Reviews: (Star trek, G.I. Joe: Resolute)
Star Trek
Score: 4.25/4.5 out of 5
I’ve had a hard time writing this review because I know many of my friends are fans of Star Trek or are just anticipating a good action film and don’t want to be spoiled by my words here; I’m also trying to look at this movie objectively without revealing myself as the big Trek-nerd that I am.
Hmmmm… guess I just outed myself with that last sentence. Screw it then; on with the review.
The new Star Trek film begins with a fateful encounter for the federation ship U.S.S. Kelvin, which runs into a massive vessel with advanced technology captained by the mysterious Nero (Eric Bana). This event leads to devastating consequences for the Federation.
Years later on the planet Vulcan, a bi-racial boy called Spock (Zachary Quinto) is debating whether to enter the science academy or leave his planet to learn about his human heritage (and others’ as well) by joining Starfleet Academy. Meanwhile on Earth, rebellious teenager Jim Kirk (Chris Pine) is saved from a bar room beating by fleet captain Christopher Pike (Bruce Greenwood) who sees potential in this kid with high test scores and an attitude of jumping right into danger. Pike challenges Kirk to come with him to the Academy and possibly command a starship within 4 years. The next day, Kirk jumps onto a Starfleet-bound shuttle alongside a slightly older med student (Karl Urban) who really hates the idea of going into space.
Flash forward to three years later and we’re at the point where the action really begins as these and other characters come together for a pretty fantastic adventure. This movie is a one of the better films out of the Trek franchise and a refreshing addition after the absolute disaster that was Star Trek: Nemesis. The script by Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman works on a few levels. It allows for good action, has tight focus, and tells a story which anyone can jump right into and enjoy. No prior knowledge of the series is required for it.
Also, for long time Trek fans, this film gives a story that had never been filmed previously, namely how the crew of the USS Enterprise came together and why they work so well together. Along those lines I was happy to see characters outside of Kirk, Spock and McCoy fleshed out on screen. Little nuances familiar to Trek fans help this along, as do ones not previously mentioned which help create interesting developments along the way.
Throughout the film you can see these new actors cut loose with their scenes and taking full advantage of their lines. Chris Pine is a fine Jim Kirk, and while he makes slight use of William Shatner-isms from the original Star trek series, he doesn’t rely on them to the point of imitation, instead bringing a fresh take while utilizing the cockiness of the Kirk character. Zachary Quinto’s screen presence alone makes for a fine rendition of Spock, even in the presence of the original famously portrayed by Leonard Nimoy.
Actually the entire cast does pretty well, but there were a couple things I didn’t expect. One was the use of Karl Urban. Up until I saw the film, I was never really certain he was the right choice for Dr. McCoy, but his wound up being my favorite performance all things considered. His was a spot on portrayal of the slightly cranky but good natured physician. The other surprise was Zoe Saldana as Uhura. Actually, I’m not totally surprised here, as she’s very attractive woman, but it was really cool to see how much this script give her character to work with as opposed to the original series and films where… we really know nothing of the character. Like her castmates, Saldanna makes the most of her on-screen opportunity and we’re the better for it.
All these elements are utilized fully by director JJ Abrams who has brought an excellent Trek story to the big screen. This is only the second theatrical release I’ve seen from him, but a certain similarity appears between it and his Mission: Impossible III (which was the only film of that series I totally enjoyed), I can see he has a penchant for tight focus and timing for character development. A couple scenes felt forced for the Trek-isms, but largely the interactions work well and are the strength of this film. The effects are also nice and a good marriage of modern screen tech and old TV style, somewhat similar to the re-mastered releases of the original Trek series but a few steps above.
I remember when my father took me to see Star Trek: The Motion Picture as a kid. I remember how director Robert Wise presented pretty visuals but with a boring story that meandered several times creating a film where you felt time going by. Conversely, I think people who see this and take their families along will have a totally opposite experience, and may get to learn that odd-numbered Trek films don’t always have to suck. Highly recommended.
