Reviews written by tcwgirl
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Innocent Steps DTS Limited Edition
Innocent Steps DTS Limited Edition DVD Region 3
(7)Our Price: US$33.99List: US$40.99Save: US$7.00 (17%)Related promotions:1 people found the following helpful
August 5, 2005 A Little too InnocentI am a Moon Geun Young fan, and yet her performance in this movie alone wasn't enough for 5 stars. I normally like sappy-sweet romance comedies because I recognize them for what they are, but this movie is shaky. It never completes its purpose perfectly. The chemistry between Moon and Park seems to be lacking not because of the age difference, but because we only see the two together in about THREE (very short) scenes that do not involve teaching Moon how to dance. While the dance lesson scenes are among my favorite from this film, they are nothing more than sweetened and sugared versions of the American pop culture hit, "Dirty Dancing." In order to make this a full blown romance, it seems that film relied too much on common Korean romance cliches: fireflies (used in previous Korean romance hit, "The Classic), romance between a late-teens girl and a man in his late twenties, and a love that blooms without the two knowing it. "Innocent Steps," from the previews I had seen, seemed to not stray down that hackneyed path, but unfortunately the movie follows those cliches to a Tee. The "villains" of the movie are overly stereotyped and without substance or purpose. Besides competition driving them on, there is no explanation for the hatred once-Pro-dancer Park receives from his peers. Is it simply because he is talented? This story could've been elaborated more! Park's character's unrequited love story is also a pathetic attempt at stirring emotion (basically, his dance partner left him for another dance partner). Still, without thinking about all of those flaws too deeply, most fans will enjoy how cute Moon Geun Young looks (sometimes almost obviously trying to, but shying away from outright 'Look at me, I'm cute!' gestures), how cool the dancing is (there was a lot of practice and hard work put into these actors' steps, it shows--I DO respect that), and how flashy the outfits are. More serious Korean movie fans might be stressed about this almost "White Valentine"/"My Little Bride" romance mix that doesn't deliver much. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Queen of Hip-Pop (Japan Version)
Queen of Hip-Pop (Japan Version)
(25)Our Price: US$34.25Usually ships within 1 to 2 daysRelated promotions:August 5, 2005 Indeed, a Queen!I was admittedly skeptical about this Amuro Namie album, "Queen of Hip-Pop." Amuro Namie had released some popular hits in 2004, but she had also released some misses that weren't as popular as one would have expected, too. This 2005 album dispels all claims that Amuro Namie cannot handle R&B/Hip Hop/Pop all in one album. "WANT ME, WANT ME," was a big mistake to me, but the sexiness and hip attitude that "WANT ME, WANT ME" tried to show off was perfectly performed on other tracks on this spectacular album! "Queen of Hip-Pop" is an enjoyable jazz, reggae and pop fusion; "WoWa" also falls under that category--both make you want to get up and dance. Moving to a more traditional R&B/Pop sound, there's "I Wanna Show You My Love" that has enough bass and smooth beats to carry an entire party--which is great, since it goes out to her fans, and I'm sure they'll have a great time partying to it. For those who loved the sweeter pop Namie, previously released single "GIRL TALK," "I Love You," and "Ups & Downs" lighten up the mood. Then, Namie mixes it up again with a slightly more funky and dirty "Free" that has a slower, more "laid back" rap sound to it; a rap/hard-rock 'CRUNK' "My Darling"; and one more catchy party number that will be great in concert with the clapping, "No." Rounding out her range, the ballad "ALL FOR YOU" reminds us of Amuro Namie's roots and beautiful voice. This album has made me a believer that Amuro Namie is DEFINITELY a candidate for the "Queen of Hip-Pop" title! Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
Lyn Vol. 3 - One and only feeling
Lyn Vol. 3 - One and only feeling
(4)Our Price: US$13.99List: US$18.99Save: US$5.00 (26%)Usually ships within 7 - 14 daysRelated promotions:June 17, 2005 Lyn Does Not Disappoint!Lyn's soulful voice has been going for 2 whole albums, and it doesn't stop on this 3rd one! With sweet lyrics, tracks featuring Eddie and GUMMY, Lyn is amazing by herself and spectacular with back up! I was enamored with her most popular songs "Call Me," and "Naughty girl." But you will be EXTREMELY impressed and not able to control the swaying of your body when you hear "Sun shine," track 7 "You Don't Know Me," track 1 "Marry Me," and track 6 "To her." Don't worry about ballads--because you know Lyn has got ya covered! An even amount of fast tracks coupled with melodic soul ballads makes this album perfect in every single way. In fact, I like this album more than her second! She just gets better and better! Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
High School Girl Get Married
High School Girl Get Married VCD
