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- 24 (dvd) Review By : Aisha Cristal
First airing in November 2001, 24 quickly established itself as one of the best television series around and solidified itself as a cult classic icon. Utilizing a novel premise, each season of 24 comprises a single day in lives of its characters, with each of the 24 episodes representing a one-hour time segment of that day. Kiefer Sutherland stars in the imminent role of Jack Bauer, a government agent periodically faced with enormous challenges within a single day. Each season is reminiscent of a fast-paced Hollywood action thriller, but it's only a busy day in the life of the heroic Bauer… - 24 (season 2) Dvd Review By : Aisha Cristal
Premiering in November 2001, 24 set the television landscape on fire as one of the best new series and cemented its position as a pop culture phenomenon. Making use of an extremely original plot device, each season follows the exploits of a single day in life of hero Jack Bauer, each of the season’s 24 episodes chronicling an hour-long action segment from the day. Kiefer Sutherland plays the part of Jack Bauer, a daring government agent with awesome responsibilities. Each year’s episodes are similar to an action-packed Hollywood blockbuser, but they’re only a glimpse into a normal day in the life of Jack Bauer… - 24 (season 3) Dvd Review By : Aisha Cristal
Originally aired in late Fall of 2001, 24 immediately built a cult following of dedicated fans and critics, establishing itself as one of the best new television series of the decade. Founding on the interesting premise that each episode should account for one hour in a day, the show follows the exploits of a James Bond-like government agent named Jack Bauer. Kiefer Sutherland stars in the role of Bauer who often grapples with personal problems as well as world-altering crises. At first glance, 24 could easily be confused with a blockbuster Hollywood action thriller, but it’s so much more… - A Christmas Story (dvd) Review By : Britt Gillette
Adapted from humorist Jean Shepherd's hilarious memoir In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash, A Christmas Story has climbed the ranks of the annual holiday classic films list to claim its spot among the hallowed elite of the genre. If you’ve ever tried to lick a frozen telephone pole, or found yourself in a ridiculous bunny outfit on Christmas morning, then A Christmas Story is one comedy you won’t want to miss… - Airplane (dvd) Review By : Britt Gillette
Winner of an astounding, yet not unprecedented zero Academy Awards, Airplane is arguably one of the funniest movies ever made. Long before The Naked Gun, Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, and Jerry Zucker teamed up to write this outrageous comedy hit which spoofs the airline disaster movies prevalent throughout the 1970’s. Starring a diverse cast with a wide range of experience from Hollywood, Broadway, and the NBA, Airplane follows the exploits of a number of characters such as Ted Striker (Robert Hays), Roger Murdock (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar), and Otto The Inflatable Pilot (as himself), all of whom will keep you laughing in the aisles for one hour plus. - aishacristalwritername@gmail.com By : Aisha Cristal
Recipient of ten Academy Award nominations and winner of seven, including Best Picture, The Sting is widely lauded as one of the best films ever produced. Written by David S. Ward, whose unorthodox genius has produced such Hollywood hits as Major League (1989), King Ralph (1991), and Sleepless In Seattle (1993), The Sting boasts a superbly well-written screenplay, ripe with perfectly constructed dialogue and a plotline riddled with suspense. Directed by George Roy Hill, who previously teamed with Paul Newman and Robert Redford to produce Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid (1969), it paints a colorful picture of 1930s Chicago. Complete with gangsters, card games, illegal gambling, sex, and murder, what else could a movie lover wish for? - Aladdin (dvd) Review By : Aisha Cristal
Anxious to follow up on the massive commercial and critical success of Beauty And The Beast, Disney created another animated masterpiece with Aladdin. Although not nearly as successful in terms of critical acclaim as the aforementioned film, or later Disney creations such as The Lion King and Finding Nemo, Aladdin is nevertheless just as entertaining and probably the funniest of all the animated Disney features. With the voice of Robin Williams leading the way, the film is a non-stop foray into the timeless fantasy world of A Thousand And One Arabian Nights spliced together with the rapier-like wit and quick-fire humor of one of America’s most talented comic performers… - Alias (dvd) Review By : Aisha Cristal
Premiering in September 2001, Alias has built a steady and loyal following among television viewers. The show combines the fast pace action sequences of 24 with the conspiracy theory backdrop of the X-Files. It also doesn't hurt that the show centers itself around a character that's a beautiful and mysterious woman. But the true strength of Alias, as with most successful TV shows, is its unique and creative writers who manage to always keep their audience on edge… - Alias (season 2) Dvd Review By : Aisha Cristal
Making its debut in September 2001, Alias immediately struck a chord among interested television viewers. The series combines the conspiracy and intrigue of The X-Files with the action and adventure of a Hollywood blockbuster. It also helps that the central character of the show is a mysterious and beautiful woman played by Jennifer Garner. But it's the unique plots and creative dialogue of writers which makes Alias one of the highest rated shows of its era... - Alias (season 3) Dvd Review By : Aisha Cristal
One of the highest rated shows of its era, Alias maintains a loyal cult following swept away by its intriguing suspense and action-packed drama. Jennifer Garner stars in the lead role of Sydney Anne Bristow, a beautiful and cerebral recruit tasked to work for a secret government entity, the SD-6 agency. But problems confront her when she eventually realizes that SD-6 is not the government agency she thinks. Reunited with her estranged father Jack (Victor Garber), she blossoms into a top tier double agent in an attempt to counter SD-6... Recipient of numerous industry awards and award nominations, Alias continues to grow its fanbase via strong writing, interesting characters, and a suspense-riddled plotline... - All In The Family (dvd) Review By : Aisha Cristal
The #1 Nielsen rated program from 1971 to 1976, All In The Family is quite simply one of the greatest television programs in history. Inspired by The Honeymooners and The Flintstones, All In The Family features its own loud-mouthed, opinionated blowhard sporting a hidden soft and sensitive side. Like Ralph Kramden and Fred Flintstone, Archie Bunker fulfills his role to absolute perfection, and the result is TV magic. Well-written and outright hilarious, All In The Family broke ground in the 70's with its willingness to tackle all the social issues and societal taboos of its day. Topics included racism, bigotry, sexism, homosexuality, death, and other namby-pam, socialist and liberal-feminist ideals (or at least that's how Archie would put it!) A titan among television sitcoms, All In The Family spawned a pair of shows which topped the ratings in their own right - Maude and The Jeffersons… - All In The Family (season 2) Dvd Review By : Britt Gillette
The top Nielsen-rated television program from 1971 to 1976, All In The Family is widely regarded as one of the greatest TV sitcoms ever produced. Inspired by The Flintstones and The Honeymooners, All In The Family focused on the weekly antics of its own loud-mouth, politically-incorrect Fred Flintstone/Ralph Kramden clone, and like his predecessors, Archie Bunker has a hidden sensitive side. Ingeniously written and downright hilarious, All In The Family established new ground for TV sitcoms with its willingness to take on the taboo social issues of its day. Topics covers included bigotry, racism, homosexuality, sexism, death, and other namby-pam, commie-lib feminist ideals (at least that's how Archie would say it!) A true mammoth in the history of TV, All In The Family also led to a pair of highly successful spin-offs: Maude and The Jeffersons… - All In The Family (season 3) Dvd Review By : Britt Gillette
One of the more celebrated situation comedies of all-time, All In The Family dominated the Nielsen ratings throughout much of the 1970s. Carroll O'Connor plays the title role of Archie Bunker, the politically-incorrect head of the Bunker household. Loud and opinionated, Archie liberally dispenses his often bigoted remarks and ignorant comments from a recliner in his Queens, New York living room. Living with Archie are his loving, yet airheaded wife Edith (Jean Stapelton), progressive daughter Gloria (Sally Struthers), and ultra-liberal son-in-law Mike (Rob Reiner) who Archie regularly calls "Meathead". As Archie's ingrained assumptions clash with Gloria and Mike's modern ideas, arguments break out everywhere in the Bunker household, but the inevitably the various family members come to love and respect each other for who they are… - All In The Family (season 4) Dvd Review By : Britt Gillette
