Category Archives: Movies
Review: Star Trek Into Darkness
It’s hard to believe it has already been four years since J.J. Abrams rebooted the Star Trek franchise. Abrams’ 2009 Star Trek was slicker, faster and more popular than anything in the long-running series’ history. It was arguably also the most dumbed-down version of Star Trek to date. Abrams admitted that he was never a fan of Star Trek. He set out to make a Star Trek movie for people like him – people who couldn’t get into the high-minded science fiction aspects of the series. And he succeeded in that goal by delivering an action-heavy spectacle filled with his signature lens flares and a young, attractive crew.
The sequel, Star Trek Into Darkness, follows the same formula as the 2009 reboot. Freed from the obligations to reintroduce the Star Trek characters to the uninitiated, Into Darkness is faster and more hyperkinetic than the original. I’m not sure it is any less dumbed-down, but it does manage to dig into slightly deeper territory than the first film. And it benefits from a stronger villain and the lack of a ridiculous time travel plot.
Like all Abrams’ projects, Into Darkness is shrouded in secrecy. The cast and crew refused to discuss the identity of the villain played by Benedict Cumberbatch. Internet rumors swirled that Cumberbatch was playing an updated version of Khan, the most popular villain from the original series. All of the secrecy is largely unnecessary. The movie has some surprises, but it telegraphs them from miles away. I saw the movie without spoilers and never once did it surprise me.
Spoilers follow after the jump.
What the Hell Happened to Steven Seagal?
Steven Seagal was a martial arts legend. Just ask him. If Seagal is to be believed, he has lived an action-packed life that would rival James Bond. Seagal, a seventh degree black belt in aikido, rose from obscurity in the late 80′s to become one of Hollywood’s top-paid action stars in the 90′s. Since then, Seagal has morphed into a walking fat joke.
What the hell happened?
“Il Divo”: the life of one of Italy’s most controversial man ever
Giulio Andreotti, former italian prime minister, passed away a couple of days ago aged 94. But who was this man who served in almost every italian government from 1947, when he became under-secretary during De Gasperi government, ’til 1992 when his last term as prime minister ended abruptly during the corruption scandals that led to the spectacular implosion of the so called “First Republic”?
Review: Iron Man 3
The first Iron Man was breezy fun. While it was undeniably lightweight, Iron Man pulled off an impressive balancing act. It was equal parts comedy, escapism and super hero action. The second film in the series got weighed down with too many bad guys and supporting characters. It was salvaged by Downey who was still a lot of fun to watch. Iron Man 3 makes the same mistakes as the middle installment. But even the good parts are starting to wear thin.
What the Hell Happened to Thora Birch?
Thora Birch was a child actor who seemed to be making a successful transition into more mature roles. For a brief time, she seemed poised for a long and exciting career. And then almost immediately, that career dried up. These days, she is known for being fired from a Broadway play and having an over-bearing father/manager. Birch has been banished to direct-to-video schlock and Lifetime movies. Recently, there was an internet rumor that she was dead.
What the hell happened?
What the Hell Happened to Robin Williams?
At the peak of his career, Robin Williams was one of the most sought-after actors in Hollywood. He made the extremely rare transition from comedian to dramatic actor. What’s more, he was able to alternate between popular comedies and dramatic roles while winning awards for both. But eventually, Williams’ popularity waned. While Williams remains busy, his last starring role in a mainstream movie was in 2009.
What the hell happened?
What the Hell Happened to Nicole Kidman?
During the 1990′s, Kidman was one half of Hollywood’s biggest power couple. During that time, she became one of the most sought-after actresses in Hollywood. Even after her divorce from Tom Cruise, Kidman’s career continued to soar. She starred in big movies, was a darling of critics and finally won an Academy Award in 2002. These days, Kidman is still a sought-after actress. She can still be counted on to rack up nominations come awards time. But her career has cooled. The movies are smaller. Her spotlight has dimmed.
What the hell happened?
What the Hell Happened to Chevy Chase?
In the late seventies and early eighties, Chevy Chase was the height of cool. He was the original break-out star of Saturday Night Live which was the hip show to watch and not an institution like it is today. When he went into movies, Chase was hailed as the next Cary Grant. But despite appearing in a few durable comedies, Chase has failed to live up to the promise he showed early in his career. These days, he is known for his tirades more than his comedy.
What the hell happened?
Jonathan Winters: 1925-2013
Jonathan Winters began his career as a comedian by winning a talent show which he entered in hopes of winning a watch. This led to gigs as disc jockeys in his home state of Ohio. When he moved to New York City in 1953, he had less than $60 in his pocket.
What the Hell Happened to Uma Thurman?
Uma Thurman has been a Batman villain, Robin Hood’s girlfriend, an Avenger (the English kind) and Quentin Tarantino’s muse. She’s worked with Robert DeNiro, Bill Murray, John Travolta and George Clooney. But these days, she’s shifted gears into supporting roles. What the hell happened?
