Instant Star - Season 1 (2005) Review

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Instant Star has been a popular teen favorite the past few seasons. Fans of the show will be pleased with the DVD release of the first season. The season one DVD includes the first 13 episodes of the show. The downside is that season one aired so long ago these episodes seem like light years ago. It would have been good if they would have released the first and second season together on DVD.
The first season chronicles Jude's semi rise to stardom. After winning the Instant Star competition she receives a record contract with G Major Records. Her producer is "Little Tommy Q," who used to be in a boy band named Boyz Attack. Tommy is all grown up now and he is her producer who she has a crush on it seems. Adding to the story is her close relationship with her male childhood best friend Jamie. At this time in the series, Jude is still in high school and living with her parents who are still married. Her sister Sadie is a little older than her but they attend the same school.
The first season is primarily about her recording songs for G Major and dealing with various unexpected trappings of sudden fame. First she has conflict with a fellow recording artist named Eden. Then she finds love with a rapper named Shay. Things really heat up when her and her producer Tommy share an unexpected kiss on Jude's 16th birthday. It's all not a smooth ride as she also has to deal with her parents crumbling marriage.
Instant Star is a television series packed with drama. It's a series that teens and adults will find intriguing and it was created by the same people who created the series Degrassi The Next Generation. Bonus features includes deleted scenes, bloopers, cast auditions, music performances and more.


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And the first ever Instant Star is …. Jude Harrison! Jude is thrilled to be the first season winner of the Instant Star TV show.But after the fanfare, with a record contract in hand and a pile of dreams, she is hit by a stark reality. Will Jude be able to make it on her own or will she be forced to change by her record company? What will her new life be like? The claws of the music industry come out immediately and Jude is faced with some serious decisions. Will Jude be able to "play the game" or will she quickly become yesterday's news?

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Yo-Yo Sexy Girl Cop (2007) Review

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(More customer reviews)Woopak the Thrill is about to lose all credibility and "fans"...
"Yo-yo Girl Cop" starred J-pop star Aya Matsuura as the beautiful Saki. That film was manga-inspired and while it was somewhat silly, it was action-packed and fun to watch. Aya Matsuura's film however, did fulfill any male fantasies about a hot Japanese girl in a sailor moon outfit. "Yo-yo Sexy Girl Cop" (aka. Sukepan deka: Bajin nemu= Moromie Saki) is a sexy spoof of that action packed film which starred Aya Matsuura. Director Daigo Udagawa seems poised to fulfill all male fantasies when he casts the Beautiful, ex-AV star/nude model Mihiro Taniguchi (Cruel Restaurant) as Saki Moromi, code-named agent "see-through panties"--do I have your attention yet?
Saki (Mihiro) is a beautiful high school girl secretly working for a secret agency as "special student" undercover cop. Her uniform includes a pair of see-through underwear. She is sent to investigate a prostitution ring in Takanoha high, in exchange, her mother who has been incapacitated is to be set free. Once there, Saki is picked on and bullied by other teenagers because of her former status as a "thug girl-boss". While attending school there, she becomes fond of a young man named Takuya and befriends the school hottie, Asuka (Rio Nakamura). Saki seemed poised to find happiness and becomes torn between love and duty. Fate intervenes and her new friend until her former classmate/prostitute Asuka is murdered while attending to a client. Saki takes on personal vengeance on those who run the prostitution ring who is the school's headmaster and a hot teacher named Reiko. Her weapon of choice is a deadly yo-yo and her battle cry is "I will never forgive you!"
To be honest, I really don't know how to approach this film. Heck, I don't even know why I'm reviewing it. Anyway, the film is fun--it is full of sexy humor and does have the usual elements of a "pink" film. The humor does remind me somewhat of the Korean sex-comedy "Sex is Zero" and its main premise is very similar to Yo-Yo Girl Cop. Oh, yeh, it did make me say "What the heck?" and did cause me to scratch my head a number of times. The film has teen issues omnipresent throughout: fitting in, meeting a boy and curiosity about sex. But the film also has the usual elements of "pink" violence such as vengeance and lost of innocence. The violence is toned down and is a step backward from The Machine Girl or the film with Aya Matsuura. So don't expect an ultra-violent movie.
Now the film's main draw has to be the abundance of sex and nudity. The nudity isn't full frontal as in The Glamorous Life of Sachiko Hanai but there is a good number of them. Mihiro, Rio Nakamura and the sexy teacher (don't know her name) are seen in their naked glory for quite a number of times and they're nicely shot. The sex scenes are quite graphic; they're better than the ones in late night cable but a step backward from actual hardcore stuff. The action (ahem) other than the sex, I mean are the fight scenes have a lot to be desired. All they involve is Saki using her yo-yo and flashing her see-through underwear.
"YO-YO SEXY GIRL COP" is a fun watch I supposed as long as one remembers exactly what he is watching. If you liked "Ikki Tousen" then this film may be for you. The film's plot is irrelevant and it is very obvious that all the effort is put in showcasing Mihiro`s beauty. (and Japanese prancing around, teasing with their short skirts). I often wonder just how Japanese filmmakers can make almost any film that comes to their mind--no one knows sleazy and exploitive films better than the Europeans and the Japanese. This film is just pure "guilty pleasure" and geared towards Mihiro's fans.
Definitely not for everybody but BEER or Sake will enhance its viewing experience.
Recommended with caution to fans of Japanese "pink" films and a rental to those who like "late night" cinemax. [2 ½ Stars]
Video/Audio: 4.33 aspect ratio. Simple but clean transfer with 2.0 Dolby Digital Surround.
Extras: Behind the scenes/Trailers/coming attractions/galleries

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A sexy spoof on the popular series "Yo-Yo Sexy Cop!" Saki (Mihiro) is a beautiful high school girl secretly working for the Japanese government as a "special student undercover cop." Her uniform includes a pair of see-through underwear. Attending a prestigious high school, Saki is sent to investigate a student prostitution ring in order to bail her estranged mother out of jail. Once there, Saki gets bullied and emotionally abused by her classmates because of her "see-through" underwear. Falling in love with a boy named Takuya, Saki is torn between love and duty. Soon, she befriends a classmate/prostitute Asuka, who is later murdered when her double life is discovered. Joining forces with the girls from the school, Saki takes out her personal revenge on the prostitution ring run by the headmaster and a teacher named Reiko. Her weapon is a yo-yo and her battle cry is "I will never ever forgive you!"

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Roll Bounce (Widescreen Edition) (2005) Review

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(More customer reviews)Roll/Bounce is an excellent movie!
I was pleasantly surprised with just how good this film is. The movie has a great look to it and manages to come across as funny, touching, visually pleasing and very well acted.
Cant recommend this one enough! Roll on out and pick yourself up a copy.
Highly recommended!


