Hello Everyone,
Spoiler Alert!!!!!
Well the time has come for another film review. This film I saw a couple of weeks ago with my friends. Needless to say going to the movies with friends makes for a good day at least for me it does. The movie we went to see was the latest addition to the Mission Impossible franchise staring Tom Cruise. Even though the film is part of a franchise, it was a good stand alone movie that had nothing to do with the other four prequels which made an entertaining film to watch. Now lets get started with this review of Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation.
I must first point out that in general I am not really a Tom Cruise fan, I think hes okay I just don't really follow him too much. But the last few movies hes done ever since Jack Reacher have been pretty good. This latest Mission Impossible is no different. I don't remember really anything about the first three Mission Impossible films, its been a while since I've seen them. But I do remember the last one Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol and I thought that one was okay. But one of the things I enjoyed about that one was that it was a stand alone film separate from the first three. Which is what I enjoyed about Rogue Nation that apart from having some of the actors in it, it had nothing to do with Ghost Protocol. It was a different story line, different problems the characters had to overcome and different solutions to those problems. A lot of times films will try to do a continuation of the previous but most times the continuation falls flat and it would have been better if the filmmakers would have done just two stand alone movies. And have two separate story lines apart from each other. Rogue Nation did the smart thing had a different story line and it paid off as it was funny, action packed and just a fun movie to watch.
Now it was obvious that Tom Cruise was going to reprise his role as Ethan Hunt, he is the main character after all. But Simon Pegg and Jeremy Renner also reprise their roles from the last one. I like both roles and both actors so it was great to see their characters explored more and to see the actors do something different than they usually do. My favorite character has to be Simon Pegg's Benji because he is the wildcard. He is the nerdy tech guy that everyone never sees as a threat but when the time comes he can really kick butt and be bad ass. He is just bad ass with a computer and not with hand-to-hand combat. It just goes to show you sometimes all you really need is a computer and intelligence. He is also really funny and Simon Pegg is great pulling off comedy.
I bring up the characters to bring up the centralized relationship of the film. Most films the centralized relationship is between the main guy and the main girl. But is not the case with Rogue Nation the centralized relationship in this film like in very few films is actually between two male characters. And those two characters are between Ethan and Benji. I like the fact that the film put the light on the friendship between Benji and Ethan and show you that these two characters truly, deeply care for each other. Now I like it when a film shows you the friendship of two characters because it shows you while a romantic relationship is nice and while we all hope for romance, friendship is the key for true happiness and without it, we are lost. Without friends, someone we can just be ourselves with than we do not know what to do with our free time.
Bottom line is Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation is a thrilling, exciting and kick ass movie and a great way to get out of the Summer heat and into an air condition building to cool down. A good Summer blockbuster film to watch!
-Katiejayforever
P.S. Stand by for next review.
Monday, August 31, 2015
Monday, August 10, 2015
Marvels Ant Man
Hello Everyone,
Spoiler Alert!!!!!
Well sorry I missed last week I took some time off from work and went camping with my family so I did not have any wi-fi. But it was good and relaxing to take a little vacation even if it was only for a few days. But not to worry for I went to see a movie before my mini vacation. And I also went to see the movie with my family so it was a very busy week with the family for me. Which is good because the movie was one of those films that has something for the whole family to enjoy. And that movie is Marvels Ant Man, now lets get to the review.
I will admit that I wasn't too sure if Ant Man was going to be any good. But the movie surprised me by being fun and entertaining. It had action like a superhero film should have, it was funny; it had me laughing throughout the entire film, and it also had heart. The two father-daughter relationships will have you saying "Awww" or at least that is what I said when I watched the film. I won't say too much in case you haven't seen it, but just know the relationships was really sweet.
Another thing I wasn't sure about was Paul Rudd as Ant Man just because I have never seen him in a movie like this so I didn't know if he would be able to pull it off. But to my surprise he did and I thought he was entertaining in it. Especially in the scenes with Ant Man and Falcon. I think those were my favorite scenes because I enjoyed the banter and fun fight scene and the fact that Falcon got his ass kick by Ant Man. Funny! Another reason their banter was fun was because of the writing, the writers did a good job at mixing amusing dialogue with a butt kicking, action packed fight scene. That is something I hope to achieve when I become a writer for a television show or film, hopefully a superhero film or show.
However I was a bit disappointed that a line in the trailer did not make it in the final cut of the film. And that line was when Ant Man and Falcon are talking and Falcon asks Ant Man who he is and the response is "I am Ant Man," Falcon just stares at him with an expression like "really" and Ant Man say "Iron Man was taken."It is a silly line but it would have been fun. But oh well at least we got the line in the trailer. That is my one complaint which shows you how good the movie is. The thing with superhero films is you cannot take them too seriously.
