutely wonderful. This show is hilarious and I enjoyed it very much. The characters are great, the stories are great, and the Rigsby character is classic. Richard Beckinsale, the father Kate Beckinsale is also enjoyable and passed away too soon, only five years after this season at the age of 31. Frances de la Tour was also wonderful, as she always is in anything she does and I'll miss her as she left the series this season.

{movie} in the shadow of the moon (2007)

Discover the history and glory behind the Apollo space program through interviews with the brave astronauts who lived through this landmark chapter in world history. Devoted to President John F. Kennedy's goal of sending a man to the moon, the NASA project pushed the envelope of what was humanly possible. Although successful, the program also experienced several failures, one of which resulted in the tragic deaths of three astronauts.

ireviewnetflix.com rating: **** An amazingly beautiful and wonderfully constructed documentary looking at the history of the men who who made the space program something to believe in and something to dream about. Told first person from the men who did it and made it happen. A truly inspiring piece of work. If only the space program was and meant now what it was and meant then.

{television} stargate atlantis; season three (2006)

Sanatoriums, parallel universes and more evil plots hatched by the Wraiths highlight Season 3 of the popular sci-fi series, which chronicles the adventures of Dr. Elizabeth Weir (Torri Higginson), Lt. Col. John Sheppard (Joe Flanigan) and the rest of the Atlantis crew. Guest stars include Beau Bridges, David Ogden Stiers and a special appearance by Richard Dean Anderson, the star of "Stargate SG-1," the series that spun off "Stargate Atlantis."

ireviewnetflix.com rating: *** I enjoyed this season as much as the last season. I still hate the Ronon character and could do without him entirely. I loved the Dr. Carson Beckett character (I wish Paul McGillion had gotten the role of Montgomery "Scotty" Scott in Star Trek XI) and was shocked and actually cried during the end of the "Sunday" episode. A horribly boring episode made even worse with (but oddly improved by) an extremely, devastatingly sad ending. The rest of the cast is still great (especially David Hewlett as Dr. Rodney McKay) and the show is enjoyable. Favorite episodes this season include the season premier "No Man's Land," "Progeny," "The Real World," "Common Ground," "McKay and Mrs. Miller," the two part episode "The Return," "Tao of Rodney," "The Game," and the season finale "First Strike."

{television} stargate sg-1; season ten (2006)

The long-running sci-fi hit kicks off its 10th season with Vala (Claudia Black) giving birth to Adria (Morena Baccarin), the rapidly aging leader of the Ori forces, prompting Landry (Beau Bridges) to question whether Vala can still be trusted at Stargate Command. The season also includes an exciting midseason two-parter called "The Quest," in which Stargate Command meets an old nemesis while pursuing an ancient device known as the Holy Grail.

ireviewnetflix.com rating: *** (Actually 3.5) The final season of Stargate SG-1 left me wanting more as all the previous seasons before it also had. I have to say this for Stargate: I never felt it was a four star show, but it always did leave me waiting with desperate impatience for the next season. I'm so glad that Claudia Black was made a permanent fixture to the cast this season. I really enjoyed her work on the show. Favorite episodes this season include: "200," "Memento Mori," the two-part "The Quest," "Line in the Sand," "The Road Not Taken," "The Shroud," "Dominion" and "Unending." It's no Star Trek, my favorite sci-fi series of all-time, and it started out rough and it wasn't until the show moved from Showtime to the Sci-Fi Channel that it really started to develop, but once it did it quickly became my second favorite sci-fi series.

{television} becoming jane (2007)

Famed romantic novelist Jane Austen has a personal life as dramatic as any of her fictional characters in this historical drama. Jane (Anne Hathaway) rejects the advice of her parents, who want to see her married to the nephew of a wealthy noble, and instead falls for dashing but poor Irish lawyer Tom Lefroy (James McAvoy). As sparks fly, both families intercede to head off the romance, but headstrong Jane will not be told what to do.

ireviewnetflix.com rating: *** I think fans of Jane Austen and her work will enjoy this movie. I, not being a Jane Austen fan (neither her books nor the movies based on her books; nor either the time period historically), was only mildly entertained. Plus, I'm not a big Anne Hathaway fan which didn't help. For the most part, I was bored and it was background noise.

