Star Trek Into Darkness Review

Kirk and Harrison square off in Star Trek Into Darkness
Photo Credit: Paramount Pictures

Star Trek Into Darkness

B

A Review by Frederick Cholowski

J.J. Abrams has successfully rebooted the Star Trek franchise. He turned a once convoluted and practically unwatchable franchise of films and out of it created a new intriguing film franchises that while different then the productions of old provided a universal movie going experience for new viewers and memories of Wrath of Khan for veterans. In comes the second attempt in the rebooted, and watchable Star Trek film, Star Trek Into Darkness J.J. Abrams attempts to go bigger and darker in true blockbuster sequel fashion. Ultimately Star Trek Into Darkness is a good film that misses its ambitions due to some unfortunate plot decisions that stop the film from reaching where no Star Trek film has ever gone before (well maybe Khan is in the great category), into the realm of greatness.

After a mission where he put the Enterprise’s identity on the line to save Spock’s (Zachery Quinto) life James T Kirk (Chris Pine) is suddenly demoted from his captain position and into obscurity. After a kick in the butt from his old mentor Captain Pike (Bruce Greenwood) and a first officer position offer on his old ship things begin to look up for the formerly high and mighty captain. Then terror arrives in the form of a former Starfleet spy John Harrison (the wonderful to spell Benedict Cumberbatch) who after exploding an archive building brings the attack right to Starfleet causing Kirk, Spock, and Bones (Karl Urban) to return to adventure to hunt him down.

As with the last film in the Abrams franchise, Into Darkness plays out much less like a Trek film of the 80’s and more like a Star Wars prequel. The films are much faster paced and adventure packed ditching large slow burning suspense for fast wiz bang space battles. As with the 2009 film (and to a greater extent here as there is more pound for pound action in this film) the film provides numerous exciting sequences that are very well executed. The film is often good at building tension and creating large and interesting set pieces that provide some truly interesting moments.

The main problems with Star Trek Into Darkness lies within the plot. The plot and character motivations are at numerous points completely unexplained, overly convoluted, and makes the plot feel like it could have been resolved in much simpler ways. The film suffers in the middle from these convolutions as it seems at points like characters are just fighting for the sake of fighting without any real motivation at all. It all feels like the writers needed to get from point A to point B with some cool moments in between and didn’t really care about developing some of the plot so it makes complete logical sense.

The other glaring problem with the film is the climax, or lack thereof. The film has a phenomenal amount of build and a really potentially cool final set piece, but manages to throw it all away within the few moments of the film. Yes this is another film that after all the big space fights and large set pieces ultimately comes down to a pointless seeming fist fight (it’s the second of two summer blockbusters this year to do this as Iron Man 3 boils down to fist fights as well). Then the film just kind of skips straight into a finish ignoring creating any sense of a climax. The film just kind of ends, and ends up making all the cool set pieces before it seem like they lead to absolutely nothing. It’s disappointing as all the action that leads up to it could have been a climax but instead there is a fist fight and then a whole lot of film that was skipped.

Despite its plot flaws the film still has amazing chemistry between its characters. Pine, Quinto, and Urban are all fantastic together and even almost completely replicate the fantastic chemistry between the three original actors (Shatner, Nimoy, and Kelley). The other memorable performance in Into Darkness with Benedict Cumberbatch’s surprisingly three dimensional villain. Cumberbatch’s character could have just been a simple, disposable terrorist but instead is understandable at points giving an extra layer to the character. The character also acts as the film’s main “Star Trekien” political comment regarding terrorism and its many forms. Here it works because of Cumberbatch measured performance that allows for the comment to fit in without disturbing the flow of the film.