Ever since Disney bought Marvel I have really like what they have done. The movies that have made and how they have made them all connect to each other have been very impressive. I like that they don't care how many movie it takes, they will do a film for each other heroes and explain how they become the hero they are then they will bring them together. For example they will do a Iron Man, A Captain America, a Thor etc, explain their story then they will bring them together for The Avengers. That way you as the audience already know the characters before they team up and you won't have to worry about explanation for The Avengers. Instead you can just watch their team up and their adventure unfold and enjoy it. Ant Man is not different and I personally can't wait to see Ant Man meet and team up with the other Avengers and yes Falcon is an Avenger. That is what Warner Brothers needs to do with DC Comics.
In conclusion Marvels Ant Man is a fun, entertaining, laugh out loud film that everyone of all ages will enjoy. So if you are looking for a film to see, go and see Ant Man. After all it has got to be better than Adam Sandler's Pixels.
-Katiejayforever
P.S. Stand by for next review!
Spoiler Alert!!!!!
Well sorry I missed last week I took some time off from work and went camping with my family so I did not have any wi-fi. But it was good and relaxing to take a little vacation even if it was only for a few days. But not to worry for I went to see a movie before my mini vacation. And I also went to see the movie with my family so it was a very busy week with the family for me. Which is good because the movie was one of those films that has something for the whole family to enjoy. And that movie is Marvels Ant Man, now lets get to the review.
I will admit that I wasn't too sure if Ant Man was going to be any good. But the movie surprised me by being fun and entertaining. It had action like a superhero film should have, it was funny; it had me laughing throughout the entire film, and it also had heart. The two father-daughter relationships will have you saying "Awww" or at least that is what I said when I watched the film. I won't say too much in case you haven't seen it, but just know the relationships was really sweet.
Another thing I wasn't sure about was Paul Rudd as Ant Man just because I have never seen him in a movie like this so I didn't know if he would be able to pull it off. But to my surprise he did and I thought he was entertaining in it. Especially in the scenes with Ant Man and Falcon. I think those were my favorite scenes because I enjoyed the banter and fun fight scene and the fact that Falcon got his ass kick by Ant Man. Funny! Another reason their banter was fun was because of the writing, the writers did a good job at mixing amusing dialogue with a butt kicking, action packed fight scene. That is something I hope to achieve when I become a writer for a television show or film, hopefully a superhero film or show.
However I was a bit disappointed that a line in the trailer did not make it in the final cut of the film. And that line was when Ant Man and Falcon are talking and Falcon asks Ant Man who he is and the response is "I am Ant Man," Falcon just stares at him with an expression like "really" and Ant Man say "Iron Man was taken."It is a silly line but it would have been fun. But oh well at least we got the line in the trailer. That is my one complaint which shows you how good the movie is. The thing with superhero films is you cannot take them too seriously.
Ever since Disney bought Marvel I have really like what they have done. The movies that have made and how they have made them all connect to each other have been very impressive. I like that they don't care how many movie it takes, they will do a film for each other heroes and explain how they become the hero they are then they will bring them together. For example they will do a Iron Man, A Captain America, a Thor etc, explain their story then they will bring them together for The Avengers. That way you as the audience already know the characters before they team up and you won't have to worry about explanation for The Avengers. Instead you can just watch their team up and their adventure unfold and enjoy it. Ant Man is not different and I personally can't wait to see Ant Man meet and team up with the other Avengers and yes Falcon is an Avenger. That is what Warner Brothers needs to do with DC Comics.
In conclusion Marvels Ant Man is a fun, entertaining, laugh out loud film that everyone of all ages will enjoy. So if you are looking for a film to see, go and see Ant Man. After all it has got to be better than Adam Sandler's Pixels.
-Katiejayforever
P.S. Stand by for next review!
Monday, July 20, 2015
Shallow Hal
Hello Everyone,
Spoiler Alert!!!!!
So for this review I am going to a bit lighter and instead of reviewing an action or thriller film or a Science Fiction television show this time I am going to review a romantic comedy. IN general I am not really a romantic comedy sort of person but every so often I will watch one that really enjoy. And the film that I am about to review I do enjoy every time I watch it. Not only is it funny but it also has a good message and we will get to what that message is. Now lets get started with the review of Shallow Hal.
Even though I am not a romantic person I do have to say I do like the love story because I think its really sweet that Hal play by Jack Black learns to love Rosie play by Gwyneth Paltrow for who she is on the inside. Because whether we care to admit it or not, we are not perfect; no body is. And when it comes down to finding someone to love and to love us, we want someone that will accept us our faults and all. So I thought it was clever of teh writers to have Hal be hypnotized to see whats on the inside of people, it forced him to get to know Rosie and the kind of person she is and fall in love with that person. Thus it forced the character to change because it he was able to see what was on the outside then he wouldn't get to know her resulting in no change and remaining the shallow guy he was at the beginning of the film. And we wouldn't fall in love with the story and the film would be boring and tedious. The writers did a nice job creating an compelling story and allowing the audience not to be afraid to fall in love with the characters and the story.