Recipient of widespread critical acclaim and much audience adulation, All In The Family remained the top rated TV program throughout the early 1970s. Following the life of the loudmouth and often crass Archie Bunker (Carrol O'Connor), the show centered around Archie's constant conflict with his daughter and son-in-law and their very liberal belief system. Archie also periodically clashed with his wife Edith, an often subserviant and ditzy traditional housewife. Tackling some of the more taboo issues of its time such as sexism, racism, bigotry, xenophobia, and death, All In The Family was a truly groundbreaking industry production... - Angel (dvd) Review By : Aisha Cristal
Nominated for 25 Saturn Awards and one Emmy for Outstanding Makeup for a Series, Angel has established a strong cult following during its five-year run on the WB network. A spin-off of the enormously popular series Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Angel has followed in the footsteps of its predecessor and boasts many of the same heroes and villains. Created by Joss Whedon, the show is one of a number of successful original series aired by WB including Buffy, Smallville, Dawson's Creek, and Gilmore Girls among others… - Animal House Review By : Britt Gillette
Arriving on the scene in 1978, Animal House is the blockbuster frat house comedy that rewrote all the rules and created a generation of filmmakers hoping to replicate its comic genius. Original Saturday Night Live cast member John Belushi turned in a breakout film performance that made him a comedy rock star, propelling him to further fame with the release of Blues Brothers (1980). Tim Matheson also has his breakout role in the cult classic which features appearances by actors Mark Metcalf ("the Maestro" from Seinfeld), Donald Sutherland, and Kevin Bacon. - Babylon 5 (dvd) Review By : Aisha Cristal
Nominated for 6 Emmys and 3 Hugo Awards in its five-season run, Babylon 5 changed the landscape of the TV science fiction series genre. Following on the heels of hit series such as Star Trek and Star Trek: The Next Generation, Babylon 5 is unrivaled by any of its peers in its application of special effects. The brainchild of J. Michael Straczynski (writer for such shows as Murder She Wrote and Walker, Texas Ranger), the hour-long sci-fi drama series breaks new ground by deploying a five-season storyline that follows the outline of a traditional novel. As such, Babylon 5 is more like a mini-series that lasts five years instead of the usual three to five nights. And also unlike its predecessors, the series showcases original advanced technologies, believable alien characters (who speak alien and not English), and boasts of superb costume and makeup. Premiering in mid-season 1994, Babylon 5 established a solid audience and continues to inspire new generations of fans via syndicated reruns on cable… - Bambi (dvd) Review By : Aisha Cristal
Nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Music - Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture, Bambi is a true animated classic of the silver screen. Long before the public's introduction to Aladdin, The Lion King, or Finding Nemo, Walt Disney single-handedly conjured the full-length animated feature film out of nothing and into an enduring, well-respected genre - creating one family classic after another, starting with Snow White (1937) then Pinocchio (1940), Fantasia (1940), and Dumbo (1941) before creating this gem in 1942. Directed by David Hand, a longtime Disney animator and supervising director of Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs, Bambi is a masterpiece of color, motion, and the beauty of life. Its relative simplicity harkens to a time long past when such movies focused on symbolism, emotional breadth, and challenging the boundaries of artistic creativity, instead of catering to a perceived audience demographic. The result is a truly remarkable and memorable family experience… - Beauty And The Beast (dvd) Review By : Aisha Cristal
Nominated for six Academy Awards including Best Picture, Beauty And The Beast is one of Disney's greatest animated achievements. Its massive success reinvigorated the Disney animation juggernaut which had been dormant for decades, launching the release of smashing blockbusters such as Aladdin, The Lion King, and Finding Nemo. Taking home two Oscars for Best Music (Original Score and Original Song), the film launched a trend in Disney animation by blending musical numbers (with cartoon choreography), an aspect that would become a staple of film after film for the remainder of the decade. In short, Beauty And The Beast is a landmark production just as remarkable today as when it was first released… - Blue Collar Comedy Tour (dvd) Review By : Aisha Cristal
Among all the comedies available today, the Blue Collar Comedy Tour ranks number one in the "must see" category. Few comedians can find an audience among a broad range of demographic groups, and with varying tastes among individuals, it's quite difficult to find universally entertaining people. But Blue Collar Comedy Tour showcases four stand-up comics of such ability. The stand-up routines are filmed in Phoenix with intermittent features on the exploits of each of the men as they travel the country on their popular comedy tour. Opening up with all four men fishing in a lake, amazingly even the conversations between these men are hilarious and entertaining. What then could we expect when they take the stage? Only the best of modern redneck, working man comedy… - Braveheart (dvd) Review By : Aisha Cristal
Long before The Passion of the Christ, Mel Gibson directed another cinematic masterpiece, Braveheart. Filmed against the backdrop of majestic mountains and rolling meadows, it tells the historically-based (yet not entirely accurate) story of William Wallace, a common man’s warrior who led the Scottish people in rebellion against King Edward I, also known as “Longshanks”. Written by Randall Wallace, an American tourist fascinated with a Scottish statue of his namesake, the script collected dust in Hollywood for over a decade before Gibson made the brilliant decision to put it on the big screen. Just like The Passion, it’s a decision he would not regret… - Buffy The Vampire Slayer (dvd) Review By : Aisha Cristal
The brainchild of writer Joss Whedon, Buffy The Vampire Slayer originally entered American pop culture as a full-length feature film, starring Kristy Swanson, in 1992. But creator Whedon felt that the project never quite did justice to the full scope of his vision, so he managed turn the film into a television series in 1997. The result of Whedon's increased artistic freedom is a series that has enjoyed both critical acclaim and audience notoriety. Nominated for 14 Emmy's during its seven year run, the show managed to win only two (both in 1998 for Outstanding Makeup and Outstanding Music Composition in a television series). Yet, the true success for Buffy The Vampire Slayer is indicated by the massive success of the show's long run, strong DVD sales, and the overwhelming success of the series spin-off Angel… - Casablanca (dvd) Review By : Britt Gillette
One of the greatest, and certainly one of the most quoted, films in cinema history, Casablanca contains all the essential elements of a Hollywood blockbuster: adventure, romance, intrigue, suspense, and of course, evil Nazi bad guys (if you doubt this last one as an essential element, then reference the success of the Indiana Jones films). With a director (Michael Curtiz) and cast second to none, Casablanca makes a strong case for consideration as the best movie ever made. And although I loath clichés, it is true that they just don’t make ‘em like this one anymore… - Charlie's Angels (dvd) Review By : Aisha Cristal
Long before Magnum, PI put Tom Selleck on the map, Charlie's Angels owned the world of TV private eyes. Nominated for 4 Emmys and 7 Golden Globes, including 2 for Best TV Series - Drama, Charlie's Angels was a truly rare overnight sensation. The forerunner to modern day shows such as La Femme Nikita and Alias, creators Ivan Goff and Ben Roberts capped off long careers as showbiz writers by penning the unforgettable story of three sexy and vivacious private investigators. Executive producer Aaron Spelling (linked to innumerable hit shows such as Beverly Hills 90210, The Love Boat, Melrose Place, Dynasty, 7th Heaven, and Charmed among others) played a prominent role in the pop culture explosion of this series which witnessed the immediate mass marketing of Charlie's Angels trading cards, posters, lunchboxes, and endless other memorabilia - including a full-length feature film of the same name two decades later (2000). Through the duration of the series (five seasons), the cast changed continuously as Charlie's angels became media stars in their own right and left to pursue various opportunities in modeling, film, and TV… - Cheers (dvd) Review By : Aisha Cristal
One of the greatest television comedies in history, Cheers is an absolute must see for anyone who's ever had a regular hangout "where everybody knows your name". The shows centers itself around a friendly neighborhood Boston bar named Cheers. The bar is owned by former Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Sam Malone (Ted Danson). Sam has two employees – bartender Ernie “Coach” Pantusso (Nicholas Colasanto) and waitress Carla Tortelli (Rhea Perlman). Things are great for Sam until he hires a jilted graduate student named Diane Chambers (Shelley Long) to waitress in the bar. Regular barflies Norm Peterson (George Wendt) and Cliff Clavin (John Ratzenberger) round out a strong supporting cast… - Cheers (season 2) Dvd Review By : Britt Gillette