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ROLL BOUNCE is the freshest, funkiest, coming-of-age comedy on wheels! It's the late '70s when roller skating to soul tunes and disco was a way of life for teen skater Xavier (Bow Wow) and his pals. But when their local rink closes, "X" and his crew must pull together as a team to try and win big money at a rival rink's Roller Jam skate off!

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The Clique (2008) Review

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(More customer reviews)To the people who bought "The Clique" from Amazon, read the first review 'cause there are faulty batches!
Anyway, back to the movie.
Okay, I started reading the Clique when I was 12 and that was 4 years ago. Now I'm 16 and the Clique girls are still 12 in the very first movie.
Remembering back to the very first book and watching this movie is surreal. The movie is almost nothing how I pictured the book in my mind, but they do a very nice, accurate portrayal of the book.
The movie follows the basic plot line, includes many of the characters, ha very interesting fashion, actually has the IMing and State of the Union parts, and quoted many of the funny lines from the book.
Although there were parts of the book that I missed (like the whole tights trend and the Massie insights), the most obvious jump from book to movie were the main characters. Alicia wasn't busty enough, but the whole "rubbing boobs together" part took on a whole new meaning. Massie acted a little too forced sometimes. Kristen wasn't sporty enough. However, this are minute details.
I definitely recommend this to all Clique fans because while it may be very different from what we saw in our minds, it still tells the timeless tale of fitting-in and insecurities with the "loveable" characters and their lines that we know!


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Claire Lyons, the new girl from Orland(ew), Florida, has the nerve to show up at Octavian Country Day school (OCD) wearing Keds and two-year-old GAP overalls. She is clearly not top Clique (aka the Pretty Committee) material and Massie, Alicia, Dylan, and Kristen have no problem letting everyone know it. Unfortunately, Claires family is staying in the guest house on Massies familys huge estate and the girls are stuck with each other. Claires future looks worse than a Prada knockoff. But with a little luck and a lot of scheming, she might just stand a chance.

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Sex Drive (Unrated and Cream-Filled) (2008) Review

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(More customer reviews)Plenty to read about regarding this film out in the Internet world. The trailers have been playing in the store for a month now and the buzz has been positive (since no one got to see this in theaters). Analyzing a high budget teen/sex comedy for acting is pointless, so I will stick with the BD quality and extras.
The video and audio look and sound fine, typically the outer channels get used with the LARGE volume of songs played throughout; and some nice GTO throttlings. The special features have roughly 30 minutes of docus reviewing production and self loathing/lampooning of the cast: Marsden Dilemma & Duke of the Internet clips.
The big question: differences between the UR and R. Plenty to list. 20 extra minutes of gratuitous male and female nudity, longer takes of certain scenes (the two confident geeks verbiage, pool party, condom buying fiasco, left-in flubs, changed phrases, sex sounds [sheep, bjs, etc.]), most noticeably - CGI-imposed nudity in 20 or so random scenes with a graphic intro by the director/writer about what to expect in the UR version.
Overall, a funny film with plenty of comedian cameos, decent writing, love searching, and sexual awakenings (even in the Amish country). A worthwhile purchase for fans of the film plus they kept it all one on disc (everything is the same as the 2 disc DVD).

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Studio: Uni Dist Corp. (summit)Release Date: 02/24/2009