Visually the film is stunning, just as the 2009 film was. The space battles are fast paced, colorful, and multidimensional and the effects that help bring them out are very good. Also the designs of the new worlds presented in the film are creative and stunning to look at, especially the world presented in the opening sequence of the film. The 3D in this film (first 3D film I have been to in a while been avoiding it) isn’t great but is good enough to not detract too much from the visual flair of the film. I noticed that at times it was hard to follow the film in 3D when the shots are speedier but for the most part it works as a concept. The score is big, loud and proud, and the Star Trek theme from the TV show isn’t used to the end, the theme of the newer movies is used constantly within a brassy score. It works in a traditional sci-fi film sense and actually adds to parts of the film as good scores should.

Star Trek Into Darkness is another example of a solid summer blockbuster. It’s not great as it has some interesting plot problems throughout the film, but it provides enough character and action to remain a solid film throughout. Make it two good Star Trek films in a row for Abrams and gang.

Iron Man 3 Review

Stark and his beloved Iron Man in Iron Man 3

Photo Credit: Marvel Studios 

Iron Man 3

B

A Review by Frederick Cholowski

Last year Marvel and Joss Whedon changed the mold of the super hero film with the Avengers. They took their characters and put them into a bigger situation where the stakes were off the charts and the action was bigger and bolder than ever. Cut to this year Marvel and writer director Shane Black attempt to deal with the aftermath of the aliens with the most charismatic of the avengers Iron Man. Like it’s predecessor (which 3 years ago I grossly overrated) Iron Man 3 tires to do some interesting things and goes into some interesting directions but ends up never going all the way and thus suffers from unevenness and ultimately falls apart by the time the climax comes along.

After the events of the Avengers Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) is experiencing some serious PTSD. Stark can’t sleep at night so he continues his “hobby” of sorts building newer technology to try to keep the love of his life Pepper Pots (Gwyneth Paltrow) safe. In the process he seems to alienate Pepper and the people who he cares about due to being constantly involved with his toys. When things are beginning to go downhill a new threat to the country begins to arise, the deadly terrorist who goes by The Mandarin (Ben Kingsley). The Mandarin is setting off a series of bombings in other countries and sets his other target straight for Stark himself. This forces Stark to go on the run and find out key information about the Mandarin and about an old demon from the past Aldrich Killian (Guy Pierce) who is also causing some trouble.

Iron Man 3 tries to play with its setup by visiting Tony’s Psyche and for the most part this attempt succeeds. The middle of the film is a true treat as the film deviates from being a high action picture and is, if only briefly, something more. The film deals with survival, relationships, and mental illness briefly and is more successful for it.

The problem is that this is a summer blockbuster and thus doesn’t commit all the way. The audience is quickly reminded that this is a superhero movie throughout with attempts at small set pieces while Tony is temporarily out of the action. It leaves the pace of the film feeling uneven and unsure of itself throughout the middle of the film. By the time the film reaches its climax it becomes a full on superhero film and ultimately disappoints. The film’s climax, like the first two films in the series (it feels even more so in this film), is its Achilles heel as it’s a generic mess that tries too hard to be crowd pleasing. By the time the end of the film roles around all of the films neater ideas seem to have left and the audience is again reminded that this is ultimately a formulaic superhero film.

That doesn’t mean it isn’t enjoyable. For the most part the film is written sharply enough and there are many good times to be had throughout the film. Robert Downey Jr. remains in top shape and at this point he is Tony Stark. Downey never feels like he is going into auto pilot here as he seems like he is constantly engaged in the film and it’s a pleasure to watch. Downey is only matched by Ben Kingsley who is just as fantastic as The Mandarin (for the most part for reasons that I can’t divulge in this review unfortunately) who is succulently terrifying as the terrorist who can attack at a moment’s notice. Paltrow is still solid, although she has little to do, in this one and Guy Pierce get’s to play a sleaze like only Guy Pierce can.