One of the top-rated sitcoms of the 1980s, Cheers founded the "must see" hours of NBC's prime time lineup. Following the exploits of a group of bar employees and their customers, Cheers became a regular hangout not just for guys like Norm Peterson and Cliff Clavin, but for all of America as well. Bartender and Cheers owner Sam Malone is a retired pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, while he's joined by employees Ernie "Coach" Pantusso, Carla Tortelli, and Diane Chambers. A number of recurring characters seated around the bar appear in each episode. Almost every episode takes place entirely in the bar... - Cheers (season 3) Dvd Review By : Britt Gillette
One of the most beloved TV sitcoms in American history, Cheers is the perfect show for anyone who's ever frequented a place "where everybody knows your name". The series follows the lives of the workers and patrons who inhabit a friendly neighborhood Boston bar named Cheers. Cheers is operated by a retired Boston Red Sox relief pitcher named Sam Malone (Ted Danson). Sam has three people on his staff: Ernie "Coach" Pantusso (Nicholas Colasanto), Carla Tortelli (Rhea Pearlman), and Diane Chambers (Shelley Long). Regulars Norm Peterson (George Wendt) and Cliff Clavin (John Ratzenberger) round out a strong supporting cast of eccentric characters. Most notably, season three provides viewers with their first glimpse of Dr. Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammar), a psychiatrist who would later have his own series, Frasier... - Cheers (season 4) Dvd Review By : Britt Gillette
One of the most popular television sitcoms ever, Cheers is the perfect series for anyone who's ever been to a regular getaway "where everyone knows your name". The show revolves around a friendly neighborhood Boston bar on Beacon Street named Cheers. Owned by former Red Sox relief pitcher Sam Malone (Ted Danson), the bar is frequented by a host of regular customers and has three employees: bartender Woody Boyd (Woody Harrelson), waitress Carla Tortelli (Rhea Pearlman), and Diane Chambers (Shelley Long). Celebrated psychiatrist Dr. Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammar) is a common fixture at the bar (and later stars in his own award-winning series, Frasier). Barflies Cliff Clavin (John Ratzenberger) Norm Peterson (George Wendt) finish off a strong supporting cast of zany characters. - Cheers (season 5) Dvd Review By : Britt Gillette
One of the funniest TV comedies ever produced, Cheers is essential viewing for anyone who's ever frequented a hangout "where everyone knows your name". The shows focuses on a friendly neighborhood Boston bar named Cheers (the Bull & Finch Pub in real life). Owned by former Boston Red Sox reliefer Sam Malone (Ted Danson), Cheers has three employees other than Sam: Woody Boyd (Woody Harrelson), Carla Tortelli (Rhea Pearlman), and Diane Chambers (Shelley Long). Celebrated psychiatrist Dr. Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammar) and his wife Dr. Lilith Sternin Crane (Bebe Neuwirth) are regular customers of the bar (with Dr. Crane later playing the lead role in his own series, Frasier). Norm Peterson (George Wendt) and Cliff Clavin (John Ratzenberger), regular barflies, round out an excellent supporting cast of characters. - Christmas With The Kranks (dvd) Review By : Aisha Cristal
Based on the best-selling John Grisham novel titled Skipping Christmas, Christmas With The Kranks resembles the book in almost every facet save for the title. Starring Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis, Christmas With The Kranks is an instant Christmas holiday classic. Although not in the same league of Yule tide comedy gems Christmas Vacation and A Christmas Story, this film ranks high on my list of holiday laughers. The supporting cast (led by perpetual funnyman Dan Aykroyd) turns in a superb performance, making Christmas With The Kranks an easy film to relate to and one you'll want to see many times in the years to come… - Coach (dvd) Review By : Britt Gillette
Nominated for 16 Emmys and 4 Golden Globes, Coach delighted fans of all ages during its celebrated nine-season run. One of the most underrated sitcoms of its era, the series covers the exploits of fictional Minnesota State Screaming Eagles college football coach Hayden Fox (Craig T. Nelson), the quintessential male chauvinist pig. But unlike many of his politically-incorrect brethren, Hayden has a heart of gold. It’s this softer side that appeals to successful anchorwoman and girlfriend Christine Armstrong (Shelley Fabares). In the locker room, Hayden is joined by assistant coaches Luther Van Dam (Jerry Van Dyke) and Dauber Dybinski (Bill Fagerbakke), the perfect compliments to the coach’s oftentimes sketchy logic. Between his estranged daughter Kelly (Clare Carey), her less-than-manly boyfriend Stuart (Kris Kamm), nagging athletic director Howard Burleigh (Kenneth Kimmins), and ladies basketball coach Judy Watkins (Pam Stone), Hayden is always dispensing sarcasm, trading barbs, or being aggravated by someone. - Crash (dvd) Review By : Britt Gillette
Nominated for six Academy Awards, and winner of Best Picture, Crash is more than deserving of the critical acclaim surrounding its release. Probing the deepest recesses of racism, prejudice, and discrimination in modern day America, the film forces viewers to examine their own tendencies to create and foster stereotypes. More importantly, it does so in a way that doesn’t accuse, blame, or pursue a political agenda. In fact, Crash even touches on the shortcomings of political correctness and how some people have allowed outside perceptions to affect personal judgment, often to their own detriment. Written and directed by Paul Haggis, author of the Million Dollar Baby screenplay, Crash is a thoughtful piece of social commentary wrapped in a storyline ripe with conflict and suspense. - Csi (dvd) Review By : Aisha Cristal
Nominated for 20 Emmys and 6 Golden Globes, including Best TV Series - Drama, CSI (Crime Scene Investigation) quickly rose to become the number one show on television following its Fall 2000 premiere. The brainchild of creator Anthony Zuiker, the show follows the investigations not of traditional TV detectives working the streets, but forensic scientists who unravel complicated crime mysteries in their ultra-modern laboratory. Either the #1 or the #2 Nielsen rated show since the start of its second season, CSI has helped CBS to reemerge as the #1 network television station, spawning (similar to predecessor Law & Order) two series spin-offs CSI: Miami and CSI: New York. Each exciting hour-long episode begins with the theme song "Who Are You" by The Who, a song more than befitting of a show where criminals are aggressively tracked down, sometimes years after committing their crimes… - Csi (season 2) Dvd Review By : Aisha Cristal
Recipient of 20 Emmy and 6 Golden Globe nominations, including Best Television Series: Drama, CSI (Crime Scene Investigation) ascended to the number one spot as the highest rated series on television in the Fall of 2000. Created by Anthony Zuiker, the show travels into the backrooms of the criminal investigation process where forensic scientists unravel complex crimes using modern lab technologies. Since it first premiered, CSI has enabled CBS to emerge as the top-rated network for the first time in years, surpassing NBC, ABC, and Fox, and spawning two additional series CSI: New York and CSI: Miami. Each fascinating hour-long episode jumps off with the memorable theme song “Who Are You,” a song that adequately expresses the theme of a series where criminals are often tracked down years after the initial commission of their crime… - Csi (season 3) Dvd Review By : Aisha Cristal
CSI follows the lives of several employees working the nightshift of the Las Vegas Police Department’s Crime Scene Investigation unit led by the quirky and methodic Gil Grissom (William Petersen), a dedicated workaholic. The crime lab team is composed of numerous technicians from different backgrounds – single mother Catherine Willows (Marg Helgenberger) specializes in blood analysis, while the highly ambitious Nick Stokes (George Eads) tackles fiber and hair analysis. Warrick Brown (Gary Dourdan), a recovering gambling addict, focuses on audio/visual analysis, while the charismatic Sara Sidle (Jorja Fox) handles in element and materials analysis. Throw in a hardened homicide captain named Jim Brass (Paul Guifoyle), and a handful of other headstrong colleagues, and CSI has all the ingredients necessary for a top-rated program that thrives on drama, suspense, and tension… - Csi (season 4) Dvd Review By : Aisha Cristal
Ripped from the imagination of writer Anthony Zuiker, CSI follows the life of Gil Grissom (William Petersen), a quirky and oftentimes obsessive workaholic who heads up the nightshift unit of the Las Vegas Police Department’s Crime Scene Investigation department. Nominated for 6 Golden Globes and 20 Emmys, the series has been either #1 or the #2 Nielsen rated show since the start of its second season in Fall of 2001. With an unorthodox approach the TV police drama (emphasis is placed on lab work rather than actual “street” police work), CSI was a novel concept when it first premiered. With transient characters from every walk of life, the exotic Las Vegas setting, and a steady level of crime, CSI has all the necessary elements required for a blockbuster TV show… - Curb Your Enthusiasm (dvd) Review By : Aisha Cristal