While being a sweet love story it was also very funny. I know it is a romantic comedy so it kinda had to be. But I find most romantic comedies are just sort of funny but Shallow Hal had some great laugh out loud moments. I think the funniest part of the film is to see Gwyneth Paltrow dressed in the fat suit and how they have her made up. Because for those of you who are familiar with Gwyneth Paltrow then you will know she is a very fit person. So to see her in a fat suit was funny because when she was wearing the fat suit and the fact that they had her so made up, she didn't even looked like herself and it gave her chance to take more risks with her acting. I thought Jack Black was funny as well. Now I am not an huge fan of Jack Black for the most part I think he is okay but in the film I think he shows off some of his best acting. And the fact that his character has to go through some kind of transformation and change really helped with his acting ability. And I also thought Jack Black and Gwyneth Paltrow had some great chemistry. The rest of the cast was excellent, the story and cast really comes together.
Lets talk about the message if the story which is to look beyond the outside of people and get to know them for who they are in the inside. We all know that looks do play a part in a relationship but they are not the most important part. While we want to be attracted to a person we also want to know them and have them know us. And to just enjoy each other company. Shallow Hal does a fine job at exhibiting the above statement. Because at the end when he really sees her, he doesn't care. Hes attracted to her but also loves her for her and just wants to be with her. And isn't that what we all really want: to just be with someone.
Shallow Hal is a romantic comedy but you don't have to be a romantic person to enjoy it. It has laugh out loud moments, great chemistry within the cast and a good moral to the story. Its a movie you can cuddle up with that special someone and have a good time together.
-Katiejayforever
P.S. Stand by for next review!
Spoiler Alert!!!!!
So for this review I am going to a bit lighter and instead of reviewing an action or thriller film or a Science Fiction television show this time I am going to review a romantic comedy. IN general I am not really a romantic comedy sort of person but every so often I will watch one that really enjoy. And the film that I am about to review I do enjoy every time I watch it. Not only is it funny but it also has a good message and we will get to what that message is. Now lets get started with the review of Shallow Hal.
Even though I am not a romantic person I do have to say I do like the love story because I think its really sweet that Hal play by Jack Black learns to love Rosie play by Gwyneth Paltrow for who she is on the inside. Because whether we care to admit it or not, we are not perfect; no body is. And when it comes down to finding someone to love and to love us, we want someone that will accept us our faults and all. So I thought it was clever of teh writers to have Hal be hypnotized to see whats on the inside of people, it forced him to get to know Rosie and the kind of person she is and fall in love with that person. Thus it forced the character to change because it he was able to see what was on the outside then he wouldn't get to know her resulting in no change and remaining the shallow guy he was at the beginning of the film. And we wouldn't fall in love with the story and the film would be boring and tedious. The writers did a nice job creating an compelling story and allowing the audience not to be afraid to fall in love with the characters and the story.
While being a sweet love story it was also very funny. I know it is a romantic comedy so it kinda had to be. But I find most romantic comedies are just sort of funny but Shallow Hal had some great laugh out loud moments. I think the funniest part of the film is to see Gwyneth Paltrow dressed in the fat suit and how they have her made up. Because for those of you who are familiar with Gwyneth Paltrow then you will know she is a very fit person. So to see her in a fat suit was funny because when she was wearing the fat suit and the fact that they had her so made up, she didn't even looked like herself and it gave her chance to take more risks with her acting. I thought Jack Black was funny as well. Now I am not an huge fan of Jack Black for the most part I think he is okay but in the film I think he shows off some of his best acting. And the fact that his character has to go through some kind of transformation and change really helped with his acting ability. And I also thought Jack Black and Gwyneth Paltrow had some great chemistry. The rest of the cast was excellent, the story and cast really comes together.
Lets talk about the message if the story which is to look beyond the outside of people and get to know them for who they are in the inside. We all know that looks do play a part in a relationship but they are not the most important part. While we want to be attracted to a person we also want to know them and have them know us. And to just enjoy each other company. Shallow Hal does a fine job at exhibiting the above statement. Because at the end when he really sees her, he doesn't care. Hes attracted to her but also loves her for her and just wants to be with her. And isn't that what we all really want: to just be with someone.
Shallow Hal is a romantic comedy but you don't have to be a romantic person to enjoy it. It has laugh out loud moments, great chemistry within the cast and a good moral to the story. Its a movie you can cuddle up with that special someone and have a good time together.
-Katiejayforever
P.S. Stand by for next review!
Monday, July 13, 2015
Terminator: Genisys
Hello Everyone,
Spoiler Alert!!!!!
