Bleak House

M: This BBC mini-series based on the Dickens Novel is great. It has its super-villains, it has its heroes. Very enjoyable show. I considered giving it a 4, even though the lawyers were all absolute villains, which made me feel bad, perhaps deservedly so. Check it out at your local library. 3 1/2 stars

V: I was really drawn into this - it made for many too-late nights. (3 discs, or 4? With many episodes.) It was well-acted with many interesting, great characters. They managed to keep it from not going too far "out there" as Dickens can tend. Really enjoyable with some good lessons, too. Also 3 1/2 stars

Persuasion, BBC 1995

M: This is a much better version than the more recent BBC we watched a few weeks ago. There is really no reason to vary too much from Jane Austin's books, particularly the language, which is so good. This movie was much truer to the book, which I found great. That said, Persuasion, although brilliantly written with fascinating characters, is really not a great romance. I wasn't a huge fan of the leading man either. So this wont get the highest of marks. But it is a show worth seeing, especially if you are looking for a good adaptation of a Jane Austin classic. 3 stars.

V: Yes, much better than the other one. I'm not sure why they make the Anns so plain. I know she had "lost her youthful bloom" but she wasn't morbid looking. Anyway, don't bother with that other Persuasion. This one is quite good. Not perfect, but good. 3 stars.

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Yes Man

V: This movie had potential. Jim Carrey and Zoey Deschanel are a cute pairing. It had some very funny things in it and an interesting premise. Better than the "Liar, Liar" premise (also starring Jim Carrey) this guy chooses to say yes to everything, to see how it changes his life. He (and the viewers) find that saying "yes" can open up new doors and experiences. Of course, you need to say no sometimes, too, which he learns. The point is, take advantage of new opportunities and be honest with yourself. Okay. Then this old lady shows up and RUINS the entire movie. Very offensive. Maybe watch it edited, and it will be an okay show. 2 stars

M: A couple funny moments. When Jim Carrey is on, he is classic (dumb and dumber - eternal sunshine of the spotless mine), when he is off, it is just too much. He was at his best in this movie when he wasn't doing slapstick. And there were times when he and Zoey pulled it off (although she is way too young for him). When he busted out the silly, ouch. Some real disgusting and unnecessary moments take what could be fun and make it nasty. Can't recommend, but if it were cleaned up, this would be a good show. 2 stars