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Rating:  -
I was hesitant to buy the latest installation of The Twilight Zone after reading all of the extremely negative reviews, but I'm glad that I did. Before some internet browsing, I wasn't even aware of this most recent failed attempt.
Firstly, there will never be another Rod Serling, or any other Twilight Zone reenactment that fully captures the essence of the original. That said, I think there are quite a few episodes from the first installation that fall flat and are weak or nonsensical. It never was perfection, although it was close.
This series did what it could. Personally, I was intrigued to see how the aspects of current culture would play out. At times it is fairly interesting; at others, cheesy. Similarly, the music is horrible. Try to tune it out. Additionally, the 2002 version doesn't quite seem to "get" the essence of the original Twilight Zone, although it certainly tries. The Twilight Zone is mysterious, it is chilling, it is at the very core of each and every one of us. Here, the Twilight Zone is something to be played at, and fallen into briefly. What I liked about the original is that it made you think. The same applies here, but the answers seem to come more easily. Perhaps that is the adaption to modernity- ouch.
Also, what were they thinking in casting Forrest Whitaker as narrator? This man falls flat when it comes to conveying the chilling and perplexing conundrums found within the Twilight Zone. He is far too happy, peppy, and all over the place strange- which, for the most part, isn't what the Twilight Zone is about. I'm sure they could have found someone much more captivating. Maybe this new upbeat attempt at narration was another modern, "fresh" spin that just didn't work.
For serious Twilight Zone fans, I would probably recommend skipping the two remakes. "The Monsters are Due on Maple Street" is my all time favorite episode, and I literally cringed when watching it. The acting is so laughingly shameful and annoyingly grating. The new premise (terrorism) is thought-provoking, but far less inciting than the original. The usage of aliens just wasn't so obvious in what they represented politically. Also, the acting found in "Eye of the Beholder" by Molly Sims doesn't even begin to compare to Maxine Stuart or Donna Douglas. I appreciated the attempt, but I really don't feel it was needed.
I guess what is to be learned is that no one will ever be fully satisfied with the remakes. However, there are some good moments- it's not a total waste. It is still captivating, but in a smaller way. If another attempt is ever created, however, I can only hope that no episode is "revamped" and predictably slaughtered, and that Forrest Whitaker stays far, far away.
Rating:  -
Item was priced very decent for being brand new, and there was no issue or problems with the transaction or delivery of the product.
Rating:  -
I got a used copy for $10. It's a bargain. i am almost thru dsk one and believe it's better than some give it credit for. But it's far from perfect. I respect Forest whitaker but he is the biggest weakenss! He doesn't 'sell' the Twilight Zone. Some of his deliveries ar like he's practicing. I alsways like antholgy shows. Hardly anybody ca ike every eisde of an anthogy. But veriety is the game. Since the shows are about 20 minutes long, a lame episode is not that unbearable. It's not as good as the original, but that has some klinkers and redundant stories too. Maybe the next Twilight Zone incarnation will be better, but I am kinda enjoying this.
Rating: -
Watched them all within a week. Very pleased with the series and prompt delivery.
Rating: -
The new Twilight Zone (2002) was really a show that was overlooked. Perhaps because the original show from the 50's was already remade in the 80's only those that were fans of the original series gave this one a look.
Having read quite a few reviews of this series it seems it wasn't too popular with fans of the original and most people seem to think the 80's remake was better. However, I prefer this remake so much that I bought the 6-disc Season 1 set. Unfortunately, there was only one season! Some of the things I liked best about this show was having the host Forest Whitaker walk around the set in the beginning and end of each episode. Gives it sort of a 3-dimensional feel I think. And come on you gotta love that introduction music - much better than the score for either of the previous series. And of course you get to see a lot of your favorite B-movie and TV show actors make a debut or two. I never watched the show when it aired in 2002. I actually stumbled across it one night on one of the local cable channels and saw the episode "The Pool Guy" with Lou Diamond Phillips. Since LDP is my favorite "non-mainstream" actor, I decide to watch it. The story was good and reminded me of the Outer Limit series I had enjoyed so much a few years ago. I later learned that the same person that produced The Outer Limits also did this Twilight Zone (2002) series. So if you were a fan of the Outer Limits I think it is safe to say you'd enjoy some of these episodes as well. Sure not every story is a good one, but some of them are quite good. Most of the stories take on familiar ground in the Sci-Fi realm, but there are a few twists here and there you aren't likely to expect. Episode 2 "Night Route" comes to mind. And I enjoyed Jason Alexander's (George from Seinfeld) portrayal of "Death" in "One Night at Mercy." The aforementioned "The Pool Guy" is one of the classic episodes in this series. The complete Season 1 can be had on Amazon (NEW) for about $10! Unheard of for a complete season series. The DVD set comes with an episode guide as well. It's certainly worth the $10 if you are a Sci-Fi fan...
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