The Full Review http://thefullreview.com Computer Hardware and Electronics - Tech News and Reviews Fri, 21 Nov 2008 10:28:53 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3.1 en Dove Beauty Bar, Sensitive Skin - Eight 4.25oz Bars (Pack of 3) http://thefullreview.com/dove-beauty-bar-sensitive-skin-eight-425oz-bars-pack-of-3/1005693.html http://thefullreview.com/dove-beauty-bar-sensitive-skin-eight-425oz-bars-pack-of-3/1005693.html#comments Fri, 21 Nov 2008 10:28:53 +0000 Amazon Customer Reviews 1227263333-A1YEPFLLH42OU1-B001ET7IQK Yu-jin Chia reviewed:

Dove Beauty Bar, Sensitive Skin - Eight 4.25oz Bars (Pack of 3) by Dove
 
4.0 out of 5 stars Good if you need it, November 21, 2008
I started using this instead of the regular formula Dove (and other competitors like Lever) due to a skin irritation. The doctor actually prescribed this soap since it has moisturizers and no irritants. For that, it's certainly the best available- I haven't had a problem since changing to it, and am effectively buying this in bulk now since it appears I need it.

The one major complaint I have about this soap is that apparently one of the things they took out was the binder. Compared even to regular Dove (which isn't particularly known for its durability) this soap has a very short life-span. This is largely due to the fact that when it gets to about a half inch in thickness, it crumbles and disintegrates- and this is through regular use, not abuse like dropping it. This results in a lot of wastage, and a bar usually lasts me about 2-3 weeks. The original Dove lasts at least a month per bar, and some cheaper soaps like Lever 2000 can last a good two months. As such, though these sensitive skin bars are great for your skin, they certainly don't come cheap. I wouldn't recommend you use them unless the regular Dove and/or competitors' soaps cause you skin problems.

]]> Yu-jin Chia reviewed:

Dove Beauty Bar, Sensitive Skin - Eight 4.25oz Bars (Pack of 3) by Dove
 
4.0 out of 5 stars Good if you need it, November 21, 2008
I started using this instead of the regular formula Dove (and other competitors like Lever) due to a skin irritation. The doctor actually prescribed this soap since it has moisturizers and no irritants. For that, it's certainly the best available- I haven't had a problem since changing to it, and am effectively buying this in bulk now since it appears I need it.

The one major complaint I have about this soap is that apparently one of the things they took out was the binder. Compared even to regular Dove (which isn't particularly known for its durability) this soap has a very short life-span. This is largely due to the fact that when it gets to about a half inch in thickness, it crumbles and disintegrates- and this is through regular use, not abuse like dropping it. This results in a lot of wastage, and a bar usually lasts me about 2-3 weeks. The original Dove lasts at least a month per bar, and some cheaper soaps like Lever 2000 can last a good two months. As such, though these sensitive skin bars are great for your skin, they certainly don't come cheap. I wouldn't recommend you use them unless the regular Dove and/or competitors' soaps cause you skin problems.

]]> http://thefullreview.com/dove-beauty-bar-sensitive-skin-eight-425oz-bars-pack-of-3/1005693.html/feed Babylon A.D. [Theatrical Release] http://thefullreview.com/babylon-ad-theatrical-release/1005691.html http://thefullreview.com/babylon-ad-theatrical-release/1005691.html#comments Fri, 21 Nov 2008 08:38:21 +0000 Amazon Customer Reviews 1227256701-A1D2C0WDCSHUWZ-B001C48EFQ E. A Solinas reviewed:

Babylon A.D. [Theatrical Release] by 20th Century Fox
 
1.0 out of 5 stars Babylon falls, November 21, 2008
When the director of a movie disses his own creation as it's released, you know that you're in for something spectacular. Spectacularly ghastly.

Alas, such is the case with Mathieu Kassovitz's "Babylon A.D." You can see why the director denounced his own work -- the end result is an incoherently chaotic thriller that comes across as the malformed, mildly psychotic love child of "Children of Men" and "Blade Runner." There are some really bad movies out there, but "Babylon A.D."'s incoherence puts it in a place of honor.

A Russian mobster (Gerard Depardieu) hires a thuggish mercenary with the bizarre name of Toorop (Vin Diesel) to do a simple task -- transport a girl named Aurora (Melanie Thierry) and her guardian Noelite nun (Michelle Yeoh) to New York. But it soon becomes obvious that Aurora is no ordinary charge -- she seems to have precognition and inherent knowledge that a sheltered girl could never have, such as how to operate a submarine. No, I am not making this up.

But it soon becomes obvious to Toorop that more is going on here than it appears -- apparently a malign High Priestess (Charlotte Rampling) is aiming to create a genetically-engineered messiah, which Aurora is now pregnant with (she's a virgin, by the way). Now Toorop -- whose cold, dark, selfish heart has been touched by Aurora -- must try to keep her safe from those who would use her...

The movie may be called "Babylon A.D.," but a better title would be "Babble-on Addled." Apparently Kassovitz's original creation was thoroughly sliced'n'diced in the editing room, and seemingly random parts were stitched back together. Therefore, this Frankenstein's monster is graced with more violence than plot, and manages to be both painfully simplistic and incomprehensible.

Admittedly, I doubt that it would have been worth much anyway -- the absurd religious criticism is handled with the subtlety of a sledgehammer in the eye (Virgin birth? "Noelite"?), and the dirty dystopia reeks of better, more unique movies that have come before.

But the choppy reediting makes it phenomenally awful -- about half the plot seems to have been whittled away. Presumably the plot was pared down to make room for the action sequences, which are filmed in a blurry, eyeball-jarring manner. Some of them -- like the snowmobile chase -- are outright ridiculous. Pair that with some truly excruciating dialogue ("Cross me and you'll have no place to hide anymore, Toorop." "It goes both ways, Gorsky"), and you're guaranteed to have a headache.

