Just because I'm in the mood to stir the pot, upset the apple cart, and maybe throw the baby out with the bathwater...
POSTED BY: JonnyQuest
UPDATED: Tuesday, September 26, 2006 21:29
VIEWED: 11234
PAGE 4 of 6
I might garner some unwanted attention with this, but one show I love as much as Firefly is Trailer Park Boys.
So many great quotes, best characters, hash driveways, kitties, karts, stoned cougars, Conky...
And Robb Wells.
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Hmmmm... the new BSG is definitely at the top of my list. The only thing preventing me from saying that it's better than Firefly is that it seems unfair to rank 13 episodes against 1 miniseries and 2 seasons.
Other series that come close: Angel, Buffy, The West Wing, Gilmore Girls, Alias, Wonderfalls.
Like Firefly, those series were/are character driven. In some cases I watched because I cared about the characters - even if I had no idea what they were talking about (ie. Angel season 4, Alias season 4/5, the West Wing whenever I stopped paying attention for a second...).
Casting is therefore very important.
The biggest factor (to me anyway) is that these series are rewatchable. Everytime I watch an episode I see something new.
(that said I can rewatch Stargate and Bones and still be entertained but I couldn't include them in the above list)
Movies are harder for me as most of my favourites are favourites for sentimental reasons and the like (not necessarily because they were great examples of film making). And it can be hard to compare against genres. The original Star Wars movies would probably rank above Serenity for me (in the sci-fi category at least).
Other favourites: Breakfast at Tiffany's, Space Camp, The Princess Bride, Independence Day (like I said not necessarily great filmmaking, but it had a great cast)
The running theme in all of these is the casting and characters - and Firefly and Serenity's are the nicest!
That was probably much more than you wanted to know, but the later I get the more I ramble (and its 4am!)
Great question!
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Quote:
Originally posted by RugBug:
Angel ranks behind a lot of other shows. The X-files (until season 7), My So-Called Life, even Friends, etc.
Quote:
Originally posted by Milford:
The X-Files will always hold a special place in my heart. You never forget your first...The only current thing that excites me to the same level as Firefly is Battlestar Galactica...I also love Arrested Development, but in a different way.
I think all of us went through an X-Files phase. Kind of a rite of passage. When it was good it was great; when it had run its course, it was painful. And yet we kept hoping...
Quote:
Originally posted by MSG:
And you should see my goth teddy bear
[rubs eyes, looks again, light bulb appears over head] Oh, wow. For a second there, I didn't see the word "bear". I was worried that I had perhaps found someone who misread my intentions with respect to my "stir the \imagination" comment. [breathes great sigh of relief]
What a great idea with those bears!! Cuddlies for the rest of us anti-cuteness types.
Quote:
Originally posted by Exotick:
Ok I love the TV show Scrubs.
Scrubs is a bright light on an otherwise dim tube. Hear, hear.
Quote:
Originally posted by Bobecc:
Firefly is my all time favorite TV show, but the new Battlestar Galactica and The Shield are tied for second.
As far as movies go, my all time favorite will always be Tombstone, but Serenity is a close second.
The new BSG reminds me of a much darker version of B5, but in truth I haven't seen much of the new BSG. Tombstone is one of my wife's favorites, and I admit I like it too.
Quote:
Originally posted by Hell's Kitten:
...better than? Tough for me to limit it to just one...
There are actually quite a few others that I think I like better than Firefly, but I feel I've already written too much...[but] don't think that I'm not a fan. *snikker* Also, I suck at reviews. Also also... I find it a mite difficult to compare things that are incomparable as they are not the same...
I see you are a fan (and you come closest to one of my agendas in the thread), but I wonder why you costume of choice isn't more Zoe-like.