{television} stargate atlantis; season two (2005)

A band of researchers travels through a mysterious teleporter and finds the fabled lost city of Atlantis -- and a dangerous alien race. In Season 2 of the popular sci-fi series, the squad learns more about their new nemesis, the Wraith, and the strange devices left behind by the extinct Ancients. Led by Dr. Elizabeth Weir (Torri Higginson) and Maj. John Sheppard (Joe Flanigan), the team finds adventure daily at the far end of the universe.

ireviewnetflix.com rating: *** (Actually 3.5) I enjoyed this season much more than the first and there were some memorable favorite episodes this season, unlike last season. However, I absolutely hate the Ronon character as it's a pathetic failure of an attempt to re-create a character like Teal'c. That character aside, the rest of the cast is wonderful and the show is enjoyable. Favorite episodes this season include the season premier "The Siege," "The Intruder," "Duet," "Conversion," "Aurora," "Epiphany," "Critical Mass," "The Long Goodbye," "Michael," and the season finale "Allies."

{television} stargate sg-1; season nine (2005)

Transported by a portal to other worlds in the known universe, a diverse crew of intergalactic investigators helps to bring peace and hope to strange and new civilizations. In Season 9 of the popular syndicated franchise, a new commanding officer is assigned to Stargate Command, a new member joins the team, and a deadly new enemy threatens Earth. The series stars Beau Bridges, Amanda Tapping and Christopher Judge.

ireviewnetflix.com rating: *** (Actually 3.5) I don't like change and I was worried when I had read that Stargate underwent several changes this season, most notable the changes to their cast. Changes such as these normally note the beginning of the end for a series. But I was pleasantly surprised when the cast worked together well and I think I might have actually enjoyed this season more than any other Stargate season. Not enough to give it that ever elusive fourth star that, as much as I really like Stargate, I just can't seem to give the show. This season's favorite episodes include the two-part, season premier "Avalon," "Origins," "Beachhead," "Ex Deus Machina," "Prototype," the two-parter "The Fourth Horsemen," "Ripple Effect," "Arthur's Mantle," "Crusade," and the season finale "Camelot."

{television} the addams family; season one; vol. 1 and vol. 2 (1964/1965)

Vol. 1: Join Gomez (John Astin), Morticia (Carolyn Jones), Uncle Fester (Jackie Coogan), Pugsley (Ken Weatherwax) and Wednesday (Lisa Loring) for some twisted fun in this classic series. Whether they're picnicking at a cemetery or raising carnivorous plants, the macabre family celebrates life -- and never understands why visitors are terrified. Towering butler Lurch (Ted Cassidy), hair-ball Cousin Itt and helping hand "Thing" round out the ghoulish clan.

Vol. 2: The Addams family is back with another volume of spooky, kooky episodes from the end of the show's first season and the beginning of the second season. In this collection, Lurch (Ted Cassidy) becomes an unlikely pop star; Gomez (John Astin) shocks the town by running for mayor; Uncle Fester (Jackie Coogan) turns Pugsley (Ken Weatherwax) into a chimpanzee; and Cousin Itt (Felix Silla) loses, well, its hair.

ireviewnetflix.com rating: *** Much like "The Munsters," the gag runs out of humor quickly. It starts out great, but there's only so many times you can tell the same joke and there are only so many stories to be told. While I enjoyed the initial episodes very much, the show starts to get a little old as the series goes on. However, I did enjoy the Addams Family more than I remember as a kid. I've always been more of a Munsters guy myself, but I really enjoyed the Addams Family even if the same jokes did start to run out of gas after awhile. John Astin as Gomez Addams is wonderful and, in my opinion, the star of the show. Carolyn Jones is also enjoyable as Morticia Addams, but not nearly as stellar as Astin. I think the rest of the cast, aside from Ted Cassidy as Lurch who was always enjoyable, kind of take up space as I was never a fan of Wednesday or Pugsley, the Addams Family children, or Grandmama or Fester.

