I saw this movie today. Yesterday morning my son and I watched this: https://youtu.be/AHPn5d7wRtk because obviously he is way too young to see the actual movie.
Before I talk about the actual plot, let me just say Joss Whedon, I love you. I have been a fan for a long time now. Dollhouse, Firefly, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., you are the man. I understand you must move on from the MCU and I am going to miss you. I look forward to your next project. Thank you for the fun ride.
It's actually sort of hard to review this movie because I don't want to spoil anything. I will digress one more time to discuss the twins Pietro and Wanda Maximoff. Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch. I think their superhero names are alluded to with visual clues more than once although I don't think they are ever actually said. I like the rebooted storyline for them, but they will always be Magneto's children to me. Scarlet Witch has always been my favorite Avenger. I will admit her "Hex power" is the ultimate deus ex machina, but it is an awesome power. I don't like later in comics where she becomes an actual witch like character. Ever since the first Iron Man movie I have been waiting for her to be onscreen. Her character was excellently portrayed. For those of you not familiar with Quicksilver and the Scarlet Witch, they originally started off as villains of the X-Men where they were working with Magneto. It was revealed he is their father. The two then join the Avengers, then they find out their father is the true villain, and eventually join the X-Men. Scarlet Witch though, she was just too cool when I was a kid. I wanted to be her. She was not as straight forward as Wonder Woman, who I also liked. She had some baggage. Also, her and Vision have some interesting adventures in the comics. It was hard not to giggle when she first sees him. I wonder if Elizabeth Olsen was aware of this and tried to convey it on screen.
Second diversion, while I was watching this movie I had a few side thoughts. I again realized why I like comic books and superheroes so much. We all have our strengths, but we all have our secrets, or in other cases our weaknesses. In particular I thought about Reggie Lewis. There are of course, several other examples. Stephen Hawking comes to mind as well. He is awe-inspiringly smart, but suffers from ALS. Some of us have suffered losses so great that they are like millstones around our necks to us, but we keep moving. It is extremely hard to see Captain America on screen and not think of soldiers affected with PTSD or other afflictions. Maybe we don't have green giants impervious to pain in us, but maybe we live with guilt over ways we have brought pain to others in the past. The comic books touch upon this, but these new movies really bring it home to me. Superheros are just like us. They are people who have been through the fire, or carry secrets, but still do good.
Disclaimer: I am not terribly familiar with the Ultron storyline or Ultimates storyline. I am going to try to keep this as focused just on the movie as I can. I have read Avengers and Nick Fury Man from S.H.I.E.L.D comics as well as watch Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. If I stray too far off course, please forgive me, and if I don't come close enough please also forgive me.
Let me not keep you guys in suspense, I loved this movie. I have read mixed reviews of this movie and went in with a negative outlook. I have read reviews that rated this movie from okish to skip this movie. I loved the banter, the action, the storyline, the costumes, the everything. What I thought was lacking was the fact that there is a few cut scenes and you can tell where the scenes where cut. It is almost distracting. There should have been more background given as to what happened then just "Avenger disappears, then is somewhere weird doing a strange thing, HEY look now he is back!" There are some scenes that are definitely rushed and/or oddly edited. It is not very distracting, but it is noticeable. All in all though, the main plot progresses in a timely pace. There are some surprises which is always nice. There are some cameos of characters from other movies, but then oddly some probably key side characters are missing. Again, not distracting, just noticeable.
Tony Stark wants to use technology to help improve the world around him. Sometimes our actions however noble they seem can be quite detrimental. Tony Stark inadvertently creates Ultron who quickly goes from a global peacekeeping system to "KILL ALL HUMANS". This is a familiar trope, but always entertaining. There are shades of a division, an internal war almost, between the team, but they manage to fight together against Ultron.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D has shown us that Baron Wolfgang Von Strucker who we saw in the mid credits scene of Captain America: The Winter Soldier has been experimenting on people. Oddly two people volunteered, and survived his experiments. They are Russian twins Wanda and Pietro Maximoff. As Maria Hill states "He is fast and she is weird." They work with Ultron to defeat the superhero team.
I am not sure what direction the MCU is headed in, but we see the Mind Stone, one of the Infinity Stones. We saw the the Space Stone in Captain America and the first Avengers movie. The Reality Stone was featured in Thor:The Dark World. The Power Stone was seen in Guardians of the Galaxy. We have not seen the Time Stone, or the Soul Stone yet..............or possibly have we? Are these a McGuffin or essential plot point?
One more note, there are an insane amount of in jokes. If you are a comic reader, or watched the other movies, or the TV show, you will be rewarded for your efforts. Some references were over the head, under the feet for me, but some I got.
