Star Trek Review & My Summer Reading

I don't go to the movies that often, I think the prices are ridiculous. However, I grew up during a time when the original Star Trek TV series was considered cutting edge...so I just had to see the new Star Trek movie. I went with a healthy ounce of skepticism, expecting to be underwhelmed. I am a huge movie nut, and I tend to watch with a critical eye, especially if the movie is a remake of some kind. Well I can sum up my experience in one, elongated, hyphenated word: UN-FREAKING-BELIEVABLE!!

I was not just pleasantly surprised, I was downright impressed. I knew the premise going in, but was worried how they would provide a back story for a franchise that has reached every corner of the TV and Movie world (both for better and for worse). I was happy that they pretty much maintained the known history of the original crew. Even things that were changed were done so in a way as to acknowledge they were changed, and in a plausible way to be believable. The movie is just peppered with nostalgic references to both the series and some of the movies. Of course I found myself and a few others being the only ones laughing a few times, but that was because we got the inside joke...that just made it even funnier. I won't include any examples, so as not to spoil it for those of you that have yet to see the movie.

I particularly appreciated the fact that this film did not rely on the Klingons to play any role whatsoever. Instead, the villains were Romulans, and they were portrayed in a way that was very creative, albeit a little contrived. Special effects were plentiful and impressive, even if they were poorly edited at times. I thought it was interesting how they tried to update the technology of the late 60's sci-fi genre, while clearly making it interesting and flashy. I also like how some of the things they left to look exactly how they were back then (shuttle craft and transporter for example).

The best part of the movie was the cast, as it should be in all films. The producers hit a home run with these people. Usually, I am not a big fan of actors imitating the original characters from other movies. I prefer they find their own voice and create their own version of the character. But in the case of this movie, imitation WAS the sincerest form of flattery!! This cast did a superb job of mimicking their counterparts, and still were able to put their own signatures on the performance. The original series was so campy and the cast so over dramatic, that a remake that did not include that would have been disappointing I think! Exceptional performances were put in by the actors that portrayed Spock and McCoy, simply incredible. The only disappointment was the dude that played Chekhov...although his accent was hysterically funny.

Overall - Great Job!! I will be very disappointed (and shocked) if there are not at least 2 or 3 movies in the making. This is clearly the birth of yet another Star Trek franchise.

SUMMER READING

I used to read books like they were going out of style. As I got older and busier, and with the growth of the Internet, I have barely picked up a book in recent years (maybe 1 or 2 a year). I am devoting this summer to reading as much as I can. I love reading, it allows me to immerse myself in a story, or to let me feed my passion for history. So, if anybody really cares, here is my summer reading list:

Simple Genius - David Baldacci (In progress)

The Associate - John Grisham

Heinrich Himmler
(The Sinister Life of the Head of the SS and Gestapo) - Manvell/Fraenkel

Hidden Heroism (Black Soldiers in America's Wars) - Robert B. Edgerton

Twilight of the Long-ball Gods
(Dispatches from the Disappearing Heart of Baseball) - John Schulian

That should keep me busy...