Now like the last review I am going to take you back in time but not all the way back to the 60's. This time I am going to take you back to 1984 when the term terminator came to be. A time where watching robot and humans fighting and trying to kill each other was considered cool. Where people of all ages came to know what exactly is judgement day. Now I take you back to the 80's where The Terminator franchise began with this review with the newest film of the franchise with Terminator: Genisys.
An interesting story is last Sunday night when I got home from work my Dad told me that him and my brother went to see this movie that day. He told me he liked it and also told me that I would like it because of a certain actor was in it that I enjoy watching. But he wouldn't tell me who but he told my Mom. Now at this point with the Internet these days I was tempted to look up who that actor could be; but, I was good and didn't. So since I was off from work on Tuesday I made time to see it and that's exactly what I did. And as soon as I saw the actor I knew that was who my Dad was talking about and I was excited and it made the movie much more enjoyable. And in case your curious the actor that was in the film that I love was Matt Smith better known as the eleventh doctor from Doctor Who. Who knew my Dad was right! LOL! Just kidding I love my Dad he knows me so well.
First thing first is that if you have not seen the first two Terminator movies in a while then it might be helpful for you to go back and rewatch them or at least read the synopsis of them. Just to refresh yourselves of the T800 and T100 model terminators. Although it not necessary, it just might be helpful for you to understand the plot of this new one. If you don't that's okay, you will be able to understand the plot just fine.
If you read the reviews and actually pay attention to the critics then you already know that the film is getting mixed reviews. But for me I did not think that it was bad at all. Here is the thing about any of the Terminator movies, you cannot take them seriously. I mean think about it they are about robots and humans trying to kill each other and also about time travel. You can't take that too seriously they are not meant to be taken that way. They are meant for you to watch them and have fun doing so. So yeah I quite enjoyed the entire film, I thought it was funny, had plenty of action and had talented actors in it.
Speaking on the acting I thought this was one of the best performances done by Arnold Schwarzenegger in a while. This film and his acting made me realize just how good of an actor he is. He took me back to the first and second terminator when he was the good robot in the second but also the bad ass killer in the first. By now you all should know how I feel about Matt Smith I just love him. But after watching him in Doctor Who and seeing him play the good guy, it was a nice change to watch him play the villain for once and he was remarkable as always. Lastly another actor I really like that was also in this movie was J.K. Simmons. I think his character was really funny especially when he was trying to figure out what was going on from the main characters. And the ending was great because it was the first time and spoiler alert here that John Connor died and Kyle Reese lived. Sorry about the spoilers for those of who whom haven't seen it let.
And on that note to avoid giving away any more spoilers I shall end this review here. All I asked of you is see the movie first before you judge it. It might come to a surprise to you that you will really enjoy it like I did. I hope you go see it and I hope you will find it entertaining.
-Katiejayforever
P.S. Stand by for next review!
Spoiler Alert!!!!!
Now like the last review I am going to take you back in time but not all the way back to the 60's. This time I am going to take you back to 1984 when the term terminator came to be. A time where watching robot and humans fighting and trying to kill each other was considered cool. Where people of all ages came to know what exactly is judgement day. Now I take you back to the 80's where The Terminator franchise began with this review with the newest film of the franchise with Terminator: Genisys.
An interesting story is last Sunday night when I got home from work my Dad told me that him and my brother went to see this movie that day. He told me he liked it and also told me that I would like it because of a certain actor was in it that I enjoy watching. But he wouldn't tell me who but he told my Mom. Now at this point with the Internet these days I was tempted to look up who that actor could be; but, I was good and didn't. So since I was off from work on Tuesday I made time to see it and that's exactly what I did. And as soon as I saw the actor I knew that was who my Dad was talking about and I was excited and it made the movie much more enjoyable. And in case your curious the actor that was in the film that I love was Matt Smith better known as the eleventh doctor from Doctor Who. Who knew my Dad was right! LOL! Just kidding I love my Dad he knows me so well.
First thing first is that if you have not seen the first two Terminator movies in a while then it might be helpful for you to go back and rewatch them or at least read the synopsis of them. Just to refresh yourselves of the T800 and T100 model terminators. Although it not necessary, it just might be helpful for you to understand the plot of this new one. If you don't that's okay, you will be able to understand the plot just fine.
If you read the reviews and actually pay attention to the critics then you already know that the film is getting mixed reviews. But for me I did not think that it was bad at all. Here is the thing about any of the Terminator movies, you cannot take them seriously. I mean think about it they are about robots and humans trying to kill each other and also about time travel. You can't take that too seriously they are not meant to be taken that way. They are meant for you to watch them and have fun doing so. So yeah I quite enjoyed the entire film, I thought it was funny, had plenty of action and had talented actors in it.