And near the end, the plot goes utterly downhill -- major developments spring up out of nowhere with only the barest shreds of foreshadowing, before spiraling down to a ghastly out-of-nowhere ending. It's as if someone slapped together two radically different versions of the same story, and expected the result to make sense.

Vin Diesel is playing basically the same character he always plays -- a thuggish, violent sort who Lives By His Own Rules and growls threateningly at everyone. Diesel is a pretty bad actor, but even a brilliant one would be hard-pressed to handle this dreck -- particularly since, late in the movie, we suddenly find out that he's got a Special Connection to Aurora.

Of course, Aurora is an even bigger waste -- she's super-smart, super-talented, super-pure, and bleats about sensing death when she isn't kicking butt with yet more magic abilities. Absolutely zero sense. Michelle Yeoh, Charlotte Rampling and Gerard Depardieu are all utterly wasted here, and it's almost embarrassing to see such good actors getting such a raw deal.

"Babylon A.D." is a spectacularly wretched piece of work, with a disastrously messy plot and random violence. Definitely give it a miss.

]]> E. A Solinas reviewed:

Babylon A.D. [Theatrical Release] by 20th Century Fox
 
1.0 out of 5 stars Babylon falls, November 21, 2008
When the director of a movie disses his own creation as it's released, you know that you're in for something spectacular. Spectacularly ghastly.

Alas, such is the case with Mathieu Kassovitz's "Babylon A.D." You can see why the director denounced his own work -- the end result is an incoherently chaotic thriller that comes across as the malformed, mildly psychotic love child of "Children of Men" and "Blade Runner." There are some really bad movies out there, but "Babylon A.D."'s incoherence puts it in a place of honor.

A Russian mobster (Gerard Depardieu) hires a thuggish mercenary with the bizarre name of Toorop (Vin Diesel) to do a simple task -- transport a girl named Aurora (Melanie Thierry) and her guardian Noelite nun (Michelle Yeoh) to New York. But it soon becomes obvious that Aurora is no ordinary charge -- she seems to have precognition and inherent knowledge that a sheltered girl could never have, such as how to operate a submarine. No, I am not making this up.

But it soon becomes obvious to Toorop that more is going on here than it appears -- apparently a malign High Priestess (Charlotte Rampling) is aiming to create a genetically-engineered messiah, which Aurora is now pregnant with (she's a virgin, by the way). Now Toorop -- whose cold, dark, selfish heart has been touched by Aurora -- must try to keep her safe from those who would use her...

The movie may be called "Babylon A.D.," but a better title would be "Babble-on Addled." Apparently Kassovitz's original creation was thoroughly sliced'n'diced in the editing room, and seemingly random parts were stitched back together. Therefore, this Frankenstein's monster is graced with more violence than plot, and manages to be both painfully simplistic and incomprehensible.

Admittedly, I doubt that it would have been worth much anyway -- the absurd religious criticism is handled with the subtlety of a sledgehammer in the eye (Virgin birth? "Noelite"?), and the dirty dystopia reeks of better, more unique movies that have come before.

But the choppy reediting makes it phenomenally awful -- about half the plot seems to have been whittled away. Presumably the plot was pared down to make room for the action sequences, which are filmed in a blurry, eyeball-jarring manner. Some of them -- like the snowmobile chase -- are outright ridiculous. Pair that with some truly excruciating dialogue ("Cross me and you'll have no place to hide anymore, Toorop." "It goes both ways, Gorsky"), and you're guaranteed to have a headache.

And near the end, the plot goes utterly downhill -- major developments spring up out of nowhere with only the barest shreds of foreshadowing, before spiraling down to a ghastly out-of-nowhere ending. It's as if someone slapped together two radically different versions of the same story, and expected the result to make sense.

Vin Diesel is playing basically the same character he always plays -- a thuggish, violent sort who Lives By His Own Rules and growls threateningly at everyone. Diesel is a pretty bad actor, but even a brilliant one would be hard-pressed to handle this dreck -- particularly since, late in the movie, we suddenly find out that he's got a Special Connection to Aurora.

Of course, Aurora is an even bigger waste -- she's super-smart, super-talented, super-pure, and bleats about sensing death when she isn't kicking butt with yet more magic abilities. Absolutely zero sense. Michelle Yeoh, Charlotte Rampling and Gerard Depardieu are all utterly wasted here, and it's almost embarrassing to see such good actors getting such a raw deal.

"Babylon A.D." is a spectacularly wretched piece of work, with a disastrously messy plot and random violence. Definitely give it a miss.

]]> http://thefullreview.com/babylon-ad-theatrical-release/1005691.html/feed Microserfs http://thefullreview.com/microserfs/1005692.html http://thefullreview.com/microserfs/1005692.html#comments Fri, 21 Nov 2008 08:19:07 +0000 Amazon Customer Reviews 1227255547-A1D2C0WDCSHUWZ-0061624268 E. A Solinas reviewed:

Microserfs: A Novel (P.S.) by Douglas Coupland
 
4.0 out of 5 stars Webserfing, November 21, 2008
"SPACE!... Not your final frontier in this instance, but there's lots of it here and its not a bad deal."

They are a subspecies of the homo sapiens. They're weird, wacky and wonderful: the geeks, who dwell happily amongst us and help keep society humming along. Douglas Coupland addresses the geek pride in an unusually cheerful little novel focusing on a workplace gang of geeks (like a flock of birds or pride of lions) known as "microserfs."