{movie} unaccompanied minors (2006)

Five disparate kids snowed in at the airport on Christmas Eve learn some lessons about friendship in this quirky teen comedy. In a bid to get back to their families, awkward Spencer (Dyllan Christopher), wealthy Grace (Gina Mantegna), tomboy Donna (Quinn Shephard), geeky Charlie (Tyler James Williams) and shy Beef (Brett Kelly) try to outsmart a disgruntled airport official (Lewis Black). Wilmer Valderrama, Teri Garr and Jessica Walter co-star.

ireviewnetflix.com rating: *** (Actually 2.5) Cliche at times, a bit overdone at others, but it's a children's holiday movie so what are you expecting really. It was cute. The cast was decent. Lewis Black plays a great bad guy for the kids.

{movie} the nanny diaries (2007)

College-educated Annie Braddock (Scarlett Johansson) gets a crash course in child care when she plays nanny to the 4-year-old son of grossly dysfunctional parents (Laura Linney and Paul Giamatti). Directed by Shari Springer Berman (American Splendor), this all-star comedy was adapted from the best-selling novel by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus, who based their book on their experiences working for Manhattan's wealthiest families.

ireviewnetflix.com rating: *** I don't know, something was missing from this movie for me. It was all right, but not as good as I was expecting. Laura Linney is wonderful as the self-obsessed, self-indulgent mother. What's so sad is that what happens in this movie happens in real life everyday. Chris Evans is gorgeous as always, but something was empty about his character's relationship with Scarlett Johansson's character. Almost like it was there just to have her be in a relationship. I would have much rather seen a documentary about this subject.

{movie} trade (2007)

Based on a New York Times Magazine story, this crime drama starring Kevin Kline delves into a sordid world of international sex trafficking that leads from Mexico City to a New Jersey stash house. In a bid to save kidnapped 13-year-old Adriana (Paulina Gaitan) before she's sold into sexual slavery, her desperate brother (Cesar Ramos) teams with a Texas cop (Kline). Can they find her before she vanishes into a hellish underworld?

ireviewnetflix.com rating: **** This movie reminded me of Traffic, but instead of drugs this movie deals with the sex trafficking. An incredible movie even if it is disturbing at times, but only so much in that what is portrayed actually happens everyday. An incredible cast highlight a great story and moving drama.

{movie} the ten (2006)

An all-star cast that includes Paul Rudd, Winona Ryder, Jessica Alba, Oliver Platt, Liev Schreiber, Famke Janssen, Rob Corddry, Adam Brody, Ken Marino and Gretchen Mol, among others, takes part in this amusing collection of 10 irreverent tales inspired by the Ten Commandments. Nothing is sacred in this comedy anthology written by Ken Marino and director David Wain, formerly of the comedy troupe the State.

ireviewnetflix.com rating: * Considering the cast and the basis for the material, the movie should have been funny or at least slightly bearable. However, it was not. It was actually far from either. I'm not religious at all and I assumed that it would mock religion, as it often did, but where mocking of religion often makes me laugh, this movie did not simply because it wasn't funny.

{movie} rambo (2008)

When governments fail to act on behalf of captive missionaries, ex-Green Beret John James Rambo (Sylvester Stallone) sets aside his peaceful existence along the Salween River in a war-torn region of Thailand to take action. Although he's still haunted by violent memories of his time as a U.S. soldier in Vietnam, Rambo is unable to turn his back on the aid workers who so desperately need his help.

ireviewnetflix.com rating: * This was easily the worst of the Rambo series. First of all, I feel little sympathy for the people Rambo is trying to save so maybe that's the biggest issue. Certainly not a good starting point. Much like the Christian missionaries going into Muslim countries during times of war and being held hostage, I feel little sympathy for these missionaries going into war torn Thailand. You're just asking for it. Not that something shouldn't be done about the injustices going on in Burma, but that's for the military, not Bible thumpers. I just couldn't relate to the story or the characters and didn't care about either. The movie was pointless at times and quite often unnecessarily brutality. Unlike other Rambo movies, especially the first Rambo movie, there just wasn't a point. I was almost completely bored for the entire hour and a half I suffered through this garbage.