Speaking on the acting I thought this was one of the best performances done by Arnold Schwarzenegger in a while. This film and his acting made me realize just how good of an actor he is. He took me back to the first and second terminator when he was the good robot in the second but also the bad ass killer in the first. By now you all should know how I feel about Matt Smith I just love him. But after watching him in Doctor Who and seeing him play the good guy, it was a nice change to watch him play the villain for once and he was remarkable as always. Lastly another actor I really like that was also in this movie was J.K. Simmons. I think his character was really funny especially when he was trying to figure out what was going on from the main characters. And the ending was great because it was the first time and spoiler alert here that John Connor died and Kyle Reese lived. Sorry about the spoilers for those of who whom haven't seen it let.
And on that note to avoid giving away any more spoilers I shall end this review here. All I asked of you is see the movie first before you judge it. It might come to a surprise to you that you will really enjoy it like I did. I hope you go see it and I hope you will find it entertaining.
-Katiejayforever
P.S. Stand by for next review!
Monday, July 6, 2015
Star Trek: The Original Series (Season 1)
Hello Everyone,
Spoiler Alert!!!
For this review I am going to take you back to a simpler time for television. A time where the writers had to be at the top of their game in order for their show to be successful. A time where depended more on stories and less on special effects. And a time where those stories reflected on what was going on in the real world. So I take you back to 1966 with this review of Star Trek: The Original Series season one.
Now those of you who are not into science fiction or those who have only seen the spin-off series. Star Trek: The Original Series depicted the space adventures of Captain James T. Kirk of the USS Enterprise and his first commander Mr. Spock, a half human, half alien being. Portrayed by William Shatner as Captain Kirk and the late Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock respectively. And rounding up the main cast was the late Deforest Kelly as Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy, the late James Doohan as Lieutenant Commander Montgomery "Scotty" Scott, Nichelle Nichols as Lieutenant Nyota Uhura, George Takei as Lieutenant Hikaru Sulu and Walter Koenig as Ensign Pavel Chekov starting from season two. And also staring was the creator Gene Roddenberry's wife Majel Barrett as Nurse Christine Chapel.
Here is the thing about star Trek whether it be the original series, a spin-off or one of the reboot films directed by J.J. Abrams, the premise is about people traveling through space and meeting other beings or creatures from other planets so you can't take it too seriously. You just have to have fun watching. I think that is why some people do not like the reboot films, they take it too seriously. But we are not talking about the reboots at least not right now. I am talking about the original series that first premiered in 1966 and was cancelled in 1969 after only three seasons.
Let's first start with the production value of the series which is by today's standards very cheap. As you watch the series you will realize that Gene Roddenberry and crew had almost no budget. Its funny as I was watching season one I was no more than about five episodes in when I realized that they used their greens screen as part of their set. I noticed they decorated the green screen set with fake cliffs and plants to make it looked like another planet. When you as the audience can noticed the green screen that is a pretty horrible set. The set was not the only horrible part of the show, the special effects was also pretty bad. I know for the 60's they were top notch special effects. But by today standards they do not hold up. Most of the special effects were strobe lights and anything they can get their hands on for a few bucks. Now it was not their fault the special effects were terrible, they just didn't have the technology that we have now. Imagine if the creators has today's technology back then that would have been great effects for the 1960's.
Next lets talk about the choreography for the fight scenes which were incredibly cheesy. When the characters fought each other, they fought like ten year old's and not like two different species trying to kill each other. I think the reason for the corny choreography was because television executives back then were a lot more limited to what they could show then they are now. Don't get me wrong executives are still limited today but they can show a lot more hence the fight scenes are a lot more violent now then back then. Bottom line is the set, special effects and choreography is not what makes the series hold up. What makes it hold it are the stories.
Star Trek: The Original Series has a big fan base but it really didn't start to get that big fan base until it was already cancelled. But the stories sort of mirrored the real life events that were going on. which is why I think the stories still hold up today. I mean if you think about it the overall story is Caucasian men, and Asian male, a Russian male, an African American woman and a mix race male all living and working together on one ship. And they all cared deeply for each other. During the 60's you had the Civil Rights, Feminist movement, Black Panther Party etc. going on and everyone was trying to get along. The stories reflected real life! Now the first season was a times hard to get into but it still had engaging episodes. One of the most entertaining episodes was the Khan episode because it had one of the better villains and it served as a back story for Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan, the second film with the original cast. And the fight scene between Kirk and Khan was actually pretty good. As good as that episode is I think my favorite episode is episode five titled The Enemy Within which was Star Trek's take on Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. The idea that everyone has a good and bad side to them. I like it because its true we all have light and dark, good and evil in us. I think this episode was also some of William Shatner's best acting. This episode also marked the start of Spock's famous neck pinch. The original script called for Spock to come up behind evil Kirk and hit him with the butt of the phaser. And it was Nimoy developing his character and Shatner's acting that established the neck pinch. It was an excellent episode!