It's in diary form (interspersed with big quotes, web addies, and bits of code), by a young man named Dan. He and his pals work for Microsoft, and their jobs dominate most of their lives (despite this, he does get a girlfriend). Despite the machine-dominated jobs they have, these "microserfs" decide that they want personal lives and reinvent themselves.

If you own a computer and use it for something slightly more advanced than playing solitaire or checking the football scores -- like many members of the population -- you might like "Microserfs." In fact, enoying it is almost a certainty if you talk about Legos, eat flat foods, and ask questions like "Is our universe ultimately digital or analog?"

One thing that might put off some readers is that Coupland sprinkles the diary entries with seemingly random stuff -- aPzroc, burnt arborite, Champaign-Urbana, countless ones and zeros, two pages filled with the word "money." But it's cute, funny, and somehow it adds to the real feel of the geekiness of this novel.

But it isn't just cute -- the characters are pleasantly well-rounded and likable, and while Coupland's books often have a sort of sad feeling, this one is relatively cheerful. Even so, while pointing out the problems with a geek's life, he explores the dimensions that show that they people too, and the poignant moments are among the best in the book.

Geek pride! I enjoyed reading about the "Microserfs," a unique facet of Douglas Coupland's vision of the world. Entertaining, geeky, and thought-provoking in little spurts.

]]> E. A Solinas reviewed:

Microserfs: A Novel (P.S.) by Douglas Coupland
 
4.0 out of 5 stars Webserfing, November 21, 2008
"SPACE!... Not your final frontier in this instance, but there's lots of it here and its not a bad deal."

They are a subspecies of the homo sapiens. They're weird, wacky and wonderful: the geeks, who dwell happily amongst us and help keep society humming along. Douglas Coupland addresses the geek pride in an unusually cheerful little novel focusing on a workplace gang of geeks (like a flock of birds or pride of lions) known as "microserfs."

It's in diary form (interspersed with big quotes, web addies, and bits of code), by a young man named Dan. He and his pals work for Microsoft, and their jobs dominate most of their lives (despite this, he does get a girlfriend). Despite the machine-dominated jobs they have, these "microserfs" decide that they want personal lives and reinvent themselves.

If you own a computer and use it for something slightly more advanced than playing solitaire or checking the football scores -- like many members of the population -- you might like "Microserfs." In fact, enoying it is almost a certainty if you talk about Legos, eat flat foods, and ask questions like "Is our universe ultimately digital or analog?"

One thing that might put off some readers is that Coupland sprinkles the diary entries with seemingly random stuff -- aPzroc, burnt arborite, Champaign-Urbana, countless ones and zeros, two pages filled with the word "money." But it's cute, funny, and somehow it adds to the real feel of the geekiness of this novel.

But it isn't just cute -- the characters are pleasantly well-rounded and likable, and while Coupland's books often have a sort of sad feeling, this one is relatively cheerful. Even so, while pointing out the problems with a geek's life, he explores the dimensions that show that they people too, and the poignant moments are among the best in the book.

Geek pride! I enjoyed reading about the "Microserfs," a unique facet of Douglas Coupland's vision of the world. Entertaining, geeky, and thought-provoking in little spurts.

]]> http://thefullreview.com/microserfs/1005692.html/feed Golden Axe http://thefullreview.com/golden-axe/1005690.html http://thefullreview.com/golden-axe/1005690.html#comments Fri, 21 Nov 2008 03:30:40 +0000 Amazon Customer Reviews 1227238240-AJKWF4W7QD4NS-B000XJO78Y N. Durham reviewed:

Golden Axe: Beast Rider by Sega Of America, Inc.
 
2.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing, November 20, 2008
Fun:2.0 out of 5 stars
Sega's Golden Axe series was once a revered franchise in the 16-bit days, then just seemed to die off as new generations of consoles came and went. Golden Axe: Beast Rider attempts to put a new spin on Sega's classic series, and utterly fails. Playing as returning heroine Tyris Flare, you are on a journey of revenge against the evil Death Adder. There are hordes of enemies to duke it out with and dismember, but the game is pretty much a bore from beginning to end. Not because of the gameplay itself per se, but just how the game is designed. There are some good looking environments and effects, but much of what you see in Golden Axe just looks bland. It doesn't help that the game's controls are awkward (and occasionally unresponsive) during combat, and especially when trying to handle the game's assortment of beasts. The few high points of Golden Axe are that the game is quite brutal in terms of bloody violence, and there is a decently lengthed quest as well. Getting through it however is a different story all together. One last thing though: where is the co-op mode? I seem to remember half the fun of the old Golden Axe games was teaming up with a pal, and there is no such thing to be found here. All in all, no matter how much of a fan you may be of the original, classic Golden Axe, Golden Axe: Beast Rider is an ultimate failure that doesn't live up to the pedigree of the original in the least, and in the end is best left on the shelf.

]]> N. Durham reviewed:

Golden Axe: Beast Rider by Sega Of America, Inc.
 
2.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing, November 20, 2008
Fun:2.0 out of 5 stars
Sega's Golden Axe series was once a revered franchise in the 16-bit days, then just seemed to die off as new generations of consoles came and went. Golden Axe: Beast Rider attempts to put a new spin on Sega's classic series, and utterly fails. Playing as returning heroine Tyris Flare, you are on a journey of revenge against the evil Death Adder. There are hordes of enemies to duke it out with and dismember, but the game is pretty much a bore from beginning to end. Not because of the gameplay itself per se, but just how the game is designed. There are some good looking environments and effects, but much of what you see in Golden Axe just looks bland. It doesn't help that the game's controls are awkward (and occasionally unresponsive) during combat, and especially when trying to handle the game's assortment of beasts. The few high points of Golden Axe are that the game is quite brutal in terms of bloody violence, and there is a decently lengthed quest as well. Getting through it however is a different story all together. One last thing though: where is the co-op mode? I seem to remember half the fun of the old Golden Axe games was teaming up with a pal, and there is no such thing to be found here. All in all, no matter how much of a fan you may be of the original, classic Golden Axe, Golden Axe: Beast Rider is an ultimate failure that doesn't live up to the pedigree of the original in the least, and in the end is best left on the shelf.

