All About Steve (2009)

"Crossword puzzle constructor Mary Horowitz is smart, pretty - and a natural disaster that shakes news cameraman Steve to the core..."

TV director Phil Trail brings up this major release romantic comedy starring Sandra Bullock as the word wielding, eccentric beauty Marry Horowitz who after years of being single and living at home, and with the help of some very rude but enlightening children, has decided it's time to get a man. That's where Steve (Bradley Cooper, The Hangover, He's Just Not That Into You) comes strolling in after being set up blindly by their parents. Immediately Marry is infatuated and overcome by her bottled up sexual frustrations. Steve catches on quick and realizes he needs to leave, and leave now. Rolling camera alongside disaster news reporter Hartman Hughes (Thomas Haden Church, Spider-Man 3, Sideways), Steve is constantly on the move and feels it'll be a clean break. To his dismay, Marry is not jobless, and has nothing better to do in life but pursue his love, wherever it may go. But when a sinkhole appears from nowhere and Marry is trapped, cligning to life, Steve begins to re-evaluate his priorities and think about what he's doing to Marry. Disaster turns into love as Ken Jeong and DJ Qualls aid in handing out laughs in this delightful date movie that you might just take something away from.

If for no other reason than the message behind the movie... you know, basically that whole don't judge a book by it's cover deal... see this movie. It's cute, vibrant, and just fun to watch. All others need not apply. Sandra Bullock was super cute and well Bradley Cooper... I can't remember a thing he said in this movie. It could have been All About Hartman and just left Steve at home.

5.2/10

Rated: PG-13
99 mins

Breach (2007)

Happening shortly after the attacks of September 11th, 2001, and inspired by the true story of the greatest security breach in U.S. history," this film will leave you wondering how something like this happened.

Billy Ray (Shattered Glass) directs this compelling tale of one of the darkest events in the US intelligence circles. Ryan Phillipe (Crash, Gosford Park) stars as Eric O'Neill, a relative newbie in the FBI who is gunning for a chance to make Agent. After months of watching, following, watching, following... his opportunity comes up when Agent Kate Burroughs (Laura Linney, Mysic River, The Life of David Gale) approaches him with a case of utmost importance. Now he finds himself under the employ of FBI Intelligence genius Robert Hanssen (Chris Cooper, The Kingdom, THe Patriot), a man he idolizes and has much respect for. Initially brought in under the preconception that Hanssen is a sexual deviant and possiblt involved in an international sex ring, Eric soon realizes there must be much more to this if the Bureau is so hush-hush and secretive about what's going on in Hanssen's day to day. The FBI's top intelligence man has vaulted himself to the top by being just that, and sharing his knowledge with a cold-war foe. It's just up to Eric O'Neill to reel him in and destroy a man who has spent his lifetime in service to his country... er, another country.

I picked this movie up after looking through a friend's movie collection and seeing it... I asked about it since I had never heard of it. They said it was good... and they were not wrong. I honestly don't even remember the press about this story, probably still too much overkill for 9/11, but wow. A great re-telling of an actual event with really superb acting. Ryan Philippe always does a heck of a job, definitely one of the better young actors floating around... a shame we don't see him more often. If you're one of those CSI or Law & Order watchers, this will be a sure hit.

8.0/10

Rated: PG-13
110 mins

Avatar (2009)

An advanced romp through a distant land of unimaginable splendor... made imaginable and brought to life right before your eyes.

Mega-movie director James Cameron (Titanic, True Lies) unleashes his massive imaginative of Jake Sully (Sam Worthington, Terminator Salvation), a recently paralyzed marine, who after his brother is killed, is persuaded into filling in where his brother left off as a member of a group of scientists lead by Dr. Grace Augustine (Sigourney Weaver, Baby Mama, Vantage Point), who are studying the local Na'vi people by "driving" human/Na'vi engineered beings. These bodies allow them to remotely control and interact with the alien environment and the local inhabitants. At the same time a greedy, power and money hungry corporation, with the help of the military, is trying to evict the locals and rape the planet of it's natural resources. Lead by Jake and his newly found love of the Na'vi people, specifically of Neytiri (Zoe Saldana, Star Trek), he organizes and fights with the locals to repel the human invasion.