Nominated for 20 Emmys and winner of a Golden Globe for Best Television Series (Musical or Comedy), Curb Your Enthusiasm is one of the more clever and hilarious shows on TV. The HBO original series is the brainchild of Seinfeld co-creator and writer Larry David, whose life maintains a peculiar resemblance to the quasi-fictional George Costanza. And just like George Costanza and his neurotically-low self-esteem (i.e. "God doesn't want me to be successful), Curb Your Enthusiasm propagates a Murphy's Law theme of "what can go wrong will go wrong". It's a true-to-life reality show about nothing in which every episode is certain to cause comedy connoisseurs everywhere to tremble in enthusiastic anticipation… - Curb Your Enthusiasm (season 2) Dvd Review By : Britt Gillette
Recipient of more than twenty Emmy nominations and winner of a Golden Glober for Best TV Series, Curb Your Enthusiasm is one of the more refreshing and original comedy series in recent years. Created by Seinfeld co-creator Larry David, the HBO original series harbors many of the same dominant themes as its successful predecessor. Following the real life world of Larry David as he socializes with the Hollywood elite, the show is more akin to Costanza and what the Seinfeld show would be like if it were to be applied to the daily life of Jerry's best friend George. Utterly hilarious, the show is one of the best original cable series productions on air today, alongside The Sopranos, Monk, and The Shield. - Curb Your Enthusiasm (season 3) Dvd Review By : Britt Gillette
Winner of a Golden Globe for Best TV Series (Comedy or Musical), and nominated for 20 Emmys, Curb Your Enthusiasm is among the more funny and best-written shows on television. Yet another popular HBO original series, the show is the product of Seinfeld writer and co-creator Larry David. Amazingly, Larry's life maintains a stunning resemblance to the somewhat fictional George Costanza. And just as George's life is dominated by low self-esteem and self-worth, Curb Your Enthusiasm harbors a similiar theme of what can go wrong, will go wrong. In a sense, it combines the clever "show about nothing" Seinfeld concept with today's penchant for reality TV... - Curb Your Enthusiasm (season 4) Dvd Review By : Britt Gillette
Winner of countless awards for excellence in television programming, Curb Your Enthusiasm focuses on the real life experiences of Larry David, post-Seinfeld and living a life of fame and fortune in sunny Los Angeles. Much like Seinfeld, the series doesn't revolve entirely around a plot, choosing instead to follow the daily routine of a noted Hollywood insider. But just like his alter-ego George Constanza, Larry David often watches in vein as seemingly irrelevant actions on his part snowball into a string of embarrassing situations and misunderstandings. Larry is joined on the show by his wife Cheryl (Cheryl Hines) and manager Jeff Greene (Jeff Garlin) as well as a number of famous celebrities who indulge in recurring guest appearances. Smearing the lines between reality and fiction, the series is a perfect follow up to groundbreaking show Seinfeld... - Dallas (dvd) Review By : Aisha Cristal
Nominated for 18 Emmys and 15 Golden Globes in its thirteen season run, Dallas is the epitome of the prime-time drama/soap opera genre. Premiering in 1978 as a five part mini-series, the show combines the usual sex and innuendo of classic afternoon soap operas with the freewheeling adventure of Texas wildcats and filthy rich capitalist oil barons. The combination of business dealings and rampant affairs tested well with both the male and female demographic, prompting CBS to make Dallas a regular part of its prime-time lineup. The result was one of the most successful television shows in history. In fact, the so-called ‘Who shot J.R.?” episode (“A House Divided” Air Date: 3-21-1980) still reigns as the second most watched TV show in history (the season finale of MASH is #1). With one of most memorable characters ever created (the man everyone loves to hate), it’s no surprise that Dallas held the #1 or #2 spot in the Nielsen ratings for most of the 1980s… - Dallas (season 3) Dvd Review By : Britt Gillette
The critically acclaimed recipient of 15 Golden Globes and 18 Emmys during its long prime time run, Dallas is the quintessential prime-time dramatic series. Premiering in the Spring of 1978 as a five-part mini-series, Dallas blossomed into a regular series and held one of the top two spots in the Nielsen ratings for most of the 1980s decade… - Dallas (season 4) Dvd Review By : Britt Gillette
Nominated for 15 Golden Globes and 18 Emmys in its 13-season run, Dallas is one of the most memorable prime time dramatic series in television history. Initially airing in Spring 1978 as a mini-series, the show had all the elements necessary for a blockbuster soap opera: sex, suspense, wealth, opulence, fast cars, big houses, and of course, great villians. Probably the most famous villian of the era was J.R. Ewing, but it's difficult to call him the villian when most viewers simultaneously rooted him on. With elaborate business dealings and family feuds abundant, Dallas spend most of the 1980s as either the number one or number two rated show on TV... - Dallas (season 5) Dvd Review By : Britt Gillette
Nominated for 18 Emmys and 15 Golden Globes in its thirteen season run, Dallas is the 1,000-pound gorilla of the prime-time drama/soap opera genre. Premiering in 1978 as a five-part miniseries, the show combines the classic sex and innuendo of boilerplate afternoon soap operas with the freewheeling adventure of Texas wildcats and filthy rich capitalist oil barons. The explosive combination of rampant love affairs and high stakes business dealings scored well with both men and women, prompting CBS to make Dallas the lynchpin of its Friday night lineup (back when people actually watched Friday night television). As a result, Dallas became one of the most successful TV series in history. In fact, the famous ‘Who shot J.R.?” episode (“A House Divided” Air Date: 3-21-1980) still holds its spot as the second most watched television show ever (the season finale of MASH is #1). With arguably the most memorable TV villian ever created, it’s little surprise that Dallas held the #1 or #2 spot in the Nielsen ratings for most of the 1980s decade. - Dawson's Creek (dvd) Review By : Aisha Cristal
Nominated for 12 Teen Choice Awards in its five-year (six season) run, including Best Drama Series, Dawson's Creek quickly built an extensive cult following. A surprise smash hit for the enterprising WB network, the show initiated a successful string of numerous original series for WB such as Angel (1999), Gilmore Girls (2000), and Smallville (2001). Set in the fictional township of Capeside, Massachusetts, the series was nonetheless filmed almost entirely on location in Wilmington, North Carolina (although the opening theme song, "I Don't Want To Wait," is written and performed by Massachusetts native Paula Cole). Creator Kevin Williamson (writer for the blockbuster movie Scream) is said to have modeled the characters on Dawson's Creek after various aspects of his own self from his adolescent years… - Dawson's Creek (season 2) Dvd Review By : Aisha Cristal
Dawson's Creek revolves around the lives of a handful of teenagers as they struggle through the awkward and volatile years of adolescence. Dawson Leery (James Van Der Beek) is the show's main character, an introspective and optimistic dreamer who lives around the corner from his lifelong best friend Josephine "Joey" Potter (Katie Holmes). Joey is a tomboy still unaware of how beautifully she has developed into adulthood. The two are friends with Pacey Witter (Joshua Jackson), Jennifer "Jen" Lindley (Michelle Williams), Andrea "Andie" McPhee (Meredith Monroe), and Jack McPhee (Kerr Smith). Together, this clique forms the basis of a soap opera catered to the teenage audience, complete with high drama, suspense, ever-changing relationships, and comic relief. Known for its oftentimes intelligent subject matter, clever dialogue, and lack of fear in terms of tackling of controversial issues, Dawson's Creek is one of the most successful shows in WB history… - Dawson's Creek (season 3) Dvd Review By : Aisha Cristal
Recipient of 12 Teen Choice Awards in its successful six-year network run, Dawson's Creek established a loyal cult following due to its knack for developing intelligent and probing plotlines, interesting dialogue, and subject matter relevant to the critical issues of the day. The show follows the world of several high school students as they grapple with the toughest years of growing up. Title character Dawson Leery (James Van Der Beek) is a thoughtful and comtemplative idealist whose next door neighbor Josephine "Joey" Potter (Katie Holmes) is his lifelong best friend. A tomboy still unaware of her true beauty, Joey and Dawson have a number of friends including Pacey Witter (Joshua Jackson), Jennifer "Jen" Lindley (Michelle Williams), Andrea "Andie" McPhee (Meredith Monroe), and Jack McPhee (Kerr Smith). As a whole, the high school friends form the foundation of a teenage primetime drama with all the attributes reminiscent of Dallas or Dynasty. It's a recipe for certain success… - Dawson's Creek (season 4) Dvd Review By : Aisha Cristal