Quote:
--brilliant, crisp dialogue...brutal, honest humanity and violence...a phenomenal cast--
--phenomenal cast...writers not afraid to go for the kill shot and the studio not afraid to let them...the brutal, raw humanity...the future isn't all that shiny--
--hilarious, violent, wonderfully written...great dialogue--
--funny and tragic future...not polished up and served on a silver platter...has great stories--
There be a clear thread to follow on what appeals to you. I'm with you on the anti-antiseptic future (or present or past for that matter), although I am a ST-TOS fan from near the beginning (which might explain why...nostalgia)
A present for your candor (if'n you ain't seen 'em yet):
Quote:
Originally posted by Embers:
Galaxy Quest
I think this is one of the best Trek & Trekkie satires EVAH! Have you watched the DVD in Thermian? It's a hoot if you can stand it.
Quote:
Originally posted by 13:
I might garner some unwanted attention with this, but one show I love as much as Firefly is Trailer Park Boys.
All opinions are welcome. Who is a Browncoat to say what is misguided? I like My Name is Earl for what sounds to be the same reasons.
Quote:
Originally posted by LittleAlbatross:
Like Firefly, those series were/are character driven. In some cases I watched because I cared about the characters...
Casting is therefore very important.
The biggest factor (to me anyway) is that these series are rewatchable.
Excellent points, all. (as long as great writing is implied by "character driven" (read: dialog and development)
Quote:
The original Star Wars mNOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | PERMALINK | TOP | HOME
I love both BRAZIL and GALAXY QUEST. With the former, I had the 3 disc Criterion Edition of it, but I pawned it when I hard that they were re-issuing it in anamorphic widescreen. But the flick itself is just amazing. I love the idea that the main character at the end of the movie has officially lost his mind and is insane, but it's considered a happy ending. I one read a FIREFLY fanfics where something similar to that happened. Maybe if the show lasted 5 to 7 years, they would have made a reference to BRAZIL. Maybe a character named DZ-019.
As for GALAXY QUEST, I second the notion of it being one of the best sci-fi comedies ever. My main reason for loving VERONICA MARS is the fact that Enrico Colantoni (Mathesar) was given a pretty meaty role. And I love it when Keith Mars does different voices. I keep waiting for him to say something in his Mathesar voice.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Gwen:They're not ALL "historical documents." Surely, you don't think Gilligan's Island is a...
[All the Thermians moan in despair]
Mathesar: Those poor people.
(Wait till they see LOST)
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Quote:
Originally posted by reginaroadie:
I love both BRAZIL and GALAXY QUEST. With the former, I had the 3 disc Criterion Edition of it, but I pawned it when I hard that they were re-issuing it in anamorphic widescreen. But the flick itself is just amazing. I love the idea that the main character at the end of the movie has officially lost his mind and is insane, but it's considered a happy ending.
at Whedonesque they recently linked a site that was rating commentaries:
http://www.ratethatcommentary.com/top100.php
and when I saw that 'Brazil' was ranked so high I figured I had to rent the DVD, and it blew me away....now I have it on my wish list for next Christmas...
I had always loved the movie but Terry Gilliam's commentary really added to it IMO.
Quote:
As for GALAXY QUEST, I second the notion of it being one of the best sci-fi comedies ever. My main reason for loving VERONICA MARS is the fact that Enrico Colantoni (Mathesar) was given a pretty meaty role. And I love it when Keith Mars does different voices. I keep waiting for him to say something in his Mathesar voice.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Gwen:They're not ALL "historical documents." Surely, you don't think Gilligan's Island is a...
[All the Thermians moan in despair]
Mathesar: Those poor people.
(Wait till they see LOST)
Everyone in 'Galaxy Quest' was so incredible, Alan Rickman does not do enough comedy,
the movie is such a wonderful balance of homage and spoof, it really is a treasure.
Quote:
Jonnyquest said: I think this is one of the best Trek & Trekkie satires EVAH! Have you watched the DVD in Thermian? It's a hoot if you can stand it.
OMG
I own the DVD and I never noticed they have a Thermain translation....
I must go put my DVD in NOW I cannot wait another second!!