I'm not alone in this, but seriously... BEST MOVIE EVER!!! The acting, perfection. The special effects, supreme. The story... unoriginal? That's right, I said it. But it's kind of like FernGully... just done in live action and with super amazing visuals. I was lucky enough to watch this opening night in 3D IMAX, and I must confess that it is the ONLY way to see it. On your standard screen, I really can't see it having the same awe inspiring effect. This is a movie I'd seriosuly pay to see over and over again, and even once more to buy it on Blu-Ray.

9.3/10

Rated: PG-13
162 mins

Dance Flick (2009)

Nothing is sacred as the Wayans clan spoofs another sub-genre of cinema in their signature style.

Damien Dante Wayans directs his bretheren in yet another campy comedy from the spooftastic family of actors/comedians. The story revolves around a naive young girl named Megan (Shoshana Bush, Fired Up!) who almost gives up a life in dancing, after her mother dies in route to her Juliard audition, when she meets Charity (Essence Atkins, Deliver Us from Eva, How High) and her brother Thomas (Damon Wayans Jr.) at Musical High. Thomas, the attractive boy from the other side of the tracks, is involved in street dancing competitions, and after finding out about Megan's dancing past, he wants to enlist her in attempts to form the #1 dance group in town. There are lots of laughs to be had as the firt family of spoof throws out all the punches by taking from all of your favorite dance movies of the past ten years: Save The Last Dance, Step Up, Stomp The Yard, Honey, and You Got Served.

Some folks out there say this is one of the better spoof's to come out lately, and well, that may be. But seriously, these movies need to stop, they suck. It's only marginally fun to try and pick out the movies they are making fun of, and the slapstick nonsensical comedy is truly below average. But it's a spoof, I guess they are supposed to be that way. I really don't have much else to say about it. If you can keep from seeing it, hats off... but if it happens to find it's way on to your screen, may god have mercy on your soul.

4.8/10

Rated: PG-13
83 mins

State of Play (2009)

Things are not exactly as they seem in this thrilling tale of a reporter torn between a political friendship, and his job, uncovering "the truth."

Kevin Macdonald (The Last King of Scotland) directs this compelling drama about veteran newspaper writer Cal McAffrey (Russell Crowe, Body of Lies, American Gangster) who just happens to be friends with a young hot shot politician named Stephen Collins (Ben Affleck, He's Just Not That Into You, Paycheck) who happens to br heading up a committee concerning the issue of privatized government security contracts. When an aid of his, who he's also having an affair with, ends up dead, he ends up in hot water and the only person he can turn to is his old friend Cal. Along with his blogging news sidekick Della (Rachel McAdams, The Notebook, Red Eye), he begins an investigation that will take him elbow deep into a cover up he never sees coming.

Easily in the top five movies I regrettably did not see in theaters this year. All you crime, mystery, thriller drama fans will love this. Really great, twisted story that really makes you wonder if things like this go down in real life. So much so, that I found it humorous that one of the cast members even says of the idea of a government cover-up like this as something you'd only see in a movie. The acting was really good, completely engrossing... even the supporters (Helen Mirren, Robin Wright Penn, Jason Bateman and Jeff Daniels) were on key. The only really "bad" thing I could say about the movie is that it was quite long, over two hours. But the movie is good, so you don't take notice.

7.6/10

Rated: PG-13
127 mins

Obsessed (2009)

A tempting would-be adulterer tries to move in on a happily married man and claim the fruits of his loin as her own... because in her line of duty, "all's fair when love is war."

