Showing posts with label Karl Urban. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Karl Urban. Show all posts

Sunday, 25 June 2023

Thor: Ragnarok (4½ Stars)



How many Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) films have been made so far? I guessed that it was 32, but I had to check before I continued writing. I was right. Thirty-two films. It looks like even more then I write 32 in words. I couldn't put them in the right order. To help myself, I've put a little green sticker with the number on the spine of my MCU Blu-rays.

While I'm in England I'll be watching the Marvel films (MCU or otherwise) in random order. My son-in-law Mehdi hasn't seen them all, so I'll leave the decision up to him what comes next. "Thor: Ragnarok" is a good choice.

Success Rate:  + 2.7

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Sunday, 16 June 2019

Thor: Ragnarok (4½ Stars)


Normally when I rewatch a film I read my old review(s) first. I failed to do that today. After watching the film I sat down, wrote a few sentences, then finally checked what I wrote in January. Oops! I was writing the same things all over again. I don't want to bore my readers, so I scrapped it and started again. Let's write something new!

This is a very good film. At first I thought it was lightweight, compared to the other MCU films, but that's not the case. The film has a complex plot, but it seems light due to the amount of humour.


In this review I'll just treat you with photos of Cate Blanchett as the Goddess of Death and ignore all the minor characters. Death has never looked so good.


And she has a cute dog. My dog always used to sit on my lap when I was watching films, but I don't think the Hellhound would be so affectionate. I hope not.


Was Hela killed in "Thor: Ragnarok"? Seemingly. I don't see how it could be permanent. You can't kill death. I'd like to see her in a future MCU film.

Which reminds me... when will the MCU be rebooted? I'm not saying that I want a reboot, but it's inevitable. The actors are getting older and have to quit their roles. There can be new phases with younger actors playing new super-heroes, but this can't carry on indefinitely. The core characters of the Marvel universe can't be allowed to disappear. Spider-Man, Daredevil, Captain America, Thor, just to name a few. Marvel wouldn't be Marvel without them.

Success Rate:  + 2.7

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Wednesday, 30 January 2019

Thor: Ragnarok (4 Stars)


This is the 17th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, released in November 2017.

Those familiar with Norse legends will recognise that the Ragnarok shown in this film is a mini-Ragnarok. In the film it has to do with the destruction of Asgard. In the Norse legends Midgard (the name for our planet Earth) is also destroyed.

The film combines two stories. The first story is about Hela, Thor's older sister, attempting to conquer Asgard after Odin's death. The second story is about the Hulk fighting in an arena on a distant planet. The stories could have been told in two separate films, but I think Marvel Studios was too afraid that a Hulk solo film would fail at the box office. As it is, the stories blend well into one another.

Stan Lee appears as a barber on the planet where the Hulk lives. He's responsible for cutting Thor's hair short, so he can comfortably wear a helmet in the arena. Poor Thor. When I was 23 I let my hair be cut short because it's what my fiancée Elke wanted. When I got home and looked at myself in the mirror I cried. Needless to say, I never married Elke. Any woman who tries to change a man before they're even married doesn't deserve to have him. The reverse is also the case. If I fell in love with a woman with certain characteristics, inside or outside, why would I want to change her?


This is Thor with his beautiful long hair.


This is Thor with his short hair. His face alone says that he's not happy.

Most men lose their hair as they get older, so they're forced to cut their hair short. That's different. By the time I was 40 I had a large bald patch, but I could still have worn my hair long into my mid thirties. I should have done so, but after splitting up with Elke it was difficult for me to grow it long again. There was a mental block which I should have tried to overcome.

Thor has no respect for the man who forcibly cut his hair. When asked by Bruce Banner what had happened to his hair he replies "Some creepy old man cut it off". That man might have been the great Stan Lee, but Thor's attitude is understandable. I could never respect any man who cut off my long hair.


Loki is allowed to keep his long hair. As the God of Trickery and Mischief he must have found a way to keep Stan Lee's hands off him.


Doctor Strange has never had long hair. He should try it some time.


Cate Blanchett plays the role of Hela. I've always liked her as an actress, but I considered her appearance plain. But what's happened to her now? She's 47 years old, and this is the sexiest she's ever looked.


Maybe it's just me. I like women to look dark and evil. If makeup and hair dye can achieve this look, all women should do it. It would make the world a much more beautiful place.


I'm not so enthusiastic about her headgear that out-maleficents Maleficient, but her skin-tight outfit is incredibly sexy, and the double swords round off her look.


Hela deserves to wear the Infinity Gauntlet. It's a shame it's a fake.


Hela's face is beautiful when she smiles...


but she's even more beautiful when she scowls...


and best of all is her mean, mocking laugh.

"Thor: Ragnarok" uses the incredible "Immigrant Song" by Led Zeppelin. It's played twice, at the beginning and during the final credits. This is a much better song than "Brandy" in "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2". There were a few super-groups at the beginning of the 1970's. Rock music was made with a fever that was previously unknown. Many consider Led Zeppelin to have been the best of these groups.



Immigrant Song by Led Zeppelin

We come from the land of the ice and snow,
From the midnight sun where the hot springs flow.
Hammer of the gods will drive our ships to new land
To fight the hordes and sing and cry
"Valhalla, I am coming".

Always sweep with threshing oar,
Our only goal will be the western shore.

We come from the land of the ice and snow,
From the midnight sun where the hot springs flow.
How soft your fields so green. Can whisper tales of gore,
Of how we calmed the tides of war.
We are your overlords.

Always sweep with threshing oar,
Our only goal will be the western shore.

So now you'd better stop and rebuild all your ruins,
For peace and trust can win the day despite of all your losing.

Success Rate:  + 2.7

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Sunday, 25 March 2018

Star Trek: Beyond (3 Stars)


Some of my readers might be wondering why I'm giving the latest Star Trek film the same rating as the trashy sci-fi film that I watched yesterday, "The Interplanetary Surplus Male and the Amazon Women from Outer Space". That's an easy question to answer. I rate films in the context of what they're attempting to achieve and whether I think they succeed. "The Interplanetary Surplus Male" -- I have to shorten its name -- is a low budget film made for laughs. I laughed, but I didn't laugh a lot. Three stars. Average. "Star Trek: Beyond" is a big budget motion picture, intended to excite and thrill the viewer. I was excited, but not a lot. Three stars. Average.

