Star Trek XI

Star Trek (Two-Disc Digital Copy Edition)
$34.98
Let me start off by saying no one can really replace the original actors of Star Trek. Each one of them brought something to the development of their character that no one can copy or replace. That being said, JJ Abrams and crew have done an excellent job of finding actors capable of embracing the roles of Kirk, Spock, McCoy, Scotty, Uhura, Sulu, and Chekov; some with more success than others. Of course, Kirk, Spock and McCoy are the triumvirate at the center all things Star Trek and the three actors taking on those roles put their own spin on the characters while still maintaining the essence of what Shatner, Nimoy, and Kelley gave them. It would have been a mistake for Chris Pine to impersonate Shatner because it would have come off as mockery; however, even though Pine creates a very different James T. Kirk there are several moments when you can see his inner Shatner coming out. As Spock, Zachary Quinto's performance is more like an impersonation of Leonard Nimoy's take on Spock, but with this character there was little choice and Quinto is allowed moments when he can bring something different to the role. Karl Urban's performance as Dr. McCoy is more like an homage to DeForest Kelley. Of all the actors in the film, Urban does the best in capturing the essence of the previous actor's performance.

*SPOILERS*

As plots go, I'm rarely a fan of time travel; however, Star Trek has always been successful using the time travel conceit. Most notably in films like The Voyage Home and First Contact. In this film I think the time travel plot is rather hit and miss. By using time travel to change Star Trek history it allows JJ Ambrams to create something new and different, and opens the franchise up to whole new adventures. That I can understand, but in this film I don't necessarily feel that it fully succeeds. Granted, creating a new time line allows the franchise to go in new and different directions, but for me the destruction of Vulcan and the death of Spock's mother, Amanda, were unnecessary to the overall plot. However, the way in which this allows the writers to bring the crew together does work. I especially liked the development of the Scotty and Uhura characters.

One thing that was often lacking in Star Trek films featuring the Original Series characters was special effects, Wrath of Khan being the notable exception. This film, however, does not scrimp of the effects. While I hated the warp effect I have to say the space battles looked fantastic. I especially liked how they incorporate the original sound effect of phaser and torpedo firing, it was a nice homage to the Original Series. The ship design, while different, was also successful. My two quibbles are the bridge, which I thought was too cluttered, and the viewscreen that was little more than a glorified window with picture-in-picture.

As a film on its own, this Star Trek is very successful on many levels. As a prequel to the original series it's still a very successful, if flawed, film. This may not be the Star Trek we grew up with, but it's a great new vision for the future of Trek and as a long-time fan that's good enough for me.

Star Trek (Three-Disc +Digital Copy) [Blu-ray]
$39.99
Starfleet is made aware of a strange electrical storm, which turns out to be more than a storm. Oops it's a trap and George Kirk (Chris Hemsworth) acting captain for 12 minutes, must sacrifice himself to save his crew. On this day was born James Tiberius Kirk. Kirk who leads a rambunctious childhood must find and fulfill his destiny.

He will unite with other characters with which Trekkies can relate. For people new to the genre the story itself sustainable and does not require any previous knowledge of the story or the characters.

This is a great addition to the Star Trek tradition. They left no stone unturned all the major characters and the Gene Roddenberry feel is included. The CGI did not overwhelm the basic story. Parts my look like a power plant in Long Beach. Moreover, do we get Budweiser name recognition?

I've only seen the Blu-Ray version so I cannot compare versions however, the DVD was proud of itself being Blu-Ray and we have to sit through several minutes of coming attractions. The extras include the obligatory commentary by J. J. Abrams, Brian Burke, Alex Kurtzman, Damon Lindelof, and Roberto Orci. There is also a BD-live option.

aka "Star Trek: The Future Begins" - Malaysia (English title)
aka "Star Trek Zero" - USA (working title)
aka "Star Trek: The IMAX Experience" - USA (IMAX version)
aka "Star Trek (IMAX DMR version)" - Hong Kong (English title) (IMAX version)
aka "Star Trek XI" - USA (working title)

Angels & Demons (Single-Disc Theatrical Edition)
$28.96
Angels and Demons has the formula for success. Tom Hanks at the peak of his career, Ewan McGregor (Obie Wan from Star Wars), a gorgeous brunette leading lady, a spectacular city, Ron Howard directing, and a good simple suspense story that doesn't telegraph the ending too soon; equals a movie worth watching.

The film is based on another Dan Brown book that does have the feel of The DaVinci Code. However, the DaVinci Code's story line was convoluted and actually lost me more times than not; Angels and Demons is a good solid straightforward story, sometimes simple can be better. It isn't too kind to reveal the plot of suspense films, discovering the mystery along the way is a major portion of this film. Broadly the film is about the Illuminati that stole a vial of anti-matter from the Hadron / CERN particle collider. The group threatens to blow up St. Peters.

This is a gorgeous film. The scenes in Rome are incredible. Every detail feels perfect, the streets, the monuments, the driving, the people; I could almost smell the espresso and taste the gelato. My wife was lucky enough to spend two weeks in Rome, and commented about the perfection of the scenery - especially the Sistine Chapel (she spent an evening there with only 20 other people). The action scenes are well edited, Ron Howard builds tension, brings the scene to a climax and knows exactly when to move on - pacing is outstanding. The cast is beautiful. Tom Hanks was a big surprise in the swimming pool, and has aged very gracefully. Ewan McGregor has a beautiful British accent that is so pleasant. Ayelet Zurer as the CERN scientist is a gorgeous, intelligent, and strong woman. There is a wonderful chemistry between these characters.

The single disc DVD includes the theatrical release of the film, at 2 hours and 18 minutes run time. The film is about the right length. The disc includes a remarkable 17 minute bonus feature titled 'Rome Was Not Built In A Day.' I highly recommend this feature; it is one of the best behind the scenes footage I've seen in a very long time. There is also a 10 minute piece, 'Writing Angels & Demons' (kind of a yawner), 17 minute 'Characters in Search of the True Story,' and 14 minute 'CERN: Pushing the Frontiers of Human Knowledge,' (a somewhat fluffy science piece). These other bonus features pale in comparison to the 'Rome' feature.

The film is rated PG-13. The thirteen year old said the film was a bit too graphic in a few places. I'll admit there were some pretty gruesome scenes - an eyeball removed to work an iris scanner, people having their chests branded, and crypts full of human skulls. In fact to him, those gory elements lowered his rating of the film. Aside from the violence, there is no strong language, or nudity.

For some, I'm guessing this film is too simple and may play badly compared to the books. That's a common complaint with Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and others. I sat back, relaxed, and enjoyed the story. The film took me to a city I absolutely love. The characters were believable. The mystery was decent. My only complaint, there were moments where the film jumped the shark. I found myself several times thinking, why didn't he get shot there, why did that person wave, how could that be possible, etc? In the end, those loose ends get tied up nicely, they are on purpose. In some regard the film does tie the story up with a pretty bow.

Simply go along for a wild, beautiful ride, through an amazing city, with some handsome people.

Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian (Single-Disc Edition)
$29.98
Great fun for the family. Not the "best film ever". But you don't care because it is fun and takes you to a great carefree place.