{movie} halloween (2007)

Directed by Rob Zombie, this reimagining of the original Halloween horror flick finds Michael Myers (Tyler Mane) erroneously released from the mental institution where he's been committed since he was 10 years old. Immediately returning to Haddonfield, Myers looks for his little sister, Laurie Strode (Scout Taylor-Compton) -- and has no qualms about killing anyone who crosses his path. Malcolm McDowell co-stars as Dr. Sam Loomis.

ireviewnetflix.com rating: *** Clearly not as great at the original, but still good in its own right as far as remakes go. While the original two movies are still the classics that all the following movies aspired to be, this is a decent addition to the series.

{movie} the king of kong (2007)

When Steve Wiebe got laid off, he turned to the classic arcade game Donkey Kong for solace; soon, he decided to challenge Billy Mitchell's long-standing record score. So began the bitter rivalry that lies at the heart of this curiously compelling documentary. Providing a history of competitive video gaming and a look at some of the key players, The King of Kong is at its best when revealing just how far Mitchell will go to retain his crown.

ireviewnetflix.com rating: *** These guys are such geeks!!! It's really hard to care about them when I keep thinking, "What losers!" However, eventually I found myself enthralled in the drama of the competition. But what a bunch of jerks to try and disprove Steve Wiebe's record. I was glad that he stood up to them and defended his record. And Brian Kuh is an incredible jerk! Probably the biggest loser of them all. Second only to Brian Mitchell who is such an egomaniac, it's not even funny. These guys need women. The only normal one seems to be Steve Wiebe.

{movie} the jane austen book club (2007)

Six book club members find their lives resemble a modern-day version of Jane Austen's novels in this drama. Sylvia's (Amy Brenneman) husband of 20-plus years has walked out; Jocelyn (Maria Bello) breeds dogs to escape loneliness; Prudie (Emily Blunt) dreams of other men; Bernadette (Kathy Baker) hopes to find Mr. Right; Allegra (Maggie Grace) has issues with her girlfriend; and Grigg (Hugh Dancy), the only man, wonders why he's even in the club.

ireviewnetflix.com rating: *** This was better than I thought it would be. This movie was very well done: a great story with a great cast. And any movie with the very hot Marc Blucas is all right with me. And Kevin Zegers is a nice addition too. :)

{movie} elizabeth: the golden age (2007)

Reprising her Oscar-nominated role from 1998's Elizabeth, Cate Blanchett is once again at the head of the cast as the Virgin Queen (earning her another Oscar nod) in this Shekhar Kapur-directed sequel to that film. Focusing on the queen's tempestuous relationship with the adventurer Sir Walter Raleigh, the film also stars Clive Owen (as Raleigh), Geoffrey Rush (as Sir Francis Walsingham) and Samantha Morton (as Mary, Queen of Scots).

ireviewnetflix.com rating: *** The sets and costumes are amazing, but something seems to be missing from this one that made the first Elizabeth film feel so special. Still very well done where production is concerned, but something in the story feels lacking.

{movie} blind dating (2006)

In the process of undergoing a risky experimental surgery that could partially restore his eyesight, Danny (Chris Pine), a blind 20-something, meets the woman of his dreams (Anjali Jay), only to find out that she's been promised to another guy (Sendhil Ramamurthy). But if love is really blind … then Danny has the odds on his side. Eddie Kaye Thomas (American Pie) co-stars in this contemporary romantic comedy.

ireviewnetflix.com rating: *** This was a decent little comedy, but a bit slow in parts. However, the beautiful Chris Pine made it worth my time. He's so hot! But the movie isn't one I'd watch again nor is it one that I'll remember in 10 years.

{television} sabrina the teenage witch; season one (1996)

The world of Sabrina Spellman (Melissa Joan Hart) turns upside down on her 16th birthday when she discovers she's a witch from a long and illustrious line of sorcerers. But as she learns how to control her powers with help from her aunts (Caroline Rhea and Beth Broderick), Sabrina must conceal her secret from friends, her beau, her archrival and especially her suspicious vice principal. First season guests include Raquel Welch and Jack Wagner.

ireviewnetflix.com rating: *** I was shocked at how much I really liked this show. I never watched it when if first aired as I was a bit older than the target market. At times foolish, but often cute and campy. Never hilarious, but funny at times. But any show with Brady Anderson is alright with me. God, he was so GORGEOUS!!! ;)

{television} stargate atlantis; season one (2004)

