The Cat Returns (2002)

The Cat Returns (2002)

Dir. Hiroyuki Morita

TCR is a spin-off from Ghibli's Whisper of the Heart (1995) film, and while it's not wholly necessary to have watched WotH prior to TCR, it's recommended, nevertheless, because two of TCR's characters were first introduced in WotH. The earlier film is also where you get the back-story of smartly dressed cat Baron Humbert von Gikkingen. If you don't care about any of that, though, you can enjoy TCR on its own merits.

It's the story of high-school student Haru Yoshioka, a young girl who seems to be constantly running late for class. She's often disorganised, has a messy room, and is a little clumsy. But she has a kind heart, is a good friend, and looks out for animals in need, all of which are positive, inspirational traits.

A selfless act at a busy road earns her the gratitude of the Cat Kingdom, which turns out not to be as welcome a blessing as it may sound.

Ju-On: Films (2000-15)

Ju-On: Films (2000-15)

Dirs. Various

Ju-On's debut on screen was in 1998 as two short films created, written, and directed by Takashi Shimizu. Together they made up one half of a TV Movie named Gakkō no kaidan G (1998), but I'll be skipping those and going direct to the feature-length movies that followed. (The shorts are titled Katasumi and 4444444444, if you wish to research further.)

It might seem like the wrong approach to take, but it's not necessary to have seen them to enjoy what came after. Furthermore, the order below isn't even the one that I experienced them on first viewing, thanks to how they were released in the UK at the time. [1]

01. Ju-On: The Curse (2000 / Dir. Takashi Shimizu) was the first feature-length entry in the series. A straight-to-video (V-Cinema) release that came out two years before the more successful cinema-released film (#3 below). In general, the setting is a haunted house that makes 112 Ocean Avenue (Amityville) seem about as scary as a Wendy house. [2]

2000 AD: Mike Carey (1999—)

2000 AD: Mike Carey (1999—)

Author: Mike Carey | Illustrator: Various | Credits (to date): 25 Progs

I've featured quite a lot of author Mike Carey's comic work over the years. It's mostly been his output under DC's successful Vertigo imprint. I bypassed his work for 2000 AD because the quality is variable, but I'm filling that gap now.

Besides a few Future Shock-esque anthology pieces, he co-created two original series for the magazine: Carver Hale and Thirteen, both of which received a standalone collected edition.

01. Before I get to those, his first published work in the magazine was a one-shot under the Pulp Sci-Fi banner, titled Eggs is Eggs in Prog 1145 (1999), with Cliff Robinson (artist), Chris Blythe (colourist), and Annie Parkhouse (letterer), later reprinted in a Judge Dredd Megazine supplement (#296, March 2010).

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4 (2002)

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4 (2002)

Genre: Sport  |  Players: 1-2  / Up to 8 online  |  Developer: Neversoft

If the shouty parts of the internet are to be believed, a majority of Tony Hawk game fans consider Tony Hawk's Underground (2003), aka THUG, to be the turning point for the franchise, the game where it went from strength to shambles. I differ in that I feel THPS 4 was that point because it was the title that changed the core structure upon which all else was built. THUG just took it to the next (lowest) level.

Gone are the quick 'arcade style' individual runs, replaced by a more open-world, free-skate environment called Career Mode in which tasks or goals have to be initiated by speaking to NPCs, and to do that you first have to find the damned NPCs in the now larger environments.

Making each area more expansive may sound good in theory, but in practice it means that there are less nearby objects to combo to and you have further to travel to find the next goal each time you complete one. You can choose goals from a list in the menu once you've discovered them, but why would you want to do that?

The Ring: US Movies (2002—)

01. The Ring (2002)

Dir. Gore Verbinski

An English language remake of Dir. Hideo Nakata's Japanese language adaptation of Koji Suzuki's popular Ring novel (1991). It's good that horror fans who are unable to read or who simply don't like foreign films can experience the story, but, alas, they'll be getting a much weaker version of it, I feel.