The direction by Shane Black fits right in with the prior Iron Man films. The film looks and sounds good yet familiar, pointing out how unremarkable Favreau’s direction was in the last two films. That being said the set pieces present in the film, while not as spectacular as the Avengers, are solid and work on many levels. There is enough excitement and tension built in the action sequences that it provides a solid ebb and flow, and there are a few that stand out here and there (like an airplane sequence teased in trailers). The score is generic enough but works well to cover moments with new and familiar tracks.

Ultimately Iron Man 3 is a good way to start the summer, but it’s really nothing special. The film is solidly written, acted, and has some cool set pieces but can’t seem to shake the normal rhythm of a superhero film. All the different ideas presented at the opening of the film are lost by the mish mashed climax. Iron Man 3 is a solid film overall but can’t escape feeling like another Marvel Superhero film.

Mad Men “Man with a Plan” Review: Epic Mind Games

 Don draper observing the creative room on Mad Men

A little bit of a longer (but still shortish) review of tonight’s Mad Men as soon I introduce Bob Benson…

“First day of school, you nervous?”

-Ted

And so the morning after begins. After last week’s impulsive decision to merge agencies Mad Men picks up with the direct aftermath. Egos collide,mind games begin to be played, and history is repeated in another week of great Mad Men.

Before we start with the office let’s begin with Don’s first mind game target this week, Sylvia. The episode starts with Don overhearing (through the elevator of course) a furious Sylvia telling off her husband and him taking to the chase afterwards. Don’s attempts to control Sylvia once she claims that he is all she needs, in a creepy yet fascinating turn of events that takes on many forms. At first Sylvia is intrigued and almost turned on by Don’s control, but slowly realizes what Don is doing isn’t very good at all, in fact it’s brutally manipulative. Sylvia drops out of the manipulative affair leaving Don lost as a puppy and doesn’t understand the situation, he’s lost another mind game and is forced to return to his marriage looking worse than ever before.

The power struggle in Don’s affair is a part of one of the episode’s main themes history repeating itself. Peggy returns to the same office with a similar introduction (although now on much friendlier terms then way back in the first season) by Joan and to the same emotionally abusive and self destructive boss she tried to get away from last season. Peggy is again uncomfortable in the new environment with a group of people she didn’t want to return to surrounding her again. Don hasn’t changed much since the last time again using harsh words to describe his feelings towards her and often emposing the same shadow upon her. He just isn’t empathetic and understanding like Teddy was and still is. It’s a return to a familiar yet unflattering situation and brings home how history is beginning to repeat itself.

But this time history is a little bit different. Last time Peggy moved in and the agency was introduced Don didn’t have a near equal to contend with like Ted. Ted is a Don who shows up on time with collaborative ideas and not the self destructive mess of a worker that Don manages to be. Don tires to take Ted down a peg with a drinking session (not unlike the one he tried to put Roger through in season 1) and at first it seems to work, but ultimately it seems childish and mundane. Ted rises above as he flies Don to a Mohawk airline meeting and ultimately get’s Don to let him take the lead. While much is parallel to an earlier time in the office much will change and the working relationship between Don and Ted is one of those larger changes.

Then there is Pete who is now getting shut out and outmatched in both his professional and personal lives. His dementia laden mother now has to stay with him at the least opportune of times as Pete begins to be shut out of his work (for example Don and Ted go to the Mohawk meeting without Pete). Despite her Dementia Pete’s mother seems to be correct with her analysis of her son and it seems to be hitting Pete in tough ways.

The episode ends with history repeating itself again with the death of another Kennedy. As with the rest of the show history repeats itself slightly differently with a different Kennedy being shot in a different way than before. After the last Kennedy got assassinated Don’s life went into a downward spiral, it will be interesting to see if history will repeat itself in that regard again.

Some other Musings:

• Another point of history repeating itself Burt Peterson returned to the Sterling Cooper area again only to be fired by Roger right away. Roger seemed to take even more pleasure out of it as well.

• Bob Benson!!! Yes Bob learned the power of being nice to people this episode as him caring for Joan saved his job (and put him closer and closer to potentially screwing over Pete). Good old Bob also had a great scene with Burt Peterson after he was fired.