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So, I had an objective as well as a couple of agendas with this thread. I wanted to see if I was indeed a thread killer. I am happy to report I am not. Thank you all for validating me. You see in my newbiness, I had responded to a number of posts to find only that my comments were either ignored or they brought about the end of otherwise lively discussions. I now choose to blame the fact that my posts were usually a day late and not that they were too verbose and could occasionally seem creepy. Not saying I'm not verbose or creepy, but my posts are vindicated. For now.
Responses having reached "critical mass" a while ago (an arbitrary 25 when they reached 24 in number), I now shall reveal my agendae. (Latin for "bad"?)
First, it was a test of honesty. Or courage. Take your pick. Who among us would come forward and actually say there is a program or film that is superior to our own beloved reason for existence? I am pleased that we are not mindless followers but actually feel confident enough to express our heresies. Dandy-well-done, crew.
Second, I was painting a target on my forehead to see if any (even benevolent ones) troll shots would come my way because of my presumptuous heresy. (Although I cunningly never stated my own position; I could have been that very troll in question setting the trap for you to fall into). Not one of you came out with fangs bared and talons extended. I salute you. Having visited RWED a few times I know things can get a bit nasty.
I was also trying (and I promise not to do it again) to respond to each respondent because I felt I owed it to you just for playing along.
For what it's worth, I put FF/S in its own category so that I may converse about favorite this and favorite that without feeling "wrong" about it this way or that. That the Browncoat saga is without peer in any genre or medium, I can say with my whole heart. That all of the ingredients that make television programming or cinema great came together here is absolutely true. It doesn't pretend to be bigger than it is but it is exactly the right size for what it needs to be.
So, with Firefly/Serenity safely sequestered from the rest of the flicker-image world, here are my favorites in no particular order.
Movies:
--Excalibur, historically inaccurate, perhaps, but willfully so, in keeping with the vision of John Boorman and beautifully done by a stellar cast, almost all of whom went on to great careers.
--Scarface (1983, not 1932) Yeah, there's a heck of a lot of violence and bad language, but the study study of the rise and fall of the powerful, is still one of DePalma's best works.
--The Lion King, an original story from the Mouse House that grabbed me from its first moments and carried me along to the end. Music, characters, a pre-Pixar reminder of why Disney came to sit upon the throne.
--The Dark Crystal, maybe it was just the timing in my life, but I was mesmerized. Serious muppets. Who spoke in a language called New Age or Eastern Mystic, or some such.
--Stargate, supremely satisfying SciFi, at least for me. The series was fun, but the movie, now there was a beasty to be reckoned with.
--The Deer Hunter, just because I couldn't watch it again for years and years after. And I think I've only seen it the two times.
Television:
--Star Trek, the original. Caught it in first round syndication while it wasn't so dated. Far superior to my guilty pleasure: Lost in Space.
--The Twilight Zone, the original. Does this even need an explanitory note?
--Jonny Quest, the original. Surprised? I'm a sucker for one-season adventure shows, what can I say. The "serious" Hanna Barberra cartoons of the day, were down right fun.
--While it was on: M*A*S*H. Irreverence made poignant.
--At the moment: probably The Colbert Report.
There are hundreds of movies and TV shows I would consider great for lots of different reasons, that spoke to me on personal levels that no one else can share or understand, that made me laugh out loud, or cry inexplicably (but that's another thread). Ca
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Quote:
Originally posted by JonnyQuest:
I wanted to see if I was indeed a thread killer.
I now choose to blame the fact that my posts were usually a day late and not that they were too verbose and could occasionally seem creepy. Not saying I'm not verbose or creepy, but my posts are vindicated. For now.
JonnyQuest let me assure you that you don't even come close to being the most verbose and/or creepy at this website...
just read past threads in the Real World forum and you will find much to boggle the mind....
I think that many threads get lost in the shuffle, they often don't find the Browncoats who want to respond to that subject, or they end up with a short shelf life....
never take it personally.
This is a great site, with really diverse and interesting members, and I feel that you'll find a lot that you can enjoy.
