Review and general Stargate/XF babling

[mf_luder_xf]

I have so many moodthemes saved that it was really hard to pick one. So I didn't at first. Sadly, that didn't work out, So I buckled down and chose. Introducing my new mood theme...it's Jack/Daniel made by crystal_lily. I love this because they've both got such great facial expressions, and they're so cute.

And...fits right in with my little post here.



Stargate


I watched the original Stargate movie last night. It was a great start, indeed. To begin though...Kurt Russell as O'Neil. Wow. That was just too funny. And his hair!!

The character of O'Neil. Well, I guess I am a bit biased since I saw SG-1 eps before the movie, but I must say I am more partial to Richard Dean Anderson as O'Neill (can someone tell me why they changed that?). To start, while O'Neil was obviously hurting and did the military part well...he had what? Ten lines the whole movie? I mean, it was clear the movie focussed more on Jackson, but to me, I thought Kowalski would have been a better military leader in the context. The little the character did and said reminded me of O'Neill verses the real O'Neil. I did enjoy the interaction O'Neil had with the kids, though. And deciding at the end to not blow up the Stargate. Good choice, my friend.

Jackson, though. Someone told me that Michael Shanks really studied James Spader in order to get to "know" Daniel. And wow, yes. The transition of Spader-Jackson to Shanks-Jackson is practically seamless. I think my one objection is they drop off a bit on the allergy thing (after the Pilot) but I suppose a gag can only go so long. But really, the hair, the glasses, the gestures, and the overexcited talking...all spot on. I loved that.

As far as the movie...it left me feeling incomplete. I'm not sure if it was the basic plotline (which is what I like to think) or if I'm just influenced by knowing there's more in a TV series. But honestly, the movie was perfect to have a follow up TV show. I think had I seen the movie in its original time, I would have been like...well, that's great, but clearly there's not only one alien space ship in the entire galaxy, right? But, Brad Wright stepped in and thank God for that. :-D

What I really loved about the movie (besides Jackson, because he's a given), was a) the giant yak things (so funny!) and b) Ra. Seriously. I am unsure as to if there is a prettier boy in the world. And now, I don't mean pretty the way we all think of Jensen Ackles...but pretty. With the costume and make-up, I had to do a double take to make sure he wasn't a girl. But it played very well for the role because of it. One other thing--the eyes. oh, how it is always the eyes with me. But all the Goa'uld are just amazing with their glowing golden eyes. Very cool.

In general, I'd say anyone who is a sci-fi fan and hasn't seen the original movie, should. It's pretty much what you'd expect, romance included, but it's still fun and exciting. The special effects weren't as terrible as I imagined they would be, though the yak-like things made me laugh. Good music as well.


And so after watching the movie I watched the Pilot SG-1 "movie", right? And man, do I ever love Vancouver. We saw Pusher (who played a major), Daddy Scully (General Hammond), and the Russian nationalist in Tunguska/Terma--the guy Mulder goes to talk to about Krycek in the prison cell (he plays a soldier on O'Neill's team). And then the second ep, we see another XF vet (I can't remember which roles specifically) playing the infirmary doctor. I ♥ Vancouver casting.

And then slightly off topic (to the Pegasus Galaxy), do we know what Dr. Weir's "doctor" is? She's not medical nor scientist...do we know for sure what she's a doctor of?

Comments

[mahoni.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I didn't much care for Russell's O'Neil either. Not sure if it was the actor or the way the character was written, but...yeah. Urg.

Why the change to O'Neill - I remember hearing about that, but I can't remember the exact reason. I think it was a sort of subtle indication that the O'Neill of the show was going to be pretty different than the one in the movie (Richard Dean Anderson wouldn't come on board until they let the character lighten up *g*). But I could be misremembering. The answer is out there somewhere, in interviews or articles or possibly DVD commentaries....

Weir is a diplomat trained in international relations/politics. The 'Dr.' refers the fact that she has two Ph.D.s, so basically she's a Doctor of whatever those degrees were in.

[mf_luder_xf]

For me I think it was the character...which leads to yay RDA for insisting they lighten him up. I guess I liked the depth he had, but he just didn't do much in the movie.

Yeah, I was just curious if they'd ever mentioned what her degrees were in. I think at this point I'm going to settle on poli sci since it seems there hasn't been an actual mention of what they are. I suppose sociology could work as well...

[mahoni.livejournal.com]

I'm pretty sure the characterization makes a huge difference, but I also have a Thing against Kurt Russell, so I feel like I can't in all honesty say there's not a little bit of knee-jerk dislike going on. :P

Weir apparently taught poli sci at some university once upon a time, so I think it'd be safe to say that's one of her degrees. Sociology is a good one. I think you really can get degrees in international politics etc., though.

[mf_luder_xf]

LOL I used to dislike him (bad 80's movies, good God)...but then I saw Miracle. And he can no wrong after that. Or rather...I ignore everything else he's in. ;-)