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Make It or Break It: Volume One - Extended Edition (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)One of the most impressive drama series I have seen on abc Family with a solid script, really good editing and also solid performances by the show's talent, "Make It or Break It" has become one of my favorite drama series to catch on television.
"Make it or Break It" is a new abc family drama series which began in June 2009, and with its debut and run "Make It or Break It" proved to be successful as it received the second best series ratings for the network. The first season consists of a total of 20 episodes, and the first ten episodes are featured in "Make It or Break It: Extended Edition" on DVD.
Created and written by Holly Sorensen, "Make It or Break It" is a captivating drama series that revolves around a female gymnastics team and a girl named Emily Kmetko (played by Chelsea Hobbs, "Beach Girls", "Pasadena", "Lords of Dogtown") from Fresno who practiced gymnastics at a public gym at the YWCA and showed impressive talent.
Because of her talent, she receives the opportunity to attend one of the top gymnastic schools in the country known as "The Rock" (Rocky Mountain Gymnastics Training Center). But life for Emily is difficult as her mother is a single, unemployed mother trying to take care of Emily and her disabled brother. So, Emily tries to balance her life working at a pizza restaurant (secretly), while preparing to make the gymnastics competition with her goals to make it to nationals and become part of the US Olympic Team.
But life is not easy for Emily, the girls of "The Rock" are not exactly welcoming to her especially Lauren Tanner (played by Cassie Scerbo, "Dance Revolution", "Soccer Mom"), who despises her. Especially since Emily is a threat to the top three who want to make it to the Regionals. As the storyline focuses on Emily, as the underdog who tries to prove to her fellow gymnasts that she belongs there and deserves to compete, her other fellow gymnastic friends at "The Rock" have their share of problems.
"Make It or Break It: Extended Edition - Volume One" comes with a total of 10 episodes on two DVD's. Here is a spoiler-less summary of each episode:
DISC 1:
* EPISODE 1 - Pilot - The Kmetko's move to Boulder, Colorado where she joins "The Rock", one of the most prestigious gymnastics school in the country. But as the new gymnast coming into the school, many of the top athletes are not to thrilled about her joining them.
* EPISODE 2 - Where's Marty? - With Steve Tanner blackmailing Marty, the Rock loses their head coach prompting the gymnasts and their parents in confusion and shock since nationals are coming up.
* EPISODE 3 - Blowing Off Steam - With a new coach who is very strict, some of the girls decide to go to a kegger party which leads Carter doing something he will later regret.
* EPISODE 4- Sunday, Bloody Sasha, Sunday - It's Sunday and because the girls have went to a party, Sasha disciplines the top 4 with a full day of intense training, meanwhile Emily is afraid she will get fired from work.
* EPISODE 5 - Like Mother, Like Daughter, Like Supermodel - With "The Rock" needing funding, the group will have a fashion show which Sasha makes the girls take part of.
DISC 2:
* EPISODE 6 - Between a Rock and a Hard Place - The Rock girls take on the Denver school in a gymnastics competition at the Invitational but what happens to Emily when she doesn't listen to her coach?
* EPISODE 7- Run, Emily, Run - Emily faces the repercussions of not listening to her coach. Meanwhile, Damon comes up with an idea for Emily to continue her training.
* EPISODE 8 - All's Fair in Love, War and Gymnastics - The Cruz family has a send off party for the gymnasts but secrets are revealed.
* EPISODE 9 - Where's Kaylie? - After Kaylie discovers Carter's secret, she runs off the day before the Nationals. Now Emily, Lauren and Payson need to find her.
* EPISODE 10 - All That Glitters (Extended Version) - It's the day of the National Gymnastics Championship in Boston. Who will emerge victorious and make it for the Nationals team?
VIDEO & AUDIO:
"Make It or Break It: Extended Edition - Volume One" is presented in widescreen (1:78:1) and for the most part, the picture quality is satisfactory for a drama series. Also, it helps that the series features various settings, including multiple outdoor shots which definitely makes the PQ for the DVD much better. You can see slight compression at times on certain scenes but not too distracting.
Audio is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. The series is front and center channel driven, dialogue is clear and understandable and music comes out quite clear from the front channels. The series is not the type of series that utilizes special effects or the use of the surround channels but if you have a modern home theater receiver and a 5.1 or 7.2 setup, definitely worth selecting audio on all channels on the receiver for a more immersive soundscape.
Subtitles are in English SDH.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
"Make It or Break It: Extended Edition - Volume One" comes with a few special features. Included are:
* Making It - (8:50) Series creator/writer/Executive Producer Holly Sorensen talks about how the series came to be, the training the actresses had to go through to learn gymnastics (or sharing their previous gymnastics experiences) and their stunt doubles and behind-the-scenes footage on the making of the show.
* Deleted Scenes - A total of six deleted scenes: The "M" Word, A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words..., You Go, Girl!, Mrs. Cruz is not your BFF!, Funny Money and What's in the Bag?
JUDGMENT CALL:
My first time watching "Make It or Break It" was through a feature which was included with "The Secret Life of the American Teenager" and I was pretty captivated by the underdog storyline of a girl who came out of nowhere having to prove to others that she has talent while the others at the school tend to not welcome her. Also, the fact that her family are not financially in a well-place. In some way, it has that "Karate Kid" type of storyline that I enjoyed back in the 80's with the exception that no one is getting into fist fights but I could tell this was a show about perseverance, teamwork and possible some major cattiness.
Needless to say, when I started watching the first volume of "Make It or Break It", I watched all of it in one sitting because I found it to be quite engrossing. I have to admit that this is the first abc Family drama series that I really, really enjoyed immensely. For a group of actresses that have not had a long career, each of them did a great job. And it was great to know through the "Making Of", that the actresses had previous gymnastics or dance training but also had to go through weeks of boot camp to learn gymnastics and seeing how the camera shots and editing made this show so believable. I was pretty impressed, the editing of the actresses and their stunt doubles have been quite flawless and it helps that their stunt doubles have a similar height and build.
But I also enjoy the series because as much as its about four young women preparing for Nationals, it's a family series in which parents have a major place in the storyline and some major talent are in this series such as Perry Gilpin of "Frazier" and a grown-up Candace Cameron Bure of "Full House". And also because some parents are in various financial situations, I liked how the show shows the struggles of the families also incorporating how the economy can put a dent into the future of families with children who are athletes. I've known several friends who are in similar positions as the parents shown on this series and the writers did a good job in showing that.
So, I really enjoyed the series a lot. But if there was one little problem was during the finale, why they would introduce storylines that should have interfered with the gymnast's focus on their competition. Gymnasts are very focused athletes. It's a sport where there is a lot of discipline and takes a lot of focus and somehow at times, there are situations that I felt was a bit farfetched but of course, this is a drama series and I can understand why certain things had to happen. Also, for the DVD release, I hope that there will be some kind of audio commentary in the future. It would be fun to have the director or even the four young women share their commentary of an episode or even for the next release, the season finale.
But overall, I have to admit that "Make it or Break It" is a wonderful drama series. Granted, if you have a little or a lot of appreciation for gymnastics, the series although incorporates the sport, it's not to over-dominating as the storyline focuses on the four main athletes of "The Rock" and their family situation.
"Make It or Break It: Extended Edition - Volume One" is a very solid series, definitely recommended!

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How far would you go to achieve your ultimate dream? Experience the rivalry and romance of four teenage girls on their path to Olympic gold in the original ABC Family series that has fans and critics cheering all across the nation. You'll flip for...MAKE IT OR BREAK IT, raves David Hinkley of the New York Daily News. Who will rank number1 at Nationals and what will it take to get there? Follow the triumphs and the heartbreaks as close friends balance their lives as high school students with the intense world of competitive gymnastics. Relive the series that raises the bar on family drama, complete with a never-before-seen extended episode, and go behind the scenes to discover what it takes to perform such amazing stunts only on DVD!Bonus Features include: Deleted Scenes, Making It An Inside Look At How These Flexible Female Stars Balance Acting With Difficult Stunts For A Gold Medal Performance, Never-Before-Seen Extended Finale

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Gossip Girl - The Complete First Season (2007) Review

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(More customer reviews)I have been religiously reading the book series ever since it first came out, so when I heard about the TV show, I had extremely high expectations, and must say I was not at all happy with the first episode. I could not believe the way that they had completely changed the look of some of the main characters. So for a while I stopped watching the show, but my curiousity got the best of me, and after it came back after having been on hiatus for a while, I resumed watching it, and I admit, I was hooked.
Although many things are completely different than the book series, the show still has that provacative, addictive edge that will keep you coming back for more.
Now, if you are a fan of the books, such as myself, yet have never seen the show before, I feel this are some things I must warn you about.
First of all, many of the storylines that happen on the show, never happened in the book. I won't go into detail about any of the plots though, because I don't want to give anything away.
I was a bit angry about everything being so different at first, but then after having thought about it rationally for a while, I realize that this is after all a TV show, and if they went exactly by the book, chapter for chapter, then the show certainly wouldn't have enough plots to last for more than one season!
Second of all, (the thing that disappointed me most) the characters of Dan, Rufus, Jenny, and Vanessa look extremely different on the show, than the way that they are described in the book. Drastically different, in fact. And in the books, Serena has a hot older brother, yet on the show, he turns into her younger brother.
But they did get a few of the characters right.
The extremely sexy Chace Crawford makes THE perfect Nate Archibald...in fact he may even be more delicious on the show than the way they describe him in the book! The only flaw that he has is that in the book he is a chronic stoner, but not on the show, although that's really no big deal.
The lovely Leighton Meester makes a wonderful Blair, actually coming very close to the way I had imagined her to be in the book, and the same goes for the beautiful Blake Lively, who plays the role of Serena.
And then we come to Ed Westwick, who plays the role of Chuck Bass. I am extremely impressed. He makes the perfect Chuck, from the way he looks, right down to his personality.
So yes, ill admit I started off being very critical, but now I consider myself a fan of the show, and am eagerly awaiting for it to come out on DVD, as well as for the new season to begin.
If your a fan of the books, who started out skeptically as I did, then I feel that you should give the show a chance. You might find that you actually enjoy it!