In a very fast paced movie filled with satisfying action sequences and witty fast paced banter as both sides seek to reach their goals. The movie is incredible. I can see why some won't like it, but I loved it and will watch it again as soon as it hits Netflix. I deliberately left a lot of the plot out of this review because sometimes the internet is too spoilery. I can tell you there are a few things you will be disappointed if I come right out and say. I will not address the deaths that I heard about myself before seeing this movie because only one is sort of on screen, but I have frankly seen worse injuries in action movies. If you like comic books, witty banter, action movies, Guardians of the Galaxy or the X-men, I highly suggest this movie. There are scenes of violence, as well as mild language so use caution with allowing young children to see this movie. 10 out of 10 stars.
Showing posts with label movie. Show all posts
Showing posts with label movie. Show all posts
Sunday, May 3, 2015
Friday, April 24, 2015
"Rise of the Empire" (Star Wars) fan film
First of all, thank you Beth Vickers for letting me know about this amazing project.
I just found out about an amazing new Star Wars fan film serial called "Rise of the Empire". The website is here http://www.riseoftheempire.net/. You can find them on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/riseoftheempirefanfilm?ref=hl. It is being hailed as the ultimate fan film. The trailer looks incredible. I am very excited and will definitely be reviewing and watching this every week.
What I like about the look of this is the producer believes in practical photography, using sets and live locations instead of green screen. I actually really miss the feel of movies like the original trilogy that use actual locations and sets. The just look better. The production team wants to film in Death Valley in the same locations the original trilogy was shot at.
The episodes should be available in the fall.
Being a fan film they do need funding, which can be done here:
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/rise-of-the-empire-the-ultimate-fan-film--2
I just found out about an amazing new Star Wars fan film serial called "Rise of the Empire". The website is here http://www.riseoftheempire.net/. You can find them on Facebook here https://www.facebook.com/riseoftheempirefanfilm?ref=hl. It is being hailed as the ultimate fan film. The trailer looks incredible. I am very excited and will definitely be reviewing and watching this every week.
What I like about the look of this is the producer believes in practical photography, using sets and live locations instead of green screen. I actually really miss the feel of movies like the original trilogy that use actual locations and sets. The just look better. The production team wants to film in Death Valley in the same locations the original trilogy was shot at.
The episodes should be available in the fall.
Being a fan film they do need funding, which can be done here:
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/rise-of-the-empire-the-ultimate-fan-film--2
Sunday, April 5, 2015
Classic Movie Review: Witness for the Prosecution (1957) (No NaBloPoMo writing prompts on the weekends)
I was born several decades too late. It is not ok how upset I get about this fact sometimes. Modern times confuse and astound me. I am like Seven of Nine trying to adapt to life on Voyager.
This movie is one of my favorites for several reasons. First of all, I adore Agatha Christie, and the movie is based on one of her plays. A common mistake people make is that her mysteries are always predictable. Her books are not formulaic. The Murder of Roger Ackroyd has the unreliable narrator, and then we have The Murder on the Orient Express where they all did it for example. The butler never did it, except for one mystery, but he wasn't really the butler. Billy Wilder, one of the best directors of the twentieth century is at the helm for this courtroom drama. The cast includes Tyrone Power, in his last full length movie, Marlene Dietrich, who does a fantastic call back to the sultry singer of her early movies, Norma Varden, who was delightful as Lady Beekman in the Marilyn Monroe comedy "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes", and the husband and wife team of Charles Laughton and Elsa Lanchester. Ruta Lee, who is still alive, and Ian Wolfe play small but pivotal roles in the movie.
I know many people feel that black and white movies are not as edgy as modern movies, but Billy Wilder was actually quite modern for the time. Charles Laughton and Elsa Lanchester's delightful verbal sparring make this movie work. The effort needs to put in by the viewer. They do not give away the secret to the punchline. You must listen to the between the lines dialog. The same for the meaning behind Tyrone Power's real agenda. If you don't pay attention, you miss most of the story. For me, I like how Charles Laughton behaves in court. Really watch his acting.
There is a delightful twist on a twist on a twist that ends the movie. It really is a delightful courtroom drama and a terrific who-done-it. I suggest this movie to anyone looking for something different. If you enjoy it, which I am sure you will, look for other Billy Wilder movies. You won't be disappointed.
This movie is one of my favorites for several reasons. First of all, I adore Agatha Christie, and the movie is based on one of her plays. A common mistake people make is that her mysteries are always predictable. Her books are not formulaic. The Murder of Roger Ackroyd has the unreliable narrator, and then we have The Murder on the Orient Express where they all did it for example. The butler never did it, except for one mystery, but he wasn't really the butler. Billy Wilder, one of the best directors of the twentieth century is at the helm for this courtroom drama. The cast includes Tyrone Power, in his last full length movie, Marlene Dietrich, who does a fantastic call back to the sultry singer of her early movies, Norma Varden, who was delightful as Lady Beekman in the Marilyn Monroe comedy "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes", and the husband and wife team of Charles Laughton and Elsa Lanchester. Ruta Lee, who is still alive, and Ian Wolfe play small but pivotal roles in the movie.