Derek Charles (Idris Elba, American Gangster, The Office) is a young VP of a very successful Los Angeles asset management firm. Having married and whisked away his old secretary Sharon (Beyoncé Knowles, Dreamgirls, The Pink Panther), he has it all. A beautiful wife, handsome young son, and a new house. Much to his chagrin, a charmingly beautiful temp named Lisa (Ali Larter, Final Destination, Legally Blonde) starts a job at his company, and she has her snipers cross-hair set center mass on on him. He plays the nice guy act, but her bold advances become harder and harder to ignore. Not worth risking his career, or his family, he repeatedly brushes her off, trying to keep a low profile, not only staying off his co-workers radar, but his wife's. Lisa she can only take too much as she is desperate to step in and become the new woman in his life... and she'll do whatever it takes to make it happen.

So many low reviews for this movie, and I know why. Everyone is biased towards Fatal Attraction. Really? That movie was soooo late 80's, get over it. This movie captures the same feeling that movie did, just in an updated turn of the century style that I think was done well. Having said that, it's still not that great of a movie, not bad either mind you. My big turn off was knowing Beyoncé was in it... but hey, at least she didn't play a character that sings this time. When I think of Idris Elba I think of his character in The Office, which I hate... the show not his character. I actually like his character in the show. I think he did very well in this film, because we all know trying to shoot a film where you have to repeatedly deny Ali Larter's cute, sexy self is no easy task. I would have caved. How is it I could see Megan Fox trying out for that role? Maybe it's just me. Really good camera and lighting, setting many of the dark moods perfectly. Fellas, don't watch this with your girl if you don't want to be looked at differently for a few days.

6.2/10

Rated: PG-13
108 mins

The Brothers Bloom (2009)

A refreshingly new look into the lives of those who master the art of the con as they try to obtain what is really missing from a life that seems to have it all.

Directing newcomer Rian Johnson directs this romanticized crime drama revolving around two troubled young lads, brothers Stephen (Mark Ruffalo, Blindness, Zodiac) and Bloom (Adrien Brody, King Kong, The Jacket). Twenty years of living fake lives is really starting to catch up with Bloom, the younger, and he becomes tempted by a relaxing, care free, "real" life. Lured back into one final big score, the brothers, along with their explosive sidekick Bang Bang (Rinko Kikuchi) peg a quirky shut-in named Penelope (Rachel Weisz, Fred Claus, Constantine)as their latest mark... and she just happens to be a super rich heiress. Together they go on an adventurous journey across the seas, all part of Stephens elaborate con. The only real danger is Bloom falling in love, but then, "they'd never let the truth come between them."

I don't remember this movie being marketed very heavily, and can't recall seeing a trailer. I acquired it on a whim and was more than satisfied with what it delivered. I'm a thieving, con-artist move junkie, I love them... think Thomas Crowne. This was an excellent spin on the theme and all parties acted beautifully. I was really intrigued with Rachel Weisz's character. Obviously bright, though childishly naive at the same time. She always seemed to catch the fine details in the con, but could never really see how it all came together. And the scene with her and Adrien Bordy kissing is just freakin' hilarious. The only real laugh out loud moment for me. The romantic angle to the movie was just enough to not take over as the theme of the movie. Cinematography was very pleasing as well. This might be one of those rainy day movies, but watch with a friend because it will probably leave you with plenty to chat about after.

7.5/10

Rated: PG-13
114 mins

Ghost Town (2008)

A handsomely witty film that will make you laugh out loud while gently tugging at your heart.

David Koepp (Secret Window, Stir of Echoes) bring us this hauntingly enjoyable tale of a wannabe playboy, New York smooth talker named Frank (Greg Kinnear, Baby Mama, Little Miss Sunshine) who finds himself recently deceased after an unfortunate air conditioner accident. He teams up with a frumpy, lost soul from the land of the living, a dentist by the name of Bertram Pincus (Ricky Gervais, Night at The Museum) who recently was revived from a near death experience during a routine procedure at a local hospital. Now with the ability to see the dead, and being annoyed at every turn by them, Dr. Pincus is hounded by Frank with a request to break up his widow Gwen's (Téa Leoni, Fun with Dick and Jane , bad Boys) marriage to her new beau. In doing so, Bertram finds himself stuck in a supernatural love triangle.

