Movie Morsel(Star Trek)

Well I saw it again last night. After seeing it 4 times within the first week and a half of its opening, I returned to Star Trek. I didn't know if I would see it before its DVD release, but it premiered in the discount theater and I voyaged over to see it once more. Luckily for me, I did see it because it is not being released on DVD until November 17th. I know, thats ridiculous. But there is a platinum/gold lining, when they release the movie it will be in three sets with the top being a 3-disc Blu-Ray only Special Features filled Box Set. Thanks to my new Blu-Ray player, I will be lavishing in its glory on that day already marked in my calendar.

But back to my review of Star Trek, it is amazing! Good enough?

Well first you need a little background information. I have been a lifelong, diehard Star Wars aficionado. I know I may be criticized for defecting, but I have decided that in order to really be open minded I must put my favoritism behind me. I was first turned on to the Star Trek dynasty was in early November, when I saw the first trailer for the movie. I was in awe, so much so that I proceeded(with the help of the internet) to watch the entire original series, and much of The Next Generation. Let me just say that this made my movegoing experience immensely better.

The actual movie though is breathtaking. The special effects, by *ILM*, are jaw dropping, it is amazing how realistic the ships are, I thought about touching but decided not too...yet. But the best part about the special effects is that you don't think about them unless you're trying to. That is the true mark of good special effects, in ST the moviegoer has no time to think about the extensive manhours that went into each an every shot.

I have to admit I was somewhat concerned about hiring all the young (some well known) actors, and whether they would even be close to giving justice to the original characters and actors. The answer is yes. All the characters and actors portraying the characters were terrific, especially the more supporting roles( Scotty, Chekov, Sulu, etc.). After my extensive "research", it was easy to see the similarities that the new characters had with the old. Some critics may say that the characters are not the same, but my logical response is that yes they are not the same but they are very likely possibilities as to where the characters started from when they first joined Starfleet. While I'm at it, it's important to note that the plot is very good as well, might I say that it sets itself up well for a sequel(which I hope is coming).

All in all, Star Trek is incredible and it gets 5 out of 5 stars from me.

M

PS Just wait for the blog post on November 18...

Movie Morsel(New Moon Trailer)

Let me address all my (mostly female) readers who enjoy Twilight, as there was trailer for New Moon prior to the feature presentation. Its a good thing that you readers love Twilight for better or worse, because its worse. I admit to have seen the first Twilight movie, however was sorely disappointed. Let me be clear I am not hating on the story/plot of the Twilight, though not enlightening, overall it is fine. It is good that Stephanie Meyer is getting the younger crowd involved in reading, much the same as Harry Potter has done and in many cases continues to do.

I am very critical of the "not so special" effects and camera work. I will try not to go into a rant on the first movie and its laughable, borderline pathetic, camera work. But the trailer for New Moon looked fine with the exception of the (apparently) werewolf that closes out the clip. At first I couldn't figure out how the actor was supposed to turn into a computer graphic wolf, because there was never a doubt in my mind that it wasn't real. Last time I checked it was 2009, when this wolf looks like it could be produced in 1980(or earlier). The wolf looks not at all real, the fur is pathetic, I guess the wolf took up the right amount of space(for a wolf) and its movements look semi-fluid. I wish the exterior was at least mediocre. I consider myself somewhat experienced when it comes to CGI, I'm fairly certain that ILM, Industrial Light & Magic, could do better in a week, in the middle of the Sahara Desert, in the middle of the summer with their eyes closed and one hand behind their back. I am aghast that such a profitable book and first movie could have such terrible special effects in a highly anticipated sequel. I think I could donate my entire salary for two weeks(which isn't much, I am a college student) and it would double their budget for special effects.

Ok, breathe Michael. Sorry but I guess I ranted. All in all I really hope they upgrade the special effects beofre the release date, which isn't unheard of. Then maybe Jacob will actually turn into a full size werewolf as it is apparently described in the book(as I am reminded by my sister and co-worker) Perhaps it will get another chance when the movie premieres...

M