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Want to know a secret? A really juicy secret? Look no further than the latest message from Manhattan's notorious blogger Gossip Girl. She keeps tabs on the city's most elite teens as they make the rounds from the preppiest school events to the most lavish, decadent parties. And between Serena and Blair's explosive friendship, Dan and Serena's budding romance, Nate and Blair's fairytale relationship (or is it?), Chuck's escapades and Jenny's introduction to the glamorous life, there's a lot to track! In this 5-disc, 18-episode Season One, friends, lovers, rivals and enemies abound. Even the darkest secrets don't stay hidden for long. You know you love it. XOXO!

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Queen Sized (2008) Review

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(More customer reviews)Nikki Blonsky plays a teenage girl trying to become homecoming queen despite the fact that she isn't a "model" figure. She's overweight, has a overprotected mother who while having genuine care for her daughter's health, still comes off as controlling and discriminatory with her approach.
The fat-acceptance movement in America has been looking for something that best expresses the viewpoint of overlooking stereotypes, and I would say that they probably aren't going to find a better outlet or voice in their argument than this movie. Nikki plays a fat girl, but a REAL one, and yes, she DOES have a somewhat eating/snacking problem that has caused a lot of her weight, but she also does have friends who love her, does hold love for herself despite her flaws, and isn't a princess the despite the fact that she's the "underdog." The movie does portray her mistakes she makes with her friends and goes to show that an underdog, fat or not, does make the same mistakes anyone else does and is really no different from anyone else.
It's a cute and warm movie that people as a whole will geniunely like.

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Golden Glober nominee Nikki Blonsky of 'Hairspray' fame stars as overweight high school senior Maggie Baker who knows she'll never be as pretty, skinny or wealthy as the popular girls. But when a cruel prank nominates her for election as Homecoming Queen, Maggie decides to go ahead with her campaign against the advice of the school administration, her widowed mom, and the mean girls who will do anything to keep Maggie feeling like a loser.Based on a true story.

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The O.C.: The Complete Third Season (2003) Review

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(More customer reviews)December 1, 2006 Addition: I wanted to add a note responding to my own question in my original headline: Can it rebound in Season Four? The great news is: Yes! If there were an Emmy given for "The Comeback Show of the Year," THE O.C. after its first five episodes would have to be a leading candidate. I will be honest: I initially tuned in just to verify that THE O.C. in its 4th season was as bad as it was in its 3rd. I was going to watch two or three episodes and then give up on it. The great news is that it has completely returned to form and is now as good as it has been since it first started. This was not expected! The main reason is has been so good has been that it has gotten back to enjoying the characters, instead of introducing a string of unlikable ones that no one can stand. So far this season, not a single irritating new character! I was afraid that they would make Caitlin into the new Marissa, but so far she hasn't been too bad. The biggest surprise has to be Taylor. I assumed that she would no longer be a part of the show this season, but they not only have brought her back, they've made her vastly more intersting and sympathetic than I would ever have imagined. She is actually now a character I like. Who'd a thunk it? Right now the show is as strong as it was in Season One. One of the best turnarounds I've ever seen a show make.
The third season of THE OC was an almost unbelievable come down from the first two fun seasons. The things that made people enjoy the show the first two seasons were largely pushed to the side, while the more irritating features of the first two seasons were brought to the fore and made the center of the show. On several occasions both I and my good friend who also watches the show debated about whether we were going to stop watching it. There is a point where the displeasure is watching the show threatened to overwhelm any pleasures it brought. Then, after a season of one unpleasantness after another, the show ended on a shocker. Normally one would require a Spoiler warning for this, but unfortunately Mischa Barton herself spoiled the ending by announcing on national TV a few days before the season finale that her character was going to die on the show. Why she did this has been debated. Was she trying to hurt the show? Was she just being stupid? Whatever the reason, what would have been one of the most shocking endings in recent TV history was common knowledge even before it aired.
What went wrong in Season Three? Well, the same things that went wrong in Seasons 1 and 2 but that played a smaller role each year: the introduction of exceedingly unpleasant and irritating characters who dominate the course of the show's narrative. In Season One this was mainly restricted to Oliver, one of the worst characters I've ever seen in a TV show. My guess is that the show's creative team misinterpreted what made the show popular in Season One. Instead of the fun alchemy between the younger members of the cast along with the narratives centering on the adult cast members--which I think was about 99% of the reason people liked the show--they imagined that the chaos injected into the show by Oliver's character was what people loved about it. My own belief is that people liked the show DESPITE Oliver and the chaos he created, not because of him. I'm sure the show's producers imagined that Oliver was a character that viewers loved to hate, instead of merely hating him, which was the actual case. So, in Season Two, the show's producers and writers gave even more characters that we merely hated (instead of loved to hate), the unlikable Alex (who was unlikable not because she became Marissa's lover but because she was merely unlikable) and Trey, Ryan's older brother.
Because the producer's misunderstood what people were liking about the show--people liked the main characters, not the situations generated by the minor, intensely unlikable characters who upset the show's chemistry--they flooded the third season with terrible characters. It started early on in the rehab facility, where we were introduced to the duplicitous Charlotte, a role on which they wasted the wonderful Jeri Ryan. Luckily, Charlotte didn't stay on the show very long, though she was extremely unpleasant while she did. Also early in the season was the terrible Dean Jack Hess, another thoroughly unlikable and wildly implausible character who seemed to have a personal vendetta against Ryan and Marissa. He too disappeared fairly early on. But by then we had been introduced to Johnny, a semi-professional surfer at the public school Marissa was forced to attend after she was kicked out of her private school (her dismissal being merely one more of a host of unbelievable developments). Now, in Johnny's defense, he was not for the most part a terrible character. But his crush on Marissa and Marissa's ongoing inability to do the commonsense things to protect her relationship with Ryan was part and parcel of the stupidity on the part of all the major characters that almost caused the show to unravel. But even with all these irritating characters, the show's producers weren't done. Taylor Townshend was not really a character but a cartoon of a character, someone determined to take over as the school's social leader with the departure of Marissa and as Seth's girlfriend. Now, I will concede that she did become less unlikable as the season went on, and I liked that the show tried to turn her from a bad to a good character. But throughout she remained intensely annoying. There were numerous other unpleasant characters, but the crown for the title of King of the annoying characters of the third season clearly belongs to Vollchek, Johnny's surfing competitor, petty thug, briefly Marissa's lover, and all around annoying guy. He is also the guy who causes Marissa's death. While he doesn't come up to the annoying level of Oliver, he is close.
As a result of this endless parade of unlikable characters and stupid behavior on the part of the main characters (except Summer, who seems to be the only character immune to occasional idiocy--her aside, there were numerous occasions when you wanted to smack all of the major characters aside the head and yell, "Will you get a grip!"), fan discontent grew and grew and ratings of the show fell precipitously. After the end of the season there were rumors that FOX was so displeased with the show that they considered canceling it. In the end, they agreed to bring it back for 16 episodes, starting it much later in the season's schedule and running it without repeats, with the possibility of adding additional episodes if the ratings recover and if it turns out that people watch the show with Marissa off the show. It may well turn out, however, that the terrible Season Three was the beginning of the end for THE OC.
My central complaint with the show--even more than the parade of awful guest characters--is that the show more and more abandoned what made the show fun in the first two seasons: the interplay between the central characters. I hated Oliver and Trey and Alex and Vollchek and Johnny et al. but loved Sandy standing up for his principles, the wonderful interplay between Summer and Seth, Ryan and Marissa's mutual attraction despite their backgrounds. Everything else I put up with so I could enjoy that part of the show. But more and more this all retreated to the background. To be honest, pretty much the only reason I continued watching the show throughout Season Three was to enjoy the improbable relationship between Summer and Seth. As unhappy as I was with Season 3, I will probably at least start off watching the show in Season 4 just to see how they are doing. But my interest in the show is at this point on life support.
No question that the single biggest development in the entire run of the show was the death of Marissa. As much as some fans want her to come back, she is definitely dead and definitely won't be back. Mischa Barton's departure from the show seems to be a mutual decision. As the show's highest profile character (she has appeared on numerous magazine covers the past three years), she has undoubtedly been contemplating leaving TV for the movies for some time, a move accelerated by her well-publicized financial obligations owing to a break up. Even if she and the producers wanted her back, she is already tied to several movies projects and unable to do so. There are many fans who watched the show just to see if Ryan and Marissa would get back together. For them her departure could be fatal to their interest in the show. But the fact is that almost all of the horrible characters I noted earlier were connected to the show via Marissa. Almost all of the worst things in the show were narratively tied to Marissa. So, there is a real chance that the show could develop in different and better directions. But I am fearful that the writers and producers will continue in the direction the show has gone, bringing in one awful character after another, having the main characters engage in self-defeating or self-destructive behavior. When I first started watching the show, it was largely because of elements it shared with a show like THE GILMORE GIRL (on which Adam Brody was a character). I was hoping for a comedy with dramatic subplots, but instead the show has descended more and more into melodrama with less and less comedy. But I'm hoping that in Season 4 they can shift the focus more onto Summer and Seth and thereby emphasize the comedic elements that made the show so much fun in the first two seasons. But, I'm prepared to be disappointed.