I've known some people who've seen both and favour Verbinski's version, but I can't fathom why. It's not terrible, but it's pretty dull by comparison. That's mostly what Part 01 of this post will be, a comparison, not a standard review, so there'll be unreserved SPOILERS for BOTH versions. Please bear that in mind if you choose to read it.

The Wicker Man: Music (1973/1998/2002)

The Wicker Man (1973/1998/2002)

Composed, arranged and recorded by Paul Giovanni and Magnet

The OST contains film score and songs written for the film, some of which are sung by the cast. That may sound like a bad idea, but if you've experienced the film, then you'll maybe agree they deserve inclusion. It was written in 1973, released in 1998 and re-released with superior sound in 2002 but with less tracks and minor changes elsewhere. Still, it's the better option if all you want are the songs in the best quality.

Musically it's dark and beautiful pagan folk that'll either lull or repulse you, but one word of warning: key tracks contain samples of spoiler dialogue, so it's best if you watch the film first.

The King of Texas (2002)

The King of Texas (2002)

Dir. Uli Edel

Inspired by Shakespeare's King Lear (c.1603-06) but transposed to the US State and set in the year 1842. It's not entirely faithful to the play, and the language is modernised, but it'll be instantly recognisable to anyone familiar with the text.

Patrick Stewart leads the cast as John Lear, a cattle baron with 200,000 acres of land, an ornery disposition, and three daughters. When he makes the decision to divide his substantial holdings between them, he discovers their true character.

The acting is decent, considering it's a TV Movie, but Patrick's British accent is never far from the surface, which is distracting, given that he's supposed to be pure Texan, so much so that in the early parts of the movie it felt more like he was Captain Picard LARPing on the holodeck - a feeling that was compounded by the appearance of Colm Meaney (Miles O'Brien) portraying the Duke of Albany. If you're not a Star Trek TNG fan, you might find it easier to adjust than I did.

The Scorpion King Movies (2002-18)

The Scorpion King Movies (2002-18)

Dirs. Chuck Russell / Russell Mulcahy / Roel Reiné / Mike Elliott / Don Michael Paul

01. The Scorpion King (2002): The Rock's first real acting job is a prequel story to his piss-poor cameo in The Mummy Returns (2001).

The role of Mathayus is perfect for him, playing to his strengths and his abilities. He gets to do most of what he did in the WWE: throw people about, look manly, charm an audience with ease, and deliver the trademark raised eyebrow that makes him look simultaneously smug and endearing.

Kelly Hu saves the costume department some cash by being half-naked most of the time.

The irritating comic relief sidekick role, played by Grant Heslov, isn't as bad as it could've been, but the character can be easily ignored the majority of the time. Ultimately, it's a good 'bad' movie.

The Sandman Presents: The Furies (2002)

The Furies (2002)

Author: Mike Carey | Illustrator: John Bolton | Page Count: 96

"[T]he immortality resides in the role, not in the being that enacts it."

Events in The Furies take place a few years after the end of Neil Gaiman's lengthy Sandman saga (1989-96).

It continues the story of a secondary character named Lyta Hall, so if you've not read all 75 issues (collected as 10 volumes, previously reviewed on the blog), then you'll be missing a huge chunk of backstory. In truth, it would be best to not read The Furies if you lack that Sandman knowledge, because it's largely reliant on it.

Carey's words build an atmosphere that's thick and oppressive. Bolton's painted art complements it.

Bolton is a superb artist, so it's hard to say for sure, but there may be some actual photography blended into the backgrounds. Either way, it manages to be more emotionally affecting than the text; it almost feels as if the brush strokes have actual pain and a unique kind of anguish captured within them.

The Sandman Presents: The Corinthian (2001-02)

The Corinthian: Death in Venice (2001-02)

Author: Darko Macan | Illustrator: Danijel Zezelj | Page Count: 74 (total)

"What a curse the self is."

Another three-issue 'limited series' released under The Sandman Presents banner, this time featuring 'the dark mirror to humanity' himself, The Corinthian, recognisable in the white suit and dark glasses ensemble that he so favours, making him reminiscent of Andrew Eldritch in a Floodland (1987) era Sisters of Mercy music video.