I just can't relate to the new Star Trek films made since 2009. They're not right. How can they cast actors who weren't in the original series? I mean, just look at Zoe Saldana. She's a beautiful woman, nobody could deny that, but she's not Nichelle Nichols. Not even close. The same is true of all the other cast members. Chris Pine isn't William Shatner. It's tantamount to sacrilege to allow him to play James T. Kirk. Maybe if I'd never watched the original series I could appreciate the new films more.

Why couldn't they have made the films about another star ship and its crew who were active at the same time as Captain Kirk? That would have been better.

Idris Elba is the film's villain. Normally that would have excited me, because he's one of my favourite actors. However, I feel that he's wasted in his role as Krall. For most of the film he's unrecognisable. It's not just his face, even his voice isn't recognisable. It was a waste hiring such a magnificent actor for this role. They could have saved money by putting a random stunt man inside the costume for the film.


The battle in the final scenes looked very much like something taken from "Star Wars". That's my main criticism of the film: it's too Star-Wars-ish.

Supposedly a fourth Star Trek film will be made with the new actors. I'm dreading it. I thought that computer technology is now far enough advanced to recreate actors on screen. Bring back young versions of William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelly and Nichelle Nichols. That's the only way to make a good Star Trek film again.

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Wednesday, 1 November 2017

Thor: Ragnarok (4½ Stars)


Every new film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is a cause for excitement. I can almost forgive Marvel Studios for messing up the stories by mixing old comics events and characters (from the 1960's) with new events (from the 2000's). As an old school Marvel geek I'd prefer the films to be based on the silver age stories when Marvel was Marvel, maybe with a few elements from the bronze age stories mixed in. Any complaints that I have about the film are based on deviations from the comics.

The first problem that I have with the film is the excess of comical remarks coming from Thor's mouth in the early scenes. He's one of the most serious Marvel heroes. Did he ever tell a single joke in the comics? None that I can remember.

The next problem is the apparent superiority of Doctor Strange over Loki, easily overwhelming him with a single spell. In the comics Loki is far more powerful because he's a God, whereas Doctor Strange is only a mortal. We saw this most clearly in Strange Tales #123, published in August 1964.



This is clearly a result of Marvel Studios scaling down the power of the Asgardians in the films. In the comics they are Gods, even if it's never clearly explained what Gods are. In the films we're told early on that they aren't Gods, they're just aliens from another planet who were mistaken for Gods when they revealed themselves in Norway a few thousand years ago. Why does Marvel do that? Is Marvel afraid of insulting the Good Christian People of America.

I'll stop there. Any other criticisms I might make would give away spoilers.

"Thor: Ragnarok" is a good film. I just think it could be better by sticking closer to the original Marvel comics.

Thursday, 12 October 2017

Star Trek: Into Darkness (3 Stars)


After my disappointment with the previous Star Trek film I was reluctant to lay my money down to see "Star Trek: Into Darkness" in the cinema. It's now been available on Netflix for a while, so I finally broke down and watched it, more out of curiosity than anything else. I'm happy to say that it's better than the last film. It's quite good actually, almost worthy of a four star rating, but one thing holds me back: it's just not Star Trek.

For me it's sacrilegious for new actors to play the characters I've known and loved all my life. Zachary Quinto is relatively similar to Leonard Nimoy as Spock, but all the other actors are so distantly removed that I could weep. Chris Pine might be a good actor, but he's not James T. Kirk, not even close. I wouldn't recognise John Cho as Hikaru Sulu if his name weren't occasionally shouted. Worst of all is Zoe Saldana as Uhura, whose first name I refuse to speak or write. She's much too skinny for the role, and her personality in the film is nothing like that of the woman played by Nichelle Nichols in the original series. I still can't get over the fact that a romance is supposed to exist between Spock and Uhura. That's wrong, wrong, wrong!

Maybe I'll watch the film again one day and forget that it's supposed to be about Star Trek. Then I might give it a higher rating. Don't hold your breath while you're waiting.

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Saturday, 18 April 2015

TV Series: Xena Warrior Princess


The television series "Xena Warrior Princess" ran for six seasons from September 1995 to June 2001. It continued the habit developed in "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys" of having humorous disclaimer texts at the end of each episode, although in a few cases the disclaimer is of a non-standard but serious nature, and in many cases it's not a disclaimer at all. What I mean is that instead of saying, for instance, "No centaurs were harmed in the production of this motion picture", the text of series 6 episode 17 is "The centaur population was severely harmed during the making of this motion picture".

Here is a full list of the disclaimers used in the Xena TV series, together with each episode's name, season number and episode number. I've seen a list on a Xena wiki page, but I believe my list is more accurate. Please feel free to copy my list for your own web site.

Notable disclaimers are:

1.13 and 2.16 - Tributes to a person, rather than disclaimers.

4.16 - The only disclaimer to appear at the beginning of an episode.

6.14 - A disclaimer about a disclaimer.


 Xena complete disclaimer list.

1.01 Sins of the Past

<no disclaimer>

1.02 Chariots of War

<no disclaimer>

1.03 Dreamworker

<no disclaimer>

1.04 Cradle of Hope

No babies were harmed during the production of this motion picture.

1.05 The Path Not Taken

<no disclaimer>

1.06 The Reckoning

<no disclaimer>

1.07 The Titans

<no disclaimer>

1.08 Prometheus

Iolaus was harmed during the production of this motion picture. However, the Green Egg Men went to live long and prosperous lives.

1.09 Death in Chains

No jumbo sized cocktail rats were harmed during the production of this motion picture.

1.10 Hooves & Harlots

No males, centaurs or Amazons were harmed during the production of this motion picture.

1.11 The Black Wolf

<no disclaimer>

1.12 Beware Greeks Bearing Gifts

No oversized Polynesian-style bamboo horses were harmed during the production of this motion picture. However, many wicker lawn chairs gave their lives.

1.13 Athens City Academy of the Performing Bards

The producers would like to acknowledge and pay tribute to Stanley Kubrick, Kirk Douglas and all those who were involved with the making of the film classic "Spartacus". Additional thanks to Steve Reeves.

