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)

Young Sherlock Holmes, a review by Dragonfire

Young Sherlock Holmes My Thoughts I'm not sure when I first heard about this movie, though I think the first time I really got interested was after it was mentioned in an episode of Big Bang Theory.  Then I found out when watching A Pixar Story that Pixar did effects for the movie, and that got me even more interested in seeing it.  So when I spotted the DVD at Wal-Mart for only $5, I grabbed it.  I'm really glad I got it. I have been watching more Sherlock Holmes movies in the last few months and I really like the character.  I really liked this variation, showing how Sherlock and Watson might have been when they were younger.  I know it doesn't fit in with the stories, but that's ok for me.  It is a very entertaining, fun movie and I think the way the characters of Sherlock and Watson act remain true to the essence of the characters.  One thing even seems to be a bit of a possible explanation for why Sherlock doesn't get married later in life.  The mystery is decent and while it isn't that difficult to figure out, there are still one or two surprises and some suspense at times.  The former professor character is very interesting.  He is a bit eccentric and has all sorts of experiments going on..something that Sherlock does later in life.  Pixar geek that I am, I got extremely excited when I saw Pixar and Lasseter in the credits for the special effects.  I really enjoyed this one.  It is a fun, entertaining movie that is definitely worth watching. I did post a review on Epinions a few days ago if anyone would like to take a look at that. Young Sherlock Holmes

(From Young Sherlock Holmes on June 21st, 2010)

My PILOT Marathon, a review by Rich

Happy Days - Season 1

All The Way
Potsie sets Richie up with a girl known to have a reputation. Richie doesn't get far with her but leads Fonzie and others to believe he did.



Poodle skirts... jukeboxes... cars with soaring tail fins... and rockin' and rollin' all week long.
Those Happy Days are here again! Join one of America's best-loved TV families - the Cunninghams - in the premiere season of this top-rated television series. Richie Cunningham (Ron Howard), "Potsie" Weber (Anson Williams), Ralph Malph (Donny Most) and "The Fonz" (Henry Winkler) head a brilliant comedic cast in this nostalgic, smash-hit TV sitcom. Arnold's Drive-In is their local hangout and meeting place, and lots of hilarious, memorable and classic adventures are the result.

Nostalgic look back to a series every kid used to watch after school. Pilot works as an introduction to the whole cast, with Richies brother in evidence although I had forgotten he was actually ever in it. Also couldn't remember at the time all the annoying canned laughter, it must have just gone past without my noticing in my innocent teenage years!
Joanie is still just a little kid, and part of the gang is Chuck, another cast member I had totally fogotten about. The Fonz is not one of the leads at this stage, and there are less laughs than I remember from later series.
Not sure what happened to the likes of Potsie and Ralph after Happy Days, they don't show up in any more of my collection, and of course success came tumbling in for Ron Howard and in a smaller scale Henry Winkler.
True escapism.
 

(From My PILOT Marathon on September 23rd, 2009)