I know many people feel that black and white movies are not as edgy as modern movies, but Billy Wilder was actually quite modern for the time. Charles Laughton and Elsa Lanchester's delightful verbal sparring make this movie work. The effort needs to put in by the viewer. They do not give away the secret to the punchline. You must listen to the between the lines dialog. The same for the meaning behind Tyrone Power's real agenda. If you don't pay attention, you miss most of the story. For me, I like how Charles Laughton behaves in court. Really watch his acting.
There is a delightful twist on a twist on a twist that ends the movie. It really is a delightful courtroom drama and a terrific who-done-it. I suggest this movie to anyone looking for something different. If you enjoy it, which I am sure you will, look for other Billy Wilder movies. You won't be disappointed.
Saturday, April 4, 2015
Since there is no writing prompt on weekends, here is what we did today.
http://www.valleybreeze.com/2014-07-23/cumberland-lincoln-area/monastery-trails-are-treasure-heart-town#.VSBs2fnF8wM
I grew up in Cumberland, RI and do not live that far from there now. One of my favorite things to do was to walk on the grounds of the Cumberland Library. The library now sits on the former site of a monastery that burned down in 1950. The town converted the ruins to house a playground, and walking trails.
When I was younger there were horses and one of the walking trails had "exercise stations". Sadly, the horses are gone and most of the exercise stations have disappeared.
There is a bit of history in the woods as well. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nine_Men%27s_Misery
I do have to say I know nothing about this war. I do have a very exciting looking scholarly tome that talks in depth about the war, but I haven't gotten to it in my reading pile yet.
When I was younger, my mother used to take me and my brothers there in the summer and we were allowed one VHS movie each week. This was such a treat. I am eight and ten years older than my brothers and most of the movies we owned were "baby" movies. Of course, I was not allowed to rent say "Hellraiser" but this afforded me the opportunity to see movies that I would enjoy more than say watching "101 Dalmatians" for the 5555th time. ("101 Dalmatians" is a fine film. But when you are 12 and you have watched it so many times you realize that Pongo has about four more spots than Perdita and you can recite the whole movie because you watched it 4 times a day for the past five years, it grates on you.)
When my husband and I started dating, I took him walking on some on the longer trails. Now, it is a solo experience. I used to take my dog, but she had to have back surgery and can no longer do the trails. I love walking for hours deep into the woods. It is so incredibly peaceful. You actually can walk out to a point where you cannot hear cars or see houses. It is so therapeutic to leave your phone behind and just walk with your water bottle and enjoy clean air. I cannot wait to take my son out on some of the shorter trails this summer. You can see rabbits and turtles, which for a kid who lives in the city, are pretty exotic. I have never seen deer, but you can hear animals running away from you as you walk and I imagine deer are watching us.
This is where we went today. I was hoping we could actually walk, but there is a storm brewing off Cape Cod that made it quite windy in Cumberland today.
Instead we went to the Cumberland Library. Well, first we went to the Friends of the Library Bookstore. We got quite a good haul.
I grew up in Cumberland, RI and do not live that far from there now. One of my favorite things to do was to walk on the grounds of the Cumberland Library. The library now sits on the former site of a monastery that burned down in 1950. The town converted the ruins to house a playground, and walking trails.
When I was younger there were horses and one of the walking trails had "exercise stations". Sadly, the horses are gone and most of the exercise stations have disappeared.
There is a bit of history in the woods as well. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nine_Men%27s_Misery
I do have to say I know nothing about this war. I do have a very exciting looking scholarly tome that talks in depth about the war, but I haven't gotten to it in my reading pile yet.
When I was younger, my mother used to take me and my brothers there in the summer and we were allowed one VHS movie each week. This was such a treat. I am eight and ten years older than my brothers and most of the movies we owned were "baby" movies. Of course, I was not allowed to rent say "Hellraiser" but this afforded me the opportunity to see movies that I would enjoy more than say watching "101 Dalmatians" for the 5555th time. ("101 Dalmatians" is a fine film. But when you are 12 and you have watched it so many times you realize that Pongo has about four more spots than Perdita and you can recite the whole movie because you watched it 4 times a day for the past five years, it grates on you.)
When my husband and I started dating, I took him walking on some on the longer trails. Now, it is a solo experience. I used to take my dog, but she had to have back surgery and can no longer do the trails. I love walking for hours deep into the woods. It is so incredibly peaceful. You actually can walk out to a point where you cannot hear cars or see houses. It is so therapeutic to leave your phone behind and just walk with your water bottle and enjoy clean air. I cannot wait to take my son out on some of the shorter trails this summer. You can see rabbits and turtles, which for a kid who lives in the city, are pretty exotic. I have never seen deer, but you can hear animals running away from you as you walk and I imagine deer are watching us.
This is where we went today. I was hoping we could actually walk, but there is a storm brewing off Cape Cod that made it quite windy in Cumberland today.
