Film Reviews by None

Don't let Woody Allen's name confuse you into thinking that Melinda and Melinda will be outrageously witty or even funny. The premise is simple and effective, the story of Melinda is told in two different ways, one light hearted, the other heavy hearted. The latter representation lacks drama and although the actors involved are of the highest caliber, it is less than gripping. The 'funny' story is much more entertaining with much of the laughs coming from Will Ferrel doing his besy Woody Allen impression. It only amounts to being an amicable romantic comedy at the best of times. The films as a whole is watachable, if only once, and the premise itself almost inspores the viewer to consider how they look at the world. Very average comedy drama, Woody Allen is not at his best.

Despite the claims on the DVD cover, this film is anything but "outrageously funny". The lead character adopts a morose expression all the way through the film, and his "comic" best friend poorly delivers his supposedly amusing lines in his surfer-esque voice. However, if you can sit through the boring and uneventful first hour, the pace begins to quicken (if only slightly) and more laughs are to be had in the second half. The style of Sideways is that of a teen film (say American Pie), just age the characters by 20 years and give them wine instead of beer. Nothing much is accomplished during the film, although its ending should be praised for going against that of so many other films. Overall, this film is probably best enjoyed with a glass (or six) of wine.

While many Buffy fanatics criticised seasons 4,5 and 6 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer as moving away from the humour of the previous seasons, this final chapter received a reprieve and was deservedly praised for going "back to basics". Buffy finds herself once again walking the corridors of a newly rebuilt Sunnydale High, this time however as a guidance counsellor. Much of the humour in the first half of this season is reminiscent of the quirky one liners that made Buffy so popular with fans. As the season progresses, the mood turns darker as the end of the world beckons once more. A retrun of some familiar faces, and some interesting new characters makes this final season of Buffy as entertaining and interesting as ever. And the final episode does not disappoint either...

Whilst many Buffy fans began to critisise seasons 4,5, and 6 of Buffy the Vampire slayer, much of its credits have been overlooked. It is no surprise that the characters of a long running television show age each year, and each year Buffy, and the other scoobies, must take on more responsibility. This has been mistaken as becoming "boring". The humour and wit of Buffy the Vampire Slayer does not fade in the latter seasons, if anything it becomes stronger and more sophisticated. This season contains more "heavy" episodes than ever before, the latter three in particular, however there is still a tongue in cheek attitude running through the season, especially with the musical episode: Once More With Feeling, which has not received enough critical praise for its excellent execution. Overall, the season provides much entertainment value, and also progresses the story of Buffy and her friends more than any other.