I started off the night watching Management, but the audio was eff'd on my copy, so I reluctantly picked up this film... and glad I did. This was definitely one of those heart warming, feel good movies where you really connected with the main characters and really hoped for the best. I'm not even a Ricky Gervais fan, I actually hate the office, but in this film, his timing and delivery were just, a bit of perfection. The scene where he is being wheeled down the hall in the hospital, and the conversation with the surgeon (Kristen Wiig, SNL, Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story) had me cracking up long after the scene had passed. With all the laughs it delivers, it's bound to draw a tear or two from the romantic types. It's a really good mash-up, really earning the title of "Romantic Comedy." I definitely recommend this for your next date night.

7.0/10

Rated: PG-13
102 mins

The Shortcut (2009)

A tasty teen horror where an old man with a dark secret will make you heed the warning of the next "No Trespassing" sign you come across.

Half a century ago some teens go missing after taking a shortcut through some dense woods on private property, and a legend is born. This is the setting of Nicholaus Goosen's (Grandma's Boy) horror thriller where some curious teenagers lead by Derek (Andrew Seeley), are off to explore an old man's private land after his brother is threatened in the woods after being dared to take the shortcut. Teaming up with a high school football player, Taylor (Josh Emerson), who is in search of his missing dog, they head off for some answers. There is little time for teen romance while friends come to grizzly ends as little do they know that the old man has a secret he's been hiding for years, and it's worth killing for.

Lots of unjust reviews for this film. However, I personally thought it was pretty average, which is way better than what a lot of people have said. Straight off, for a non theater released B movie, the acting and production value was feature film quality. I was pleasantly surprised. It was nice seeing Josh Emerson, who I just recently saw in a small part in I Love You, Beth Cooper, have a larger role with more substance. The story was your basic old scrooge who keeps to himself so beware type, but with a few twists near the end that really helped set it apart. Typical of the genre? Absolutely, but you could do a lot worse.

6.6/10

Rated: PG-13
85 mins

Ghosts of Girlfriends Past (2009)

Simply a shameless twist to a timeless Dickens classic, stripped of its meat and left to entertain the hounds with nothing but a loose plot, and looser morals.

Mark Waters (Just Like Heaven, Freaky Friday) directs the story of Conner Mead (Matthew McConaughey, Fool's Gold, Failure to Launch), a pretentious man’s man, lover of all, love of none. He’s a highly sought after and respected celebrity photographer, known almost as much for his sexual prowess as his shutter skills. On a trip back to his Uncle's (Michael Douglas) mansion for his little brother’s wedding, he tries to spread his contagion of anti-love and marriage amongst the crowd, even giving his brother his keys to make the escape. Ending the night in a drunken stupor, he’s visited by his diseased Uncle who informs him he’ll be visited by three ghosts representing his past, present and future girlfriends, to show him the error of his mega-bachelor ways and show him what he’s been missing his whole life, Jenny (Jennifer Garner, Juno, Elektra). The supporting cast (Breckin Meyer, Emma Stone) ride Conner the whole way while he considers the warnings brought before him as he tries to run from his past.

Maybe you women aren’t getting tired of it, but I sure am. Surely Matt's got more substance than this and can peg roles outside of being the biggest dick in the world that seems to be a woman magnet *cough* Fool's Gold and Failure to Launch *cough*, but he does it well, and studios know he sells. Too bad Jennifer Garner looked like crap in this movie comparatively. The movie itself, less than stellar acting and juvenile humor aside, I could have done without it. The only character I actually liked from the whole movie was Emma Stone (Zombieland, Superbad), she’s great. Funny, spunky, spot on. The movie was just soulless I guess is was I’m really getting at. It hoped to bank off of the classic Scrooge-isms, and really, it tried hard. Just wasn’t for me I guess, but I really could see plenty of you McConaughey chick flick fans will love every bit of it. It does get rather sappy, but you’d have to believe someone like the character could really change like that to even consider shedding a tear.