If you ever take a film criticism class and learn about gay/queer theory and homoerotic, then you will realize there is some homoeroticness between Kirk and Spock. For the most part the relationship between the two is that of best friends/brothers but if you analyzed the show you will realized the relationship is also of two characters having unrequited crushes on each other and are gay in a way. For me I don't care I like the relationship between Kirk and Spock.
Even though the production value doesn't hold up today, and the first season was a time hard to get into, season one of Star Trek: The Original Series was a good start to a show that will spring more than one spin-off and an entire reboot film series.
-Katiejayforever
P.S. Stand by for next review!
Spoiler Alert!!!
For this review I am going to take you back to a simpler time for television. A time where the writers had to be at the top of their game in order for their show to be successful. A time where depended more on stories and less on special effects. And a time where those stories reflected on what was going on in the real world. So I take you back to 1966 with this review of Star Trek: The Original Series season one.
Now those of you who are not into science fiction or those who have only seen the spin-off series. Star Trek: The Original Series depicted the space adventures of Captain James T. Kirk of the USS Enterprise and his first commander Mr. Spock, a half human, half alien being. Portrayed by William Shatner as Captain Kirk and the late Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock respectively. And rounding up the main cast was the late Deforest Kelly as Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy, the late James Doohan as Lieutenant Commander Montgomery "Scotty" Scott, Nichelle Nichols as Lieutenant Nyota Uhura, George Takei as Lieutenant Hikaru Sulu and Walter Koenig as Ensign Pavel Chekov starting from season two. And also staring was the creator Gene Roddenberry's wife Majel Barrett as Nurse Christine Chapel.
Here is the thing about star Trek whether it be the original series, a spin-off or one of the reboot films directed by J.J. Abrams, the premise is about people traveling through space and meeting other beings or creatures from other planets so you can't take it too seriously. You just have to have fun watching. I think that is why some people do not like the reboot films, they take it too seriously. But we are not talking about the reboots at least not right now. I am talking about the original series that first premiered in 1966 and was cancelled in 1969 after only three seasons.
Let's first start with the production value of the series which is by today's standards very cheap. As you watch the series you will realize that Gene Roddenberry and crew had almost no budget. Its funny as I was watching season one I was no more than about five episodes in when I realized that they used their greens screen as part of their set. I noticed they decorated the green screen set with fake cliffs and plants to make it looked like another planet. When you as the audience can noticed the green screen that is a pretty horrible set. The set was not the only horrible part of the show, the special effects was also pretty bad. I know for the 60's they were top notch special effects. But by today standards they do not hold up. Most of the special effects were strobe lights and anything they can get their hands on for a few bucks. Now it was not their fault the special effects were terrible, they just didn't have the technology that we have now. Imagine if the creators has today's technology back then that would have been great effects for the 1960's.
Next lets talk about the choreography for the fight scenes which were incredibly cheesy. When the characters fought each other, they fought like ten year old's and not like two different species trying to kill each other. I think the reason for the corny choreography was because television executives back then were a lot more limited to what they could show then they are now. Don't get me wrong executives are still limited today but they can show a lot more hence the fight scenes are a lot more violent now then back then. Bottom line is the set, special effects and choreography is not what makes the series hold up. What makes it hold it are the stories.
Star Trek: The Original Series has a big fan base but it really didn't start to get that big fan base until it was already cancelled. But the stories sort of mirrored the real life events that were going on. which is why I think the stories still hold up today. I mean if you think about it the overall story is Caucasian men, and Asian male, a Russian male, an African American woman and a mix race male all living and working together on one ship. And they all cared deeply for each other. During the 60's you had the Civil Rights, Feminist movement, Black Panther Party etc. going on and everyone was trying to get along. The stories reflected real life! Now the first season was a times hard to get into but it still had engaging episodes. One of the most entertaining episodes was the Khan episode because it had one of the better villains and it served as a back story for Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan, the second film with the original cast. And the fight scene between Kirk and Khan was actually pretty good. As good as that episode is I think my favorite episode is episode five titled The Enemy Within which was Star Trek's take on Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. The idea that everyone has a good and bad side to them. I like it because its true we all have light and dark, good and evil in us. I think this episode was also some of William Shatner's best acting. This episode also marked the start of Spock's famous neck pinch. The original script called for Spock to come up behind evil Kirk and hit him with the butt of the phaser. And it was Nimoy developing his character and Shatner's acting that established the neck pinch. It was an excellent episode!
If you ever take a film criticism class and learn about gay/queer theory and homoerotic, then you will realize there is some homoeroticness between Kirk and Spock. For the most part the relationship between the two is that of best friends/brothers but if you analyzed the show you will realized the relationship is also of two characters having unrequited crushes on each other and are gay in a way. For me I don't care I like the relationship between Kirk and Spock.
