At the Cinema - May 2009

Star Trek - 9
Can’t remember the last time I went to see a movie twice in a theater run. Maybe The Sixth Sense. I’ve really got to like a movie to pay twice, much less buy the DVD.

I actually enjoyed Star Trek that much - that and the fact that I’ve always been a Trekkie. Not a convention-attending, costume-wearing one mind-you, or one that has seen every episode of the subsequent series incarnations that mainly enriched Gene Roddenberry’s estate; but a Trekkie who just loved the story of Kirk, Spock and their crew exploring strange new worlds.

In this story of essentially how the crew of the Starship Enterprise came together Director JJ Abrams pulls off homage to the original Star Trek while at the same time giving appropriate thrills to all audiences. The movie is injected with a rollicking humor that helps move the action along.

To me, Star Trek has always represented the most plausible and possible future. As a franchise its movies have not been the financial juggernaut that the Star Wars series has been, but the arc has been similar in that the artistic peak was early. Star Wars was this incredible make-believe fantasy world. We always felt that because Starfleet and Jim Kirk originated on earth, Star Trek somehow was a real possibility. This movie reflects that. The characters don’t reflect the probable cultural diversity of the 23rd century – still a little stuck in 1965 – but that’s quibbling. The characters have always been rich and distinct and interesting, and this gives their story that well-worn depth we crave.

The script is a good one. It brilliantly pays tribute to the best of Star Trek history. but is not hampered by it. First, there’s Star Trek 2: The Wrath of Khan. Easily the best of the Star Trek movies, I’ve always considered it a classic – a life lesson movie. In addition by showing the eventual transfer of the Enterprise command from Christopher Pike to James Kirk, it also tips it’s cap to “The Menagerie” the classic 2 part episode, that along with “City on the Edge of Forever,” (also slyly referenced here) were the pinnacles of the TV series.

The storytelling team does a masterful job of re-imagining the beginnings of Kirk’s command. But, that would have been wasted if the casting hadn’t been spot-on. …Chris Pine as Jim Kirk is perfect. He may not know it yet, but the course of his life has been set and he could very easily be playing James Tiberius Kirk for the rest of his life, toward the end of the movie, he even begins to assume the cadence and bravado of William Shatner. He will not win any acting awards, but he’s deserving. Likewise Zachary Quinto, apparently coached by Leonard Nimoy, is wonderful as Spock. They somehow manage to capture the same chemistry as Shatner and Nimoy, and the movie’s emotional weight emerges as their rivalry turns to mutual respect. It’s exciting to watch.

The rest of the cast is just as good. All of the rest of the well-known characters are on board, and they’re not just tokens. They’re treated with respect and each play important roles in the story.

So, why not a 10? Well, I have 2 minor quibbles with the movie. Like most action movies theirs is what I call “blurry action,” where you can’t see exactly what’s going on. Most of these are during fight sequences, when Kirk is getting clobbered. I can’t remember when a major character in a movie has been beaten up so much (without losing a tooth), but we just don’t see it very well.

My other quibble is with the appearance of Leonard Nimoy. While it seems necessary for the story, it just felt a little contrived for me. His appearance seemed to slow things down, and his last scene where he meets himself, is just a little over the top.

Nevertheless, this is going to be a blockbuster of the highest order. It won’t approach The Titanic for repeat viewings, because the Geek patrol is not going to be as large as the young romantics, but I would say there will be a long wait for the Blu Ray.

State of Play – 9. There’s just something about journalism that lends itself to the big screen. I was sucked in by this story of a government cover-up. It revolves around a “Blackwater” type security firm that’s doing bad things to preserve its dominant position. Russell Crowe is outstanding as always, and Ben Affleck holds up his end of the bargain. Some nice twists and turns, and I fell for it hook, line and sinker.

Terminator Salvation – 7. Don’t be misled by the fact that this is the fourth Terminator movie. This is essentially a war movie. It’s a gritty depiction of the fictional “Judgement Day” aftermath, which apparently occurs despite John Connor’s efforts through 3 previous movies and a TV series. It would be daunting to see an American city like Los Angeles in ruin, if we hadn’t seen it in about 40 movies already.

This is not a great movie, but it is a worthy next step in the Terminator story. I’m a big fan of this storyline as well, but unlike Star Wars and Star Trek, there’s a problem on the horizon. The not-to-distant future that began the story is now not distant at all as time is rolling along and the time for Judgement Day and other fictional events is sliding on by on our real calendar. Soon, it will be a fictional interpretation of the past.

Some day they’ll be wheeling me into Terminator 9 – The Rebuilding effort.
That will be the same month that I expect to see:

Star Trek – We’re Almost to the TV Series
Die Hard 7 – Die Hardest Yet
Indiana Jones and the Mausoleum of Doom
Rocky 14 – Wheelchair Wrestling
Harry Potter and the Crutches of Posterity
Superman 10 – Where did Lois go?
James Bond – Has Anyone Seen My Glasses?
Batman – Rescuing Social Security
The Lord of The Rings – The Three Nursing Homes
The Matrix – Even We’re Confused
SpiderMan 8 – Paralysis by Dialysis

Can’t Wait

My Top Eleven Woody Allen Movies

Annie Hall
Manhattan
Zelig
Radio Days
Bananas
Love and Death
Mighty Aphrodite
Sweet and Lowdown
Hannah and Her Sisters
Crimes and Misdemeanors
Manhattan Murder Mystery

What do we do now that American Idol is over?