]]> http://thefullreview.com/golden-axe/1005690.html/feed James Bond 007 http://thefullreview.com/james-bond-007-2/1005689.html http://thefullreview.com/james-bond-007-2/1005689.html#comments Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:52:33 +0000 Amazon Customer Reviews 1227210753-AJKWF4W7QD4NS-B001AWIOYG N. Durham reviewed:

James Bond 007: Quantum of Solace by Activision Inc.
 
3.0 out of 5 stars Bond is back baby, November 20, 2008
Fun:3.0 out of 5 stars
It's been a while since we had a James Bond game (and a good one at that), and Quantum of Solace seems promising enough. I mean hey, when you're using the Call of Duty 4 engine in a game starring the legendary secret agent, the bar gets set pretty high, and thankfully, Quantum of Solace manages to mostly deliver the goods. Mostly. Playing as Bond, the game's story puts together story elements of Casino Royale and the new film, as you take the baddies in this slick looking FPS. And considering that the game is running on the aforementioned Call of Duty 4 engine, the game looks as slick as you'd expect. Characters and environments are wonderfully rendered, but underneath all the gloss, there isn't really too much to admire here. Gunplay is decent at best, while the action itself is nicely stylized, except for some cartoony looking explosions. However, it isn't long before you see what all the game has to offer, and it isn't long before things start to get repetitive either. Whether it's missions, to the generic villain looks and animations, the game just doesn't offer much variety. Also, Quantum of Solace's single-player mode is pretty short; you could finish it in a day. However, the game does offer some solid multiplayer action that will hold your interest, at least for a while. Bond star Daniel Craig also provides his voice, and does great work. All in all, Quantum of Solace is entertaining for a while, and a worthwhile trip for Bond fans, but if you're just looking for a worthwhile FPS, Quantum of Solace won't quite quench your thirst.

]]> N. Durham reviewed:

James Bond 007: Quantum of Solace by Activision Inc.
 
3.0 out of 5 stars Bond is back baby, November 20, 2008
Fun:3.0 out of 5 stars
It's been a while since we had a James Bond game (and a good one at that), and Quantum of Solace seems promising enough. I mean hey, when you're using the Call of Duty 4 engine in a game starring the legendary secret agent, the bar gets set pretty high, and thankfully, Quantum of Solace manages to mostly deliver the goods. Mostly. Playing as Bond, the game's story puts together story elements of Casino Royale and the new film, as you take the baddies in this slick looking FPS. And considering that the game is running on the aforementioned Call of Duty 4 engine, the game looks as slick as you'd expect. Characters and environments are wonderfully rendered, but underneath all the gloss, there isn't really too much to admire here. Gunplay is decent at best, while the action itself is nicely stylized, except for some cartoony looking explosions. However, it isn't long before you see what all the game has to offer, and it isn't long before things start to get repetitive either. Whether it's missions, to the generic villain looks and animations, the game just doesn't offer much variety. Also, Quantum of Solace's single-player mode is pretty short; you could finish it in a day. However, the game does offer some solid multiplayer action that will hold your interest, at least for a while. Bond star Daniel Craig also provides his voice, and does great work. All in all, Quantum of Solace is entertaining for a while, and a worthwhile trip for Bond fans, but if you're just looking for a worthwhile FPS, Quantum of Solace won't quite quench your thirst.

]]> http://thefullreview.com/james-bond-007-2/1005689.html/feed Basic Instinct 2 (Unrated, Extended Cut) http://thefullreview.com/basic-instinct-2-unrated-extended-cut/1005687.html http://thefullreview.com/basic-instinct-2-unrated-extended-cut/1005687.html#comments Thu, 20 Nov 2008 18:51:00 +0000 Amazon Customer Reviews 1227207060-AJKWF4W7QD4NS-B000FS9UKI N. Durham reviewed:

Basic Instinct 2 (Unrated, Extended Cut) DVD ~ Stan Collymore
 
1.0 out of 5 stars As bad as you'd think, November 20, 2008
It took a long time for Basic Instinct 2 to see the light of day, and now that it has, it's every bit as bad as you'd think it is. What made the first film such a guilty pleasure was Paul Verehoeven's slick direction, the surprisingly clever script, and Michael Douglas in the lead role. While Sharon Stone is as good (and gorgeous) as she can be in returning to the role of novelist and possible killer Catherine Trammell, the film as a whole is just one big bore. David Morrissey plays Michael Glass, the psychiatrist assigned to determine Trammell's "risk addiction" after her shady involvement in the death of a soccer star in London, and it isn't long before he's drawn into her web of lies, sex, and deception. Along for the ride are his fellow coleague (Charlotte Rampling), ex-wife (Indira Varma), the inspector after Trammell (David Thewlis), and the dogging reporter (Hugh Dancy) that you just know is going to get what's coming with him. All these otherwise decent actors manage to do absolutely nothing in their roles, and come off as being as bored and tired as the film's story. While Basic Instinct 2 does provide a few salacious thrills, the film is predictable, and just when you think that the ending is going to be the film's most redeeming quality, it does just what its star character manages to do: it screws you over. All in all, Basic Instinct 2 isn't a worthwhile endeavor in the least, and is nowhere near the guilty pleasure that the original film was. Avoid.

