Good concept, poorly executed.

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

Not sure how, but this is easily one of the best movies all summer. Multiple levels of funny, never takes itself seriously, super colorful, and creative.

Actress is magnificent and exudes a hypnotic screen presence in this affecting drama.

If there is one thing that I can't keep my mind off during every episode of "Man Vs. Wild" (or "Born Survivor", if you prefer) that I watch is how much the camera & sound crew are the unsung heroes of this show: they do nearly all the dangerous stuff that Bear Grylls does but also have to carry/handle their technical equipment! Fortunately, they get the credit they deserve in some behind-the-scenes specials in the later seasons. Throughout the show, the camerawork is superb, the photography is crystal-clear, the skydiving sequences are breathtaking, and the landscapes are spectacular; the show takes you to the four corners of the earth and everywhere in between and makes you feel like you are teleported there. And Bear Grylls is engaging company - he is fun to watch. Sometimes he does give in to sensationalism and self-promotion, but most of the time he is quite easygoing and down-to-earth for someone of his skills and accomplishments. He is certainly leading a more exciting and rewarding life than our daily grind! His let's-try-this-on spirit is amazing, but he is definitely not a believer in the practice of following the path of least resistance, which can sometimes be frustrating. He is also not superhuman; he makes mistakes. And once in a while, he lets his guard down and gets surprisingly personal. Of course parts of the show are staged, edited and/or pre-arranged (like the points of "rescue"), there is even an opening disclaimer stating that! This is not a documentary or a reality show, it's entertainment and a travelogue and an escape from everyday life and as such it delivers consistently for over 70 episodes. Highly recommended. *** out of 4.

"Man vs Wild" is an excellent show, unlike "Survivorman" Bear brings in charisma that isn't matched by Les Stroud. Sure there is controversy about Bear being a fake, but the Bear's adventures take him to locations that are relevant to people rather than going to Africa most of the time. Bear gives the opportunity to teach survival tips in instances when they can actually be used. Not everybody is keen to stay in the city where they are in cell phone range and near people. It's nice to get away and be secluded with just yourself and the wilderness for awhile, and if anything happens, maybe, just maybe you can remember a tip you saw Bear give that can help you. I know Les Stroud hasn't done a show involving avalanches when skiing hiking or snowmachining. Bear's show has more relevance to more people because his shows aren't in the most remote locations that are not as popular as Alaska, Sierra Nevada, Scotland, the Alps, etc.

The basic plot is Bear parachutes himself into a secluded wildlife area and is there until he gets himself out. The camera crew is along for the ride so he is not as secluded as he could be but he is out in the middle of no where with only his wits, a canteen and a flint to get him through.Behind the scenes, a ton of research is completed on the area of challenge and Bear is the beneficiary. He can speak smartly about the area and gives wonderful bits of information that he works into his commentary.All in all, a very good show, very enjoyable, some humor, good bits of information.

At times the continuity of this show is subject, but overall it is much more satisfying than similar shows like "Survivorman." Bear is informative and provides a very clear and informative narration, and the geography presented in the episodes is daunting and entertaining. The only problem is the obvious presence of the cameraman, diffusing any real stress in the situations Bear faces. I nearly cut my finger off on a serrated Gerber knife earlier and my typing is slightly sub-par this evening because of it. What would Bear do? Probably wrap the wound in tree bark and keep the wound out of still water until it clotted, then build a shelter out of leaves and beaver pelts and raft down the river on conch shells and a hippo skeleton.