1.14 A Fistful of Dinars

No Ambrosia was spilled, spoiled or in any way harmed during the production of this motion picture. (Thanks to the indefinite shelf life of marshmallows).

1.15 Warrior... Princess

Neither Xena nor her remarkably coincidental identical twin, Diana, were harmed during the production of this motion picture.

1.16 Mortal Beloved

No winged Harpies were harmed or sent to a fiery grave during the production of this motion picture.

1.17 The Royal Couple of Thieves

No ancient and inflexible rules governing moral behavior were harmed during the production of this motion picture.

1.18 The Prodigal

Meleager the Mighty, the generally tipsy and carousing warrior-for-hire, was not harmed during the production of this motion picture.

1.19 Altared States

No unrelenting or severely punishing deities were harmed during the production of this motion picture.

1.20 Ties That Bind

No fathers, spiritual or biological, were harmed during the production of this motion picture.

1.21 The Greater Good

Excessive belching can cause brain damage and social ostracism. Kids, please don't give in to peer pressure. Play it safe.

1.22 Callisto

Joxer's nose was not harmed during the production of this motion picture. However, his crossbow was severely injured.

1.23 Death Mask

No messenger doves were harmed during the production of this motion picture. However, several are reportedly missing in action and search-and-rescue efforts are under way.

1.24 Is There A Doctor in the House?

Being that war is hell, a lot of people were harmed during the production of this motion picture (but since television is a dramatic medium of make believe, all casualties removed their prosthetic make-up and went home unscathed).

2.01 Orphan of War

No sleazy warlords who deem it necessary to drink magic elixirs that turn them into scaly centaurs were harmed during the production of this motion picture.

2.02 Remember Nothing

Xena's memory was not damaged or... ...what was I saying?

2.03 The Giant Killer

No Bible myths or icons were irreparably mangled during the production of this motion picture.

2.04 Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

No bloodsucking Bacchae were harmed during the production of this motion picture. However, a few Dryads lost their heads.

2.05 Return of Callisto

Although Xena finally conquered her dark nemesis Callisto, it took her weeks to get the sand out of her leather unmentionables.

2.06 Warrior... Princess... Tramp

Neither Xena nor her remarkably coincidental identical twin, Diana, were harmed during the production of this motion picture. Meg, however, suffered minor injuries while preparing Aardvark nuggets for King Lias.

2.07 Intimate Stranger

Argo was not harmed during the production of this motion picture. However, she is undergoing intensive psychotherapy to help her work through her resentment and feelings of distrust toward Xena.

2.08 Ten Little Warlords

No one was harmed during the production of this motion picture. However, Xena's ability to recover her body was severely impeded by Lucy Lawless' mishap.

2.09 A Solstice Carol

Senticles was not harmed during the production of this motion picture. However, several chimneys are in dire need of repair.

2.10 The Xena Scrolls

No Hollywood producers were harmed during the production of this motion picture.

2.11 Here She Comes... Miss Amphipolis

No ribbons were harmed during the production of this motion picture. However, several experienced severe motion sickness.

2.12 Destiny

Julius Caesar was not harmed during the production of this motion picture. However, the producers deny responsibility for any unfortunate acts of betrayal occurring soon thereafter.

2.13 The Quest

Xena's body was not harmed during the production of this motion picture. However, it took weeks for Autolycus to get his swagger back.

2.14 A Necessary Evil

The reputation of the Amazon nation was not harmed despite Velasca's overly radical adherence to an otherwise valid belief system.

2.15 A Day in the Life

No slippery eels were harmed during the production of this motion picture despite their reputation as a fine delicacy in select cultures of the known world.

2.16 For Him The Bell Tolls

The producers wish to acknowledge the inspiration of Danny Kaye and pay tribute to the classic motion picture "Court Jester".

2.17 The Execution

By popular demand "The Executioner" will bring back his comfortable lightweight cotton-flax blend robe in a variety of spring colors.

2.18 Blind Faith

Once again, Gabrielle's luck with men was harmed during the production of this motion picture.

2.19 Ulysses

Despite Gabrielle's incessant hurling, Ulysses' ship was not harmed during the production of this motion picture.

2.20 The Price

To show sympathy for the Horde, "kaltaka" was only served upon request during the production of this motion picture.

2.21 The Lost Mariner

Cecrops' "Joie de Vivre" was not harmed during the production of this motion picture.

2.22 A Comedy of Eros

No cherries were harmed during the making of this motion picture.

3.01 The Furies

Xena's sanity was not harmed during the production of this motion picture. The Furies however, will be opening their own lap-dancing variety show off-off-off-Broadway soon.

3.02 Been There, Done That

The rooster was not harmed during the production of this motion picture, although his feathers were severely ruffled. However, a little gel and mousse straightened out the mess.

3.03 The Dirty Half Dozen

No convicts were reformed during the production of this motion picture. Can't we all just get along?

3.04 The Deliverer

Gabrielle was slightly well-done during the production of this motion picture. However, the producers would like to recommend a zesty barbecue sauce to bring out the full flavor of the episode.

3.05 Gabrielle's Hope

Despite witnessing the bizarre and somewhat disturbing birth of Gabrielle's Hope, no farm animals were harmed during the production of this motion picture.

3.06 The Debt (Part 1)

No frock tarts were killed during the production of this motion picture, although they wish they had been.

3.07 The Debt (Part 2)

Xena's and Gabrielle's relationship suffered another blow (although Gabrielle doesn't know it yet) during the production of this motion picture.

3.08 The King of Assassins

Due to the infliction of a severe wedgie, Joxer was slightly uncomfortable but not seriously harmed during the production of this motion picture.

3.09 Warrior... Priestess... Tramp

Despite another Xena look-alike , the gene pool (or rather gene puddle) was not harmed during the production of this motion picture.

3.10 The Quill Is Mightier

No naked Gabrielles were harmed during the production of this motion picture.

3.11 Maternal Instincts

Xena and Gabrielle's relationship was harmed during the production of this motion picture.

3.12 The Bitter Suite

The musical genre was not harmed during the production of this motion picture. In fact, the Producers sincerely hope you were A-MUSE-D by this episode.

