Sunday, May 31, 2009

Star Trek

Title: Star Strek
Directed by: J.J. Adams
Starring: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, John Cho, Ben Cross, Bruce Greenwood
Genres: Action, Adventure, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Adaptation and Sequel
Running Time: 2 hour. 7 minutes
Release Date: May 7th, 2009
MPAA Rating: PG-13



Review: In retrospect, I don't know why I went to see this movie. I have never seen a Star Trek episode in my life, and what I know about Star Trek lore & history, I have learned from "Trekkie" ridicule in Star Wars-loving films, such as 'Fanboys'. To demonstrate how well my sources have educated me in the ways of the Trek, let me tell you this: I were honestly surprised when the characters did the "Spock-finger-splitting-greeting" and they did not say "Nano nano", like I, for some reason, expected them to. Clearly, I did not belong in that theater. So why go? What can I say? I was desperate. There has not been a good movie out in the theaters for what feels like ages, and it had a B+ rating. Yes, that is my defense.

But for all you Trekkies out there, looking for a review from someone who actually has a clue, this is not it. Please look elsewhere. This one is for all the clueless movie lovers.

So, how was it? Well, besides the [plentiful] inconsistencies in story line, crimes against science/logic (I know, I know... clearly, I mean, for being Sci-Fi), and some just plain silly/dumb details, is was exactly the summer blockbuster, razzle dazzle, shiny action flick I expected. If a popcorn action is what you are looking for, then this one is just as much explosive, mindless fun as any. Does it bring anything spectacular to the table for the uninitiated movie-watcher. Not really.

Grade: 5

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Angels & Demons

Title: Angels & Demons
Directed by: Ron Howard
Starring: Tom Hanks, Ewan McGregor, Ayelet Zurer, Stellan Skarsgard, Kristof Konrad
Genres: Politics/Religion, Adaptation and Thriller
Running Time: 2 hour. 18 minutes
Release Date: May 15th, 2009
MPAA Rating: PG-13


Review: I hated the movie adaptation of 'The DaVinci Code', but for some reason I had high hopes for the sequel. I honestly cannot tell you why. Again, I was struck by what a miscast Tom Hanks is for the lead. This was something that bothered the crap out of me in the first film, and apparently it still does (but thankfully they changed his hair).
I saw this movie days ago, and usually I write the review that same day, but this one has taken a while. I haven't been able to pinpoint why the sum of this film is not better, or even as good, as its parts. It puzzles me. Visually, it is stunning, especially knowing all the special effects that went into making it. The acting is good, for the most part. The casting is alright. The story is fairly accurate to the book, however, where it is not, the changes are huge! They have tried hard to make it suspenseful, and but for some reason they fall short, and the end result is rather dull. The trail of mysteries and clues followed in the film, although they tried to make it so the audience figures it out with the characters as they go along, the feeling is more one of going on a treasure hunt made for a 6 year old kid. For all the pre-hysteria of religion vs. science, the film sticks to a PC "let's all get along".

Grade: 5