Johnny Rider's Biased Reviews

X-Files Season One - 1993

Now, from what I understand, X-Files was this show that all the geeks were into. This show was considered just amazing by a lot of people I know. I decided to purchase the first and second season to see what all the fuss was about back then.

The Pilot was actually pretty good. An interesting story. Nothing 'out of this world' but still, it was good. The episodes that follow got dull too quick though. Mulder & Scully have great chemistry though. That was a perfect choice of casting. Especially Mulder. From the get go, you can see what type of guy he is. While Scully always tries to look at the realist point of view, Mulder always sees the possibilities. He may not always be right, but you tend to always choose his side.

What really gets me, is that even after seeing some crazy things, Scully never really starts to look at things the way Mulder does. Another thing that bugs me, is that she always gets there too late to see anything. I'm sure that was intentional.

Easily, the worst episode is 'Ghost in the Machine.' It was so bad, that I had to look it up just to see if anyone agreed. Sure enough, the writer considered it one of his worst. It really is THAT bad.

The show tries to be too many things. If you've ever seen John Carpenter's 'The Thing' then you will see a cheap imitation of that in one episode.

I was disappointed with this first season since I heard so many great things about this show. Maybe everyone talked so highly about later seasons? I don't know, but I already have season two, so I'm willing to find out.

2.5 Stars

-Johnny Rider

Anthropophagus: The Grim Reaper - 1980

This was a weird choice. Not sure why I thought, "hey let me get a movie about a crazy cannibal!" Then again, why are some interested in Hannibal Lecter? So I chose this film. I decided to look up the word so you wouldn't have to.

an•thro•poph•a•gus
n., pl. -gi

A person who eats human flesh; a cannibal.

Nice title for a film wouldn't you say? I read some pretty gruesome things about this. I think that's what interested me most. Maybe the fact that it was banned in certain countries. Maybe I just needed my horror fix. So I watched it, and all I can say is, it's was ok.

I expected it to be worse. For it to be banned and stuff I mean. There was one scene that was just plain gross. In fact, I've never seen a film attempt to do that. It was just uncalled for I guess. I think that's what made it so great a scene. Only once though. I don't need to see that again. Doesn't give you a good feeling in the stomach if you know what I mean. Actually if you haven't seen this, you wouldn't know.

Hannibal has nothing on this. This guy eats his own son. What's worse, as shown on the cover, he tries to eat himself.

So, if you feel like watching something that is filmed distastefully, then check this out. It shows now respect for anything. It just doesn't care. It just tries to be the worst it can.

Still, I think it could have been worse. Though, I think that isn't possible.

3.5 Stars

-Johnny Rider

Le Fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain - 2001

If you were like me, and haven't seen this film but seen this cover everywhere, slap yourself twice! It's one of those, that I always meant to watch, just always put it off. If thats what you've done as well, slap yourself two more times!

Sorry, here's an ice pack. Truth is, this is probably the title you want to pick up and watch alone. Just because any interruption and the purity of this film will be stained forever! It gives me such a good feeling inside. It's one of those films I can say is just about flawless.

The story is all over the place, but starts to come together. It works. If you are in love with someone right now, chances are you will think of them throughout this film. If you're not, you'll still want someone to share little things with.

I promise you will think of the little things in life entirely different.

It's a very colorful film, and I think we all need more of those in our life. One of the prettiest films I've seen, and I'm not just saying that because of Amelie herself.

5 Stars

-Johnny Rider

New Attitude is filled with strange sounds, lyrics, and melodies. The album begins with the song 'Fucked for Life.' If you happen to make it to the next track, then chances are this is your type of music. If you just don't get it, then chances are you just need to glue those headphones to your ears.

It's an album with so many ideas that its just lost. Infact, I can't see it ever being found. It's so bad, that its fascinating. I personally love it. For what it is, for what it tries to be. I'm not even sure what that is.

You could get Native Americans hooked on this stuff. There are some moments when it sounds like electronic rain-dance music. Pure fun.

If you've listened to it a few times, hide it from yourself, then rediscover it in a month. It will make more sense.

Click HERE to listen.

Highlight Tracks:
Imagine It
Two Young Sheeps
Katy at the Mall, pts. 1 & 2

3.75 Stars

-Johnny Rider