A space time continuum

One of my most enjoyable movie watching experiences was with the 2009 reboot of the Star Trek franchise. Director J.J. Abrams had the unenviable task of trying to reboot an iconic franchise for a whole new generation. While it is always daunting to try and take on a role played so famously by someone else, it was the cast that made that movie work. They not only had great chemistry with each other, but they all seemed to find a way to balance paying homage with infusing something new into their characters.

Four years later, the Enterprise crew is back for a new set of adventures in Star Trek Into Darkness. Once again, Abrams directs this likeable cast of explorers as they battle an enigmatic villain named John Harrison. Played with scowling menace by Benedict Cumberbatch, Harrison wreaks havoc on Starfleet with attacks on several of their buildings. Captain Kirk (Chris Pine) and his crew are tasked with taking out the threat but they learn there's more to this character than just being your average terrorist. Of course, I can't say too much more about him without spoiling key pieces to the film's story

Without going into too great of detail to the movie's plot points, I can say that I don't feel the story holds up well under scrutiny. Whenever you're dealing with big budget action picture, there are likely going to be some plotholes. Those don't bother me as much as the familiarity factor. Too much of the overall story, as well as individual set pieces feel cribbed from other films. Take for instance the scene where the Enterprise crew has midway through the film captured Harrison and placed him in a "secure" cell so that they can interrogate him. This setup has been done way too much recently in films including Skyfall, The Avengers, and The Dark Knight. Anyone with half a brain can see exactly what will happen next.

The writers not only borrow material from other franchises, but from their own as well. Several of the film's key plot points were done in previous Trek films. If you recall in the 2009 reboot one of the twists was that the timeline had been altered thanks to Spock going through a wormhole. This was how the film could justify having both Zachary Quinto and Leonard Nimoy both play Spock. I guess the writers felt this gave them justification for revisiting storylines from the original series and films and giving them slight changes. It's too cute of a concept and just comes off as being lazy rather than clever. The fact that it took this group four years to make a film that at times feels like a remake of Wrath of Khan is rather disappointing.

The issues of disappointment, however, really only come after you have left the theater. In the moment, Star Trek Into Darkness holds up as a thoroughly entertaining film. Once again, the interplay between the cast is what works the best. The actors have great comedic timing with each other during the film's lighter moments. And yet when things get more serious, you largely buy into the emotions (or in Spock's case lack of emotion) that they try to convey.

From a technical standpoint, the movie is also a winner. I know some get irritated with Abrams' use of lens flare, but it's only noticeable if you want it to be noticeable. The rest of the visual effects are impressive and give the film an added sense of drama. You appreciate the detail that goes into each location whether it is the intricacies of the construction inside the Enterprise or the unique, strange planets that the crew travels to. Watching it, I wasn't only impressed with what I was seeing, but also excited about the prospect of Abrams being able to bring that same creative vision to the Star Wars franchise in a few years.

Like the vast area that the Enterprise travels through, Star Trek Into Darkness is an empty thrill. It's a well made film that really does not offer viewers anything new. The excitement that the 2009 reboot offered has begun to wane. All of the parts are there to allow this to remain a successful franchise, but future films need to be smarter with the stories they tell. This sequel offers few surprises and telegraphs the few that it does have with unnecessarily heavy amount of scenes of exposition. With J.J. moving over to Jedi country, hopefully some new voices can come in and do something great with the solid foundation is in place. As for this film, while very entertaining as summer popcorn fare, its story boldly goes where too many men have gone before. Grade: B

Trek-ing crew

I was remiss in not posting this last week when it hit the web, so if you haven't seen it yet, here's the latest trailer for Star Trek Into Darkness

2013 Movie Preview (#6 - 1)

#6. Elysium (August 9)

Plot: In the year 2159 two classes of people exist: the very wealthy who live on a pristine man-made space station called Elysium, and the rest, who live on an overpopulated, ruined Earth. Secretary Rhodes (Jodie Foster), a hard line government official will stop at nothing to enforce anti-immigration laws and preserve the luxurious lifestyle of the citizens of Elysium. That doesn't stop the people of Earth from trying to get in, by any means they can. When unlucky Max (Matt Damon) is backed into a corner, he agrees to take on a daunting mission that if successful will not only save his life, but could bring equality to these polarized worlds.

Personal Opinion: After District 9 was the surprise hit of 2009, everyone has eagerly anticipated what director Neill Blomkamp has in store for a follow-up. While this was originally set to be released in March, fans will now have to wait until August to see this sci-fi thriller. What puts this one over the top for me as it relates to anticipation is the fact that Matt Damon stars, someone who's work I always enjoy and who has become the hallmark of consistency recently with the films he's starred in.


#5 Anchorman: The Legend Continues (December 20)

Plot: A sequel to 2004's "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy." Will Ferrell, will return to the title role with supporting cast members Steve Carell and Paul Rudd said to be involved as well. The original film also starred Christina Applegate, David Koechner, Fred Willard, Fred Armisen, Chris Parnell and many more.