Even though the production value doesn't hold up today, and the first season was a time hard to get into, season one of Star Trek: The Original Series was a good start to a show that will spring more than one spin-off and an entire reboot film series.
-Katiejayforever
P.S. Stand by for next review!
Monday, June 29, 2015
Jurassic World
Hello Everyone,
SPOILER ALERT!!!
Welcome to the first review of this blog.Now I am about to take you back to 1993 when the Jurassic Park franchise started. I know that it you watch Parks and Recreational or just enjoy to laugh at Chris Pratt then you will enjoy reading about this film. And if you like to watch dinosaurs running around eating people then this is the review you should be reading. Now lets get started reviewing Jurassic World.
Now the reason I started this blog with a review of "Jurassic World" is because it is the Summer block buster and because it is the forth film of the Jurassic Park franchise. And because it is about dinosaurs, who wouldn't want to read about that. The first time I saw the trailer I was instantly hooked mostly because I was a fan of the first three Jurassic Park films so I was excited to see the story continue. I really like that in this one, we get to see the full scale theme park that Hammond from the first film was shooting for. And now we finally get to see his vision come to life, it also brought the whole franchise full circle. I also really like the fact that to get more people to visit the park, Bryce Howard's character creates a even more dangerous dinosaur. Because for one it shows what real theme parks do to get more people to visit their park. They create new gimmicks, the only difference in real life the new gimmicks usually don't involved dinosaurs attacking people. The second reason I enjoyed the creation of a insanely dangerous dinosaur is because its fun watching characters keep making the same mistakes. It makes me as the audience want to jump in the movie and yell at them "don't do it." The only thing that gets me is if that were real life the people in charge of the theme park would be slap with so many lawsuits and yet in the movie; nothing.
And now lets talk about the acting. I have heard that some people have been complaining about the younger brother behaves. But I didn't think he was that bad, I think some people didn't like the fact that he kept spouting out random facts. But here is what I thought, all those facts he kept saying just kept saving their lives. So how can you complain about something that keeps saving the characters that you are becoming invested in lives. Or maybe you wanted the kid to get eaten, I am not here to judge. The older brother was just the typical teenage angst brother with a bad attitude but there is more to him as the movie goes on. Bryce Howard who is the daughter of director Ron Howard was entertaining. She is a tough, brave and at time slightly scary woman that can hold her own in any situation. But at the some time can also take crap from Chris Pratt's characters and also dish some of own back at him. Even thought this is an action film there is a the romance between the lead male and female characters and how they fall in love with each other. So all of you who love the romance will enjoy that part of the film. And lastly Chris Pratt is just overall really good in the movie. When I saw Chris Pratt in the trailer I was thinking "well he pulled off Guardians of the Galaxy I think he will pull off this." And I was right, he had funny moments and he nailed those but he also pulled off the action moments. He also pulled off the love/romance parts but that could have been Chris Pratt just being Chris Pratt and not so much acting just kidding. LOL! Chris Pratt is really making a name for himself since Parks and Recreational. He did have one cheesy line at the end, but oh well it just made it funny.
Jurassic World is a thrilling action film that all the Jurassic park, romance, or dinosaurs fans in general will have fun watching. So if you want to go to the movies this Summer I would recommend you go see Jurassic World. Plus its Chris Pratt!
-Katiejayforever
P.S. Stand by for next review.
SPOILER ALERT!!!
Welcome to the first review of this blog.Now I am about to take you back to 1993 when the Jurassic Park franchise started. I know that it you watch Parks and Recreational or just enjoy to laugh at Chris Pratt then you will enjoy reading about this film. And if you like to watch dinosaurs running around eating people then this is the review you should be reading. Now lets get started reviewing Jurassic World.
Now the reason I started this blog with a review of "Jurassic World" is because it is the Summer block buster and because it is the forth film of the Jurassic Park franchise. And because it is about dinosaurs, who wouldn't want to read about that. The first time I saw the trailer I was instantly hooked mostly because I was a fan of the first three Jurassic Park films so I was excited to see the story continue. I really like that in this one, we get to see the full scale theme park that Hammond from the first film was shooting for. And now we finally get to see his vision come to life, it also brought the whole franchise full circle. I also really like the fact that to get more people to visit the park, Bryce Howard's character creates a even more dangerous dinosaur. Because for one it shows what real theme parks do to get more people to visit their park. They create new gimmicks, the only difference in real life the new gimmicks usually don't involved dinosaurs attacking people. The second reason I enjoyed the creation of a insanely dangerous dinosaur is because its fun watching characters keep making the same mistakes. It makes me as the audience want to jump in the movie and yell at them "don't do it." The only thing that gets me is if that were real life the people in charge of the theme park would be slap with so many lawsuits and yet in the movie; nothing.