Which is also the strength of Firefly/Serenity: you don't have to love it just because you love metaphor rich idea-driven fantasy (as I do),
and you don't have to love it just because there are complex characters who are actually growing and evolving throughout the series (and now into the continuing comic books)
AND you don't have to love the show because it is exciting, dramatic, and humorous.
There are other writers and creators who could 'do it all' and I wouldn't ever want to denigrate any of them,
but I have to say that at this point in my life Firefly/Serenity has really meant more to me than any of them. Because none of the others ever brought be to a website like this, or inspired me to create fan art, or to attend shindigs, conventions, and the Browncoat Ball:
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Quote:
Originally posted by JonnyQuest:
I wanted to see if I was indeed a thread killer. I am happy to report I am not. Thank you all for validating me. You see in my newbiness, I had responded to a number of posts to find only that my comments were either ignored or they brought about the end of otherwise lively discussions.
i had to respond to this... mainly because i feel the same way sometimes... i guess there are cliques everywhere and i'm starting to see that here... I've received a few frosty receptions myself... but no worries, mate... just spark up a doobe and relax... (ok, so maybe the drug references are what's got me on the ignore list... but i'm not too worried about it)... so all's i'm saying is, don't feel like the Lone Ranger in regards to being ignored... i've been in that little boat my own self.
Quote:
--The Dark Crystal, maybe it was just the timing in my life, but I was mesmerized. Serious muppets. Who spoke in a language
btw.. i found this little story the other day about a "creature" found on the coast of Russia... hoax? don't know, but the picture reminded me of something... hmmm could it be one of the things that plotted against the Gelfs in the Dark Crystal? Put a robe on it and it's a dead ringer.
Here's the only picture i could find...
along with a bit of the story...
This creature was found by Russian soldiers on Sakhalin shoreline. Sakhalin area is situated near to Japan, it's the most eastern part of Russia, almost 5000 miles to East from Moscow (Russia is huge). People don't know who is it. According to the bones and teeth - it is not a fish. According to its skeleton - it's not a crocodile or alligator. It has a skin with hair or fur.
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*FMF runs stark nekkid through the thread*
----
Bestower of Titles, Designer of Tshirts, Maker of Mottos, Keeper of the Pyre
I am on The List. We are The Forsaken and we aim to burn!
"We don't fear the reaper"
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Quote:
Originally posted by Dayve:Quote:
Originally posted by JonnyQuest:
I wanted to see if I was indeed a thread killer. I am happy to report I am not. Thank you all for validating me. You see in my newbiness, I had responded to a number of posts to find only that my comments were either ignored or they brought about the end of otherwise lively discussions.
i had to respond to this... mainly because i feel the same way sometimes... i guess there are cliques everywhere and i'm starting to see that here... I've received a few frosty receptions myself... but no worries, mate... just spark up a doobe and relax... (ok, so maybe the drug references are what's got me on the ignore list... but i'm not too worried about it)... so all's i'm saying is, don't feel like the Lone Ranger in regards to being ignored... i've been in that little boat my own self.Quote:
--The Dark Crystal, maybe it was just the timing in my life, but I was mesmerized. Serious muppets. Who spoke in a language
btw.. i found this little story the other day about a "creature" found on the coast of Russia... hoax? don't know, but the picture reminded me of something... hmmm could it be one of the things that plotted against the Gelfs in the Dark Crystal? Put a robe on it and it's a dead ringer.
Here's the only picture i could find...
along with a bit of the story...
This creature was found by Russian soldiers on Sakhalin shoreline. Sakhalin area is situated near to Japan, it's the most eastern part of Russia, almost 5000 miles to East from Moscow (Russia is huge). People don't know who is it. According to the bones and teeth - it is not a fish. According to its skeleton - it's not a crocodile or alligator. It has a skin with hair or fur.
Hmmmm, Skeksis: http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Academy/3108/skeksis.html
"Well, here I am."
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