DVD Collectors Online

Star Trek, a review by Dragonfire

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Star Trek The future begins in J. J. Abrams' smash hit STAR TREK, "a burst of pure filmmaking exhiliration and an irresistible invitation for fun." Scott Mantz, ACCESS HOLLYWOOD. When the Romulan Nero comes from the future to take revenge on the Federation, rivals Kirk and Spock must work together to stop him from destroying everything they know. On a thrilling journey filled with incredible action, the new recruits of the U.S.S. Enterprise will voyage through unimaginable danger in one of the biggest and most critically acclaimed movies of the year.

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I watched some of the original series years ago and I saw some of the movies, but I never considered myself a fan.  I think part of it was because I did not deal well seeing Spock die in Wrath of Kahn when I was like 6.  That kind of turned me off of Star Trek for a long time, though I did end up watching a lot of Next Generation once it was on.  Anyway, I wasn't that interested when I first heard about a new Star Trek movie.  Then I started to see trailers and I changed my mind.  I'm glad I did.

This movie takes place when Kirk and Spock are still at Star Fleet Academy and they aren't liking each other much.  The movie is starting a new series, and it is an alternate time line from the original stuff because of Nero traveling back in time and altering history, first causing Kirk's dad to die when his ship is attacked, and later by destroying an important planet.  The main characters are all here and while it is clear who they are, they also have some differences.  Kirk is rather wild before joining Star Fleet, and even after at times.  I think the differences introduced are interesting and work for the movie.  I also like that the original Spock returns as well.

The Enterprise looks good - it looked awesome on the big screen.  The bridge area does seem a little smaller and it is very bright and white, which is a little different.  There is action in different scenes that is done well.  The special effects are done well.  There is way too much lens flare though.  It seems like it stands out to me more and more when I rewatch the movie.  Abrams keeps doing this in his movies, and he really needs to knock it off.  It is annoying and distracting.

Star Trek (2009) is a well done, very entertaining movie that definitely deserves to be seen, though some Trek fans may not like how some things are changed.



I did post a longer review at Epinions after I first saw the movie in the theater.

Star Trek (2009)

(From Marie's Random Movie Viewing on June 26th, 2013)

Kick-Ass, a review by Tom

Kick-Ass (2010/United Kingdom) IMDb | Wikipedia Universal Pictures (United Kingdom) Director: Matthew Vaughn Writing: Mark Millar (Original Material By), John S. Romita (Original Material By), Jane Goldman (Screenwriter), Matthew Vaughn (Screenwriter) Length: 118 min. Video: Widescreen 2.40 Audio: English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, Commentary: Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo Subtitles: English

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Stars:
Aaron Johnson as Dave Lizewski/Kick-Ass
Garrett M. Brown as Mr. Lizewski
Clark Duke as Marty
Evan Peters as Todd
Deborah Twiss as Mrs Zane

Plot:
When Dave Lizewski, an ordinary teenager, sets about trying to become the no-power vigilante Kick-Ass, he soon discovers he's not alone. But he's out of his depth - a fearless and highly trained father-daughter crime-fighting duo, Big Daddy and Hit Girl, have declared war on New-York mafioso, Frank D'Amico. As Kick-Ass and his new found friend, Red Mist, get drawn into their no-holds-barred world of bullets and blood, the stage is set for a final showdown - in which the DIY hero will have to live up to his name...or die trying.

Extras:

• Commentary
• Featurettes
• Photo Gallery
• Scene Access

I still haven't written a review about this fabulous movie. I loved it, of course. I watched it three times at the cinema. The most I have ever watched a movie in the theater. I even got other excited about this movie after I "dragged" them into the cinema. They didn't know anything about this movie beforehand. I was vary if they will enjoy it, but after watching it they often have asked me, when the DVD is finally going to be released.

Hitgirl is of course the highlight of this movie. Also Nicholas Cage did a great job as Big Daddy. I enjoy this movie from beginning to end and I still am not tired of watching it.
This movie is a great example of a comic book adaption. They took what fits in a movie, and changed some stuff which wouldn't work on-screen as well as on page.

Rating:

(From Tom's Random Reviews on September 24th, 2010)

"Due South" marathon, a review by Tom

3.10 Perfect Strangers (1997-11-30)
Writer: Paul Haggis (Created By), David Cole (Writer)
Director: Francis Damberger
Cast: Paul Gross (Constable Benton Fraser), Callum Keith Rennie (Stanley "Ray" Kowalski), Beau Starr (Lt. Harding Welsh), Camilla Scott (Inspector Margaret Thatcher), Tony Craig (Detective Jack Huey), Tom Melissis (Detective Dewey), Ramona Milano (Francesca Vecchio), Gordon Pinsent (Fraser Sr.), Dean McDermott (Constable Turnbull), Scott Hylands (General Bowman), Shawn Alex Thompson (Chad Percy (Maxwell)), Cedric Smith (High-ranking Mountie), Kenneth McGregor (Nick Evers), Mackenzie Gray (George), Marqus Bobesich (Sonny Dunlap), Tracey Hway (Shelley), Frank Nakashima (Businessman #1), Brett Heard (Businessman #2)

This episode is inspired by Hitchcock's "Stranger on a Train".
I especially enjoyed the scene where Fraser and Ray arrive in Canada.

Rating:

(From "Due South" marathon on January 3rd, 2010)