]]> N. Durham reviewed:

Basic Instinct 2 (Unrated, Extended Cut) DVD ~ Stan Collymore
 
1.0 out of 5 stars As bad as you'd think, November 20, 2008
It took a long time for Basic Instinct 2 to see the light of day, and now that it has, it's every bit as bad as you'd think it is. What made the first film such a guilty pleasure was Paul Verehoeven's slick direction, the surprisingly clever script, and Michael Douglas in the lead role. While Sharon Stone is as good (and gorgeous) as she can be in returning to the role of novelist and possible killer Catherine Trammell, the film as a whole is just one big bore. David Morrissey plays Michael Glass, the psychiatrist assigned to determine Trammell's "risk addiction" after her shady involvement in the death of a soccer star in London, and it isn't long before he's drawn into her web of lies, sex, and deception. Along for the ride are his fellow coleague (Charlotte Rampling), ex-wife (Indira Varma), the inspector after Trammell (David Thewlis), and the dogging reporter (Hugh Dancy) that you just know is going to get what's coming with him. All these otherwise decent actors manage to do absolutely nothing in their roles, and come off as being as bored and tired as the film's story. While Basic Instinct 2 does provide a few salacious thrills, the film is predictable, and just when you think that the ending is going to be the film's most redeeming quality, it does just what its star character manages to do: it screws you over. All in all, Basic Instinct 2 isn't a worthwhile endeavor in the least, and is nowhere near the guilty pleasure that the original film was. Avoid.

]]> http://thefullreview.com/basic-instinct-2-unrated-extended-cut/1005687.html/feed The Thirst http://thefullreview.com/the-thirst/1005688.html http://thefullreview.com/the-thirst/1005688.html#comments Thu, 20 Nov 2008 18:37:58 +0000 Amazon Customer Reviews 1227206278-AJKWF4W7QD4NS-B000NVIXK0 N. Durham reviewed:

The Thirst DVD ~ Matt Keeslar
 
2.0 out of 5 stars Not as horrible as it seems, but nothing special either, November 20, 2008
As The Thirst starts up, it wouldn't come to a surprise if one were to think this is an absolutely horrible flick just by watching the first few minutes. Between some horrid acting and just some generally confusing plot elements, it is easy to think this. Still, there's something about The Thirst that keeps you watching, and there's some depraved fun to be had as well, even though that doesn't last quite long. Matt Keeslar (Masters of Horror: Family) and Clare Kramer (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) star as a couple who are recovering addicts, and both get drawn to a vampire clan led by accent-changing Darius (Jeremy Sisto). It isn't long before blood starts gushing like water, and the two face a new addiction while they begin to rebel against their new "family". While there is a great amount of blood, gore, and nasty moments, The Thist doesn't offer a whole lot. There are many times when its small budget becomes too aparrent, and many of the action and effects sequences don't help things either. Even the supporting cast, which includes Serena Scott Thomas, Tom Lenk (another Buffy vet), Neil Jackson (Blade: The Series), and the great Adam Baldwin come off as not being too interested in what's going on. Still, there's enough bloody and nasty moments to hold your attention, and for that alone, The Thirst is worth a look for vampire flick fans.

]]> N. Durham reviewed:

The Thirst DVD ~ Matt Keeslar
 
2.0 out of 5 stars Not as horrible as it seems, but nothing special either, November 20, 2008
As The Thirst starts up, it wouldn't come to a surprise if one were to think this is an absolutely horrible flick just by watching the first few minutes. Between some horrid acting and just some generally confusing plot elements, it is easy to think this. Still, there's something about The Thirst that keeps you watching, and there's some depraved fun to be had as well, even though that doesn't last quite long. Matt Keeslar (Masters of Horror: Family) and Clare Kramer (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) star as a couple who are recovering addicts, and both get drawn to a vampire clan led by accent-changing Darius (Jeremy Sisto). It isn't long before blood starts gushing like water, and the two face a new addiction while they begin to rebel against their new "family". While there is a great amount of blood, gore, and nasty moments, The Thist doesn't offer a whole lot. There are many times when its small budget becomes too aparrent, and many of the action and effects sequences don't help things either. Even the supporting cast, which includes Serena Scott Thomas, Tom Lenk (another Buffy vet), Neil Jackson (Blade: The Series), and the great Adam Baldwin come off as not being too interested in what's going on. Still, there's enough bloody and nasty moments to hold your attention, and for that alone, The Thirst is worth a look for vampire flick fans.

]]> http://thefullreview.com/the-thirst/1005688.html/feed The Gates Of Trevalyan http://thefullreview.com/the-gates-of-trevalyan/1005686.html http://thefullreview.com/the-gates-of-trevalyan/1005686.html#comments Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:51:16 +0000 Amazon Customer Reviews 1227192676-AFVQZQ8PW0L-0980245354 Harriet Klausner reviewed:

The Gates Of Trevalyan by Jacquelyn Cook
 
5.0 out of 5 stars This mid nineteenth century epic saga will hook the readers with a strong sense of time and place , November 20, 2008
In 1844 Jenny Mobley and Charles King meet during a fox hunt. Although she is attracted to him, she assumes he is an idle spoiled rich kid. Charles is half way in love with Jenny so he pursues her. She quickly revises her opinion of him as he proves to be hard working, dedicated and caring. They soon marry.

She moves on to his affluent plantation Trevalyan in central Georgia. There as the country marches closer to all out war, they build a happy safe life together. However, when the war finally breaks out with the election of Lincoln, their idyllic lifestyle is threatened as no one is allowed to remain out of the Confederacy side of the fight in their area; not that either would go neutral or Union. Their life together raising a family is over for now and soon Trevalyan is at risk too from Sherman's march to the sea, but Jenny knows the source of their true power will survive whatever comes from the war and its aftermath.