Instead we went to the Cumberland Library. Well, first we went to the Friends of the Library Bookstore. We got quite a good haul.
Some of the books are for me. Wilkie Collins and Agatha Christie are for me to pour over and relish. I figured he can "grow into" The Little Prince, Bridge to Terabithia and Trumpet of the Swan. The Golden Fleece is to fuel his imagination. The Paddington book of course, is for now. No book is over a dollar and they have quite a good selection of books.
Walking around the library was more of a chore than it should have been. He decided after the bookstore that we were kinda done. I knew that I wanted to read some Kate Morton books so I took all they had. We went to the children's section where I selected, Is Your Momma a Llama, Daddy Kisses, and What's Wrong Little Pookie (I love you, Sandra Boynton). My son was going to get a DVD, although the library still has a healthy selection of VHS tapes, I want to restrict use on my VCR. I don't know if I can still buy head cleaner for it. At the moment I tried to shepherd him over to the movies, he spotted some table toys for kids. He thought grabbing Lego bricks and hurtling them to the floor was a fun activity so we had to cut our visit short.
We actually go to the library a lot. We try to go every three weeks because that is how long you can take out books for. I like that in the winter it is a safe, quiet place that my son can walk around. We just haven't been to the Cumberland Library in a while because it was a nasty winter and we have libraries closer to the house. Do you take your children to the library?
The Hunt For Gollum Review. Another great fan film.
Offical Website for the movie.
The cast list: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1323925/
You can watch the movie here: The Hunt for Gollum on YouTube
This fan film serves as an unofficial prequel to the Lord of the Rings trilogy. I think it very nicely bridges The Hobbit to the Lord of the Rings, more so for those not familiar to the story. As someone who read the books as a teenager, this is a loving tribute to Tolkien.
I do have to note that Adrian Webster who plays Aragorn bears an uncanny resemblance to Viggo Mortensen. His acting style is very similar to how Mortensen portrays Strider the Rider as well.
This movie takes place before the events of the movies, and we see Gandalf and Aragorn discussing a particular piece of magical golden jewelry and a fallen hobbit who had it in is possession for some time. Gandalf worries that Gollum may tell those who seek the ring about another hobbit who may have taken the ring from Gollum during a game of riddles some time ago. Aragorn agrees to search for Gollum. Along the way, he encounters friends and foes alike. Will his quest prevail, or will Sauron prevent him from achieving his goal?
I know many took their children to see Peter Jackson's movies. Although there were many fight sequences not many of them were up close violence. There are a few scenes that may be a little violent for people who don't like violence or younger children.
Besides Adrian Webster's striking resemblance to Viggo Mortensen, I really liked the make-up in this movie. It was really well done. The orcs and elves look amazing.
For no other reason to see this movie, see it for the cinematography. This is a British movie and it was shot in North Wales, Epping Forest, and Hampstead Heath. I loved the scenery. What convinced me this was a fantasy story more than anything else was the surroundings. Whoever scouted the locations, hats off to you.
All in all, this movie was great. I definitely suggest it. It is short, about 40 minutes. Whether you are familiar with the books or the movies, or both, you will enjoy this film.
A blog reader suggested I watch this movie. I love watching movies, whether they be fan films or studio releases. Please, if you have any suggestions/recommendations, let me know. You can reach me here on the blog by commenting, or here on Facebook, on Twitter, or on Google+.
The cast list: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1323925/
You can watch the movie here: The Hunt for Gollum on YouTube
This fan film serves as an unofficial prequel to the Lord of the Rings trilogy. I think it very nicely bridges The Hobbit to the Lord of the Rings, more so for those not familiar to the story. As someone who read the books as a teenager, this is a loving tribute to Tolkien.
I do have to note that Adrian Webster who plays Aragorn bears an uncanny resemblance to Viggo Mortensen. His acting style is very similar to how Mortensen portrays Strider the Rider as well.
This movie takes place before the events of the movies, and we see Gandalf and Aragorn discussing a particular piece of magical golden jewelry and a fallen hobbit who had it in is possession for some time. Gandalf worries that Gollum may tell those who seek the ring about another hobbit who may have taken the ring from Gollum during a game of riddles some time ago. Aragorn agrees to search for Gollum. Along the way, he encounters friends and foes alike. Will his quest prevail, or will Sauron prevent him from achieving his goal?
I know many took their children to see Peter Jackson's movies. Although there were many fight sequences not many of them were up close violence. There are a few scenes that may be a little violent for people who don't like violence or younger children.
Besides Adrian Webster's striking resemblance to Viggo Mortensen, I really liked the make-up in this movie. It was really well done. The orcs and elves look amazing.
For no other reason to see this movie, see it for the cinematography. This is a British movie and it was shot in North Wales, Epping Forest, and Hampstead Heath. I loved the scenery. What convinced me this was a fantasy story more than anything else was the surroundings. Whoever scouted the locations, hats off to you.