This spin-off of the Sci-Fi Channel's hugely popular "Stargate SG-1" series finds its crew, led by Dr. Elizabeth Weir (Torri Higginson), on a base located in Antarctica, wherein lies the lost civilization of Atlantis. What's more, they've also discovered a parallel world of sorts in a galaxy known as Pegasus, but what lies therein may not offer salvation; instead, it seems to be posing an imminent danger to the inhabitants of Earth.

ireviewnetflix.com rating: *** I like Stargate Atlantis, not nearly as much as Stargate SG-1, but it's still a good show. While I enjoy almost every episode of Stargate Atlantis, unlike Stargate SG-1, I have a hard time finding favorite episodes except "Before I Sleep," the only episode I really loved.

{television} stargate sg-1; season eight (2004)

The outset of this thrilling eighth season finds Brig. Gen. Jack O'Neill (Richard Dean Anderson) bereft in the land of Hala, awaiting rescue by his crew. But the mission is far from a cakewalk, with the Replicators at the ready to attack. And so begins yet another adventure-filled installment of the popular sci-fi series about time travel, space exploration and everything else in between. Christopher Judge co-stars.

ireviewnetflix.com rating: *** (Actually 3.5) Another great season from the cast and writers of Stargate SG-1. This season came closer to a four star rating than any other I can remember. A couple of weak episodes hurt it though. Favorite episodes this season include the two-part season premier "New Order," "Lockdown," "Zero Hour," "Avatar," "Endgame," "Gemini," "It's Good To Be King," another fascinating clip show "Citizen Joe," "Reckoning," and the two-part season finale, "Moebius."

{movie} sydney white (2007)

In this quirky update on a classic fairy tale, freshman Sydney White (Amanda Bynes) pledges a once dignified sorority, only to find it has devolved into a nasty, backhanded clique. Disenchanted by the experience, Sydney takes up with a group of seven outcasts. Together with her band of merry misfits, she challenges the school's social hierarchy and looks to take down sorority president Rachel (Sara Paxton), the wicked campus villain.

ireviewnetflix.com rating: *** A modern retelling of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, this movie took awhile to get to the point and was not as good as I was expecting given that this was supposed to be a "sequel" to the Hilary Duff success "A Cinderella Story." The build-up to the point took forever. However, Amanda Bynes is enjoyable as always. She just needs the right project to propel her to the top, but this wasn't the one. There was potential here though and she seems just about to break out of the Nickelodeon mold that's she's been in from the start of her career...on...Nickelodeon. But she seems poised to break out of that and shine as a wonderfully comic actress. Getting to see the gorgeous Matt Long made the movie bearable and seeing him shirtless made it heaven. :)

{movie} rocket science (2007)

When 15-year-old Hal Hefner (Reece Thompson) -- a New Jersey boy with a terrible stutter -- falls in love with the star of his high school debate squad (Anna Kendrick), he joins the team at his dream girl's urging. Next thing you know, young Hal finds himself caught up in the intense competition of debating. Jeffrey Blitz, who wrote and directed this charming tale, was awarded the Dramatic Directing Award at Sundance 2007.

ireviewnetflix.com rating: ** Horribly disjointed and all over the place. I just couldn't get into it. There were a couple of decent moments, but overall I didn't really like the movie. The main character's stuttering makes it even more painful to watch. It was slow at points and pointless in others. Getting to watch the very cute Nicholas D'Agosto helped a little bit, but not much.

{movie} king of california (2007)

This quirky Sundance comedy chronicles the journey of a delusional father (Michael Douglas) who's convinced that a fabled treasure is buried somewhere beneath his Southern California suburb. His delinquent teenage daughter (Evan Rachel Wood) -- a high school dropout who saw her father sent to a mental institution, only to be abandoned by her dysfunctional mother -- resists his ravings at first. But, eventually, she starts to believe.

ireviewnetflix.com rating: * This one wasn't as good as I was expecting. The story was weak and the performances from Michael Douglas and Evan Rachel Wood were disappointing, but it's not like they had a lot to work with here. Normally you're supposed to feel something for the crazy guy, but I felt nothing for Douglas' character and just wanted to see him locked away again. It was so painful and tedious in part, I wanted to be locked away.