A Geek’s Month in Review: May 2012

As in many other months, there were more contenders than two people could possibly cover, even if we each churned out a unique review every day. Personally, I missed lauding And Now for Something Completely Different, struggling with The A-Team, and eviscerating Ali G Indahouse.

Some day…

In the meantime, May has made its mark. I’ve gone back to rediscover the alchemy of the original Twin Peaks, guiltily delight to the Trailer Park Boys, and load up on some Dragon Tattoo videos . . . Swedish versions, of course.

But before we move on to June, to westerns, and a gradual shift to more CanCon, here are this month’s favourite, surprise, disappointment, and least-liked, as well as the key take-away from my fellow boob tube survivor.

You may now flip.

Favourite
The Untouchables (1987) on 2012/05/17

* * * *

“A good story, based on true-ish events, engagingly written, beguilingly acted, and visually compelling. Writer David Mamet, their cast, and director Brian De Palma have crafted a work of enduring — even increasing — value, which stands tall either independently, or against the original Untouchables series.”

Surprise
Trailer Park Boys the Movie (2006) on 2012/05/04

* * *

“I was as flummoxed as anyone when I watched The Trailer Park Boys. I reluctantly queued it up, thinking I’d get it out of the way, preparing for a month of other, superior television adaptations. But its sense of caring made me care in turn, and dispelled many reservations. No, The Trailer Park Boys won’t be for everyone. Still, if I can enjoy it, there must be hope.”

Disappointment
Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me (1992) on 2012/05/26

* * *

“We’re not in TV-land anymore. With Twin Peaks’ feature prequel, Fire Walk with Me, we get true location work, stark lighting, swearing, violence, drug abuse, nudity, in addition to the usual surreality. While I didn’t enjoy this flawed reunion, I do appreciate it.”

Least-Liked
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011) on 2012/05/10

* *

“By the end I was left still baffled by its phenomenal success. I’m not ashamed to admit I do not get it. Both the character and her vehicle, make it difficult, nearly impossible, to appreciate either one. Two stars are what I generally give to something wasting my time, just about right for The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.”

Show Me
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (2009) on 2012/05/06

* * * *

“Harsh, gritty and uncompromising, I kept thinking, “This was on Swedish television?” The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo made “edgy” HBO programming looked like a marathon of Yo Gabba Gabba . . . As a mystery and more, it was engrossing, it was thrilling, it make me stay up way past my bedtime. It really hasn’t left my mind even now.”