A smashing success for the ever-surprising WB network, Dawson's Creek is just one of a number of original hit series cranked out by WB executives in the past several years. Joining shows like Angel (1999), Gilmore Girls (2000), and Smallville (2001), Dawson's Creek is the brainchild of writer Kevin Williamson who, it is said, modeled the show's characters to reflect his own childhood relationships. Set in the non-existent town of Capeside, Massachusetts, the series follows the lives of teenagers Dawson Leery (James Van Der Beek), Josephine "Joey" Potter (Katie Holmes), Pacey Witter (Joshua Jackson), Jennifer "Jen" Lindley (Michelle Williams), Andrea "Andie" McPhee (Meredith Monroe), and Jack McPhee (Kerr Smith). Together, they form the nucleus of one of the most successful teen dramas in history… - Dawson's Creek (season 5) Dvd Review By : Aisha Cristal
During its six-year run, Dawson's Creek was nominated for 12 Teen Choice Awards, making it one of the most successful original programs in WB network history. Taking place in the fictional location of Capeside, Massachusetts, the series was actually filmed in the real-life township of Wilmington, North Carolina (however the show's theme song was written and performed by Paula Cole, who calls Massachusetts home). Creator Kevin Williamson is said to have modeled the characters in the series after part and parcel of his own adolescent years... Dawson's Creek centers around the personal universe of several high school teenagers, each of them friends of title character Dawson Leery. Together, they form the basis of a teen drama series that has taken its place among the pop culture icons of its era. A smash success by every measure, the show helped catapult the careers of several cast members, most notably Katie Holmes… - Dawson's Creek (season 6) Dvd Review By : Aisha Cristal
Recipient of widespread critical acclaim and winner of 12 Teen Choice Awards during its five-year run, Dawson's Creek was one of the most widely followed dramas among American teens. An unprecedented smash hit for the burgeoning WB network, the show highlighted an amazing portfolio of original hit series created by the network including Buffy spin-off Angel (1999), Gilmore Girls (2000), and Smallville (2001). - Defying The Odds By : Dave Carter
South Park is currently not only one of the most popular television shows on cable, but also one of the most popular television shows period. South Park is the creation of Matt Stone and Trey Parker, and the show has succeeded even beyond their wildest expectations. South Park began as a small sketch about how the baby Jesus saves some kids from a murderous frosty the snow man. The crudely animated sketch was made in 1992, but caught a lot of attention. An executive at FOX paid them to make an animated Christmas card, which resulted in “Jesus vs. Santa” in a martial arts type fight. The end result eventually came that Comedy Central outbid FOX, and could also offer less censorship since they were cable, and the South Park series premiered in 1997. - Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman (dvd) Review By : Aisha Cristal
Nominated for 19 Emmys and 5 Golden Globes, including Best TV Series - Drama, Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman experienced the rare double victory of audience loyalty and widespread critical acclaim. Premiering in mid-season (January 1993), the hour-long CBS original series illustrated American frontier life like few other shows before it. Like the smash hit Little House On The Prairie, Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman vividly portrays the hardship, struggle, and community kinship endemic to the era. One of the first Western-themed shows to cast a female doctor (as the star of the show nonetheless), Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman enjoyed a successful five-year run, marked by two highly-touted made-for-TV movies… - Elf (dvd) Review By : Britt Gillette
This Christmas, discover your inner elf… At least, that's the tagline for Elf, one of the funniest films of 2003. Packed with a cast of Hollywood all-star talent, Elf is guaranteed to make you laugh. The touching story about an adopted elf who discovers he's really a boy is sort of a bizzaro-Pinocchio story that opened to such widespread critical acclaim that it unanimously swept zero Oscars at the 2004 Academy Awards ceremony! Nevertheless, Elf is worth the price of admission. Although Christmas Vacation still holds the title as the top Christmas comedy, Elf is still a great night's entertainment… - Er (dvd) Review By : Aisha Cristal
Nominated for 25 Golden Globes and 110 Emmys, including 7 for Outstanding Drama Series, ER has long been one of the best prime-time shows on television. Premiering in September 1994 on NBC, the hour-long hospital drama vividly illustrates the intensity and fast-paced stress endemic to hospital emergency rooms across America. Brought into being by Michael Crichton - famous Hollywood insider, novelist, and brains behind such films as Jurassic Park, Twister, and Timeline - ER fulfills its creator's ultimate vision (it took over a decade of pitching the show before network executives bit) for a close-to-life glimpse of the technology and the humanity omnipresent in the ER. Since its inception, many cast members have passed through the halls of ER, many of them having gone on to become big stars in Hollywood… - Er (season 2) Dvd Review By : Aisha Cristal
One of the more popular "reality" dramas on prime time TV, ER follows the lives of several of emergency room doctors and staff personal working a bustling Chicago ER. The makes a concerted effort to reveal the true details of the inner-workings of an emergency room. From the high point of saving lives to the boring minutae of paperwork, the highs and lows of hospital ER work are examined. The initial years see several characters appearing regularly. Among them are doctors Mark Greene (Anthony Edwards), Peter Benton (Eriq La Salle), Douglas Ross (George Clooney), and Susan Lewis (Sherri Stringfield); Lead Nurse Carol Hathaway (Julianna Margulies) and resident intern John Carter (Noah Wyle)... - Er (season 3) Dvd Review By : Aisha Cristal
The recipient of 25 Golden Globe and 110 Emmy nominations, including seven for Outstanding Drama Series, ER is considered one of the best "reality" dramas in television history. First airing in September 1994, the hour-long NBC trauma ward series vividly depicts the intense stress typical of a hospital emergency room. Created by Michael Crichton, the author of such bestselling books as Jurassic Park and Timeline, ER fulfills Crichton's vision of an up-close and personal glimpse of the technologies and humans who run America's ERs... - Er (season 4) Dvd Review By : Aisha Cristal
Winner of numerous Golden Globes and Emmys, as well as the recipient of innumerable additional nominations, ER is widely considered one of the best television dramas of its era. Created by Michael Crichton, the show chronicles the inner-workings of a Chicago hospital emergency room. With subplots involving the characters' various relationship woven into an action-packed plot involving the trauma ward, ER is a fascinating look at current America... - Everybody Loves Raymond (dvd) Review By : Aisha Cristal
First telecast in the Fall of 1996, Everybody Loves Raymond became an instant favorite among TV audiences, a love affair that would last for nine memorable seasons. Following on the heels of a series of successful sitcoms starring stand-up comics - Seinfeld, Home Improvement, The Drew Carey Show, etc., Everybody Loves Raymond drew upon the comedic talents of Ray Romano who plays the role of the title character Ray Barone… - Everybody Loves Raymond (season 2) Dvd Review By : Aisha Cristal
Premiering in Fall 1996, Everybody Loves Raymond struck an instant chord with TV audiences, becoming a beloved fan favorite that would last for nine successful seasons. Modeled after other successful TV series that cast stand-up comics in starring roles - Seinfeld, The Drew Carey Show, and Home Improvement - all come to mind, Everybody Loves Raymond relied on the talents of comic Ray Romano, but also drew upon a vast well of hilarity present in his fellow cast members… - Everybody Loves Raymond (season 3) Dvd Review By : Aisha Cristal
Initially broadcast in the Fall of 1996, Everybody Loves Raymond became an instant ratings boon its parent network, remaining a constant in the Nielsen Top 15 for its nine season run. Following the life of sportswriter Ray Barone (Ray Romano), audiences watch in hilarity as Ray and his wife attempt to deal with each other as well as Ray's neurotic and dysfunctional family which includes Ray's brother and his parents who live across the street... - Family Guy (season 3) Dvd Review By : Aisha Cristal
Having first aired after the 1999 Super Bowl, Family Guy really hit its stride via cable re-runs and DVD sales (prompting Fox to announce the launch of Season 4 in May 2005, following the show's original cancellation following Season 3). An animated series building a similar cult following to The Simpsons and Futurama, Family Guy employs its own unique brand of humor distinct to its other animated peers… - Felicity (dvd) Review By : Aisha Cristal