The walking nightmare is in Venice, city of canals, bridges, and honeymooners, among other things. He's not the only wicked thing walking the famous city's streets, but he has a singular goal that is unique to him, and he's no qualms about using others in pursuit of it.

Prior knowledge of the character's origins will be helpful; for that you'll need to have read The Sandman: Volume II: The Doll's House (1991), at the very least.

Dark Water (2002)

Dark Water (2002)

Dir. Hideo Nakata

Often unfairly placed behind Ring (1998) and Ju-on (2002) in importance, I feel that Hideo Nakata's Dark Water, based on a story from Ring author Koji Suzuki, is fully deserving of sharing space with either of the other two.

The argument that it's not as good because it's not as scary is, frankly, nonsense. The story has less opportunity for in-your-face scares, so adding more would be forcing an aspect that isn't wholly organic. Instead, it has chills and atmosphere in abundance, and some fantastic performances from its two female leads; i.e. Hitomi Kuroki as a 'single mother' and Rio Kanno as her six-year-old daughter.

It uses the horror elements in a more subtle manner than either of the two previously mentioned works, making it supportive of a structure that's more traditional in nature, while upfront is a story about a mother who's struggling to keep custody of her daughter.

Godzilla: Millennium Era Films (2000-04)

23. Godzilla 2000: Millennium (1999)

Dir. Takao Okawara

NOTE: numbering continues sequentially from the Heisei Era. I've used English titles, but it's Japanese language versions of the films that I refer to.

Unlike the previous eras, i.e. Shōwa and Heisei, which had their own continuity within their respective timelines, the Millennium era films are mostly standalone stories, functioning as alternative sequels to the original 1954 film. As such, the only Godzilla film one needs to have seen prior to Godzilla 2000: Millennium is the aforementioned 1954 original.

In G 2000 the military want to kill the kaijū with their modern day bad-ass weaponry. Meanwhile, a father and daughter team (Takehiro Murata and Mayu Suzuki) want to study Godzilla. But not just from afar, like storm chasers they dare to get up close and personal as it heavy-foots through the city.

Stargate SG-1: Season 06 (2002-03)

SG-1: Season 06 (2002-03)

Dirs. Various | 22 episodes, approx 44 minutes each.

The redesigned opening credits sequence that kicks things off isn't the only change since Season 05; there's a personnel shake-up, too.

It'll be difficult to talk about what that means for the team without dropping spoilers. I'll keep them to a minimum, but be forewarned: there will be some for S5 + S6 below this paragraph.

With their Egyptologist gone, SG-1 are reduced to three members. I mentioned previously that the person in question often functioned as the conscience and moral compass, so without him they're diminished in more than just number.

And while the three remaining members have personalities strong enough to keep going as they are, there's something comfortable about having four primaries, least of all because it allows for a convenient equal split, such as when a military presence is needed in two places at once. Having a companion at those times gives each person someone to bounce ideas off; someone to rescue or be rescued by, etc.

Stargate SG-1: Season 05 (2001–02)

SG-1: Season 05 (2001–02)

Dirs. Various | 22 episodes, approx 44 minutes each.

I was planning to write more about Teal'c of Chulak (Christopher Judge) than I have previously, but he doesn't get very much to do in Season 05, so it'll be more general praise.

It's fair to say that without the former First Prime of Goa'uld System Lord Apophis the SG-1 team simply wouldn't exist as they do – they'd have died on Abydos (in the Pilot episode).

The team owe Teal'c their lives, and he in turn owes them for giving him the means to follow his heart. In the eyes of most other Jaffa he's a traitor, but to all who oppose the Goa'uld he's a pillar of strength and proof that their enforced thrall can be broken. In short, he's an inspiration.

And like Colonel Jack O'Neill (Richard Dean Anderson) he can be extremely funny, but in a very different way. It's a dry wit, enhanced by his being a man of few words who sometimes 'helpfully' states the obvious for his teammates.

Lucifer: Volume 03 (2002)

A Dalliance With the Damned (2002)

Author: Mike Carey | Illustrators: Peter Gross / Ryan Kelly / Dean Ormston | Page Count: 160

"I think you should stop talking to the snake. These things he tells you are making you unhappy."