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Senior year. Prom. Graduation. College visits. Old friends. New problems. And plenty of Korean popstars. Ryan's savior complex becomes a recipe for disaster. Seth and Summer's relationship hits the rocks thanks to Seth's compulsion to edit the truth. As Kirsten attempts to put her life back together, Sandy assumes leadership of the Newport Group and finds himself the heir-apparent to Caleb Nichol's legacy of scandal. Marissa spirals out of control after little sis Kaitlin - a Julie Cooper in the making - returns home to stir the pot. And speaking of Julie Cooper, she's cast out of her Palace - into the slums of the OC.DVD Features:Music Video:Making of The Subways music videoFeaturette:What's In a Name?Featurette:From Script to Screen - The Party FavorGag ReelOther:Pass The Remote - Scene surfing Commentary.

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Life with Derek: The Complete First Season (2005) Review

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(More customer reviews)I watched this first last summer because my 13-year-old sister liked it. I immediatley was hooked on the show. I'm 21 and I thought it was great. It reminds me a lot of when I was in high school. The show to me is kind of like Lizzie McGuire meets the Brady Bunch. The cut-aways in the show are a lot like in Lizzie McGuire but the story of the family is a lot like Brady Bunch. I thought it'd be about Derek but it's more about Cassie's life (with Derek). It's for a little more mature children because of some of the things in the show. It's very funny and Ashley Leggat is really hot!

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Can two self-obsessed teenagers live under the same roof? Find out in the complete first season of the hit Disney Channel series "Life with Derek" Derek (Michael Seater) and Casey (Ashley Leggat) are typical teenagers who reluctantly become brother and sister when their parents marry. Derek - along with his brother Edwin and sister Marti - soon finds "interesting" ways to welcome Casey and her sister Lizzie into their new household, proving that life with Derek will never be dull! INCLUDES ALL 13 SEASON ONE EPISODES: 1. The Room 2. House of Games 3. The Fall 4. The Party 5. All Systems No Go 6. Marti the Monster 7. Puppy Dog Tails 8. Sweet Misery 9. Grade-Point: Average 10. Babe Raider 11. The Wedding 12. The Poxfather 13. Male Code Blue PLUS BONUS FEATURES: Interviews with the Cast Behind-the-Scenes Photo Shoot On Set Tours with Ashley Leggat and Michael Seater B-Roll Footage

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90210: The Complete First Season (2008) Review