All in all, this movie was great. I definitely suggest it. It is short, about 40 minutes. Whether you are familiar with the books or the movies, or both, you will enjoy this film.
A blog reader suggested I watch this movie. I love watching movies, whether they be fan films or studio releases. Please, if you have any suggestions/recommendations, let me know. You can reach me here on the blog by commenting, or here on Facebook, on Twitter, or on Google+.
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Star Wars:Threads of Destiny review
"Revenge is never as satisfying as we think it will be, Raven. You think it ends a conflict, settles a score, but in fact it only internalizes it."-- Jedi Master Soren Darr
This is a Swedish made fan film from 2014. You can view it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d40IDc3rQfU&feature=youtu.be.
The cast and crew list can be viewed here: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2275656/
The movie takes place 94 years after the Battle of Yavin. Although peace is prevalent throughout the galaxy, a new threat, the Skenvi Empire has emerged. The New Republic sends Jedi Master Soren Darr and Padawan Raven Darkham to the planet Coreign in hopes they will join the republic. The negotiations appear to be over when Princess Arianna is kidnapped in a bloody attack. Will the Jedi prevail?
This was an incredibly satisfying movie. It was both a great stand alone story and a loving homage to Star Wars. The opening scene is reminiscent of the opening scene of A New Hope. There is a roguish pilot who may have a shady past and is ruggedly handsome. One of my favorite scenes takes place in an establishment reminiscent of the Mos Eisley cantina. There is even a thrilling chase scene through an asteroid field. I felt as if I were watching the actual sequel to Return of the Jedi. The outdoor scenes are beautifully filmed. The landscape is stunning. The story is easy to follow, the dialog harkens back to the original trilogy, and the action scenes are wonderfully choreographed. The side plot of the burgeoning romance between Princess Arianna and Padawan Raven Darkham is a lot more convincing than the onscreen portrayal of Anakin and Amidala's romance. I have to say, I thought this was better than all three prequels combined. It is easy to lose yourself in the story. I eagerly await part two.
One of this blog's readers suggested I watch and review this movie. Please, if have any suggestions/recommendations, let me know. You can reach me here on the blog by commenting, or here on Facebook, on Twitter, or on Google+.
Sunday, March 22, 2015
R.I.P Gregory Walcott
They don't make movies like they used to.
Except for Plan 9 From Outer Space. Thank you, Ed Wood, for helping us realize the power of having a lot of drive, but little money.
Gregory Walcott gave a powerful performance in a much aligned movie. It is almost as if he believed Ed Wood was making a mainstay of the genre.
He was a more prolific actor than I thought he was. Looking over his impressive filmography I realize I have seen him in many different roles.
Losing the stars of yesterday should make us reflect. They were not only from a different time, but they showed us a stylized version of that time. My Grandmother, from Wales, pictured America being like Fred Astaire and Ginger Roger's movie. Movies no longer have that effect on us, nor do actors.
I watch classic movies more than I watch sci-fi or action because of what they represent. If you have the chance, watch a movie from before 1965. It might not reflect today's culture, but it will help us connect to the last century.
Saturday, March 21, 2015
The First Review I Wrote on a Blog. J.J. Abrams' abysmal Star Trek.
(This is a really old post from my first blog on Myspace.
Please Renegades do not make me cry. I am hoping you will be everything you promise to be.
I had to edit this but I kept the tone. The idea is I am trying to improve my writing.........I hope it is getting slightly better as I get older. I was incredibly upset when I wrote this. By the end of the movie I was literally in the fetal position and crying in my seat at the movie theater. By the time I got home I was livid. Nerd rage is a powerful thing friends.)
I'm not going to bother nit picking over the weak storyline or "red matter" or how a drop of "red matter" can implode a planet and create a black hole, but yet when a ship full of the "red matter" detonates it only explodes one ship. Or how a mining ship has a chain long enough to reach from their ship in space to a planet's surface. Or how you can base jump out of a starship to a planet through the atmosphere. Or why if you did and didn't explode in the atmosphere you would need a parachute that also doesn't explode due to well traveling at speed of light. Or how Earth is now four seconds away from Vulcan at warp two when it used to take months at the same speed (Guess they stole the idea of increasing the speed of light from Futurama.)
The biggest problem is Uhura and Spock were not lovers. Ever. There are too many reasons for this and I will not go into them here
Next, in the Star Trek universe ships aren't built in Iowa. Utopia Planitia on the moon, or Mars, yes, Iowa, no.
Incidentally, they don't launch ships from Iowa either, they are launched from space docks.
Since I'm upset about the ships right now, lets talk about Enterprise. Kirk was not on NCC 1701's maiden voyage, since he was the third captain of the ship, but it was launched in 2245, or when Kirk was the ripe old age of 12.
Spock doesn't use phasers. There is this thing called the Vulcan nerve pinch. Spock is Vulcan or anti-violence. Oh, and Spock doesn't wear fur. Vulcans don't kill animals.
