Star Trek

I have never resembled a Trekkie in any way, shape, or form. Not sure if I ever watched an entire episode of this amazing franchise in my life. This is why I was not the least bit anxious to watch JJ Abrams relaunch of this already epic story. However, this is not the first time I must admit a fault, and I am sure not the last.....I truly loved this movie. Surprise, I know.

I was truly impressed by JJ Abrams, who took on this nearly impossible task of recreating a storyline for these already beloved and well-known characters. His vision was clear; create an exciting, show-stopping story surrounding this beloved series. And all I can say is "well done!" The action was fantastic, with scenes keeping me on the edge of my seat, never knowing what was going to happen next. His cast of characters (well, most of them....more on that later) was inspired, with fantastic dynamic between actors and well acted, fast-paced, scenes. Humor in all the right places, drama at all the right times. Unpredictable story with a twist. There was also just enough of the old Star Trek story line to keep those who have loved the show for ages interested, as well as new twists and turns for those who never heard of such a thing as a Romulan. :)

One of the twists that truly peeked my interest was the arrival of the "old" Spock, Leanord Nemoy. Though the story was a bit difficult to follow (why there are now indeed two Spocks on earth at one time, one trying to save the fate of the other), it was truly a treat to see his familiar face. Even familiar to me, who never watched the original series. His arrival made a perfect fit for humor, drama, and action all in one.

As for the new blood that penetrated the slides of this film....
Most of these actors were completely unknown to me. And I do have to say that the side characters were a bit disappointing. Besides the main few, the lines tended to be a bit cheesy, the acting was mediocre, and it actually seemed like they may be trying a bit too hard to emulate the already loved characters.
Now, as for the main actors. These few truly had great dynamic between them, portrayed their characters extremely well (from a non-Trekkie critic anyway), and though their objective was a lofty one, I think that they accomplished it well. Chris Pine (Kirk) was one I had never seen before, but now he will have to significantly step up his game, because he impressed me in this very first film I had seen him in. I believe he even looked the part. My one negative thought regarding this character was only, how many times can one person die? I mean, really? Falling thousands of feet, shot at, inferno, on and on and on. However, I guess that isn't his fault as an actor. :) His part was a strenuous one, but I think that he performed beautifully. Zachary Quinto (Spock) has previously been seen in the show Heros, though not something that I have never seen as well. He triumphed in this film. He was serious, studious, logical, and adds an outsiders point of view on human kind. I think that Leonard Nemoy would be proud.

Overall, this new flavor to an epic story was done incredibly well. I enjoyed my experience so much that I immediately began writing notes for this, the review. I would watch it again in a heart beat, which is a lofty statement coming from a non-Trekkie. I have to give it my highest rating, a 1 diaper day! And to leave all of you my readers, I say only:
"Live Long and Prosper!"

Edit

I must add another movie to my favorites of 2009. I only recently saw the new Star Trek, and though this is completely against my "normal" favorites by far, I absolutely loved it. Review to come...

ADDED! :)

My Sister's Keeper

I was greatly anticipating seeing "My Sister's Keeper" after reading the book of which it was based, by Jodi Picoult. A semi-controversial story surrounding a family with a terminally ill child, and all that they do in order to save her. The dramatic events that occur because of the stress upon this family, and how each of them in turn deals with that load upon their shoulders. And, not only was there an amazing cast surrounding this film, but with the moral debate, emotionally charged medical situation, and interesting family dynamic this was sure to make for a fabulous viewing experience.

Unfortunately, I was a bit disappointed. True, I did enjoy the film, and true, I was delightedly surprised by the acting throughout. But I felt like director Nick Cassevetes just missed the mark a bit. The movie did not disappoint in the emotional, almost melodramatic, characteristics it portrayed. And of course, I cried like the best tearjerker should make you cry. However, I don't think that the overall storyline was quite as developed as I would have hoped when based of a bestselling novel. I think the part that surprised me the most, in a this-is-weird-for-this-type-of-movie sort of way, the editing seemed very misdirected. The scenes seemed to be cut off at odd times, fading out in an 80's kind of way. Very surprising, and definitely didn't add anything to the overall film.

The performance that surprised me the most, Cameron Diaz. I am not a huge Diaz fan, I usually detest the movies where she plays the stereotypical dumb blond role, chasing after a man who is all wrong for her and making a fool of herself the whole time. But this film, completely different. Completely opposite of her "normal" roles. And completely marvelous!!! I couldn't believe who I was watching! Was this is same Cameron Diaz who's role I detested in "In Her Shoes"? Was this the same Diaz who I heard played an absolutely terrible role in "What Happens In Vegas"? Not in my world! She was amazing, completely amazing. She captured this serious role with ease. Made me believe that she really had been a mother of a terminally ill child for 14 years.....emotional, dramatic, stoic at times, and believable. I was thrilled to see her in such a serious role, and really hope that she will continue to surprise me in the future. In my opinion, this is what she was meant to do.

And the daughters within the film, in one word, amazing. Though I think that Abigail Breslin didn't play up to her potential, both were stunning. This is the first movie I have seen of Sofia Vassilieva, but some of us may recognize her from the hit tv show "Medium". She simply blew me away. I wanted to see more of her truthfully, and wished that they would have focused more on her character then Abigail Breslin's. It amazes me that girls so young could play such dramatic and emotional roles with ease. I am not sure if I could even memorize a Shakespeare poem as a teenager, let alone an entire movie script with emotion and all! I was thoroughly impressed.

Overall, I definitely thought that My Sister's Keeper was one not to miss, though the director did miss the mark on some scenes meant to be dramatic and highly effecting. And the moral debate not fully realized, which I believe would have been rather interesting played out on the big screen. I give it a two diaper day, Agreeable.