 Teen Movie Critic - IV is a Dream Machine SiteThe Dream Machine --- The Imagination of the World Wide Web |
| Teen Movie Critic - IV is a Dream Machine Site The Dream Machine --- The Imagination of the World Wide Web |
| Home | About TMC | Alphabetic Index | Hall of Flame | Other Film Sites | Feedback |
Buy this poster at  |
You enter the stadium and you can feel anticipation radiating from the crowd. Everyone has their favorite, but one thing was clear. No one was going to leave unhappy. As the lights dim, the spotlight concentrated on a security guard. At least that is what we believed he was. Surprise, surprise, Blake Lewis was under a wig among us the whole time. Not only Blake, but Chris Richardson joins him (also disguised). The audience is going absolutely crazy as the show starts with the incredibly appropriate "Let's Get it Started" by the Black Eyed Peas. Slowly, the eight other idols emerge with Jordin rising from the center of the stage in a sparkling dress that screams, "I am your American Idol."Of course, all but two or three idols left the stage, but the excitement continued to sky rocket. From Phil Stacey's "Blaze of Glory" to Lakisha's "I Will Always Love You" the night was a blast. The concert lasted an impressive three hours (including a twenty-five minute break). It wasn't all perfect though. Chris Sligh only had the opportunity to sing three times...four at most while the others had anywhere from seven to twelve songs (on average). He definitely was not my favorite during the time of the show, but I thought it was a little unfair. Also, almost all of the performances were in groups. Only Blake, Jordin, Lakisha, and Gina had more than one solo. That is not to say the group performances weren't well done. "Lady Marmalade" was the perfect example of that.
Overall, it was a great concert...if you like a good percentage of the top ten contestants. They all sounded much improved (even Sanjaya!) without all of the pressure that was previously on them. I'm sure they were much more relaxed without Simon breathing down their neck. Everyone sang their best song from the season, so you need not worry about missing your favorites. Was it worth the money? Yes, it most certainly was. Was it the best concert in years? No, unfortunately if you go in with that mind set you will leave unsatisfied. This is American Idols best variety yet, so if you plan on going, now is the chance.
 Buy this poster at |
I have never been a fan of movies where giant monkeys show their emotion to humans (noIt ist that there has been many...), but Kong has made me a believer. Yes, he falls in love with a young woman, but who cares? This is the twenty-first century, right? Joking aside, there is more depth in this film than the previews or reviews could ever show you. You have to look for it, but it is well worth it. You may even walk away with tears in your eyes. I held them in, yet I have a feeling some of you won't have as much control.King Kong takes place in a 1930s version of the "Big Apple" where a group of film makers get into more than they had ever asked for. They decide to travel to a deserted (that is what they thought anyway) island, which is unmapped territory, for shooting scenes in their movie. Shortly after arrival, the team is attacked by dinosaurs and te big ape himself, but with the help of a young actress, they are able to capture him and ship him back to New York. He is displayed in the city as the "Eighth World Wonder" until he escapes, that is.
It isn't all wonderful though. The movie is an impressive (and not in a good way) 188 minutes. That is over three hours! I had to watch this over the period of two nights. This is, however, made up by the wonderful cinematics and storytelling. The most amazing thing? Jack Black actually didn't screw it up. He is great in comedies, don't get me wrong. I just didn't think he could pull this off. Congrats! The lead actress (Naomi Watts) grasps your attention and never willfully lets go while on screen. The pure emotion that pours out of her is incredible! King Kong is definitely the best Peter Jackson film as of yet (Lord of the Rings fans: please spare me!). So, if you've got three hours to kill, this is the best way to do so.
The Dream Machine --- Network Services