3.13 One Against An Army

Gabrielle's ankle was harmed during the production of this motion picture.

3.14 Forgiven

No street-talking, cat-fighting, barroom-brawling juvenile delinquents were harmed during the production of this motion picture.

3.15 King Con

No con men were conned during the production of this motion picture.

3.16 When In Rome...

Caesar's palace was not harmed during the production of this motion picture. However, Crassus and the gladiators went down for the count.

3.17 Forget Me Not

Xena and Joxer were not forgotten during the production of this motion picture.

3.18 Fins, Femmes and Gems

Joxer's dignity was slightly harmed during the production of this motion picture. However, Gabrielle's pink nightie was restored to its original condition.

3.19 Tsunami

No cast or crew were singing "Tanks for the Memories" during the production of this motion picture. However, the phrase "Strike the Set" was given new meaning.

3.20 Vanishing Act

Upon completion of the filming of this episode, Autolycus' scuba gear was placed on display at the Athens Diving Institute for the education and enjoyment of future generations to come.

3.21 Sacrifice (Part 1)

No pulsing cocoons were hatched during the production of this motion picture. What you witnessed was purely a reenactment.

3.22 Sacrifice (Part 2)

Gabrielle finally went off the deep end during the production of this motion picture.

4.01 Adventures in the Sin Trade (Part 1)

No dead Amazons lost their lives during the production of this motion picture.

4.02 Adventures in the Sin Trade (Part 2)

Xena's search for Gabrielle was not harmed during the production of this motion picture.

4.03 A Family Affair

No spike-skinned, beast-like, incredibly hungry offspring who can't stand the sun were harmed during the production of this motion picture.

4.04 In Sickness and In Hell

No leapin' lice were beaten, whipped, smashed or scratched during the production of this motion picture.

4.05 A Good Day

No permanent battle scars were inflicted during the production of this motion picture.

4.06 A Tale of Two Muses

No self-righteous magistrates intent on suppressing the basic human right of freedom of expression were harmed during the production of this motion picture.

4.07 Locked Up and Tied Down

No rabid flesh-eating crabs were cooked during the production of this motion picture.

4.08 Crusader

Xena's best chewing tooth was not harmed during the production of this motion picture.

4.09 Past Imperfect

Borias' goose was cooked during the production of this motion picture.

4.10 The Key To The Kingdom

No priceless porkers, of either organic or ceramic origin, were harmed during the production of this motion picture.

4.11 Daughter of Pomira

No blond-haired, blue-eyed Horde girls or their extended families were harmed during the production of this motion picture. Lakota toti. Bonai. Soli bonai.

4.12 If The Shoe Fits...

No fractured fables were harmed during the production of this motion picture.

4.13 Paradise Found

Paradise was found but not necessarily embraced during the production of this motion picture.

4.14 Devi

In memory of women's best friend: Bear, Dodger, Kali, Samantha, Taffy, Bear.

4.15 Between The Lines

Xena's chakram got Gabrielle by the short hairs during the production of this motion picture.

4.16 The Way

The producers of the following episode took liberties with Hindu deities and historical timelines, but their sole intent was to illustrate the beauty and power of the Hindu religion.

4.17 The Play's The Thing

Although no great literary works of art were harmed or plagiarized, a few thespians stole some scenes during the production of this motion picture.

4.18 The Convert

Argo's gastrointestinal condition was cleared up upon completion of this motion picture.

4.19 Takes One To Know One

Argo was once again proven innocent during the production of this motion picture.

4.20 Endgame

Pompey's reign came to a head during the production of this motion picture.

4.21 The Ides of March

Xena and Gabrielle were killed during the production of this motion picture.

4.22 Deja Vu All Over Again

No sword-wielding, card-playing, therapy-seeking French freedom fighters were deflowered during the production of this motion picture. However, rumors of Custer and Pocahontas remain unconfirmed.

5.01 Fallen Angel

Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.

5.02 Chakram

Xena's dark and violent past was restored during the production of this motion picture.

5.03 Succession

Ares' libido was not harmed during the production of this motion picture.

5.04 Animal Attraction

Although the rabbit died, no other animals were harmed during the production of this motion picture.

5.05 Them Bones, Them Bones

Xena and Alti were bad to the bone during the production of this motion picture.

5.06 Purity

To obtain a copy of Joxer's recipe for Moo Shu Sauce and other Chinese delicacies visit your local bookstore or look for it on the internet.

5.07 Back in the Bottle

Pao Ssu's split personality was not harmed during the production of this motion picture.

5.08 Little Problems

No pie tins were harmed during the making of Tharon's mask.

5.09 Seeds of Faith

Thanks to Eli's non-violent ways, many people lost their lives during the production of this motion picture.

5.10 Lyre, Lyre, Hearts on Fire

No lyres were strung out during the production of this motion picture.

5.11 Punch Lines

Gabrielle and Argo were shrunk and permanently pressed during the production of this motion picture.

5.12 God Fearing Child

Zeus cashed in his chips during the production of this motion picture.

5.13 Eternal Bonds

Ares' virility was harmed during the production of this motion picture.

5.14 Amphipolis Under Siege

Post Production was under siege during the production of this motion picture.

5.15 Married with Fishsticks

No sea nymphs or other denizens of the deep were harmed during the production of this motion picture.

5.16 Lifeblood

Warning: The Surgeon General cautions practicing weird and grotesque Amazon rituals may be hazardous to your health.

5.17 Kindred Spirits

Many cinnamon swirls lost their lives in the making of Gabrielle's headdress.

5.18 Antony & Cleopatra

No rubberized snakes intent on destroying the Queen of Egypt were harmed during the production of this motion picture.

5.19 Looking Death in the Eye

Death almost died during the production of this motion picture.

5.20 Livia

Due to an overabundance of Bean and Bard Burgers, Meg's gastrointestinal problems intensified during the production of this motion picture.

5.21 Eve

Joxer's sudden and unexpected death slowed down his rapid aging process during the production of this motion picture.

5.22 Motherhood

All the Gods were harmed during the production of this motion picture.

6.01 Coming Home

Xena & Gabrielle's psyches were harmed during the production of this motion picture.

6.02 The Haunting of Amphipolis

No maggots were harmed during the production of this motion picture, although a few were found stuck to Gabrielle's teeth.