And now lets talk about the acting. I have heard that some people have been complaining about the younger brother behaves. But I didn't think he was that bad, I think some people didn't like the fact that he kept spouting out random facts. But here is what I thought, all those facts he kept saying just kept saving their lives. So how can you complain about something that keeps saving the characters that you are becoming invested in lives. Or maybe you wanted the kid to get eaten, I am not here to judge. The older brother was just the typical teenage angst brother with a bad attitude but there is more to him as the movie goes on. Bryce Howard who is the daughter of director Ron Howard was entertaining. She is a tough, brave and at time slightly scary woman that can hold her own in any situation. But at the some time can also take crap from Chris Pratt's characters and also dish some of own back at him. Even thought this is an action film there is a the romance between the lead male and female characters and how they fall in love with each other. So all of you who love the romance will enjoy that part of the film. And lastly Chris Pratt is just overall really good in the movie. When I saw Chris Pratt in the trailer I was thinking "well he pulled off Guardians of the Galaxy I think he will pull off this." And I was right, he had funny moments and he nailed those but he also pulled off the action moments. He also pulled off the love/romance parts but that could have been Chris Pratt just being Chris Pratt and not so much acting just kidding. LOL! Chris Pratt is really making a name for himself since Parks and Recreational. He did have one cheesy line at the end, but oh well it just made it funny.
Jurassic World is a thrilling action film that all the Jurassic park, romance, or dinosaurs fans in general will have fun watching. So if you want to go to the movies this Summer I would recommend you go see Jurassic World. Plus its Chris Pratt!
-Katiejayforever
P.S. Stand by for next review.
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
Introduction
Hello Everyone,
I am a recent college graduate from Cal State Los Angeles. Class of 2015 rocks! LOL! I majored in Television, Film and Media Studies so I thought it would be fun and a possible way to get my foot in the door in the film industry plus I really like to write. Anyway I thought it be fun to start a blog based on movies and television show reviews. This blog will tell my thoughts, production value, content, acting etc. on the film and shows I review. So if your a person who enjoys movies and television then this is the blog for you. So sit back, relax and enjoy reading about some good film and T.V. or some not so good, I'll leave it up to you to decide. After all everyone has a difference in opinion.
Let me tell you a little bit about myself. Like I said I am a recent college graduate from Cal State Los Angeles, I majored in Television, Film and Media Studies. I would like to do film but I am actually leaning towards television. Because I really do think this is the golden age of T.V. My dream would be to be a writer, director and actor. But I at least would like to be a writer. I am currently working on a script based on the Stepmother from "Cinderella", her side of the story. So like "Wicked" but in my story the Stepmother is still the antagonist (villain). I am also a bit of a Science Fiction geek, it is one my favorite genres. And one of my favorite shows is "Doctor Who" and yes I will be reviewing it at some point so for those of you that are not familiar with the show, stay tuned you will find out soon.
Some of my other favorite genres are: fantasy, I love "Harry Potter" it is what got me into reading. I also like action, adventure, western, and also satire or parody. Some of mine other interests include:reading, music, and anything DC comics or Marvel. Now enough about me, lets get to the reviews.
-Katiejayforever
P.S. Stand by for the first review.
I am a recent college graduate from Cal State Los Angeles. Class of 2015 rocks! LOL! I majored in Television, Film and Media Studies so I thought it would be fun and a possible way to get my foot in the door in the film industry plus I really like to write. Anyway I thought it be fun to start a blog based on movies and television show reviews. This blog will tell my thoughts, production value, content, acting etc. on the film and shows I review. So if your a person who enjoys movies and television then this is the blog for you. So sit back, relax and enjoy reading about some good film and T.V. or some not so good, I'll leave it up to you to decide. After all everyone has a difference in opinion.
Let me tell you a little bit about myself. Like I said I am a recent college graduate from Cal State Los Angeles, I majored in Television, Film and Media Studies. I would like to do film but I am actually leaning towards television. Because I really do think this is the golden age of T.V. My dream would be to be a writer, director and actor. But I at least would like to be a writer. I am currently working on a script based on the Stepmother from "Cinderella", her side of the story. So like "Wicked" but in my story the Stepmother is still the antagonist (villain). I am also a bit of a Science Fiction geek, it is one my favorite genres. And one of my favorite shows is "Doctor Who" and yes I will be reviewing it at some point so for those of you that are not familiar with the show, stay tuned you will find out soon.
Some of my other favorite genres are: fantasy, I love "Harry Potter" it is what got me into reading. I also like action, adventure, western, and also satire or parody. Some of mine other interests include:reading, music, and anything DC comics or Marvel. Now enough about me, lets get to the reviews.
-Katiejayforever
P.S. Stand by for the first review.
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