Special thanks to Drew of The Harold Group for turning me on to this screening (where I got my free can of PBR). If you get to Little Five Points Area, check out one of their art gallery shows some time. The next one is on May 23.
and as a bonus mini-review...
G.I. Joe: Resolute
------------------
Score: 3.75 0ut of 5
Not certain who is responsible for this mini-movie / series of shorts, but as both an action fan and an animation fan: Thank you.
As a kid I collected the Hasbro toy line, like many others did and watched the cartoon from time to time while collecting the comics. For a long time though I just couldn't reconcile the idea of a war where everyone survived and no one felt any loss whatsoever. This was what led me to track down shows like Robotech where battles had consequences and characters acted like genuine human beings. The comic book had these elements, why couldn't the cartoon? (Yes, I know it was for kids, but at the time... I was hungry for more realism).
Flash forward to 25 years later and we've got this piece that aired on Adult Swim a couple weeks back and completely blew my mind, so much so I'm compelled to write about it long after the fact. It's just under an hour's worth of content, but that hour has more action and interesting developments than I suspect the not-so-great-looking live action movie will have come this August. The piece starts with Scarlett investigating a grisly murder at the Lincoln Memorial, a devastating attack on the USS Flagg (G.I. Joe's moving headquarters) which has bigger consequences than anyone first thought, and a rocket launch at the UN building to herald the return of Cobra.
The script was penned by comic scribe Warren Ellis (Planetary, Transmetropolitan) who had no vested interest in the G.I Joe franchise prior to this and was given free reign to do what he wanted with the characters. The result is a kick ass story in which some favorites get knocked off while being animated by a slick, fast-paced team of artists. I'm not certain who's responsible for this element (have to go back and read), but it show's overall look reminded me of The Boondocks animated series.
I don't know when this will come to DVD; I suspect it will coincide with the film, but I'll take this movie over that impending train-wreck in a heartbeat. You can see the shorts on adultswim.com and on youtube. In fact, here's one for you. The first hit's always free.
Til next review...
Score: 4.25/4.5 out of 5
I’ve had a hard time writing this review because I know many of my friends are fans of Star Trek or are just anticipating a good action film and don’t want to be spoiled by my words here; I’m also trying to look at this movie objectively without revealing myself as the big Trek-nerd that I am.
Hmmmm… guess I just outed myself with that last sentence. Screw it then; on with the review.
The new Star Trek film begins with a fateful encounter for the federation ship U.S.S. Kelvin, which runs into a massive vessel with advanced technology captained by the mysterious Nero (Eric Bana). This event leads to devastating consequences for the Federation.
Years later on the planet Vulcan, a bi-racial boy called Spock (Zachary Quinto) is debating whether to enter the science academy or leave his planet to learn about his human heritage (and others’ as well) by joining Starfleet Academy. Meanwhile on Earth, rebellious teenager Jim Kirk (Chris Pine) is saved from a bar room beating by fleet captain Christopher Pike (Bruce Greenwood) who sees potential in this kid with high test scores and an attitude of jumping right into danger. Pike challenges Kirk to come with him to the Academy and possibly command a starship within 4 years. The next day, Kirk jumps onto a Starfleet-bound shuttle alongside a slightly older med student (Karl Urban) who really hates the idea of going into space.
Flash forward to three years later and we’re at the point where the action really begins as these and other characters come together for a pretty fantastic adventure. This movie is a one of the better films out of the Trek franchise and a refreshing addition after the absolute disaster that was Star Trek: Nemesis. The script by Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman works on a few levels. It allows for good action, has tight focus, and tells a story which anyone can jump right into and enjoy. No prior knowledge of the series is required for it.
Also, for long time Trek fans, this film gives a story that had never been filmed previously, namely how the crew of the USS Enterprise came together and why they work so well together. Along those lines I was happy to see characters outside of Kirk, Spock and McCoy fleshed out on screen. Little nuances familiar to Trek fans help this along, as do ones not previously mentioned which help create interesting developments along the way.
