fpjschreuder Reviews

The Andromeda Strain (2008)

Great miniseries, much action, a little depressing

[9/10 · 13 October 2008]

It's been a long time since I saw a miniseries of the quality of The Andromeda Strain. The story, obviously about some type of pathogen, goes a little over the top at times (albeit in the 'we-like-zombies-and-aliens-hollywood-way') but at points you are truly on the edge of your seat. Especially the final scenes gave me the chills, since the actors really did what they were supposed to do.

To those people saying the acting was 'crap', I say "Certain characters are meant to show little to no emotion, it might shock you to learn that those characters were present in this miniseries".

I think the bad comments are due to the novel & the old film being out there (remakes automatically get bad reviews from people who've read the 'other stuff') and that at times The Andromeda Strain is somewhat tough to follow (and we all know that sóme people don't like to think).

Painkiller Jane (2007)

Fun to watch & forget

[6/10 · 25 December 2007]

Apparently, it is customary to either hate or love a show, that's however not how I work. I think this show had very little potential to begin with, but managed to build up quite a fun team-dynamic and plot, though horribly clichéd at times.

I'd rate it a 6+, because it's just fun to watch and forget, like many shows today. I really liked Rob Stewart as Andre McBride, he really put a strong, disciplined leader in the show which it really needed. The team itself gets many moral issues to deal with (definite +) but the writers didn't manage to put the conclusion in the team-context (definite -).

Overall, mediocre show.

The Dresden Files (2007–2008)

One of the best shows this millennium

[9/10 · 25 December 2007]

At first, and after later explaining the synopsis to my friends, I noticed how incredibly ridiculous the initial story is. Suffice to say, I think the show had zero potential. Probably due to the fact I didn't read the Jim Butcher books.

But after watching the pilot, I was hooked. Great show, great leading actor, great supporting actress (Valerie Cruz) and great style. The whole 'main character talking to himself' really works out great, and adds a whole new layer of humour that isn't always apparent during the main plot of the episode.

I heard some critique about the sidelining of Harry Dresden's magic, but I think the show would've been horrific if Harry would've fought every bad guy he encounters with his earthshaking powers. Subtlety people! Subtlety is what it's all about! Overall, definitely in my top ten of best shows this millennium, deserving of my 9/10 rating!