Yes, I admit it. I’ve watched American Idol the last few years. It is a cultural juggernaut, but like everything else, it’s not perfect. Here’s how to fix it:

1. Amateurs only. America sniffed out Adam Lambert this year as being too polished, too professional, too good. From now on – nobody who has ever made a professional cent should be allowed in. No piano bar singers, no background singers, no previous record deals, no broadway experience. AI is at its best when it is discovering some new talent – not giving someone a second chance.

2. While Simon is talking the other judges have to shut up. I don’t understand why they’re allowed to catcall him when they disagree. It’s bad enough the audience is yelping like wounded dogs. He never says a word when they’re talking. We want to hear Simon – everyone else shut up.

3, No Mindreading. That’s not to say Simon is infallible. This year he did a little bit too much mindreading. We don’t really care if Simon thinks a performer thinks they can win. I thought his persistent negativity on Allison’s mindset (while praising her singing) got her booted. And yes, she was my favorite. We want the judges to answer one fundamental question – “How did they sing?”

4. Lose the instruments. Is it a coincidence that the last 2 winners stood up there with a guitar and beat guys who were “only” singers? If it’s a “singing competition” which they repeat over and over, then it can’t also be a “talent competion.” What’s next – dancing? (Hint – America loves a guy with a guitar – it will always be sexier. But it puts competition at a disadvantage.)

5. Change the order of the judges. We didn’t mind Kara, she’s ok. But most of the time she parroted Randy. Mix it up a little.

6. Give the judges a time limit. Pick up the pace – please. We really don’t care how proud Paula is of everyone. How did they sing?

7. No more comments on song choices. “Wrong song” is not really the issue is it? Bad interpretation, bad performance? When a golfer hits it in the woods, it’s not because he picked the wrong club.

8. No lip-synching. Let them make some mistakes.

Other than that – don’t change a thing. See you next year.

My Final Word on Torture

Prediction: For the next several years we will discuss the merits and ethics of torture until we’re all sick of it. It will be animated, lively, and disgusting.

I submit to you that is one more proof of the Bush administration’s disconnect with the typical American that they had to even resort to waterboarding.

Had they not watched American television? They had plenty to work with.

I suggest when you want to make prisoners scream with agony you set a TV in front of them and subject them to the following viewing sequence:

1. Start them off with several “E! True Hollywood Story” episodes, so they can remember why they hate us.

2. Follow up with several hours of “The View.” If watching Elizabeth Hasselback and Joy Behar screech at each other doesn’t get them screaming in agony, we can move on to

3. Regis Philbin, who apparently will never go away. Then,

4. The current Progressive Insurance commercials. This will make them want to claw out their eyeballs with a ball point pen.

5. Bill O’Reilly and Keith Olberman. Make them watch what unfortunately people now think of as journalism.

6. Then, an hour of Jimmy Fallon, who appears to be in as much pain as his audience.

7. Lastly, we can neuter them by making them watch The Flavor of Love, when they will realize that our civilization has reached its bottom and is no longer a threat.

Put these shows on a loop and I’m betting it will reduce our enemies to wimpering, simpering confessors. Now that's Torture! We could even send them home with parting gifts, like a free subscription to satellite TV.

Another dilemma solved. You're welcome.

Jazz Fest Report 2009

There are three types of people in the world.
The Entertainers, the Entertainees, and those who don't care.

Since I haven't a lick of talent I'm definitely an Entertainee. I love to be entertained by good music, good movies, good sports, and even good TV.

Which brings me to our favorite event of the year - The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.

On the first Saturday we got to see the Dixie Cups (Iko Iko) and an about-to-turn 90 Pete Seeger. Irma Thomas was great as always, and then I got to see the first "great performance - if you've read previous blogs" when James Taylor closed out the day with "You've Got A Friend."

On the second Friday we took in Beau Soleil, followed by Marcia Ball whose highlight was her mellow rendition of "Louisiana 1927." Bonnie Raitt did an incredible set with Jon Cleary sitting in. They were made to perform together and they got the crowd dancing. We closed our day with another "great performance" when we got to see Tony Bennett do "I Left My Heart." I'm always amazed at how good the pros are, and this Jazz Fest was no exception.
We walked around, took in some great music and more than a few calories.

Sorry you missed it - again. You'll get another chance next year. Plan now.

Brokenhearted

Death is part of life.
That doesn't make it easy.
Public figures come and go all the time, but Impressionist/Singer Danny Gans by all accounts was different.

We have friends in Las Vegas and for over a year Liz and I have been talking about getting back to Vegas to see Danny Gans. We got to see him once at the Beau Rivage and he was terrific. But many years ago before he was famous I got to see him at a Ford meeting. He sang "We are the World" voice by voice and I've never forgotten it as the most amazing thing I've ever seen an entertainer do.

He was entertainer of the year in Vegas many times, but by all accounts he was an even better person. You can read about him and his charitable works in a variety of places. Check him out on You Tube if you're not familiar with him. Very Sad.