(6)Our Price: US$11.99List: US$15.99Save: US$4.00 (25%)Related promotions:March 22, 2005 Best to See Something ElsePossibly the worst movie I've seen come out of Korea--or any country, for that matter. A romance comedy with absolutely no point and no hook-line-and-sinker, "High School Girl Get Married" is not only as bad as its poorly translated English and underdeveloped CG effects, it's worse than the buttholes that it frequently uses to make unsavory puns, too. The only redeeming thing for me--and this entire piece of work--is that I can possibly fix the grammatically incorrect title with punctuation: "High School Girl, Get Married!" The ancient fable of Princess PyongGang is told in this horribly overrated movie. The modern PyongGang (Im Eun Kyung) might have had bearable acting had it not been for the unbelievable and sheer audacity of a Korean movie producer to create and endorse such a garbled plot. All in all, if you love Korean film with absolutely no criteria, and don't have any expections...Or you're up to seeing a somewhat cringe-inducing view of Im Eun Kyung's large, possibly contact-enhanced eyeballs whenever they feel that the plot is weak and the need to remind you that the leading girl is "cute!", then by all means watch HSGGM. I, on the other hand, would rather just do what would've happen to PyongGang if she hadn't met Ondal: die. /////// Fans of Korean Romance-Comedy should buy "My Little Bride," "My Sassy Girl," "My Love, Ssagajy," or even "Windstruck" before they buy this waste of film. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
WANT ME, WANT ME (Japan Version)
WANT ME, WANT ME (Japan Version)
(56)Our Price: US$13.49Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:March 21, 2005 I Want Not.Amuro Namie has released another R&B/Pop number that's definitely made for dancing. The beat features fast beats as well as Indian-pop-inspired instruments. Amuro's voice is not at its strongest, but it's easily forgivable with such fast lyrics to sing. While this may be an enjoyable single for diehard Amuro Namie fans (especially when she sang under the name 'SUITE CHIC'), or Jpop/R&B lovers, Amuro Namie's "WANT ME, WANT ME" isn't even half as original as her previously R&B/Hip Hop/Pop-infused songs "Girl Talk" or "Alarm." The beats are hackneyed, and show obvious signs of a slacking lyricist and American producer. I'd recommend artists like AI or SOULHEAD for more hearty Japanese R&B/Pop than Amuro's current single. Still, if you want to listen to something average and mindless with the likes of pseudo-sexual-n-proud lyrics like, "Pop the coochie"/"I can do you, you can do me" and so on, then "WANT ME, WANT ME" is for you. If you understand Japanese and English, then this might be disappointing lyrically, as it was for me. Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
March 15, 2005 Nakashima's world of MUSIC!
The much-anticipated MUSIC has finally arrived! Never having owned a Nakashima Mika album, I am not sure how much I can compare, but based on her singles her style and voice are stabling out.
The majority of the the tracks on this album can be likened to a sleepy fairytale, a sweet lullaby, or a chaste little choir. Nakashima Mika's voice never sounded so good with jazz/classic band. The previous singles included on this album (including the most recent "Sakurairo Mau Koro") are indeed the gems of MUSIC! However, seductive "Kumo no Ito" (Spiderweb) and "Fake" make this album more than just a sad, slow ballad album--they make this album have a touch of class! Unfortunately, her producers ignored Mika's weak, out-of-tune voice cracks in each chorus of "Fake"; if she doesn't care enough to do it again, then that's just disappointing.
On "Rocking Horse," Nakashima brings the bar up with a dancy number that reminds you of orchestra meets 1960's police officer. It's a funky number, but not too jarring for her voice. However, like "Shadows of you," the "Rocking Horse" track has English in it that is often difficult to understand--it takes a little away from the songs as a whole.
"Hemlock" is a great upbeat song that's pulled off perfectly--however it's so typical of Nakashima's voice, I am not wont to praise it save the music. "Hitori" is the same way.
"Fed Up" was a track best not done at all. The sudden break into rock was a little shocking.
Overall, an enjoyable and pretty album from a classic voice! Recommended not only to Nakashima Mika fans, but others as well!!Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This) -
DO THE MOTION (Japan Version)
DO THE MOTION (Japan Version)
(82)Our Price: US$15.49Usually ships within 7 daysRelated promotions:March 15, 2005 BoA's Refreshing, New "DO THE MOTION!"A usually fast-beat Pop or saccharine sweet Ballads artist, BoA has taken a slightly different turn with her new single, "DO THE MOTION." And what a well-made move! "DO THE MOTION" is a big-band, Jazz, Soul-infused Pop tune that lulls BoA fans into an interesting, upbeat, silkily sexy world of Pop Jazz! The lyrics to "DO THE MOTION" are enjoyably sassy: BoA ponders about how her lover will respond in his dance moves, and then she croons, "I dare you boy!" to obviously "DO THE MOTION."
The real track that will probably pull diehard BoA fans in is "Kimi no Tonari de" (Next to You)--it struck me! While BoA's voice is definitely NOT at its strongest in this high-pitched love ballad (but she reaches a comfortable, deeper level at some points), the musical score is a winner, and the beat lulls you into actually singing along.
Anyone who claims that BoA's new style is disappointing probably doesn't have a wide, eclectic view in his or her musical collection. BoA is at the perfect time in her career to explore new styles while building upon her already existing vocal talents. Understandably, she won't produce jewels every time, but "Kimi no Tonari de" will undoubtedly be sung at karaoke bars for its easy sing-along rhythm! It's a classically charming love ballad.
Having heard this single and seen the music video, I'm unabashedly and eagerly awaiting to see BoA release another Japanese album sometime soon!Did you find this review helpful? Yes (Report This)
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