6.1/10

Rated: PG-13
100 mins

I Love You, Beth Cooper (2009)

Were you the quiet kid in school and never felt like you got out and did or said the things you always wanted to say or do? Do you look back at your time in High School and wish things went differently? This flick shows you just how different it could have been, but is really just another teen movie where the unknown loser picks up the hot popular girl.

Based on the book by Larry Doyle, Chris Columbus (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Stepmom) directs this stereotypical teen comedy where Dennis Cooverman (Paul Rust, Inglorious Basterds), the school valedictorian lets it all out during his graduation speech, and professes his love for the girl he's sat behind in nearly every class since being a Freshman, Beth Cooper (Hayden Panettiere, Heroes). In doing so he sets off a series of events that will become the only night from High School he will ever remember. Alongside his might be gay best friend Rich (Jack Carpenter), they cross paths with every person Dennis called out in his speech, and just hope to make it through the night alive. It's amazing how "five little words can change your life."

It's really amazing how many times studios can put out the same story over and over again. This film delivers absolutely nothing original, but at least what it does do isn't terrible. Perhaps it would have been a little better with a much more "real" Dennis. The character just seemed so engrossed in nerd-dom that it was impossible to believe he'd even have the social skills to survive five minutes with normal human interaction. The overall theme to the movie reminded way too much of Superbad, not that it's a bad thing, but Superbad was many times better. Thankfully there was saving grace to this movie in the form of Hayden Panettiere, she's one of the few main characters who seemed comfortable in her role, and managed to really convey the feeling of someone who knows their life peaked in High School.

This is one of those movies you watch when all the really good movies have dried up. It will definitely be in the bargain bin at Wal*Mart in no time. That being said, you could do worse.

6.5/10

Rated: PG-13
102 mins

Land of The Lost (2009)

Movies made from TV shows usually can't hold their own. Especially those made from old TV shows... old TV shows that they themselves didn't last very long, though well received they may have been. But in spite of that, Land of The Lost shines with the humor we've come to expect from it's stars while bringing new life to a thirty year old classic.

Brad Siberling (Lemony Snicket, City of Angels) directs this outlandish romp through a parallel dimension where shunned theoretical scientist Rick Marshall (Will Ferrell, Step Brothers, Semi-Pro), his swooning admirer Holly (Anna Friel, Pushing Daisies) and their uneducated, redneck of a cave guide Will (Danny McBride, Tropic Thunder, Pineapple Express) are transported to a world where "past, present and future mash up together." With the help of primate like being, they travel the land in search of the device that brought them here, and ultimately, can bring them home. Against all odds facing starved, monster mosquitoes and intellectual Tyrannosaurs, they must come face to face with the Sleestak not only to get home, but to save the world as they know it.

Had I gone on my gut, or listened to any general reviews of this movie, I wouldn't have wasted my time. But being out here floating in the Gulf of Mexico you tend to watch things you normally wouldn't. But this is one of those rare occasions where I'm 100% happy I went against the grain. From start to finish this movie does what all movies intend, entertain you. It's no blockbuster, but it's completely engrossing and a pleasure to watch. Will Ferrell delivers exactly what I've come to expect and Danny McBride compliments him beautifully. The story seems to fast forward in some places, leaving you wondering why or how something might be going on, but it's subtle enough to allow you to get past it and continue on enjoying the humor which is intended for adults. That's one thing that threw me off. From the previews it appears to be geared towards children, but believe me, between the homosexual, psychedelically induced sleep pattern and the rest of the sexually charged humor, this is no kids movie. So go out and watch this with an open mind, and allow yourself to laugh, you'll be glad you did.

7.1/10

Rated: PG-13
102 mins

Transformers: Revenge of The Fallen (2009)

This is the second installment of the fast paced, special effects intensive franchise that brings back my childhood. Marketed to children (why?), this visionary explosion is filled with adult humor and a sexy cast that brings one to question, it it "more than meets the eye?"