Volume 03 of 11 in the Eisner award winning Lucifer series. Things unfold at a more leisurely pace this time as writer Mike Carey shifts the focus away from the charismatic anti-hero. Instead, he explores the virtues and vices of some of the other inhabitants of the realm.

In the first half of the book are three shorter episodes that have a self-contained beginning / middle / end structure but are themselves interconnected and still manage to tie in with the series arc.

Story number one offers readers a chance to sympathise with Mazikeen as she embarks on a personal mission that'll have consequences for more than just herself.

Solaris (2002)

Solaris (2002)

Dir. Steven Soderbergh

A thought-provoking work based on Stanisław Lem's 1961 novel of the same name, with a sombre tone that even in its most doleful moments somehow shines with an aura that's supportive of the whole. It explores a great many themes, but its broadest focus is arguably on relationships and the multifaceted nature of detachment and emotional engagement.

It's the human story with telltale foibles and failings laid bare, made all the more poignant by an enveloping unknown; i.e. the titular planet, which functions as a catalyst that seems to exist as something both observable and observing. It appears to create a bubble-reality in which certain feelings are able to think for themselves. In a way it makes the unreal real, which is both a blessing and a curse for the crew of the research station that sits in the swirling planet's orbit.

Ulver: Teachings in Silence (2002)

Teachings in Silence (2002)

Collects Silence Teaches You How to Sing (2001) and Silencing the Singing (2001)

Ulver continued to erode their musical barriers with two minimalist/ambient EPs that were collected together the following year due to their exploring similar themes. The new release was renamed Teachings In Silence.

It's a dark and strangely compelling work that teases a listener with some beautiful haunting melodies beneath the pops, crackles and ambient glitch. The sounds have a very definite sense of timing and purpose; there's nothing random about their occurrences.

If you're a fan of ambient, you'll know that sifting through the sheer volume of crap that's available can sometimes unearth a gem. Teachings sparkles.

Star Trek X: Nemesis (2002)

Star Trek: Nemesis (2002)

Dir. Stuart Baird

TNG's final cinematic venture was directed by Stuart Baird, who admitted during a video interview that he hadn't bothered to watch even a single episode of The Next Generation television series, and, while viewing Nemesis, it shows.

Instead of constructing what could've been comparable to a TNG version of The Wrath of Khan (1982) he made a dark Star W_rsy film with characters that he clearly didn't understand.

It's saved mostly by the regular cast members, particularly Picard (Patrick Stewart) and Data (Brent Spiner), who imbue their roles with their usual professionalism. And like Insurrection (1998) did, it creates a situation that allows crew members who would ordinarily be absent to be on board the Enterprise (E) when things kick off.

ICO: Melody in the Mist (2002)

ICO: Melody in the Mist (2002)

Composed by Michiru Ōshima and Pentagon

The ICO score is just over twenty-five minutes in length, but during that time it encapsulates almost as many different emotional states as the game itself gives rise to while playing.

Some of the incidental music is so brief that it seems as if the lingering aspect you'd normally expect to have actually becomes the whole, but it's never cursory or perfunctory.

Other parts of it are so perfect, so refined, that making them longer couldn't increase their beauty, it would merely increase the duration.

As a whole, it's a gathering of musical moments ranging from serene, ethereal, forebodingly eerie and haunting to ultimately peaceful, filled with hope. That's a lot of ground for something that's only as long as my bus journey into town.

Infernal Affairs Trilogy (2002-03)

Infernal Affairs (2002)

Dirs. Andrew Lau / Alan Mak

An excellent Hong Kong crime thriller in which a dedicated police officer (Tony Leung Chiu-wai) risks life and limb to go deep undercover in Triad society.

Similarly, a member of the Triad group (Andy Lau) enrols in the HK police service.

Both men eventually become aware of the other's existence, but neither one knows what his counterpart actually looks like.

The nerve-racking race for one mole to expose the other first is often tense as hell, as if walking a knife edge, with a feeling that even during quiet times there may be someone watching, waiting for the mole to slip up and expose himself.