Nominated for 2 Emmys and 2 Golden Globes, including Best TV Series - Drama, Felicity gathered a large cult following in its short four season stint. Premiering on the WB network in September 1998, the show (along with Dawson's Creek) helped ignite a firestorm of highly successful original series on behalf of the upstart network, with such hit shows as Angel (1999), Gilmore Girls (2000), and Smallville (2001). The brainchild of writer J.J. Abrams (creator of the two hit series Alias and Lost), Felicity follows the life of a recent high school graduate, not through seasons 1, 2, 3, and 4, but through Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior years. Similar in genre to its contemporary, Dawson's Creek, Felicity's cast is of approximately the same age, but the setting is college instead of high school… - Ferris Bueller's Day Off (dvd) By : Britt Gillette
One of a handful of films which epitomizes the 1980s decade, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off captured the imagination of high school kids all across America as they dreamt of mimicking the title character’s ability to manipulate the authority figures in his life. Written and directed by John Hughes, the brains behind The Breakfast Club (1985) and numerous other 1980’s cult classics, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off launched Matthew Broderick’s acting career into another dimension. In fact, Broderick garnered a Golden Globe nomination for his outstanding performance. It’s a nomination more than worthy of mention, because it’s the strength of the Ferris Bueller character that made this film such a smash hit. - Finding Nemo (dvd) Review By : Britt Gillette
Winner of the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, Finding Nemo continues the Disney tradition of producing high-quality, blockbuster films that entertain audiences of all ages. Featuring the wonders of the Pixar animation technology, the film is a breathtaking window into the future of animated pictures, with borderline 3-D visual effects and the introduction of original animated film techniques certain to influence future masterpieces. Boasting a slew of talented voiceovers such as Albert Brooks, Ellen DeGeneres, Alexander Gould, Willem Dafoe, and John Ratzenberger, Finding Nemo is certain to maintain a place in the hearts of children of all ages for generations to come… - Frasier (dvd) Review By : Aisha Cristal
Along with Friends and Seinfeld, Kelsey Grammer's Cheers spin-off, Frasier, dominated the prime time television landscape during the 1990's. Grammer plays the role of Dr. Frasier Crane who, fresh off of his divorce from Lilith, moves back to his hometown of Seattle where he lands a gig as a radio psychiatrist. Frasier’s father, Marty Crane (John Mahoney), a Seattle cop recently shot in an attempted convenience store robbery is in need of physical therapy. Frasier and his brother Niles (David Hyde Pierce) make an effort to mend their relationship with Marty whose plaid shirts and penchant for sports and beer strikes a dramatic contrast with their wine club, opera house culture. After a little prodding, Marty and his dog Eddie (Moose) move into Frasier’s upscale apartment, and Frasier hires Daphne Moon (Jane Leeves), a housekeeper and physical therapist to look after the two cranes. - Frasier (season 2) Dvd Review By : Aisha Cristal
Much like the shows Seinfeld and Friends, Frasier, the Kelsey Grammer Cheers spin-off, dominated the NBC prime time TV lineup throughout the 1990s. Grammer stars in the title role of Dr. Frasier Crane who, recently divorced, moves back to his home city of Seattle, Washington. Landing a gig as a radio psychiatrist, Frasier reluctantly agrees to let his father Marty (John Mahoney), a Seattle cop recently shot in an attempted robbery, move into his new bachelor pad. Both Frasier and his younger brother Niles (David Hyde Pierce) make a concerted effort to mend the relationship with their estranged father whose beer guzzling friends, plaid shirt wardrobe, and weathered recliner strike a dramatic contrast with the boys and their pretentious social circles. Daphne Moon (Jane Leeves) acts as Frasier’s live-in housekeeper and Marty’s personal physical therapist. - Frasier (season 3) Dvd Review By : Aisha Cristal
One of the most celebrated TV series of its time, Frasier follows the life of the popular Cheers character, Dr. Frasier Crane. The entire course of the show usually takes place in three settings: Frasier’s radio studio where he works alongside producer Roz Doyle (Peri Gilpin), Frasier’s high-rise apartment, and Café Nervosa, a favorite java hangout for Niles and Frasier. A witty and clever examination of America’s clash of cultures (also exemplified by Frasier’s recurrent interaction with radio sports host Bob “Bulldog” Briscoe), Frasier stands above the crowd as one of the most consistently well-written shows in TV history. - Frasier (season 4) Dvd Review By : Aisha Cristal
One of the funniest and most beloved comedies of its era, the Cheers spin-off Frasier remained a lynchpin in the NBC lineup for much of the 1990s. Following the life of eminent psychiatrist Dr. Frasier Crane in the aftermath of his divorce from Lilith, Frasier takes place in Seattle, Washington where the title character lives with his handicapped father Martin, a retired police officer wounded in the line of duty. The two are joined by Daphne Moon, a live-in housekeeper and physical therapist, and Martin’s dog Eddie who is constant irritant to Frasier. Recurring characters include Frasier’s brother Niles and Frasier’s producer Roz Doyle… - Frasier (season 5) Dvd Review By : Aisha Cristal
One of the top-rated sitcoms of the 1990s decade, Frasier follows the life and times of radio psychiatrist Dr. Frasier Crane. Recently divorced, Frasier moves back to his hometown of Seattle where he attempts to rekindle relationships with both his father and brother. Frasier’s father, Martin Crane (John Mahoney) was recently shot in the line of duty and forced into retirement when the wound left him with a limp. Frasier and his brother Niles (David Hyde Pierce) agree to have Marty move in with Frasier. Soon thereafter, they hire Daphne Moon (Jane Leeves) as the housekeeper and Martin’s physical therapist. Frasier’s colleague Roz Doyle makes recurring appearances throughout the series as well. One of the best written sitcoms of any era, Frasier is one of the few series in television history with hundreds of episodes which all hilarious… - Friends (dvd) Review By : Aisha Cristal
Along with Seinfeld and Frasier, Friends dominated the must-see TV of the 1990's. Winner of innumerable television awards, the show features the lives of six friends in their late-twenties/early-thirties living in New York City - Monica Geller (Courteney Cox), Phoebe Buffay (Lisa Kudrow), Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston), Ross Geller (David Schwimmer), Joey Tribbiani (Matt LeBlanc), and Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry). The six friends spend the majority of their time in a coffee house named "Central Perk" or in either Monica's apartment or Joey and Chandler's apartment. - Friends (season 10) Dvd Review By : Aisha Cristal
One of the best comedy series of the 1990s, Friends helped redefine "must-see" with its fellow Thursday night program Seinfeld. Following the lives of six friend living in New York City, the show was part comedy show, part soap opera, as fans focused on the relationships between the characters as well as their witty one-liners… - Friends (season 2) Dvd Review By : Aisha Cristal
One of the most successful television series of its time, Friends won numerous awards as a perennial favorite of fans and critics alike. Set in New York City, the show features the lives of six twenty-something friends who share apartments with each other, Monica Geller (Courteney Cox), Phoebe Buffay (Lisa Kudrow), Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston), Ross Geller (David Schwimmer), Joey Tribbiani (Matt LeBlanc), and Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry). The six spend the majority of their free time gathered in a coffee house called “Central Perk” where Rachel works, Monica’s grandmother’s apartment (which she and Rachel rent), and in Joey and Chandler’s apartment (which is across the hall from Monica and Rachel). One of the funniest shows of its era, Friends joined with fellow NBC Seinfeld to create one of the most successful one-two punches in network history... - Friends (season 3) Dvd Review By : Aisha Cristal
One of the most popular shows of the 1990s, Friends made the traditional sitcom king of the ratings once again. Of course, Frasier and Seinfeld did their part. Recipient of numerous awards during its long tenure in the Thursday night NBC timeslot, Friends followed the lives of six title characters - Monica Geller (Courteney Cox), Phoebe Buffay (Lisa Kudrow), Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston), Ross Geller (David Schwimmer), Joey Tribbiani (Matt LeBlanc), and Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry). Together, they formed the best six-person comedy team in television history... - Friends (season 4) Dvd Review By : Aisha Cristal