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(More customer reviews)With the announcement that "90210', based on the popular hit 1990's drama series "Beverly Hills 90210' would be returning to television and feature stars from the past but also new stars for the present, the series definitely received a lot of hype and excitement. The series would be created by Darren Star ("Runaway", "Cashmere Mafia", "Beverly Hills90210', "Melrose Place" and "Sex and the City") and developed by Rob Thomas ("Dawson's Creek" and "Veronica Mars"), Jeff Judah ("Life as We Know It") and Gabe Sachs ("Freaks & Geeks", "Just Shoot Me" and "Undeclared") and began airing on the CW in 2008.
The series revolves around Harry Wilson moving his family from Kansas back to his home in Beverly Hills to live with his rich mother Tabitha and become principal of West Beverly Hills High School and his teenage children Annie and adopted son Dixon getting used to their new environment. Similar to the original series, there are a lot of twists and turns, but to best illustrate what the series is about is introducing the primary character of the series.
The Wilson Family
Harry Wilson (played by Rob Estes, "Women's Murder Club", "Providence" and "Suddenly Susan") - The father and husband. Also, the principal of West Beverly Hills High School. Used to be a wild person when he was younger and used to date Tracy Clark (the mother of Naomi) and both had a child which he never knew about.
Debbie Wilson (Lori Loughlin, "Full House", "In Case of Emergency" and "Summerland") - Loving mother and wife. A professional photographer who works at home and doesn't really get along with Harry's mother that well.
Annie Wilson (Shenae Grimes, "Degrassi: The Next Generation") - The daughter who is trying to fit in and high school. Enjoys the performing arts and dates the popular jock Ethan Ward who once was in long relationship with Naomi. A former friend of Annie and now rival.
Dixon Wilson (Tristan Wilds, "The Wire") - The adoptive son of the Wilson family. Athletic and because he is African-American and was raised by a Caucasian family, he often feels like an outsider but for the most part, his parents and family love him. He dates Annie's good friend Silver. Dixon works at the Peach Pit.
Tabitha Wilson (Jessica Walter, "Arrested Development", "Trapper, John, M.D.", "Play Misty For Me") - Mother of Harry and lives in a mansion in Beverly Hills. She loves to drink alcohol too much and often meddles into the parenting of Harry and Debbie, thus her relationship with her daughter-in-law is not the best. A former actress.
The Clark Family
Tracy Clark (Christina Moore, "Hawthorne", The Bad Girls Guide") - A rich wife who is currently in a bitter divorce and is the mother of Naomi. She used to date Harry when they were teenagers and were a big couple. With Harry back in town, she starts to have interest in him despite knowing he's married. She reveals to Harry that they have a child.
Naomi Clark (AnnaLynne McCord, "Nip/Tuck", "American Heiress") - The popular diva at West Beverly High School and dated the popular jock Ethan Ward. And is used to being treated special. Spoiled but also from a broken family which leads her to bad boys. She has a bitter rivalry with Annie.
The Taylor/Silver Family
Kelly Taylor (Jennie Garth, "Beverly Hills 90210', "What I Like About You") - The West Beverly Hills High School guidance counselor. Has a son with Dylan McKay and takes care of him and her sister Erin. With her recent split up with Dylan, she tries to have a relationship with teacher Ryan. And to further complicate things, her old high school friend Brenda Walsh is back. Kelly helps the teens at West Beverly Hills High School.
Erin Silver (Jessica Stroup, "Homecoming") - The anti-student who runs a blog at her high school making fun of the popular students (her former friends). Because of her mother's instability at home, she moves in with her older sister Kelly. She is Annie's best friend and dates her Annie's brother Dixon.
Other Main Characters
Ethan Ward (Dustin Milligan, "Runaway") - The high school jock and dated the most popular girl on campus Naomi. But he had a summer fling a long time ago with Annie Wilson and now that she's back, he ends up having a relationship with her. Despite his playboy ways, he gradually grows up as a person.
Adrianna Tate-Duncan (Jessica Lowndes, "The Haunting of Molley Hartley, "Greek") - The actress who's parents got into a bitter divorce and because her family doesn't make much money now, her mother pushes her to get acting or commercial roles to support them. The stress has forced her to become a drug addict and eventually pushing people away from her. Best friend of Naomi and eventually begins dating Navid.
Ryan Matthews (Ryan Eggold, "Dirt") - Ryan is a teacher at West Beverly High School. A teenager that everyone likes and is dating Kelly Taylor. Because he was messing around with an undercover officer (posing as a student at the high school), rumors ran rampant that he was having sexual relations with a student and damaged his reputation.
Navid Shirazi (Michael Steger, "The Cheetah Girls") - The media/tech expert and geek. Good friends with Dixon and eventually starts dating Adrianna and standing by her when no one else wanted to.
"90210 - THE FIRST SEASON" is featured on six DVD's. Here is a spoilerless summary of each episode:
DISC 1:
* EPISODE 1 & 2: WE'RE NOT IN KANSAS ANYMORE/THE JET SET - The Wilson family move to Beverly Hills and Annie and Dixon try to get used to their new surroundings and new school. And hoping to meet new friends.
* EPISODE 3: LUCKY STRIKE - Harry and Debbie have family bowling night and Annie and Dixon invite their new friends.
* EPISODE 4: THE BUBBLE - Kelly convinces Brenda Walsh to become the new theater director for West Beverly. Meanwhile Naomi confronts her father's mistress.
DISC 2:
* EPISODE 5: WIDE AWAKE AND DREAMING - Dixon and Silver grow closer, meanwhile Kelly and Ryan confront Adrianna in regards to her substance abuse.
* EPISODE 6: MODEL BEHAVIOR - Annie and Adrianna audition for an Indie film. Meanwhile Debbie is hired to photograph a fashion show.
* EPISODE 7: HOLLYWOOD FOREVER - Annie and Ethan are paired in class together to take care of a baby. Meanwhile, Naomi tries to help Adrianna with her drug problem.
* EPISODE 8: THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOMECOMING - Annie gets her driver's license and both she and Ethan go an unofficial date. Meanwhile, Debbie is noticing that Tracy is trying to get close to her husband.
DISC 3:
* EPISODE 9: SECRETS AND LIES - Silver has a house party and Harry explains to his children that he had a child with Naomi's mother a long time ago.
* EPISODE 10: GAMES PEOPLE PLAY - Teacher Ryan Matthews gets into big trouble. Naomi also discovers Annie and Ethan's secret.
* EPISODE 11: THAT WHICH WE DESTROY - Dixon has a hard time accepting his new half-brother.
* EPISODE 12: HELLO, GOODBYE, AMEN - Adrianna learns shocking news that will change her life forever.
DISC 4:
* EPISODE 13: LOVE ME OR LEAVE ME - Debbie has had enough of her mother-in-law Tabitha getting involved of the raising of their children.
* EPISODE 14: BYE ACCIDENT - Adrianna makes a major revelation to her current situation. Meanwhile, Ethan gets into an accident and becomes concerned for Rhonda (Aimee Teegarden, "Friday Night Lights"), the girl he hit.
* EPISODE 15: HELP ME, RHONDA - Dixon has a hard time accepting his new half-brother. Meanwhile, Annie becomes concerned when Ethan spends too much time with Rhonda.
* EPISODE 16: OF HEARTBREAKS AND HOTELS - Naomi becomes interested in a bartender. Meanwhile, it's Valentine's Day.
DISC 5:
* EPISODE 17: LIFE'S A DRAG - Silver's relationship Dixon becomes a bit too intense.
* EPISODE 18: OFF THE RAILS - Silver does something that upsets Dixon and sets off a turbulent day in the life of Erin Silver. Meanwhile, Annie and Ethan's relationship hits a wall.
* EPISODE 19: OKAERI, DONNA - Donna Martin (Tori Spelling, "Beverly Hills 90210', "Tori & Dean: Inn Love") returns back from Japan to visit Kelly and while the others volunteer for Habitat for Humanity. Dixon takes Annie with him to visit his real mother. Meanwhile, Harry has a problem with his wife's latest photoshoot - a nude male model.
* EPISODE 20: BETWEEN A SIGN AND A HARD PLACE - Harry and Debbie decide to sell their house in Kansas, while Naomi's trust in Annie starts to disappear. Meanwhile, Donna tells Kelly about what happened to her and David.
DISC 6:
* EPISODE 21: THE DIONYSIAN DEBACLE - Navid and Adrianna decide to tell their parents about their plans. Meanwhile, Naomi's sister Jen comes back to Beverly Hills.
* EPISODE 22: OFF THE RAILS - Silver does something that upsets Dixon and sets off a turbulent day in the life of Erin Silver. Meanwhile, Annie and Ethan's relationship hits a wall.
* EPISODE 23: ZERO TOLERANCE - It's prom night and a night of new beginnings for Naomi, Annie and also Adrianna. Meanwhile, Kelly is suspicious about Jen.
* EPISODE 24: ONE PARTY CAN RUIN YOUR WHOLE SUMMER - After prom night, things go crazy and definitely a night to remember.
VIDEO & AUDIO:
"90210 - THE FIRST SEASON" is presented in 16:9 and features audio in English 5.1 and stereo.
I have to say that picture quality for the DVD is pretty good. Many drama television shows tend to suffer from terrible...Read more›

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An edgy, contemporary spin-off of the iconic drama Beverly Hills, 90210, the new 90210 looks at life through the eyes of Annie Wilson and her brother Dixon, whose first day at West Beverly Hills High School leaves no doubt they\'re not in Kansas anymore.