6.03 Heart of Darkness

All Hell broke loose during the filming of this motion picture.

6.04 Who's Gurkhan?

Xena's uncanny ability to recover from devastating wounds was not harmed during the production of this motion picture.

6.05 Legacy

Despite severe air turbulence, no sand fleas were harmed during the making of this motion picture, although some experienced periodic bouts of motion sickness.

6.06 The Abyss

Virgil's appetite was suppressed during the making of this motion picture.

6.07 The Rheingold

No flying horses were harmed during the production of this motion picture, although several villagers were bombarded with aerial manure.

6.08 The Ring

Gabrielle's popularity surged during the making of this motion picture.

6.09 Return of the Valkyrie

Any similarity between our story and the classic children's fairy tale is purely coincidental.

6.10 Old Ares Had A Farm

Ares went to the dogs during the making of this motion picture.

6.11 Dangerous Prey

Raczar mysteriously disappeared at the completion of production of this motion picture and is rumored to have been living under the guise of "Prince Vhalimar Barbiqueem Raczar of Lower Alibabaston".

6.12 The God You Know

Gabrielle's undercover disguise was severely harmed during the making of this motion picture.

6.13 You Are There

The concept of linear time was severely harmed during the making of this motion picture.

6.14 Path of Vengeance

The disclaimer for this episode was harmed during the making of this motion picture.

6.15 To Helicon and Back

No shark bait was harmed during the making of this motion picture.

6.16 Send in the Clones

No Xena fans were harmed during the making of this motion picture.

6.17 The Last of the Centaurs

The centaur population was severely harmed during the making of this motion picture.

6.18 When Fates Collide

As the Fates would have it, Caesar was once again harmed during the making of this motion picture.

6.19 Many Happy Returns

No fish guts were harmed during the making of this motion picture.

6.20 Soul Possession

Joxer's natural process of elimination was harmed during the making of this motion picture.

6.21 Friend in Need (Part 1)

Xena and Gabrielle's Flying Circus and Amateur Fire Brigade will be arriving in your town soon.

6.22 Friend in Need (Part 2)

Xena was permanently harmed in the making of this motion picture, but kept her spirits up.

Thursday, 16 April 2015

TV Series: Hercules the Legendary Journeys


The television series "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys" ran for six seasons from January 1995 to November 1999. It was the brainchild of Sam Raimi and Rob Tapert.

Most television series and films that use animals have a disclaimer at the end, with a text such as "No animals were harmed during the production of this motion picture". This series developed the habit of replacing this disclaimer with a humorous text, starting from the sixth episode of the first season, with only a few omissions in the first two seasons. I'm including a full list of the disclaimer texts, together with each episode's name, season number and episode number. I've decided not to beautify the list by adding pictures to make it easier to copy and paste. As far as I know, a list like this isn't available online yet. I don't mind anyone copying this list for his own web site. That's what it's here for.

Notable disclaimers are:

1.07 - The only normal disclaimer.

1.06 and 2.05 - The only duplicate disclaimers. Almost duplicate.

2.14 and 2.21 -  Tributes to a person, rather than disclaimers.

6.08 - A disclaimer for the whole series.

The television series "Xena Warrior Princess" also used humorous disclaimers. I intend to post a list of the Xena disclaimers later this month.


Hercules complete disclaimer list.

1.01 The Wrong Path

<no disclaimer>

1.02 Eye of the Beholder

<no disclaimer>

1.03 The Road to Calydon

<no disclaimer>

1.04 The Festival of Dionysus

<no disclaimer>

1.05 Ares

<no disclaimer>

1.06 As Darkness Falls

No centaurs were harmed in the production of this motion picture.

1.07 Pride Comes Before a Brawl

No animals were harmed during the production of this motion picture.

1.08 The March to Freedom

<no disclaimer>

1.09 The Warrior Princess

No hydras were harmed during the production of this motion picture.

1.10 Gladiator

<no disclaimer>

1.11 The Vanishing Dead

No dogs of war were harmed during the production of this motion picture.

1.12 The Gauntlet

<no disclaimer>

1.13 Unchained Heart

No vicious beasts intent on taking over the world were harmed during the production of this motion picture.

2.01 The King of Thieves

No subterranean serpents were harmed during the production of this motion picture.

2.02 All that Glitters

No stuffed elephants were harmed during the production of this motion picture.

2.03 What's in a Name?

No mandrakes were harmed during the production of this motion picture.

2.04 Siege at Naxos

No barbarians were harmed during the production of this motion picture.

2.05 Outcast

No centaurs were harmed during the production of this motion picture.

2.06 Under the Broken Sky

<no disclaimer>

2.07 The Mother of All Monsters

The mother of all monsters was not harmed during the production of this motion picture.

2.08 The Other Side

Nether Phil nor Sal nor any of the other Piglet Brethren were harmed during the production of this motion picture.

2.09 The Fire Down Below

No Completely-Engulfed-In-Flames-Evil-Dudes were harmed during the production of this motion picture.

2.10 Cast a Giant Shadow

Neither Typhon nor Echidna were harmed during the production of this motion picture. They went on to lead long and happy lives with their adopted family. However, attempts to reinflate Pylon were unsuccessful.

2.11 Highway to Hades

No rabbits or spirits wandering the Earth were harmed during the production of this motion picture.

2.12 The Sword of Veracity

No attacking minotaurs were harmed during the production of this motion picture.

2.13 The Enforcer

<no disclaimer>

2.14 Once a Hero

We gratefully acknowledge the lifelong inspiration Ray Harryhausen has provided on our journey through Filmland.

2.15 Heedless Hearts

<no disclaimer>

2.16 Let the Games Begin

The nuclear blast that destroyed those fiendish Mesomorphs was purely trick photography. The Mesomorphs are alive and well and living in Poughkeepsie.

2.17 The Apple

No extremely oversize clam shell wind-surfing apparatuses housing goddesses of love were harmed during the production of this motion picture.

2.18 Promises

No hairy Sasquatch-like mammals were battered, bruised, burned or beaten during the production of this motion picture.

2.19 King for a Day

No slightly soused kings-to-be who finally pull themselves up by their bootstraps and realize the true meaning of leadership were harmed during the production of this motion picture.