This mid nineteenth century epic saga will hook the readers with a strong sense of time and place that transports the audience to two plus decades of life in Central Georgia. The support cast is solid with several having their own subplots embellishing a look at the growing troubles of the period. However, this tale is owned by the lead couple as their actions and reactions reflect the larger stage. As she did with the terrific biographical fiction SUNRISE, Jacquelyn Cook provides an engaging historical yarn that enables her fans to taste life on a plantation before, during and just after the Civil War.

Harriet Klausner
]]> Harriet Klausner reviewed:

The Gates Of Trevalyan by Jacquelyn Cook
 
5.0 out of 5 stars This mid nineteenth century epic saga will hook the readers with a strong sense of time and place , November 20, 2008
In 1844 Jenny Mobley and Charles King meet during a fox hunt. Although she is attracted to him, she assumes he is an idle spoiled rich kid. Charles is half way in love with Jenny so he pursues her. She quickly revises her opinion of him as he proves to be hard working, dedicated and caring. They soon marry.

She moves on to his affluent plantation Trevalyan in central Georgia. There as the country marches closer to all out war, they build a happy safe life together. However, when the war finally breaks out with the election of Lincoln, their idyllic lifestyle is threatened as no one is allowed to remain out of the Confederacy side of the fight in their area; not that either would go neutral or Union. Their life together raising a family is over for now and soon Trevalyan is at risk too from Sherman's march to the sea, but Jenny knows the source of their true power will survive whatever comes from the war and its aftermath.

This mid nineteenth century epic saga will hook the readers with a strong sense of time and place that transports the audience to two plus decades of life in Central Georgia. The support cast is solid with several having their own subplots embellishing a look at the growing troubles of the period. However, this tale is owned by the lead couple as their actions and reactions reflect the larger stage. As she did with the terrific biographical fiction SUNRISE, Jacquelyn Cook provides an engaging historical yarn that enables her fans to taste life on a plantation before, during and just after the Civil War.

Harriet Klausner
]]> http://thefullreview.com/the-gates-of-trevalyan/1005686.html/feed Bleach Vol 14 The Rescue http://thefullreview.com/bleach-vol-14-the-rescue/1005684.html http://thefullreview.com/bleach-vol-14-the-rescue/1005684.html#comments Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:06:25 +0000 Amazon Customer Reviews 1227117985-A1D2C0WDCSHUWZ-B001JTTJ8K E. A Solinas reviewed:

Bleach Vol 14 The Rescue DVD ~ Bleach
 
4.0 out of 5 stars Execution day, November 19, 2008
Rukia Kuchiki's impending execution has been creeping up slowly for a whole season-and-a-half on "Bleach." And now it's finally here.

But the biggest bit of drama in the fourteenth volume of "Bleach" is: will Ichigo get his butt there in time to save the day, and will he be fighting Rukia's chilly big brother Byakuya? This volume has plenty of action, gutpunches and flashy fighting, although the three-captain duel is a substantial letdown since we never get to see 'em truly fight.

On the execution hill, the Soul Reapers assembled watch as Rukia is crucified high in the air, and the flaming Sokyoku is aimed at her -- only to be stopped in mid-air by a mysterious man with orange hair. And in short order, a bunch of other Soul Reapers show up -- Ukitake destroys the Sokyoku, Renji runs off with Rukia, and Ichigo singlehandedly defeats three lieutenants before taking on the lethal Byakuya Kuchiki -- with a devastating new power.

What's more, Soi Fon's abuse of Ukitake's third seat is interrupted by a masked woman who used to be her command -- and whom she's determined to destroy with her stinger-like zanpakuto. And the head captain, a crusty old jerk named Yamamoto, is enraged at the thought that his two prize pupils have followed their consciences, leading to a devastating battle between the three most powerful captains in the Soul Society.

The fourteenth volume of the "Bleach" anime is all about the fighting -- fighting about principles, fighting for a life, and fighting for angry revenge. Not to mention Ichigo pummeling three lieutenants bare-handed in a matter of seconds. Okay, there's also Hitsugaya and Rangiku infiltrating a suspiciously quiet judicial council, but that's left unfinished. Hello suspense.

Instead, the focus is on fighting all over the place -- explosions of raw power, poisonous stings, flaming swords and Ichigo's new ability to zip around in a black coat, sending blasts of black energy. All these fights are juggled neatly, interspersed with solid dialogue ("The question that needs to be asked... is why the hell aren't you saving her?!" "Such a foolish question...") and occasional comedy ("WE DON'T WANT ANYONE HEARING OUR VOICES!").

The biggest letdown is honestly Yamamoto's fight with Ukitake and Kyoraku. Lots of intense buildup -- including a moral puzzle about "true justice" -- and the unveiling of two spectacularly unique zanpakutos. Then they attack and... nothing. We don't get to see 'em fight. Bleah.

Ichigo shows off a new confident side in these episodes -- it's no longer that he feels he has to win, but that he CAN win. And we catch a few glimpses of other characters' past: we see the fangirl crushing of Soi Fon's on her quirky Stealth Force commander Yoruichi, and see some collegiate memories of the girl-chasing Shunsui and the sweet, kindly Ukitake.

The fourteenth volume of "Bleach" is all slam-bang action and superpowered Soul Reapers, but there are hints of the conspiracy that still has to be uncovered.

]]> E. A Solinas reviewed:

Bleach Vol 14 The Rescue DVD ~ Bleach
 
4.0 out of 5 stars Execution day, November 19, 2008
Rukia Kuchiki's impending execution has been creeping up slowly for a whole season-and-a-half on "Bleach." And now it's finally here.