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Naturally, Sadie (2005) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)When i got this dvd Naturally Sadie show some of the color quality was bad and the screen was a little messed up and really bad when i got it. the quality was so poor and the features sucked. this product was not very good and was made so bad. I wasted money and i think this seller grabs money from people and sells bad products along with a few other sellers. I like honest people who sell and who don't try to rip people off with money and sell bad products.

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2-disc set, producers picks of 13 episodes. Naturally, Sadie follows the adventures of inquisitive 13-year-old Sadie Hawthorne. Sadie is a junior high school student and an aspiring naturalist who loves to study and observe animals and their behavior in their natural environment. Her desire to study and observe is not limited to animals as she attempts to analyze human beings the same way. Sadie soon discovers that this is difficult because behaviorally, we are all unpredictable.

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Degrassi: The Next Generation - Season One (2002) Review

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(More customer reviews)Sadly, I must say that I'm probably considered an old guy to most of the reviewers of this "Degrassi: The Next Generation" boxed set. At twenty-eight years of age, I'm probably twice as old as most of these folks. But that doesn't matter because I really love this boxed set. I grew up watching the original Degrassi shows on PBS in Louisiana. Though the cast was roughly two years older than I was, I found myself relating to a lot of them. The new series allows me to catch up with some of my old favorites, as well as introduces me to a new crop of kids going through that great life-changing period we know as junior high and high school.
This new DVD set brings us the first season of the new series. Many of the kids are still pre-teens in this season. We are introduced to Emma, J.T., Toby, Manny, Ashley, Paige, etc. We're also introduced to some of their parents. One of the parents is very familiar to us old folks. Emma's mom is Ms. Nelson, or Spike, from the original show. She'll become quite close with Emma's media immersion teacher, Mr. Simpson. Once again, the old folks will probably, recognize Mr. Simpson as Snake from the old show. Another returning favorite is Joey Jeremiah. You'll remember him as the goofy kid that wore a fedorah. Many of the older castmembers show up for a class reunion at the end of episode two.
The new cast is fun to watch. It's funny how kids these days still deal with many of the same problems that other teenagers deal with. Everything from sex to drug abuse to first loves is dealt with. There are a few new trials and tribulations these days, however. One such temptation is internet romance, which gets Emma into a sticky situation. Another subject dealt with is Ashley having to come to terms with the fact that her father is gay. Though homosexuals have been around forever, I think that this is the first teen show that deals with this particular situation. Spinner is on behavior-controlling prescription drugs(ritelin, forgive the spelling). Jimmy uses those particular drugs to give him an "edge" at basketball. J.T. and Toby check out a little internet porn and, as usual, those blasted parents catch them. These are just a few of the "newer" problems that are addressed on the show.
Some of the problems that have hampered teens since the dawn of time are addressed as well. Toby crushes big-time over Emma, who is captivated by Sean. Sean, meanwhile, comes from a busted, alcoholic family. Paige manipulates her friends to get what she wants. Terry is overweight and thinks that no one will ever like her. Liberty fears failure in the classroom, etc., etc. What you get is a teenage soap-opera that deals with real issues.
Granted, some of the "problems" are hokey and 100% cheese, but this helps break the intensity of some of the dramatic moments. The acting isn't superb, but it wasn't with the original show, either. What you end up with is a program that teens and pre-teens can watch without feeling like they are being preached to or lectured. The characters are believable and they deal with their problems in the same way as any average kid would these days.
The DVD extras are fun. There is karaoke, where you get to sing the theme song. There's a casting call section where you get to see some of the youngsters try out for roles. A blooper reel is included, and some deleted scenes as well. One of the best deleted scenes for us oldsters is one which catches us up on a lot of the old characters from the original shows.
I recommend this boxed set to anyone who wants to relive the old days of their youth. More importantly, I recommend this set to teachers and parents who want to teach their kids without having to hammer a speech down their throats. Kids connect with the characters on this show, and that makes life a little bit easier to deal with once they realize that they aren't the "only one" who has to deal with any of their particular teenage problems.


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The Ultimate Box Set Has Arrived!Are you ready to experience Degrassi: The Next Generation like never before?Fans... hold on to your fedoras!Because the Next Generation of Degrassi has been born on DVD!This Degrassi: The Next Generation Ultimate Box Set includes: two DVDs that hold a whopping 450 minutes of episodic footage from the first season of the series, one bonus DVD boasting more than 100 extra features and exclusive Degrassi: TNG locker decor.It's a brave new world as the Next Generation of Degrassi confronts all new issues.But, this environment is much different than the one faced by generations before.It's filled with the Internet, body piercing, hip-hop and more opportunities for pitfalls than ever.Remember when meeting pen pals wasn't risky?These kids may be more media savvy than their parents, but they aren't necessarily more sophisticated.A whole new generation ventures through the trial and tribulations of adolescence, with a one-hour kick-off episode (featuring favorites from Degrassi's past) and a cliffhanger that you won't want to miss.Watch Emma and "next generation" classmates, Manny, Toby, J.T., Liberty, Sean , Ashley, Paige, Terri, Spinner and Jimmy as they encounterpressure, temptation and revel in the glory that comes with being young.Kick back and enjoy Degrassi: The Next Generation... The Ultimate Box Set.More than 100 Extra Features!Enjoy Degrassi: The Next Generation like never before with: 15 Director's Cut Episodes Degrassi Karaoke Degrassi Photo Album Character Descriptions Cast Biographies Deleted Scenes Oops and Bloopers Original Television Promos PLUS.... On the Casting Couch: Audition Tapes Unveiled AND... EXCLUSIVE Locker Décor!

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Skins, Vol. 3 (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)Excellent season, different from the previous 2, but pretty good. Great themes BUT do not get the BBC America because scenes are deleted and the music is completely different--you're better off watching it on youtube.