2.20 Protean Challenge

No slightly discolored and impish Gods who vaguely resemble any candidate in the 1996 presidential elections were harmed during the production of this motion picture.

2.21 The Wedding of Alcmene

In memory of Jerry Siegel.

2.22 The Power

No manure was harmed during the production of this motion picture.

2.23 Centaur Mentor Journey

No centaurs were harmed or discriminated against during the production of this motion picture.

2.24 The Cave of Echoes

No vicious tabby cats were harmed during the production of this motion picture. However, the pre-Hellenic litter box is in dire need of a change.

3.01 Mercenary

No flesh-eating sandrays were harmed during the production of this motion picture.

3.02 Doomsday

No silly nutty was harmed during the production of this motion picture. However, quite a few filberts and cashews sacrificed their lives in the name of progress.

3.03 Love Takes a Holiday

No metal panthers were tarnished during the production of this motion picture. When polishing your metal animals, remember to use salt and lemon.

3.04 Mummy Dearest

Any similarity between our Mummy and the foot dragging classic we all know and love is purely intentional.

3.05 Not Fade Away

No bootie-kicking, chop-sakiing she-monsters from Tartarus were harmed during the production of this motion picture. If you can't stand the heat, stay out of the temple!

3.06 Monster Child in a Promised Land

Out of respect for Baby Obie, no calamari was served to the cast and crew during the production of this motion picture.

3.07 The Green-Eyed Monster

No goats were harmed during the production of this cheese.

3.08 Prince Hercules

Iolaus was not harmed or permanently stained in the production of this motion picture. In fact, thanks to the miracle of sandblasting, his skin was restored to its original color and lustrous sheen.

3.09 A Star to Guide Them

No unnamed baby of key biblical and mythological importance was harmed during the production of this motion picture.

3.10 The Lady and the Dragon

No fire-breathing, pre-pubescent, slightly sinister dragons were harmed during the production of this motion picture.

3.11 Long Live the King

No stags were bagged during the production of this motion picture.

3.12 Surprise

Hercules' party pants were not harmed during the production of this motion picture.

3.13 Encounter

The golden hind was not harmed during the production of this motion picture. To order a hind of your own call 1-800-55-HIND.

3.14 When a Man Loves a Woman

Hercules' strength was not harmed during the production of this motion picture. In fact, Ares is storing it in a cryogenic freezer bag deep in the Olympian Meat Locker.

3.15 Judgment Day

No family values were harmed during the production of this Blood Lite motion picture.

3.16 The Lost City

No hippy-dippy, substance-abusing, 60's reject love children were harmed during the production of this motion picture.

3.17 Les Contemptibles

The French accents depicted in this motion picture are entirely fictitious. Any similarity to actual accents, living or dead, is purely coincidental. Vive La Revolution!

3.18 Reign of Terror

The sheeps' political and cultural independence was restored after the production of this motion picture. Run Free Ewe Wilde Beasts!

3.19 The End of the Beginning

Neither the time space continuum, nor any previous storylines were harmed during the production of this motion picture.

3.20 War Bride

No leather-clad, pointy-breasted, buffont-wearing, pillow-smothering, two-faced sisters were harmed during the production of this motion picture.

3.21 A Rock and a Hard Place

No convicts were squished like a bug during the production of this motion picture.

3.22 Atlantis

Warning: Crystal-waves were used during the production of this motion picture. Pregnant women should leave the room immediately.

4.01 Beanstalks and Bad Eggs

No permanent cases of Harpies were reported during the production of this motion picture.

4.02 Hero's Heart

As Fortune would have it, Iolaus' memory was not harmed during the production of this motion picture.

4.03 Regrets... I've Had a Few

Jaris' cause of death remained a mystery during the production of this motion picture.

4.04 Web of Desire

The original website was severely harmed during the production of this motion picture. However, through the miracle of modern technology, it was reinvented several centuries later.

4.05 Stranger in a Strange World

No heart-throwing, love-spewing, smooth-talking Ares impersonators were harmed during the production of this motion picture.

4.06 Two Men and a Baby

No fire-belching, levitating, neo-natal sons of a god were harmed during the production of this motion picture.

4.07 Prodigal Sister

The Amazon hokey-pokey was not harmed during the production of this motion picture. In fact, this catchy number is now being performed in dance clubs around the country.

4.08 ...And Fancy Free

The Widow Twanky, once again, on top of the dance world with the success of the Hercules Hustle, was not harmed or tripped during the production of this motion picture.

4.09 If I Had A Hammer

Hercules proved once again the true measure of a man is not the size of his grapes but the size of his heart.

4.10 Hercules on Trial

Due to extensive DNA testing, Hercules was proved innocent during the production of this motion picture.

4.11 Medea Culpa

No two-headed, fire-breathing, regenerating Ghidras were harmed during the production of this motion picture.

4.12 Men in Pink

Cupcake's sweet tooth was not harmed during the production of this motion picture. However, her love life experienced a slight setback.

4.13 Armageddon Now (Part 1)

Once again, Alcmene's fence was not finished during the production of this motion picture.

4.14 Armageddon Now (Part 2)

Although Alcmene's barn was blown to smithereens, remarkably she and Iolaus were not harmed during the production of this motion picture.

4.15 Yes, Virginia, there is a Hercules

Any resemblance between the Hercules cast and the Renaissance staff is purely intentional.

4.16 Porkules

Hermes' wings were clipped during the production of this motion picture.

4.17 One Fowl Day

No giant poultry was tripped, plucked, barbecued, deep-fried or otherwise assaulted during the production of this motion picture. Katherine's owners are orthodox vegetarians.

4.18 My Fair Cupcake

No bakeries were harmed during the production of this motion picture, although many pastries were burned to a crisp.

4.19 War Wounds

Any resemblance between King Iphicles, Hercules' half-brother, and Ares, God of War, Hercules' other half-brother, is totally unavoidable.

4.20 Twilight

Caution: Nafoline cannons are highly flammable and may be hazardous to your health. Keep away from children.

4.21 Top God

No boogie-boarding, bleached-blonde, narcissistic Gods were harmed during the production of this motion picture.