But the biggest bit of drama in the fourteenth volume of "Bleach" is: will Ichigo get his butt there in time to save the day, and will he be fighting Rukia's chilly big brother Byakuya? This volume has plenty of action, gutpunches and flashy fighting, although the three-captain duel is a substantial letdown since we never get to see 'em truly fight.

On the execution hill, the Soul Reapers assembled watch as Rukia is crucified high in the air, and the flaming Sokyoku is aimed at her -- only to be stopped in mid-air by a mysterious man with orange hair. And in short order, a bunch of other Soul Reapers show up -- Ukitake destroys the Sokyoku, Renji runs off with Rukia, and Ichigo singlehandedly defeats three lieutenants before taking on the lethal Byakuya Kuchiki -- with a devastating new power.

What's more, Soi Fon's abuse of Ukitake's third seat is interrupted by a masked woman who used to be her command -- and whom she's determined to destroy with her stinger-like zanpakuto. And the head captain, a crusty old jerk named Yamamoto, is enraged at the thought that his two prize pupils have followed their consciences, leading to a devastating battle between the three most powerful captains in the Soul Society.

The fourteenth volume of the "Bleach" anime is all about the fighting -- fighting about principles, fighting for a life, and fighting for angry revenge. Not to mention Ichigo pummeling three lieutenants bare-handed in a matter of seconds. Okay, there's also Hitsugaya and Rangiku infiltrating a suspiciously quiet judicial council, but that's left unfinished. Hello suspense.

Instead, the focus is on fighting all over the place -- explosions of raw power, poisonous stings, flaming swords and Ichigo's new ability to zip around in a black coat, sending blasts of black energy. All these fights are juggled neatly, interspersed with solid dialogue ("The question that needs to be asked... is why the hell aren't you saving her?!" "Such a foolish question...") and occasional comedy ("WE DON'T WANT ANYONE HEARING OUR VOICES!").

The biggest letdown is honestly Yamamoto's fight with Ukitake and Kyoraku. Lots of intense buildup -- including a moral puzzle about "true justice" -- and the unveiling of two spectacularly unique zanpakutos. Then they attack and... nothing. We don't get to see 'em fight. Bleah.

Ichigo shows off a new confident side in these episodes -- it's no longer that he feels he has to win, but that he CAN win. And we catch a few glimpses of other characters' past: we see the fangirl crushing of Soi Fon's on her quirky Stealth Force commander Yoruichi, and see some collegiate memories of the girl-chasing Shunsui and the sweet, kindly Ukitake.

The fourteenth volume of "Bleach" is all slam-bang action and superpowered Soul Reapers, but there are hints of the conspiracy that still has to be uncovered.

]]> http://thefullreview.com/bleach-vol-14-the-rescue/1005684.html/feed Yu Yu Hakusho http://thefullreview.com/yu-yu-hakusho-5/1005685.html http://thefullreview.com/yu-yu-hakusho-5/1005685.html#comments Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:06:07 +0000 Amazon Customer Reviews 1227117967-A1D2C0WDCSHUWZ-B00008977T E. A Solinas reviewed:

Yu Yu Hakusho: The Spirit Detective Saga (edited) DVD ~ Justin Cook
 
4.0 out of 5 stars Death... and then..., November 19, 2008
Life is hard, and then you die. If you're unlucky, like Yusuke Urameshi, then life gets harder AFTER you die.

In fact, death is only the beginning of his troubles in the first season of "Yu Yu Hakusho." While this action-comedy series lags during the first few episodes (seriously, a whole episode about Kuwabara's schoolwork?), it picks up considerably once the eclectic main characters are introduced, and Yusuke starts spending his time working as a spirit detective.

Despite a reputation as a hardened rebel, Yusuke was killed knocking a toddler from the path of a moving car. Turns out the afterlife, aka Spirit World, didn't expect such a selfless act -- so Spirit World's toddler ruler Koenma offers him a second chance at life, with the help of the sprightly Botan. After seeing how the people around him are responding to his death -- including his rival Kuwabara and semi-girlfriend Keiko -- Yusuke agrees.

But that's a lot easier said than done, and only another selfless act keeps Yusuke from being permanently dead. And his return is conditional -- now he's working for Koenma as Spirit Detective. And his first case is a doozy -- retrieve three stolen artifacts from a demon trio, including the ruthless Hiei and mysterious Kurama. But Yusuke soon finds that Kurama's motives are a lot more complicated than he thought -- and that Hiei has a very nasty fate in mind for Keiko.

On Koenma's orders Yusuke signs up for an aging martial-artist's Pick-A-Student competition, to hunt down a lethal demon -- and his psychic rival Kuwabara may be in danger. And when rage-inducing insects start swarming his town, Yusuke and Kuwabara are sent to stop the malevolent demon band responsible for it. What's more they have some reluctant new allies -- the paroled Hiei and Kurama.

But Yusuke receives an even more sensitive assignment after that -- rescue a beautiful ice maiden from a human crimelord. To complicate matters, Kuwabara has fallen in love with her, and she's also Hiei's twin sister. But as the boys fight their way into the fortified mansion, they can't even imagine the danger that is guarding the ice maiden... and just slavering for a fight with them.

The first season of "Yu Yu Hakusho" is all about introducing the characters, and easing Yusuke into his new role as Spirit Detective. It starts off rather slowly, with a string of episodes all about Yusuke floating around yelling at people, occasionally possessing Kuwabara and helping the big friendly lug with his homework. It's a rather bland start to an action-series.

But things start picking up when Yusuke is made Spirit Detective. Then we're treated to grotesque demonic opponents, superpowers, nasty spells, and lots of action-packed sequences involving fists, lightning, lava, swords and rose vines. And the villains get way worse with each successive battle, right up to the explosive fight at the end of the first season.