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Skins is back, and the critical darling now has a brand new cast! It\'s another year at Roundview College and it brings with it a new class of drug-fuelled, party-seeking, sexually inquisitive teenagers. The new queen bee is the beautiful and mysterious Effy. The charming but volatile Cook and his best mate Freddie have fallen under her spell, leaving their friend JJ caught in the middle as they fight for her attention. Identical twins Katie and Emily aren\'t as similar as they look – Katie wants to gain her individuality, and when Emily is abandoned by her, she finds a friend in the beautiful idealist Naomi. Kooky Pandora is the group\'s sweetheart, she finds love with Thomas; but is their relationship over before it has begun?
DVD Features:BEHIND THE SCENESFeaturetteInterviews

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Rad Girls (2008) Review

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(More customer reviews)I wasted enough time watching this DVD, so I don't want to waste any of your time by writing a long winded review, I'll make it short. This DVD is un-entertaining and unfunny. I am a fan of the Show as well, so I'm not too sure what happened with the DVD. Also, anyone looking for the uncensored experience that you can't get on TV (read: nudity), look elsewhere. What little bit there is on here, is censored.
PS: I think the other reviews must be planted.

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Welcome to the madness and mayhem of Rad Girls.Ramona, Munchie and Clementine prove that Jackass-style humor isn\'t just for the boys, by filming some of the most outrageous stunts and hidden-camera pranks ever seen.As seen on MavTV.

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Skins, Vol. 1 (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)I've been watching TV for as long as I can remember, and I've never seen a show quite like "Skins".
The program centers around a group of teenage friends living in England. They smoke, they drink, they do drugs, they party, they have sex. They do what teenagers around the world do (or more often, especially with the sex part, merely wish they were doing). Pretty standard fare for most teenage dramas, actually, except that since this is British TV, they don't censor everything; you actually get to see bits of the sex, hear lots of the swearing and see quite a bit of naked flesh.
Nothing like a bit of titilation.
But had the show been nothing but titilation, it wouldn't have kept my interest. From the very first episode, I found myself really drawn into the storylines, and coming to like most of the characters. I started to care about them and their lives.
Consider for example the character of Tony. He seems initially to be just a total wanker, but as the show goes you see that he actually has some layers to him, ones he doesn't know are there.
Or consider Anwar, a reasonably devout Muslim who finds himself torn between faith and friendship due to the fact that his best friend, Maxxie, is gay.
Or consider Cassie, an anorexic girl who is falling rapidly in love with Sid, who happens to be in love with Michelle, who happens to be Tony's girlfriend. Who Tony might be in love with the viewer is welcome to guess, though I'm inclined to suspect it's both Michelle and Sid...
Or consider Jal, the sweet young clarinet player. Or Chris, a wonderful young man with more teeth than brain cells. Or Michelle. Or Maxxie. Or Sid. Any of the characters, all the of characters, are fascinating.
The show isn't without its imperfections, of course. It's a bit exaggerated and unrealistic, but who cares? Most TV is. On the other hand, "Skins" is daring, entertaining, effed-up and wonderfully brilliant! What other show would've given such a "WTF?!" ending to the first series as this one did?
"Skins" isn't for everyone, but I loved it, and can't wait to own it on DVD!
*** UPDATE ***
So amazingly I got the DVDs today, the day before the street date. I won't tell if you won't tell. :) Because of this, I can answer all the questions we've been wondering. Well, most of them, anyhow. I don't know if the music was left intact from the broadcasts cause I never really paid attention.Anyhow, the DVDs are not the episodes as they were broadcast here in the USA. They are not censored for language or nudity, which is a plus for those of me who like to see these sorts of things as they were intended!
There is one thing that was completely cut out from the DVDs however. At the end of the last episode of series one, there was this very odd, very surreal moment where the cast, more or less in character, were singing Cat Stevens' song "Wild World". Due to copyright issues that entire scene is cut. You get the moments right before and right after, but the scene itself is gone. Happily that's what the YouTube is for and if you go there, you can see the last scene as it was meant to be.
Sadly there's no commentary on the DVDs, but you do get the video diaries and ancillary storylines the Brits got, so that's all good. Overall, a package well worth getting your hands on!

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Skins. A brand new British drama follows a group of raucous teenagers who get high, get drunk, get laid and get up for their A levels. They really grab life by the balls and give it a twirl. Tony (Nicholas Hoult, About a Boy) is the best looking boy in town. His sidekick Sid is less successful with the ladies, much less until bonkers anorexic case Cassie turns up. But Sid's in love with Michelle, the school fittie, who goes out with Tony, of course. Then there's sassy musician Jal, party animal Chris, Maxie and best mate Anwar, who manages to combine the pills, the thrills and the spills with his faith, well sort of.

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Hannah Montana - Pop Star Profile (2006) Review

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(More customer reviews)Hannah Montana is a cute show about a 14 year old girl living a double life. By day she is Miley Stewart, an average teen girl living an average life, but by night she's Hannah Montana, teen pop sensation. Miley usually likes to keep her second life on the down low but in this collection she is tempted to throw caution to the wind and reveal her secret to the world.
Jake Ryan, a famous TV actor, enrolls at Miley's school and unlike her he absorbs all the attention. Jake gets everything his heart desires while Miley starts to get shafted (her locker is even moved to the basement to make room for Jakes mega star locker). Miley gets really irritated with the way everyone drools over Jake when she is just as (and maybe even more) famous then he is. Later on, however, she starts to see another side of Jake Ryan and a little crush develops.
This collection contains four episodes all revolving around Miley and Jake's relationship:
The New Kid in School:
Jake Ryan enrolls at Miley's school. She gets irritated with the way he gets special treatment.
More Then a Zombie to Me:
Hannah Montana gets a role on Jake's TV show. Miley discovers that she really does like Jake.
Good Golly, Miss Molly:
Miley loses a video tape of her confessing her love for Jake. Somehow it ends up in his possession. She needs to get it back.
People Who Use People:
Miley and Jake 'date' other people to make each other jealous. Jake and Miley confess their feelings for each other and become a couple, for a few minutes anyway.
There are two bonus features:
The Real Miley Cyrus:
An exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the star of "Hannah Montana" and her real-life family including her superstar dad, Billy Ray Cyrus.
Nobody's Perfect:
A concert performance of one of Hannah's new songs, from the upcoming second season of the hit series
I love this show but these are no where near my favorite episodes. So I'm not sure whether or not I'll be picking up the collection myself but if these episodes appeal to you or yours by all means buy the DVD.

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You've got an all-access pass to the exciting life of a celebrity in HANNAH MONTANA: POP STAR PROFILE! Relive Hannah's drama when another big star comes on the scene and shakes things up. Plus, meet Miley Cyrus's real-life family and experience Hannah live in concert! There's a new kid in town, and he might just be more popular than Hannah Montana! Not only is Jake Ryan (Cody Linley) a hottie, he's also a famous actor and the star of his own TV series. While "Miley" tries to keep her superstar identity (and her secret crush) under wraps at school, "Hannah" winds up guest starring on his show -- with an on-screen kiss! As usual, her friends and family come to the rescue, but not before she makes her way through all sorts of hilarious adventures and learns not to judge people -- especially celebrity-type people -- by appearances alone. Y'all are gonna love being insiders in Hannah Montana's rockin' world!

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