Carlin Reviews

The Immortal (2000–2001)

If you like mindless entertainment, this show's for you.

[1 August 2001]

Whether or not you will like this show will depend completely on whether you watch television shows purely for entertainment and mindless escapism, or whether you watch shows for intelligent scripts that make you think and characters with depth. If you want the former, watch this show. If you want the latter, Highlander (as others here have already mentioned) is a far superior show. Personally, I prefer the latter.

In my opinion, the only redeeming quality to this show is the occasional appearance of highly talented British actor Dominic Keating as the daemon "Mallos", the title character's nemesis. Mr. Keating's performance is almost disturbingly seductive, his wickedness intense yet understated, as if being tightly reigned in under massive self control. However, hoping to see if "Mallos" will appear on the show is not enough reason for me to tune in to watch it. Luckily, Mr. Keating will be starring on the new Star Trek series "Enterprise" this Fall, so I'll be able to watch his impeccable acting regularly then.

Bottom line ... If you want to laugh, watch this show. If you want to think, watch Highlander. If you want to see Dominic Keating, watch Enterprise. ;)

This House Possessed (1981 TV Movie)

Gets in your mind and stays there!

[25 October 2000]

I haven't seen "This House Possessed" in almost twenty years, but it definitely made an impact on me. Along with the movie "The Entity", the imagery from this film made its way into my subconscious pre-teen mind and lingered in my nightmares for quite some time as one of the truly scariest films I'd ever seen. If horror means "gore" to you, then you probably won't care for this film. But if horror means "capturing the imagination in truly frightening ways" to you, then (as with me) this is your kind of film. Like I said before, it has been a while since I saw it, so I don't remember many of the details clearly, but I will never forget the shower scene. The whole movie made me look at my house in frightening new ways, and it made me glad that we were the house's first occupants. Then I saw "Poltergeist" and everything changed. ;)

Eclipse (1994)

A visually beautiful film that makes you think.

[5 October 1999]

"Eclipse" is an intriguing movie which left an unusual imprint in my mind. It's the kind of movie that you find yourself talking about long after the movie has ended.

It's a very circular movie, showing the interconnectedness of a group of people with no apparent connections. The movie follows from one person to the next as they stumble through life and a series of sexual encounters. If there's a main character, it's Angelo (Matthew Ferguson) who is shown, intermittently throughout the film, making a documentary about an upcoming eclipse.

It has no real plot, per se, leaving any conclusions about the characters or the movie's meaning completely up to the viewer. Because of this, the film forces the viewer to think about what it presented, which ultimately makes it's impact to be far more personal than most movies. Personally, I found parts of the movie to be somewhat disturbing, but it was partially because of this that it became memorable to me.

Visually, it's a beautiful film. The use of black and white footage (tinted in various colours) interspersed with colour footage is a particularly effective device, making it seem incredibly surreal.

It's definitely a must see movie for anyone who likes films that make you think. :)

Traders (1996–2000)

I thought it would be boring; happily instead, it's realistic.

[1 October 1999]

When I first heard of the show, my initial reaction was: "a show about traders? How boring! How can anything about finance be interesting?" Because of this, I missed the first season and half of the second before I finally started watching it, and I was instantly hooked. What caught my attention, more than anything else, was the wonderful acting jobs of the cast and how they truly brought their characters to life.

Not one of the characters in the show are predictable or stereotypical; there are no "good guys" or "bad guys". Instead, each of the characters are highly complex individuals with personal issues that they are forced to deal with on a regular basis, who struggle daily with the ethical and moral dilemmas of working in their professions. The credit for this realism must go to the excellent writers of the show. But even though the show deals with serious issues on a regular basis, it can also be quite humourous. Watching the interaction between the characters provides an incessant source of both laughter and tears, demonstrating both the writers' innumerous talents and the fantastic acting abilities of all of the actors on the show.

My personal favourite characters are Marty Stevens (portrayed by Patrick McKenna) and Paul Deeds (portrayed by Peter Stebbings). Marty is the head trader whose biting sarcastic remarks always make me laugh. Yet, underneath it all, his character is incredibly vulnerable and inherently lovable. On the other hand, Paul's character is far more seedy and is kind of a "bad boy". He is ruthless in his job and will go to whatever lengths he has to in order to get the deal signed, including breaking moral or ethical boundaries. But every now and then he shows that he is not entirely heartless and has his vulnerabilities, too. All of the characters in the show have characteristics that are both admirable and disagreeable ... making them incredibly human ... and which makes me come back for more. :)

Speaking Parts (1989)

A powerful, raw and sensual film.

[10/10 · 1 October 1999]

In all candor, I rented this film because I found out that Michael McMannus was in it, and I respect the man's acting abilities. Suffice it to say, I wasn't disappointed.

Michael's character, Lance, is a young busboy at a hotel who wants desperately to get a speaking part in a movie, instead of background extra roles. Meanwhile, one of his fellow employees is obsessed with him, and she will do practically anything in order to receive his affections. Essentially a psychological drama, the story basically explores what they will and won't do in order to achieve their goals.

Despite it's "vocal" title, the film can be unnervingly quiet at times, however it's never dull. I couldn't help but get wrapped up in the story and entranced by the powerful performances of all the actors. It's a very powerful, raw and sensual film, definitely not for younger viewers, which is typical of Atom Egoyan films. I would highly recommend it. :)

Personally, I also enjoyed it because it was filmed here in Toronto. I found myself laughing and saying, "I know where that is!" ;)