Winner of numerous critical awards and a perrenial fan favorite, Friends dominated the era of "must-see-TV" on NBC. Following the lives of six New York City friends in their late-twenties - Monica Geller (Courteney Cox), Phoebe Buffay (Lisa Kudrow), Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston), Ross Geller (David Schwimmer), Joey Tribbiani (Matt LeBlanc), and Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry) - the show rarely left the setting of the local coffee shop or one of the friends' apartments. Nevertheless, it remained one of the funniest and most original comedies of its time. - Friends (season 5) Dvd Review By : Aisha Cristal
Along with Seinfeld and Frasier, Friends is undoubtedly the most watched and followed sitcom on the 1990s. Set in New York City, the series follows the exploits of six twenty-something (and later, thirty-something) friends who often hang out in a local coffee shop and each others' apartments. Monica Geller (Courteney Cox), Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston), Phoebe Buffay (Lisa Kudrow), Joey Tribbiani (Matt LeBlanc), Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry), and Ross Geller (David Schwimmer) form a wildly talented cast that easily made the transfer from TV to the big screen... - Friends (season 6) Dvd Review By : Aisha Cristal
Friends is a hilarious show that follows the lives of six friends: Monica Geller (Courteney Cox), Phoebe Buffay (Lisa Kudrow), Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston), Ross Geller (David Schwimmer), Joey Tribbiani (Matt LeBlanc), and Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry). Together, they form a memorable clique certain to entertain with their never ending antics and interesting relationships. - Friends (season 7) Dvd Review By : Aisha Cristal
Friends spent most of the 1990s and early 2000s as one of the top rated comedy series on television. Set in New York City, and revolving around the lives of six friends - Monica Geller (Courteney Cox), Phoebe Buffay (Lisa Kudrow), Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston), Ross Geller (David Schwimmer), Joey Tribbiani (Matt LeBlanc), and Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry) - the show built a loyal and dedicated following. Spending most of their time in a coffee house named "Central Perk" or in an apartment belonging to one of them, the show is clever display of well-written humor... - Friends (season 8) Dvd Review By : Aisha Cristal
One of the top television comedy series of its time, Friends follows the lives of six friends in their mid-twenties - Monica Geller (Courteney Cox), Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston) Phoebe Buffay (Lisa Kudrow), Joey Tribbiani (Matt LeBlanc), Ross Geller (David Schwimmer), and Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry). The six friends often spend their days in the "Central Perk" coffee house or an apartment rented by one of them. Together, they form a dynamic comic team that will keep you laughing. - Friends (season 9) Dvd Review By : Aisha Cristal
Alongside Frasier and Seinfeld, Friends spent much of the 90s decade at the top of the ratings. Recipient of numerous awards, the series followed the lives of six friends living in New York City – Phoebe Buffay (Lisa Kudrow), Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston), Monica Geller (Courteney Cox), Ross Geller (David Schwimmer), Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry), and Joey Tribbiani (Matt LeBlanc). The friends spend their spare moments in the coffee house "Central Perk" or in either Joey Chandler’s apartment or Monica and Rachel’s. - Frosty The Snowman (dvd) Review By : Britt Gillette
A gold member of the Christmas classic elite, Frosty The Snowman has entertained several generations of children and adults with its charming holiday magic. Jimmy Durante narrates this 1969 animated creation that features the birth of Frosty, a happy upbeat snowman brought to life by a magical hat. The story is based on the popular Christmas song of the same name, and Durante’s narration and singing brings the animation itself to life. One of the best holiday cartoon specials ever created, Frosty The Snowman will be a part of Christmas celebrations for years to come. - Futurama (dvd) Review By : Aisha Cristal
A brainchild of Simpsons creator Matt Groening, Futurama launched itself into homes across the galaxy in Spring 1999. Employing the same quick wit and visual humor that has made The Simpsons one of the most successful shows in television history, Futurama (despite its early cancellation in August 2003) maintains its own loyal cult following… - Gilligan's Island (dvd) Review By : Aisha Cristal
Nominated for zero Emmys in its short three-season stint, Gilligan's Island nonetheless has carved itself a notable niche in the television hall of fame. The brainchild of TV icon Sherwood Schwartz, longtime TV writer and creator of The Brady Bunch, Gilligan's Island quickly gathered a strong cult following, reaching successive generations of fans via syndication following its cancellation and even spawning a cable TV reality show four decades later. An original CBS series, the show was shuffled between time slots (much like its contemporary program Star Trek), but later became more popular than ever in its syndicated reruns. With a memorable theme song the average viewer will find stuck in his head for days, Gilligan's Island is classic family-friendly television entertainment the way it used to be… - Gilmore Girls (dvd) Review By : Aisha Cristal
Nominated for 1 Emmy and 1 Golden Globe in its first five seasons, Gilmore Girls has experienced much greater success among TV viewers than among industry critics. In fact, the show is the first script supported by the Family Friendly Forum's script development fund to go on and become a regular television series. Part of an initiative between The WB Network - maker of such hits as Dawson's Creek (1998), Felicity (1998), Angel (1999), and Smallville (2001) - and fellow industry executives, this push for more family-oriented programming resulted in a series showcasing a unique mother-daughter bond and the various people they encounter on their life voyage of discovery. Set in the fictional town of Stars Hollow, Connecticut, Gilmore Girls utilizes many of the same sets as the hit series The Dukes Of Hazzard (1979) - another successful Warner Brothers production from years past… - Gilmore Girls (season 2) Dvd Review By : Aisha Cristal
Recipient of a single nomination for an Emmy and a Golden Globe in its initial five seasons, Gilmore Girls is much more successful among members of the television viewing public than among critics. The result of a joint partnership between The WB Network and television industry executives, Gilmore Girls – the first script from the Family Friendly Forum to become a regular series – showcases a mother-daughter relationship and the chronicles the personal world in which they live. Set in the non-existent town of Stars Hollow, Connecticut, the show makes use of many of the same sets used by an earlier Warner Brothers hit series The Dukes Of Hazzard… - Gilmore Girls (season 3) Dvd Review By : Aisha Cristal
Nominated for scant major television awards in its first few seasons, Gilmore Girls is nevertheless a major among TV viewers. Setting the critics aside, fans of the show have Gilmore Girls one of the top original series in WB network history. Set in the fictional town of Stars Hollow, Connecticut, the show follows the lives of former-teenage mother Lorelai Gilmore (Lauren Graham) and her now teenage daughter Rory (Alexis Bledel). Friends as well as immediate relatives, the two grapple with various aspects of their lives together as Lorelai fights to keep her daughter from repeated the mistakes of her own past. Created in the mold of a soap opera, Gilmore Girls is a dramatic series written in the tone of Dawson’s Creek, but with more a family twist to its subject matter. Overall, it’s a fascinating show… - Gilmore Girls (season 4) Dvd Review By : Aisha Cristal
The first script from the Family Friendly Forum’s script development fund to finally make it to the small screen, Gilmore Girls has paid off enormously for its creators. The result of the unified efforts of that organization and the WB Network, the show has followed on the heels of other successful WB programs such as Dawson’s Creek, Felicity, and Smallville. Dismissed by critics initially, the show has rocketed up the Neilsen ratings nonetheless. Set in the small idyllic town of Stars Hollow, Connecticut, Gilmore Girls follows the lives of two central characters, Lorelai Gilmore and her daughter Rory, as they attempt to deal with the outside world and each other. With Rory being the product of a teenage pregnancy, Lorelai is determined to raise her daughter in such a way that she can avoid the mistakes of her mother’s past. Filled with drama, love, friendship, and eccentric characters, Gilmore Girls ranks as of the best original series of the decade… - Gladiator (dvd) Review By : Aisha Cristal
Winner of five Academy Awards including Best Picture, and nominated for an additional seven, Gladiator is one of the best produced and directed films of its time. Reminiscent of Mel Gibson’s Braveheart, it creates a world so seemingly realistic, you find yourself drawn backward in time to the glory days of Rome. The musical score, colorful costumes, and intricate sets combine to create the illusion that one is actually witnessing the trials and travails of human existence in early millennial Rome. - Good Times (dvd) Review By : Aisha Cristal