4.22 Reunions

Zeus' godhood was not harmed during the production of this motion picture, although his short stint as a mortal was somewhat intoxicating.

5.01 Faith

In order to protect the environment and for the benefit of all mankind, Imuru's beard was recycled and restored immediately upon completion of production of this motion picture.

5.02 Descent

No zombies were chomping at the bit during the production of this motion picture.

5.03 Resurrection

No magic munchkins preaching the virtues of ancient Celtic philosophy were harmed during the production of this motion picture.

5.04 Genies and Grecians and Geeks, Oh My

No cool blue bongs that resemble Aladdin's lamp were harmed during the production of this motion picture.

5.05 Render Unto Caesar

No scribes intending on writing the truth and nothing but the truth were harmed during the production of this motion picture.

5.06 Norse by Norsevest

No ram, stag, or any other horned species was sacrificed for Thor's helmet during the production of this motion picture. Ve Svear it.

5.07 Somewhere Over the Rainbow Bridge

No Frost Giants were thawed during the production of this motion picture.

5.08 Darkness Rising

Iolaus nearly lost his head during the production of this motion picture.

5.09 For Those of You Just Joining Us

Due to circumstances beyond our control, some staff members were ridiculed, laughed at and generally made fun of during the production of this motion picture.

5.10 Let There Be Light

No cast-iron Snakes were harmed during the production of this motion picture.

5.11 Redemption

Finally, the demon Dahak was destroyed during the production of this motion picture.

5.12 Sky High

Ephiny's leg was not hurt during the production of this motion picture. However, the writers sincerely apologize to Amazons everywhere for excluding her from the big finale.

5.13 Stranger and Stranger

If you would like to be a contestant on "Wheel of Misfortune", simply drop us a postcard and prepare to kiss your bottom goodbye.

5.14 Just Passing Through

Autolycus' intestinal tract was well lubricated and, consequently, was not harmed or blocked during the production of this motion picture.

5.15 Greece Is Burning

Due to incredibly bad taste and a despicable dress code, the Fashion Police were locked up indefinitely immediately upon completion of filming this motion picture.

5.16 We'll Always Have Cyprus

The Oracle affectionately known as "Mrs. Potato Head" was not harmed during the production of this motion picture.

5.17 The Academy

Support the United Grecian College Fund. A mind is a terrible thing to waste, much like the vacation plans of certain Young Hercules cast members.

5.18 Love on the Rocks

No fish out of water was harmed during the production of this motion picture.

5.19 Once Upon a Future King

Many giant steps were taken during the production of this motion picture. However, none for mankind.

5.20 Fade Out

No Gods or other deities were killed during the production of this motion picture. They just faded away.

5.21 My Best Girl's Wedding

No floundering fish were filleted during the production of this motion picture.

5.22 Revelations

Iolaus got a new lease on life during the production of this motion picture.

6.01 Be Deviled

Xerxos' goose was cooked during the production of this motion picture.

6.02 Love, Amazon Style

No conniving mischievous over-the-top deities formerly and presently known as Deimos were harmed during the making of this motion picture.

6.03 Rebel With a Cause

Creon's perm was not harmed during the production of this motion picture.

6.04 Darkness Visible

No blood-sucking homicidal vampires were harmed during the production of this motion picture.

6.05 Hercules, Tramps & Thieves

No cat burglars intent on training their ex-husbands were harmed during the production of this motion picture.

6.06 City of the Dead

No pyramid schemes were harmed during the production of this motion picture.

6.07 A Wicked Good Time

Discord was a basket case during the production of this motion picture.

6.08 Full Circle

No ancient Greek myths were seriously harmed during the production of this series, although some stories were slightly altered for the entertainment and enjoyment of our audience.

Tuesday, 22 April 2014

TV Series: Xena Warrior Princess


"Xena: Warrior Princess" is undoubtedly one of the greatest television series of all time. Quentin Tarantino says that it's the best series ever made. I don't agree with him, but it's certainly up there with the best. It was first broadcast as a spin-off of "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys", but "Xena" soon surpassed "Hercules" in popularity. (I'll shorten the names of the two series from now on, using quote marks to show that I'm talking about the series and not the characters). The two series take part in the same world, they often feature the same supporting characters, and the main characters even guest star in one another's episodes, but they are very different series. It would be fair to say that "Hercules" is a program for younger viewers, while "Xena" is a program for adults. To prove my point, just look at the fight scenes in the two series. Hercules used his fists and makeshift implements to fight, but even when he used a sword he never killed anybody. Xena, on the other hand, never hesitated to kick a soldier in the balls, then plunge a sword through his heart while he was off balance. There have been arguments in forums about how many people Xena has killed, the estimates ranging from 400 to 100,000 depending on whether the off-screen killings are included or not.

The series alternated between serious and comedy episodes, in a ratio of about 3:1. I personally prefer the serious stories, but the comedy episodes are good as well. Joxer was a character that I greatly admired. Despite all the criticism he really was a brave warrior, but he lacked the skills to put his bravery into action. Autolycus is a powerful character, but be honest, who doesn't like Bruce Campbell? Salmoneus annoyed me when I first watched "Xena", but now he's grown on me.

In my opinion – and I welcome discussions from other fans – "Xena" reached its peak at the end of the fourth season, in the episodes "Endgame" and "Ides of March". In general, the episodes with Caesar and Callisto were the best, but to see them as allies was astounding. The first time I saw "Ides of March" I was shocked by Gabrielle's killing spree, when she killed eight Roman soldiers to protect Xena. Okay, so the cheesy after-death experience at the end of "Ides of March" did slightly spoil it. I found "Deja Vu all over again" out of place as the last episode of season four. Its placement was probably deliberate, to give viewers hope after Xena's death in "Ides of March" by seeing her reborn in the distant future in Joxer's body, but I still think it would have been more suitable to air this standalone episode earlier in the season, maybe directly before "Endgame".