McCoy was not technologically minded. He was a Doctor dammit. He never ever ever worked at a console on the bridge. He would visit the bridge yes.Work on the bridge, no.
Chekhov was not a wunderkind. He was a bored teenage pilot. He never got excited and ran around the ship solving problems. Hell he never ran.
And they did not all start on enterprise together. Huge inconsistencies here.
Now lets look at each individual character.
CHRIS PIKE---Took command of Enterprise in 2250 and lead two of the five year missions.He relinquished command to Kirk in 2263. Kirk did not serve under Pike.
SPOCK--Born 2230. As of 2267 he earned the Vulcanian Scientific Legion of Honor,and had twice been decorated by Starfleet Command. Spock served under Pike for 11 years and 4 months, so roughly say in 2252 Spock went on the Enterprise. Did not create Kobayashi Maru. He was certainly not Kirk's teacher at Starfleet. He was never upset about his mother, Amanda, dying when Vulcan was blown up, because Vulcan was never blown up. That was Alderman from Star Wars and Princess Leia. Maybe J.J. Abrams was really trying to make a Star Wars movie?
JAMES KIRK--Born 2233 in Iowa, not space and by 13 was living on Tarsus IV where he was one of 9 surviving witnesses to the massacre of 4000 colonists by Kodos the Executioner. He served aboard Farragut in 2254, so Enterprise was not his first ship. He had an older brother, who was born in Iowa, and his dad did not die in space before he was born.
DR. LEONARD MCCOY-- Born 2227, or in other words, he was older than Kirk. As of 2267 he had earned the Legion of Honor, and had been decorated by Starfleet surgeons. He joined the Enterprise in 2266, three years after Kirk became captain. He most definitely did not attend Star Fleet Academy with Kirk.
UHURA--Yes, she has a name. It is actually Nyota Uhura and her name is definitely not a mystery. She was born in 2239, or in other words, shes younger than Kirk. Her first appearance was in "The Corbomite Maneuver", or episode 3 which means she joined the Enterprise after Kirk, but before McCoy. She never met Kirk in a bar in Iowa prior to joining the crew. Sorry to disappoint, but she wasn't Spock's lover.
PAVEL CHEKOV-- Born 2245. He came aboard the Enterprise in 2267 or, after the rest of the established bridge crew and McCoy.
CHRISTINE CHAPEL--She was in love with Spock. If Spock never dated her, I doubt highly he went after Uhura who wasn't interested in him. She joined Enterprise in 2266 or after Kirk.
HIKARU SULU-- Born 2237.He came aboard the Enterprise in 2265, once again after Kirk, and by the way, he was initially a physicist.
MONTGOMERY SCOTT--Born 2222. His engineering career began in 2243 and he served on 11 ships. Oddly enough he never served on Hoth, and he didn't ever have a weird mutated Greedo as a personal sidekick.
There is so much more wrong with this train wreck of a horrible movie, but I am very tired now. Plus, my head hurts. Oh by the way, I have the STAR TREK encyclopedia, so I, Alana, wrote all of this. This is not some review or something. I'm just a huge Trekkie and the movie hurt my brain.
This was the worst movie I ever saw. I saw X Men 3, Mercury Rising, and all the Look Who's Talking Movies.
Please Renegades do not make me cry. I am hoping you will be everything you promise to be.
I had to edit this but I kept the tone. The idea is I am trying to improve my writing.........I hope it is getting slightly better as I get older. I was incredibly upset when I wrote this. By the end of the movie I was literally in the fetal position and crying in my seat at the movie theater. By the time I got home I was livid. Nerd rage is a powerful thing friends.)
I'm not going to bother nit picking over the weak storyline or "red matter" or how a drop of "red matter" can implode a planet and create a black hole, but yet when a ship full of the "red matter" detonates it only explodes one ship. Or how a mining ship has a chain long enough to reach from their ship in space to a planet's surface. Or how you can base jump out of a starship to a planet through the atmosphere. Or why if you did and didn't explode in the atmosphere you would need a parachute that also doesn't explode due to well traveling at speed of light. Or how Earth is now four seconds away from Vulcan at warp two when it used to take months at the same speed (Guess they stole the idea of increasing the speed of light from Futurama.)
The biggest problem is Uhura and Spock were not lovers. Ever. There are too many reasons for this and I will not go into them here
Next, in the Star Trek universe ships aren't built in Iowa. Utopia Planitia on the moon, or Mars, yes, Iowa, no.
Incidentally, they don't launch ships from Iowa either, they are launched from space docks.
Since I'm upset about the ships right now, lets talk about Enterprise. Kirk was not on NCC 1701's maiden voyage, since he was the third captain of the ship, but it was launched in 2245, or when Kirk was the ripe old age of 12.
Spock doesn't use phasers. There is this thing called the Vulcan nerve pinch. Spock is Vulcan or anti-violence. Oh, and Spock doesn't wear fur. Vulcans don't kill animals.