It's not all action, though. There's some romantic stuff between the bickering Yusuke and Keiko, as well as Kuwabara's adorable crush on Hiei's sister. And there's a pretty hefty dose of humor as well -- the pacifier-sucking Koenma and his overworked office ogres, Kuwabara's kitten, or Genkai's torturous training. Funny dialogue too ("We're just watching fuzz." "Fuzz, yes fuzz! We find it relaxing").

Yusuke makes a solid anti-hero, with his alcoholic mother and a mile-wide rebellious streak. While he's a bit obnoxious at first, his increasing strength and responsibility make him more likable. And his thuggish-looking classmate Kuwabara makes an unexpected ally, since he turns out to be a lot more powerful and sweet-natured than you'd expect.

The crabby, lethal Hiei is still something of an enigma here, but Kurama more than makes up for that -- he's graceful, elegant, and has a very peculiar past as a foxy thief with a rose whip. We've also got a number of interesting supporting characters, such as Botan the perky Grim Reaper, Genkai the crusty martial-artist, and the feisty Keiko who proves to be Yusuke's only weak spot.

It's worth noting that the edited and unedited versions of the series are quite different -- the edited versions lack some of the gorier, more violent moments, and some of the more colourful words have been redubbed with more tame alternatives.

The first season of "Yu Yu Hakusho" is there to warm up the storyline, and introduce the main characters. While the beginning is a bit slow, it's a solid beginning to a good anime.

]]> E. A Solinas reviewed:

Yu Yu Hakusho: The Spirit Detective Saga (edited) DVD ~ Justin Cook
 
4.0 out of 5 stars Death... and then..., November 19, 2008
Life is hard, and then you die. If you're unlucky, like Yusuke Urameshi, then life gets harder AFTER you die.

In fact, death is only the beginning of his troubles in the first season of "Yu Yu Hakusho." While this action-comedy series lags during the first few episodes (seriously, a whole episode about Kuwabara's schoolwork?), it picks up considerably once the eclectic main characters are introduced, and Yusuke starts spending his time working as a spirit detective.

Despite a reputation as a hardened rebel, Yusuke was killed knocking a toddler from the path of a moving car. Turns out the afterlife, aka Spirit World, didn't expect such a selfless act -- so Spirit World's toddler ruler Koenma offers him a second chance at life, with the help of the sprightly Botan. After seeing how the people around him are responding to his death -- including his rival Kuwabara and semi-girlfriend Keiko -- Yusuke agrees.

But that's a lot easier said than done, and only another selfless act keeps Yusuke from being permanently dead. And his return is conditional -- now he's working for Koenma as Spirit Detective. And his first case is a doozy -- retrieve three stolen artifacts from a demon trio, including the ruthless Hiei and mysterious Kurama. But Yusuke soon finds that Kurama's motives are a lot more complicated than he thought -- and that Hiei has a very nasty fate in mind for Keiko.

On Koenma's orders Yusuke signs up for an aging martial-artist's Pick-A-Student competition, to hunt down a lethal demon -- and his psychic rival Kuwabara may be in danger. And when rage-inducing insects start swarming his town, Yusuke and Kuwabara are sent to stop the malevolent demon band responsible for it. What's more they have some reluctant new allies -- the paroled Hiei and Kurama.

But Yusuke receives an even more sensitive assignment after that -- rescue a beautiful ice maiden from a human crimelord. To complicate matters, Kuwabara has fallen in love with her, and she's also Hiei's twin sister. But as the boys fight their way into the fortified mansion, they can't even imagine the danger that is guarding the ice maiden... and just slavering for a fight with them.

The first season of "Yu Yu Hakusho" is all about introducing the characters, and easing Yusuke into his new role as Spirit Detective. It starts off rather slowly, with a string of episodes all about Yusuke floating around yelling at people, occasionally possessing Kuwabara and helping the big friendly lug with his homework. It's a rather bland start to an action-series.

But things start picking up when Yusuke is made Spirit Detective. Then we're treated to grotesque demonic opponents, superpowers, nasty spells, and lots of action-packed sequences involving fists, lightning, lava, swords and rose vines. And the villains get way worse with each successive battle, right up to the explosive fight at the end of the first season.

It's not all action, though. There's some romantic stuff between the bickering Yusuke and Keiko, as well as Kuwabara's adorable crush on Hiei's sister. And there's a pretty hefty dose of humor as well -- the pacifier-sucking Koenma and his overworked office ogres, Kuwabara's kitten, or Genkai's torturous training. Funny dialogue too ("We're just watching fuzz." "Fuzz, yes fuzz! We find it relaxing").

Yusuke makes a solid anti-hero, with his alcoholic mother and a mile-wide rebellious streak. While he's a bit obnoxious at first, his increasing strength and responsibility make him more likable. And his thuggish-looking classmate Kuwabara makes an unexpected ally, since he turns out to be a lot more powerful and sweet-natured than you'd expect.

The crabby, lethal Hiei is still something of an enigma here, but Kurama more than makes up for that -- he's graceful, elegant, and has a very peculiar past as a foxy thief with a rose whip. We've also got a number of interesting supporting characters, such as Botan the perky Grim Reaper, Genkai the crusty martial-artist, and the feisty Keiko who proves to be Yusuke's only weak spot.

It's worth noting that the edited and unedited versions of the series are quite different -- the edited versions lack some of the gorier, more violent moments, and some of the more colourful words have been redubbed with more tame alternatives.

The first season of "Yu Yu Hakusho" is there to warm up the storyline, and introduce the main characters. While the beginning is a bit slow, it's a solid beginning to a good anime.

]]> http://thefullreview.com/yu-yu-hakusho-5/1005685.html/feed