Two very different films have been in the top three of the box office the last few weekends. The new "Star Trek Into Darkness" opened to rave reviews and high anticipation, and "The Great Gatsby" provided a spectacle for movie-goers even from the first trailer.
Star Trek Into Darkness
Months of teasers, brilliant virtual marketing and sly hints from the cast and director finally paid off when the new ‘Star Trek" film hit theatres. It reunites the cast from the 2009 blockbuster, with Chris Pine playing Capt. James T. Kirk, Zachary Quinto as Spock and newcomer Benedict Cumberbatch as the mysterious villain John Harrison.
The movie opens to Harrison carrying out terrorist attacks against Star Fleet, and it is revealed that he is a member of the space organization. Kirk and his team are sent on a mission under orders to fire missiles into Klingon space, killing Harrison, who has taken refuge on the Klingon home planet Kronos, and potentially igniting a war between the two groups.
Kirk reneges and is faced with a choice when Harrison’s true identity and purpose within Star Fleet are uncovered, about whether he will continue to follow orders or if he will, in Kirk fashion, break the rules and follow his gut instinct.
This review will remain spoiler free for the sake of those who have not seen the movie, but chances are you have already heard all the spoilers you need. While initially unsurprising, the twist in the movie is a a true twist on cinema history, as it flips accepted Star Trek history on its head.
Forget everything you have seen so far this summer, for "Star Trek Into Darkness" is the epitome of a summer movie. It is loud, bright and exciting.
Many of my reviews in the past months have reflected a trend in wasted time in movies. "Star Trek" runs 155 minutes, and not a second is wasted.
Again here, the acting brings to life characters that are loved the world over by millions. My only concern was in the initial stages of the movie, when Chris Pine has to cry. He definitely might want to go back to the drawing board next time he has to act that emotion out.
The star of the movie is Benedict Cumberbatch. The British import, who stars in the BBC series "Sherlock"(a must-watch) and has parts in the upcoming "Hobbit" movies, is magnificient as the cold and merciless Harrison, a far cry from the character he is based on. He steals the show from the rest of the cast with his phenomenal acting. When he glowers at the screen, even you can feel the intensity.
Normally, I wouldn’t recommend 3D for a movie, but in this case it brings a new level to the film. While there are things that shoot out, the most impressive part is how it deepens the picture, and makes the Enterprise look more than a flat picture on the screen. When you stare down a hole in the ship, you can see how deep it is.
"Iron Man 3" may have kicked off the summer season, and owned the box office, but "Star Trek Into Darkness" is the first truly fun, spectacular summer movie for everyone.
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s literary classic "The Great Gatsby" has made its way back to the silver screen. In the most recent adaptation, prepare to be awed.
We are first introduced to Nick Callaway in a therapy session, setting the film as a flashback. We also meet the flighty Daisy, Nick’s cousin, and her wandering husband, Tom, but Jay Gatsby is the character that eludes audiences. When he is finally introduced, it is to a backdrop of a wild party that makes one wistful to be a part of the madness.
After the crazy party, the film becomes one of star crossed lovers. As Gatsby and Daisy carry on an illicit affair, and Nick helps to hide it from Tom, suspicions grow and the tension eventually reaches a tipping point of rage, murder and cover-ups.
Here, the plot takes a backseat to the spectacle created around it. As 1920’s cars roar across the screen, and flappers dance wildly in sparkling dresses, the audience is drawn into the frantic atmosphere.
Luhrmann made this movie for 3D. Shots of the film zoom around, suddenly stop and confetti flies, and that is just in the 2D version. The film is bright and crazy, and even with the one less dimension, the feeling of depth of picture and before the screen effects is just barely out of reach.
Leonardo DiCaprio and Carey Mulligan give star performances as lovers Daisy and Gatsby. Supported by equally amazing actors like Tobey Maguire, Joel Edgerton and Isla Fisher, the pair sparkle and attempt to change what fate has been handed to them.
Accompanying the spectacle is an amazing soundtrack. Executive produced by Jay-Z, it features artists like Beyoncé, Will.I.Am, Fergi and Florence and the Machine. The songs blend modern tones with vintage ones, as orchestral pieces meet synthesizers and rap lyrics.
The movie is bright and exciting, and ultimately serves to tell the rather depressing story with a light heart. It ends on a potentially happy note, depending on your point of view.
"The Great Gatsby" is rated PG-13 for some violent images, sexual content, smoking, partying and brief language. It is a safe choice for families with older children, but may be reserved for book fans with "Iron Man" and "Star Trek" in theatres.