McCoy was not technologically minded. He was a Doctor dammit. He never ever ever worked at a console on the bridge. He would visit the bridge yes.Work on the bridge, no.
Chekhov was not a wunderkind. He was a bored teenage pilot. He never got excited and ran around the ship solving problems. Hell he never ran.
And they did not all start on enterprise together. Huge inconsistencies here.
Now lets look at each individual character.
CHRIS PIKE---Took command of Enterprise in 2250 and lead two of the five year missions.He relinquished command to Kirk in 2263. Kirk did not serve under Pike.
SPOCK--Born 2230. As of 2267 he earned the Vulcanian Scientific Legion of Honor,and had twice been decorated by Starfleet Command. Spock served under Pike for 11 years and 4 months, so roughly say in 2252 Spock went on the Enterprise. Did not create Kobayashi Maru. He was certainly not Kirk's teacher at Starfleet. He was never upset about his mother, Amanda, dying when Vulcan was blown up, because Vulcan was never blown up. That was Alderman from Star Wars and Princess Leia. Maybe J.J. Abrams was really trying to make a Star Wars movie?
JAMES KIRK--Born 2233 in Iowa, not space and by 13 was living on Tarsus IV where he was one of 9 surviving witnesses to the massacre of 4000 colonists by Kodos the Executioner. He served aboard Farragut in 2254, so Enterprise was not his first ship. He had an older brother, who was born in Iowa, and his dad did not die in space before he was born.
DR. LEONARD MCCOY-- Born 2227, or in other words, he was older than Kirk. As of 2267 he had earned the Legion of Honor, and had been decorated by Starfleet surgeons. He joined the Enterprise in 2266, three years after Kirk became captain. He most definitely did not attend Star Fleet Academy with Kirk.
UHURA--Yes, she has a name. It is actually Nyota Uhura and her name is definitely not a mystery. She was born in 2239, or in other words, shes younger than Kirk. Her first appearance was in "The Corbomite Maneuver", or episode 3 which means she joined the Enterprise after Kirk, but before McCoy. She never met Kirk in a bar in Iowa prior to joining the crew. Sorry to disappoint, but she wasn't Spock's lover.
PAVEL CHEKOV-- Born 2245. He came aboard the Enterprise in 2267 or, after the rest of the established bridge crew and McCoy.
CHRISTINE CHAPEL--She was in love with Spock. If Spock never dated her, I doubt highly he went after Uhura who wasn't interested in him. She joined Enterprise in 2266 or after Kirk.
HIKARU SULU-- Born 2237.He came aboard the Enterprise in 2265, once again after Kirk, and by the way, he was initially a physicist.
MONTGOMERY SCOTT--Born 2222. His engineering career began in 2243 and he served on 11 ships. Oddly enough he never served on Hoth, and he didn't ever have a weird mutated Greedo as a personal sidekick.
There is so much more wrong with this train wreck of a horrible movie, but I am very tired now. Plus, my head hurts. Oh by the way, I have the STAR TREK encyclopedia, so I, Alana, wrote all of this. This is not some review or something. I'm just a huge Trekkie and the movie hurt my brain.
This was the worst movie I ever saw. I saw X Men 3, Mercury Rising, and all the Look Who's Talking Movies.
Friday, March 20, 2015
Quick thought on Star Trek Renegades
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhZPbX2x3Ug Renegades trailer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgRJWBB12GA Renegades trailer
So does anybody else think that the blue guy (he's a villain but I can't remember his name) looks similar to The Destroyer of Worlds from Doctor Who Battlefield? I giggle every single time I see him. I really want to see Renegades but that distracts the hell out of me.
The Destroyer of Worlds is in the clip below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tP6T1wcFwms
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgRJWBB12GA Renegades trailer
So does anybody else think that the blue guy (he's a villain but I can't remember his name) looks similar to The Destroyer of Worlds from Doctor Who Battlefield? I giggle every single time I see him. I really want to see Renegades but that distracts the hell out of me.
The Destroyer of Worlds is in the clip below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tP6T1wcFwms
Thursday, March 19, 2015
New Avengers TV spot
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WM915QsOyI
So looking forward to this movie.
Have always loved the Avengers because well they kick butt. Not as do goody as the Justice League. All kind of anti-heroes. Marvel has characters who are a little more complex than DC.
Anyone else notice Quicksilver's Russian accent? Will his sister have it as well?
I get goose bumps and butterflies when I see Scarlet Witch on screen. How will her hex power be used? Do Quicksilver and her become Avengers in this movie or do they remain villains?
I am definetly going to see this movie. Whose with me?
So looking forward to this movie.
Have always loved the Avengers because well they kick butt. Not as do goody as the Justice League. All kind of anti-heroes. Marvel has characters who are a little more complex than DC.
Anyone else notice Quicksilver's Russian accent? Will his sister have it as well?