• While I feel bad for Peggy the character it’s great to see Jon Hamm and Elizabeth Moss getting to act in the same room again. They have always had great chemistry.

• With the relationship of Don and Meghan going the way it is do we need to see Betty ever again? I always ask this but I like the show so much better without her and Henry’s storylines.

• On the same kind of topic there hasn’t been much Sally so far…

For the last week I have exams so the review might be late or super short again next week but after that freedom!

That’s just me though, what did everyone else think?

Mad Men: “For Immediate Release” Review: Some Quick Thoughts

 Roger and Don waiting for the Chevy pitch in Mad Men

A really quick array of bullets on tonight’s Mad Men (sorry I’m still in full exam mode) as soon as I fall down the stairs well being furious…

“Never felt better in my life.”

-Don

Wow that was amazing! If last week’s episode was my least favorite episode then this was easily my favorite (no contest)! What an entertaining hour of television! Here are some quick thoughts before I retreat back into my hiddy hole:

• Pete fell down the stairs! And there is a gif! http://i.imgur.com/oQnzqR3.gif  (sorry had to get that out of the way)

• So many parallels in this one (you’d think that David Simon wrote it). Let’s start with Don and Pete. At the premiere I mentioned that Pete was trying to do affairs like Don and ended up failing at it. Here he tries to get out of situations like Don and utterly fails at it. Mind you Don only gets out of it through a series of lucky coincidences and his actions will still have major consequences. It’s all about how it ends up though and Don’s impulses end up with a merger and Chevrolet and a dumping with Herb and Pete get’s a divorce and a loss of an account.  Both are reckless and utterly impulsive, one ends well the other ends with utter destruction.

• Speaking of the merger there were some great callbacks to the two best Mad Men episodes ever (“Shut the Door and Have a Seat” from season 3 and “The Suitcase” from season 4) in this one. First instead of yelling at her and breaking down crying when distressed Teddy kisses Peggy! And Peggy likes it! A great parallel drawn to Don before Don actually merges with Ted and his company! For Chevy! That scene in the bar was one that was absolutely fantastic, with the conversation of how they weren’t going to win apart but they could, crazily enough win together. So very, very great!

• Even better Peggy’s shock! Peggy get’s to walk in to that room expecting one thing and get’s Don telling her that they got it. The horror that Peggy was feeling in that moment was perfectly conveyed by Elizabeth Moss. Peggy has to go back to working for the man she tried to get away from for 2 seasons and when she finally did, she ends up right back where she started. I can’t wait to see how this new dynamic turns out in the next few weeks.

• Poor Pete, poor little piggy. While I mentioned him a bit above Pete really screwed up this episode. First off trying to go public behind people’s backs (at least it gave Bert something interesting to do) was interesting. Then trying to be impulsive with his father in law who saw him in a brothel and losing both the account and his dwindling marriage was just sad to watch. Then again he really diserved that one, he’s had it coming for a while.

• While Joan only got a few scenes in this one, her reaction to Don dumping Jaguar was easily one of the many highlights of the episode.

• It’s good to know Megan isn’t dumb and knows that her Marriage was slowly going down the toilet and so she impulsively put on a dress that made her and Don have some loud wall sex.

• Secret agent Roger! Sleeping with a flight attendant easily one of the best things that you can do I guess. By the way Mad Men, doing ABC’s Pan Am better then Pan Am ever could.

• More impulses with Arnold quitting his job! Giving Don the chance to give some interesting Don phrases (call back to some “Shut the Door and Have a Seat” stuff)

What an amazing week for this amazing show! I can’t wait to see how this will play out! Easily one of the most entertaining hours of television that I have watched in a long time.

Remember I’m busy with exams again next week so next week’s review will either be late or look like this again…

That’s just me though. What did everyone else think?