Until the fourth season the Weltanschauung of the Xenaverse (I love that word!) was fairly simple. If you live a good life you go to the Elysian Fields after death, if you live a bad life you go to Tartarus. There were hints that where you went after death depended on where you lived, because each country had its own Gods who determined what to do with mortals after death. Okay, I can accept that as a logical possibility. But then in season four everything became more complicated. In the India tetralogy (episodes 13 to 16) we find out that Xena will follow a path of rebirth based on the Hindu laws of Karma, because she has done too much evil in her life to be accepted into the Elysian Fields. Ah ha, so Xena will be judged by the laws (and Gods?) of India's religion, even though she lives in Greece? Also in these episodes we see the man Eli who is obviously a picture of Jesus Christ, despite being an Indian. And then comes episode 21, "Ides of March", in which we find Callisto in a place called Hell where people go who are "too bad for Tartarus". The unnamed Master of this place is obviously the Devil. This mixes the Greek, Indian and Jewish religions together, claiming that they are equally valid. That makes my head hurt.

There's much more that can be said about this great series, and I'll probably come back to it in a later post, but that's all I'll write for now. If you live in England you can buy the complete Xena collection on DVD for only £42.50 from Amazon UK. There's no excuse for not buying it. In America it costs $109.99. Oh well, everything costs more in America.

Saturday, 1 March 2014

RED (4 Stars)


I suppose that "RED" is the correct spelling of the film's title, one word all capitals. Technically it should be "R.E.D.", since it stands for "Retired Extremely Dangerous", but I'll stick with the name that's been given to it. Sometimes there are discrepancies between the posters, the DVD covers and the title in the film myself. The example that springs to mind is "Run Fatboy Run". I'm surprised I didn't mention it when I wrote my review. That's the way it's spelt on the splash screen of the film itself, but both the posters and the English DVD covers write "Fat Boy" as two words. The American DVD covers write "Fatboy" as one word. That must make it confusing for mailorder companies.

I've avoided watching "RED" since it was released in 2009, despite the nagging of a friend who absolutely loves it. Something seems terribly un-sexy about a group of old men and women reuniting to face a common enemy. I needn't have worried. The film is perfect. It's a very good story, and the age aspect adds a certain poignancy to it.

Frank Moses is a retired CIA agent. He lives a comfortable but reclusive life in Ohio, receiving a generous pension. He has a crush on Sarah Ross, a woman who works at the pension department in Kansas City. He's never met her, he just likes her voice and makes excuses to ring her as often as he can. His comfort is disturbed when a heavily armed assault team comes in the middle of the night to assassinate him. He escapes them, but in the process his house is destroyed, and he's on the run. The first thing he does is drive to Kansas City and pick up Sarah, because he thinks that Sarah might also be in danger, since she's his only friend. That's sad. He finds out the assault team was made up of CIA operatives, and he also discovers that several of his former colleagues have also been killed. He realises that they all have in common that they took part in a mission in Guatamala in 1983, so he rounds up the survivors from that mission to find out why the CIA wants to eliminate them.

CIA agent William Cooper in a previous life

This is a very good film. I particularly enjoyed the performance of Karl Urban as Frank's nemesis, the young CIA agent who is just "doing his job". Apart from appearing in "Star Trek XI" this is the first time I've seen him since his regular role as Julius Caesar in "Xena Warrior Princess". He's an underrated actor who deserves bigger roles. The main roles, the old guys, are played by Bruce Willis, John Malkovich, Morgan Freeman and Helen Mirren, all first rate actors in their own right.

I didn't realise until today that the film is based on a DC Comics graphic novel. If I'd known that I might have watched it earlier.

Tuesday, 24 July 2012

Star Trek (2 Stars)


As you can tell from the photo above, this is a review of the 2009 Star Trek film that effectively rebooted the franchise. Now don't get me wrong. I'm a big Star Trek fan. I love all the television series from the original series in 1966 up to "Enterprise" in 2005. I even liked the animated series in 1974, though I admit that the plots are more shallow than the other series. I enjoyed the first 10 films, even though most of them are weaker than the television series. And yet, I hate this reboot. It's awful. Maybe even 2 stars is too much for it.

I would have been happy if the film had been made with a different premise. Maybe the story of a different starship making voyages at the same time as the USS Enterprise. That would have worked. But to cast new actors playing the original characters that have since become part of the world's cultural heritage..... that's blasphemy! Only Karl Urban is a passable replacement for DeForrest Kelly as Leonard McCoy. Chris Pine is awful as Jim Kirk, and Zoe Saldana is so inept at playing Lt. Uhura that she should be banned from ever acting again. Zachary Quinto, an actor that I greatly like after seeing him in "Heroes", does the best he can as Spock, but he just isn't Leonard Nimoy. Simon Pegg is a reasonable choice for Scotty, but he overdoes the comedy. John Cho is utterly forgettable as Sulu. Anton Yelchin is a very poor replacement for Chekov, and also out of place, since Chekov wasn't part of the original crew of the Enterprise; he joined the ship in the second season of the original series.

As for the plot: the backstory with Kirk's father is unnecessary. The love affair between Spock and Uhura is so wrong that it made me want to throw a brick at my television screen. The only good thing about the film is the appearance of Leonard Nimoy as the old Spock. He alone has saved the DVD from being dumped in my trash.

No, I refuse to give you a link to the film trailer. Forget it.

Friday, 7 October 2011

RED [Guest Writer] (5 Stars)


Frank (Bruce Willis) is retired, bored and lonely living off his government pension in a nondescript suburb in an equally nondescript house. The only joy in Frank's life are his calls to the government pension processing center when he gets to talk to his case worker Sara (Mary-Louis Parker). Sarah is as bored and lonely as Frank and marks her conversations with the unknown Frank and her spy novels as the only things fun in her life. When something in Frank's past forces Frank back into his old line of work and puts an unwitting Sarah in the middle of the intrigue, Frank and Sarah begin a journey into Frank's past and the people he used to work with. Like Frank they are all RED...Retired Extremely Dangerous.

This was a good movie in my opinion and the actors did their characters well. Bruce is a veteran at this and I had no trouble believing he was an ex-bad-ass spy that was ready to take your ass out in a heart beat- he does these roles the best. I think that this was action-packed, lighthearted, and a potential tear-jerker (depending on how much of a softie you are). I saw this movie probably four times and I wasn't bored once which means that in my book it stands the test! Good movie. Good plot. Great actors. Ass-kicking action. Belly laughs sprinkled throughout. A splash of re-kindled romance. Really...what more could I ask for in a movie?! Absolutely nothing!