Nominated for three Golden Globes, Good Times premiered in mid-season 1974 to widespread critical acclaim and audience popularity. A spin-off of the Bea Arthur (of Golden Girls fame) sitcom Maude (1972), Good Times became the fourth of five highly successful sitcoms brought into being during the 1970's decade by Norman Lear. In addition to Maude, those sitcoms were All In The Family (1971), Sanford & Son (1972), and The Jeffersons (1975). The second of three to focus exclusively on African-American family life, Good Times became a source for groundbreaking social commentary in compliment to its penchant for hilarious family comedy… - Goodfellas (dvd) Review By : Aisha Cristal
Joe Pesci won an Oscar for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his part in GoodFellas, a film nominated for six Academy Awards overall including Best Picture. And every accolade attributed to this film is well deserved. With an all-star cast of performers, GoodFellas is one of director Martin Scorsese's greatest productions. Based on the true story of former mobster Henry Hill, GoodFellas begins with his famous quote, "As far back as I can remember, I've always wanted to be a gangster…" - Green Acres (dvd) Review By : Aisha Cristal
A spin-off of the CBS program Petticoat Junction (1963), Green Acres surpassed its predecessor in audience popularity - spending four of its six seasons as a Top 20 Nielsen-rated program. Its family-friendly humor puts Green Acres in the same nostalgic category as shows like The Andy Griffith Show, back when TV sitcoms were all about humor and not as serious as they would later become with the introduction of 1970s stalwarts MASH and All In The Family. The brainchild of creator Jay Sommers, writer for shows such as The Adventures Of Ozzie & Harriet and Petticoat Junction (where Green Acres characters Sam, Doris, Fred, and Arnold make their first appearances), Green Acres' unique brand of comedy lives on through a successful and ongoing syndication run, and its catchy theme song even captured the pop culture for a second time when Old Navy incorporated it into one of their trademark clothing commercials… - Green Acres (dvd) Review By : Aisha Cristal
Nominated for a single Emmy in its short three season stint, Wonder Woman - which premiered in 1976 - was the third attempt by the major networks to bring the popular comic book character to TV. Created as the result of a collaboration between the multi-talented William M. Marston and DC Comics publisher Maxwell Gaines, Wonder Woman made her world premiere in a 1941 comic book. The final product of Gaines' request for a female comic book hero, Marston never lived to see his creation become a television star (he died prematurely from skin cancer in 1947), but his legacy lives on through the Wonder Woman franchise which continues to entertain worldwide audiences to this day… - Grumpy Old Men Movie Review By : Britt Gillette
One of the most superb comedies ever filmed, Grumpy Old Men showcases the multidimensional talents of two of Hollywood's most accomplished actors, Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau. With the additional brilliant comic performance of Burgess Meredith, Grumpy Old Men transforms from a gem of a picture into one of the funniest movies ever made. A sweeping commercial success, the film spawned the sequel Grumpier Old Men - a rare breed of movie that almost lived up to the quality of the original. - Home Improvement (season 2) Dvd Review By : Britt Gillette
Recipient of 9 Golden Globe and 34 Emmy nominations, Home Improvement spent much of the 1990s as the number one family-friendly comedy series. The creation of three writers who worked on such sitcoms as The Cosby Show (1984) and Roseanne (1988), Home Improvement is only one of a number of successful sitcoms specially constructed for a stand-up comedian in the 1990s. Other such series included Seinfeld (1990), The Drew Carey Show (1995), Everybody Loves Raymond (1996), and King Of Queens (1998) among others. A true groundbreaking series, Home Improvement ranked in the Nielsen Top 10 for 7 of its first 8 seasons, making it one of the most successful prime-time comedy series ever produced... - Honeymoon In Vegas (dvd) Review By : Britt Gillette
One romantic comedy often overlooked by fans of cinema is Honeymoon In Vegas, a light-hearted, feel-good movie about two lovers overwhelmed by the temptations of Las Vegas. A relatively early film in the careers of both Nicholas Cage and Sarah Jessica Parker, Honeymoon In Vegas should have been early indicator to audiences everywhere that these two would become Hollywood mainstays. Along with celebrated industry veteran James Caan (who plays a surprisingly similar role on the present TV show Las Vegas), the three combine to create an interesting, if not extremely hilarious, storyline which adds a new twist to the traditional conflict of the love triangle. - Hostel By : Sam Vaknin
The movie "Hostel" (2005) is a potent depiction of gore and graphic horror. More subtly, it is also a counterfactual and jingoistic political allegory for the post 9-11 age.
A couple of wholesome American youths (one of them a Jew) are nabbed by a ring of east Europeans who cater to the depraved needs of sadists by providing them with fresh supplies of torture victims. The good guys are invariably American (or mistaken for Americans, or the allies of Americans, Japanese). The bad guys are invariably European; a decadent and unfaithful Icelandic, seductive Czech and Russian women, a Dr. Mengele type German, a Ukrainian pimp. The torture chambers are located in a small village in the outskirts of Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia in Central Europe. Everyone is in on the take, the police especially. - How The Grinch Stole Christmas (dvd) Review By : Britt Gillette
One of a handful of essential, "must-see" animated Christmas classics, How The Grinch Stole Christmas is a Dr. Seuss holiday masterpiece. Created in 1966 on the heels of the phenomenal success surrounding such TV specials as A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964), the Grinch has morphed into a sacred annual Christmas rite perfect for any child from one to ninety-two. The narration and singing voice of Boris Karloff breathes life into the 1955 Dr. Seuss tale of a dark and miserly heart’s redemption, thus revealing the true meaning of Christmas. Based on Charles Dickens’ literary classic A Christmas Carol, it creates a uniquely memorable caricature of the Scrooge personality we’ve come to know so well… - Hunter (season 2) Dvd Review By : Britt Gillette
Recipient of 3 Emmy nominations, Hunter is widely considered one of the premiere action/detective dramas of its time. Much like Tom Selleck's Magnum, P.I., Fred Dryer's Hunter had a knack for attracting a TV audience to his unique persona, an onscreen charisma that carried an otherwise so-so series through a nine-season run. Created by Frank Lupo, brains behind the smash hit The A-Team (1982) and writer for the hit series Battlestar Galactica (1978), Magnum, P.I. (1980), and Walker, Texas Ranger (1993), Hunter is constructed on the overused concept of a maverick police officer who breaks the rules, but never gets fired because he's so good. Despite its formulaic approach, Hunter is pure entertainment for all those who love 1980s action dramas... - I Claudius (dvd) Review By : Britt Gillette
Think history is boring? Think again! I Claudius is proof that an educational film can also be one of the most popular and entertaining series ever produced. A 1976 mini-series, starring many of the best known theatrical performers of its day, I Claudius is one of, if not the, greatest productions chronicling the history of the Roman Empire. Covering the period from the later years of Augustus's rule as the first emperor of Rome to the death of Emperor Claudius, I Claudius takes a look at the social and political underpinnings and developments of the Roman Empire through the eyes of Claudius, an often overlooked member of the emperor's family. An epic in the true sense of the word, I Claudius should be on every film buff's viewing list… - I Love Lucy (dvd) Review By : Aisha Cristal
Widely considered one of the greatest, if not the greatest, show in television history, I Love Lucy signaled the ascendance of the prime time TV era. The brainchild of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, I Love Lucy revolutionized the television industry with its extensive use of a live audience and the employment of multiple camera angles. The result of true comic genius, the show's ability to entertain is just as relevant today as it was fifty years ago… - I Love Lucy (season 2) Dvd Review By : Britt Gillette
Widely regarded as one of the best, if not the greatest, sitcom in TV history, I Love Lucy marked the beginning of the television era. Created by husband and wife team Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, the series completely changed its industry with its use of a live audience and the deployment of more than one camera angle. The product of true comic genius, I Love Lucy's ability to entertain audiences of every age remains as relevant today as it was upon its first inception…
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