Personal Opinion: I cannot understate how much I loved the original Anchorman film. It is one of the best comedies ever. I'm beyond thrilled that the Channel 4 News Team is reuniting, but like any fan there's always that trepidation that the sequel won't be able to live up to the original's greatness. Given that it's taken so long for this sequel to happen and the passion that those involved have for making this good, I've got faith that fans won't be disappointed with the latest adventures of Ron Burgundy.


#4. Monsters University (June 21)

Plot: Mike Wazowski and James P. Sullivan are an inseparable pair, but that wasn't always the case. From the moment these two mismatched monsters met they couldn't stand each other. "Monsters University" unlocks the door to how Mike and Sulley overcame their differences and became the best of friends. Screaming with laughter and fun, "Monsters University" is directed by Dan Scanlon ("Cars," "Mater and the Ghostlight," "Tracy") and produced by Kori Rae ("Up," "The Incredibles," "Monsters, Inc."). The film opens in U.S. theaters on June 21, 2013, and will be shown in Disney Digital 3D� in select theaters.

Personal Opinion: The last sequel Pixar did was the worst film in the studio's history and then they followed that up with the lackluster Brave. So why the high anticipation for this one? It's real simple. To begin, this sequel is working from better source material. Second, the trailer that's already been released provided more laughs than the last two Pixar films combined. I really love the idea of watching these characters within the setting of college. This one definitely has a great chance of appealing to parents and kids equally.


#3. Monuments Men (December 20)

Plot: "Monuments Men" is an adaptation of Robert Edsel's 2009 book by Robert Edsel, which is described as follows: At the same time Adolf Hitler was attempting to take over the western world, his armies were methodically seeking and hoarding the finest art treasures in Europe. The Fuehrer had begun cataloguing the art he planned to collect as well as the art he would destroy: "degenerate" works he despised. In a race against time, behind enemy lines, often unarmed, a special force of American and British museum directors, curators, art historians, and others, called the Momuments Men, risked their lives scouring Europe to prevent the destruction of thousands of years of culture. Focusing on the eleven-month period between D-Day and V-E Day, this fascinating account follows six Monuments Men and their impossible mission to save the world's great art from the Nazis.

Personal Opinion: I can't see how anyone wouldn't have at least some interest in seeing this film after reading that synopsis. It's almost like a real life Ocean's Eleven. It should come as no surprise then that George Clooney is not only starring in this, but also directing it as well. He's also surrounded himself with a fine cast of supporting actors including Daniel Craig, Bill Murray, Matt Damon, and Cate Blanchett. I expect this one to do big business at the box office and during the awards season.


#2. Star Trek into Darkness (May 17)

Plot: In Summer 2013, director J.J. Abrams will deliver an explosive action thriller that takes "Star Trek Into Darkness." In the wake of a shocking act of terror from within their own organization, the crew of The Enterprise is called back home to Earth. In defiance of regulations and with a personal score to settle, Captain Kirk leads his crew on a manhunt to capture an unstoppable force of destruction and bring those responsible to justice. As our heroes are propelled into an epic chess game of life and death, love will be challenged, friendships will be torn apart, and sacrifices must be made for the only family Kirk has left: his crew.

Personal Opinion: I think everyone was caught off guard by how good Abrams' first Star Trek film was, so now the expectations are sky high. A lot of speculation has been made as to who exactly the villain for this film is. Could it be Khan, another villain from Star Trek history, or someone completely brand new. Given that I was never a fan of the original series, that doesn't concern me as much. As long as the story, acting, and action are on par with the 2009 film, then I'll be one happy moviegoer.


#1. Iron Man 3 (May 3)

Plot: Marvel Studios' "Iron Man 3" pits brash-but-brilliant industrialist Tony Stark/Iron Man against an enemy whose reach knows no bounds. When Stark finds his personal world destroyed at his enemy's hands, he embarks on a harrowing quest to find those responsible. This journey, at every turn, will test his mettle. With his back against the wall, Stark is left to survive by his own devices, relying on his ingenuity and instincts to protect those closest to him. As he fights his way back, Stark discovers the answer to the question that has secretly haunted him: does the man make the suit or does the suit make the man?

Personal Opinion: So we've finally made it to the end of the list and of course, Tony Stark is #1, as he believes he always should be. Just like with Thor, everyone is eager to see how they go about following up on The Avengers. Based on the first trailer, this looks like it's going to be awesome. We know Robert Downey Jr. will bring it again and I'm really looking forward to seeing Sir Ben Kingsley ham it up as the Mandarin. You better believe I'll be there for this one on opening weekend.

Star gazing

Your first look at the new Star Trek sequel has finally arrived. It's not much, but still manages to get me hotly anticipating its arrival next summer. If this isn't enough to whet your appetite, you can see a 9 minute preview of the film in IMAX starting next week with The Hobbit