I get goose bumps and butterflies when I see Scarlet Witch on screen. How will her hex power be used? Do Quicksilver and her become Avengers in this movie or do they remain villains?
I am definetly going to see this movie. Whose with me?
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Sci-Fi Movie of the week: Star Trek:Of Gods and Men
"It's the perfect tribute to all those who served aboard her..."-Pavel Chekov
Being a nerd is its own reward. This movie is one of those times that this is true. It is a fan made movie that has an incredible story. It feels like a gift of love to fans of TOS, but is a such a good stand alone story it will appeal to those not familiar with the show.
Just take a look at the cast http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0835378/fullcredits?ref_=tt_cl_sm#cast. So many fan favorites from Grace Lee Whitney to Ethan Phillips, sans Neelix makeup. A personal favorite of mine makes a guest appearance, The Guardian of Forever. We even see a tribble.
If I ever get fortunate enough to meet any members of the original cast I want it to be Nichelle Nichols. Growing up seeing her hold her own with Kirk and the members of the bridge crew as Uhura, I wanted to be her. When you watch how calm, cool, and collected she acts you would have no indication of the turmoil the studio put her through. If you don't know the stories, I suggest looking them up. Frustrated and feeling like she had no where to turn, Nichols almost quit Star Trek, but a very influential person urged her to stay stating how positive her character was to the African-American community. Nichols projects grace and elegance when she is screen. I always knew she was talented as an actress, but I recently saw these rare pictures: http://www.thegeektwins.com/2015/02/see-uhura-do-ballet-in-rare-behind.html#.VOzp7HzF_Ak and realized just how talented she really is.
The story is not solely about Uhura. We see Pavel Chekov as we have never seen him before. If the time line was altered, would he be the same friendly, easy going navigator we have all grown to love over the years? Walter Koenig brings his own charm back to the role he originally played on TOS. One of my favorite bits of trivia about his character was that he was brought on to appeal to young women and his wife cut his hair to emulate the hairstyles of The Beatles.
Although not seen, Kirk is talked about. The movie takes place after his death in Generations. (Side rant: I read Star Trek books so I don't think he is truly dead. The books William Shatner wrote in conjunction with Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens explore what might have happened. Great book series, highly recommend.) What would the universe be without Kirk? The theme of "the needs of the many outway the needs of the few" and how important is the life of one man are explored.
Being a fan made production, the special effects may be a little lacking, but this movie has heart. There are some scenery chewing moments from some of the actors, but seriously, what would Star Trek be like without a little overacting? The dialog is reminiscent of the TOS movies. I highly recommend this movie to everyone who likes science fiction.
You can watch it on Youtube here :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFqAME7dx58
Being a nerd is its own reward. This movie is one of those times that this is true. It is a fan made movie that has an incredible story. It feels like a gift of love to fans of TOS, but is a such a good stand alone story it will appeal to those not familiar with the show.
Just take a look at the cast http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0835378/fullcredits?ref_=tt_cl_sm#cast. So many fan favorites from Grace Lee Whitney to Ethan Phillips, sans Neelix makeup. A personal favorite of mine makes a guest appearance, The Guardian of Forever. We even see a tribble.
If I ever get fortunate enough to meet any members of the original cast I want it to be Nichelle Nichols. Growing up seeing her hold her own with Kirk and the members of the bridge crew as Uhura, I wanted to be her. When you watch how calm, cool, and collected she acts you would have no indication of the turmoil the studio put her through. If you don't know the stories, I suggest looking them up. Frustrated and feeling like she had no where to turn, Nichols almost quit Star Trek, but a very influential person urged her to stay stating how positive her character was to the African-American community. Nichols projects grace and elegance when she is screen. I always knew she was talented as an actress, but I recently saw these rare pictures: http://www.thegeektwins.com/2015/02/see-uhura-do-ballet-in-rare-behind.html#.VOzp7HzF_Ak and realized just how talented she really is.
The story is not solely about Uhura. We see Pavel Chekov as we have never seen him before. If the time line was altered, would he be the same friendly, easy going navigator we have all grown to love over the years? Walter Koenig brings his own charm back to the role he originally played on TOS. One of my favorite bits of trivia about his character was that he was brought on to appeal to young women and his wife cut his hair to emulate the hairstyles of The Beatles.
Although not seen, Kirk is talked about. The movie takes place after his death in Generations. (Side rant: I read Star Trek books so I don't think he is truly dead. The books William Shatner wrote in conjunction with Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens explore what might have happened. Great book series, highly recommend.) What would the universe be without Kirk? The theme of "the needs of the many outway the needs of the few" and how important is the life of one man are explored.
Being a fan made production, the special effects may be a little lacking, but this movie has heart. There are some scenery chewing moments from some of the actors, but seriously, what would Star Trek be like without a little overacting? The dialog is reminiscent of the TOS movies. I highly recommend this movie to everyone who likes science fiction.
You can watch it on Youtube here :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFqAME7dx58
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