MOVIE: Star Trek

RATING: 4 Flipps

“Set Phasers to STUNNING!”

‘Star Trek’ boldly goes where none of the films in the history of the franchise has ever gone before. Superbly directed by J.J Abrams (Lost, Mission Impossible 3), this latest trek provides references that will please veteran Trekkies, while keeping audiences that have never even heard of Star Trek on the edge of their seat. The film is full of spectacle, emotion, and persistent humor that’s as natural as Mr. Spock’s logic.

This is quite possibly the better written Trek film since ‘Wrath Of Khan’. Written by Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman (who wrote the 2007 blockbuster Transformers) remain consistent with the humor and soul that made the original Star Trek films click. The dialogue retracts from becoming cheesy and melodramatic, and relies on wit and intelligence that is truly thought provoking.

The performances are terrific as in the actors have a unique blend of chemistry that keeps within the spirit of the original cast while stepping it up two notches. Still, the actors never attempt to create a caricature of the original cast but embody the roles while respecting the source material. Most notably, Chris Pine (Smokin Aces) and Zachary Quinto (Heroes) as Kirk and Spock are magnificent. Simon Pegg (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz) is hilariously brilliant as Scotty, unfortunately he arrives halfway throughout the film and does not receive much screen time. Eric Bana (Hulk, Munich) delivers a ruthlessly sinister performance as the Romulan ‘Nero’ who carries out a personal vendetta that threatens the balance of Starfleet and the rest of the universe. 

So the question is now that the franchise has received a phenomenal reboot where does the franchise boldly go from here? A sequel is slated for a release stardate 2011, so until then live long and prosper.

 Star Trek is terrific. A bustling summer blockbuster filled with wonder and emotion that will please both fans and non-fans alike. It is this year’s ‘The Dark Knight’.

MOVIE: “The Hangover”

MOVIE: “The Hangover”

RATING: 3-1/2 Flipps

“A Hang-Over Worth Having!”

This is one of those rare comedies that are as welcome as an old friend, even if the friend gives you a bear hug while only wearing strapping underroos and smoked aviators.

Here’s the rundown, Doug is getting married, Doug has 2 best friends and a strange, bearded brother in law. They take Doug to Las Vegas for a bachelor party…Missing teeth, a baby and a tiger in the hotel bathroom are just three of the many hilarious devices that make ‘The Hangover’ one to remember…or not.

‘The Hangover’ has that very special blend of chemistry that was thought to have been obsolete by 21^st century standards. Does it have that same generations mentality, you betcha! And I dug every second of its crudeness. But the secret sauce isn’t in how far the film tries to go, it’s how far the film DOES go and succeeds in bringing home iconic comedic performances (including a fun bit with Mike Tyson serenading a famous Phil Collins tune). I wont give away all the details or my favorite line…reason being is that there is not one solitary second I did not laugh my face off or care about the plot because I was having way too much fun watching these guys become victims of circumstance.

Comedies are ten for a penny anymore that ultimately find their final resting place in the five dollar bin at Wal-Mart. ‘The Hangover’ will most likely end up among the pile, and if it does purchase ten copies.