Throughout the film you can see these new actors cut loose with their scenes and taking full advantage of their lines. Chris Pine is a fine Jim Kirk, and while he makes slight use of William Shatner-isms from the original Star trek series, he doesn’t rely on them to the point of imitation, instead bringing a fresh take while utilizing the cockiness of the Kirk character. Zachary Quinto’s screen presence alone makes for a fine rendition of Spock, even in the presence of the original famously portrayed by Leonard Nimoy.
Actually the entire cast does pretty well, but there were a couple things I didn’t expect. One was the use of Karl Urban. Up until I saw the film, I was never really certain he was the right choice for Dr. McCoy, but his wound up being my favorite performance all things considered. His was a spot on portrayal of the slightly cranky but good natured physician. The other surprise was Zoe Saldana as Uhura. Actually, I’m not totally surprised here, as she’s very attractive woman, but it was really cool to see how much this script give her character to work with as opposed to the original series and films where… we really know nothing of the character. Like her castmates, Saldanna makes the most of her on-screen opportunity and we’re the better for it.
All these elements are utilized fully by director JJ Abrams who has brought an excellent Trek story to the big screen. This is only the second theatrical release I’ve seen from him, but a certain similarity appears between it and his Mission: Impossible III (which was the only film of that series I totally enjoyed), I can see he has a penchant for tight focus and timing for character development. A couple scenes felt forced for the Trek-isms, but largely the interactions work well and are the strength of this film. The effects are also nice and a good marriage of modern screen tech and old TV style, somewhat similar to the re-mastered releases of the original Trek series but a few steps above.
I remember when my father took me to see Star Trek: The Motion Picture as a kid. I remember how director Robert Wise presented pretty visuals but with a boring story that meandered several times creating a film where you felt time going by. Conversely, I think people who see this and take their families along will have a totally opposite experience, and may get to learn that odd-numbered Trek films don’t always have to suck. Highly recommended.
Special thanks to Drew of The Harold Group for turning me on to this screening (where I got my free can of PBR). If you get to Little Five Points Area, check out one of their art gallery shows some time. The next one is on May 23.
and as a bonus mini-review...
G.I. Joe: Resolute
------------------
Score: 3.75 0ut of 5
Not certain who is responsible for this mini-movie / series of shorts, but as both an action fan and an animation fan: Thank you.
As a kid I collected the Hasbro toy line, like many others did and watched the cartoon from time to time while collecting the comics. For a long time though I just couldn't reconcile the idea of a war where everyone survived and no one felt any loss whatsoever. This was what led me to track down shows like Robotech where battles had consequences and characters acted like genuine human beings. The comic book had these elements, why couldn't the cartoon? (Yes, I know it was for kids, but at the time... I was hungry for more realism).
Flash forward to 25 years later and we've got this piece that aired on Adult Swim a couple weeks back and completely blew my mind, so much so I'm compelled to write about it long after the fact. It's just under an hour's worth of content, but that hour has more action and interesting developments than I suspect the not-so-great-looking live action movie will have come this August. The piece starts with Scarlett investigating a grisly murder at the Lincoln Memorial, a devastating attack on the USS Flagg (G.I. Joe's moving headquarters) which has bigger consequences than anyone first thought, and a rocket launch at the UN building to herald the return of Cobra.
The script was penned by comic scribe Warren Ellis (Planetary, Transmetropolitan) who had no vested interest in the G.I Joe franchise prior to this and was given free reign to do what he wanted with the characters. The result is a kick ass story in which some favorites get knocked off while being animated by a slick, fast-paced team of artists. I'm not certain who's responsible for this element (have to go back and read), but it show's overall look reminded me of The Boondocks animated series.
I don't know when this will come to DVD; I suspect it will coincide with the film, but I'll take this movie over that impending train-wreck in a heartbeat. You can see the shorts on adultswim.com and on youtube. In fact, here's one for you. The first hit's always free.
Click to viewTil next review...