Shia LaBeouf (Eagle Eye, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull) and Megan Fox (Jennifer's Body, How to Lose Friends and Alienate People) return, along with their amazing supporting cast (Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson & John Turturro) in this Michale Bay (Pearl harbor, The Island) directed sequel to 2007's box office bonanza, Transformers. Wouldn't you know tat the Autobots would once again need junior Witwicky by their side as they work to stop the evil Decepticonz from acquiring him and using his recently charged psyche to unlock the key to using Earth as their own personal power source. Lead by Optimus Prime, Sam and an a force of international armies battle the likes of a resurrected Megatron, as well as a long forgotten foe The Fallen, to save the Earth from utter destruction.

Too many people hated on this movie, and for a lot of good reasons. But letting one thing about a movie completely sway your contentment is childish and accomplishes nothing. Most Transformers nay-sayers will point to the story and all it's flaws. To that, I concede, but the basic plot is sound. My only personal objection to the movie on the whole was it's use of racial stereotypes regarding certain types of machines *cough* Mudflap and Skids *cough* All this did was contribute absurd dialogue that completely distracted you from what was really going on. But other than that, this movie was a success in my book. It was spectacularly over the top. Expect witty dialogue, awkward parental moments, and an eye-gasm of action... and let's not forget, Megan Fox is a babe.

7.8/10

Rated: PG-13
150 mins

The Proposal (2009)

“Here comes the bribe,” err… bride. An old story, a modern day reality for some, is retold in this funny fling through relationship morality and what it can do to those involved, especially when fake endearment becomes true love.

Ahhh the age old adage, a sham wedding to reap the benefits. That’s the underlying tone to the Anne Fletcher (27 Dresses) directed romantic comedy starring Sandra Bullock (All About Steve, Miss Congeniality) and Ryan Reynolds (Waiting…, Van Wilder). Margaret Tate is a workaholic, go-getting editor for a NYC publisher. To some a goddess, to most… Satan herself. Her assistant Andrew wants to be in her shoes, and will do whatever it takes to get there, even if it means committing a federal felony to ensure his boss doesn’t get deported because it isn’t just about her job, it’s his too. Margaret hatches a seat of the pants scheme to marry Andrew, stay in the US, and keep her job. What she doesn’t foresee is that what starts off as a fickle business arrangement turns into underlying attraction and an ultimately hilarious relationship.

The Proposal never really grabbed me in the previews, and it seemed like just another chick flick. But the movie really is funny; it just happens to be targeted at women and young couples. I loved Bullocks overpowering demeanor, she was in complete control, but was relieved to see deep down she was beautifully vulnerable and in need of something missing inside. Reynolds' straight faced humor cracked me up time and time again. The supporting players, Mary Steenburgen, Craig T. Nelson, and the fabulously funny Betty White, really pull it all together. The ending is blatantly predictable, but even though you know it’s coming, it’s hard not to feel the strong sentiment and courage behind her words. See it with your special someone and share a laugh.

7.7/10

Rated: PG-13
108 mins

G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (2009)

Paramount delivers an action packed thrill ride that should quench the thirst of salivating fanboys and secure the franchise for future development. True to its roots and audience, this film delivers what viewers should expect from a movie based an 80's cartoon series and iconic action figure.

"When all else fails, they don't!" That's the ego driven mantra of the world's most elite group of special operatives known only as G.I. Joe. Stephen Sommers (The Mummy, Van Helsing) directs this live action adaptation of every young boys cherished action adventure toys. Channing Tatum (Public Enemies, Step Up) and Marlon Wayons (Little Man, White Chicks) star as Duke and Ripcord, two US Army hotshots who inadvertently team up with G.I. Joe after their tasking to transport a sensitive package for NATO goes awry. Along with an amazing supporting cast (Sienna Miller, Dennis Quaid, Rachel Nichols, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt) the new "Joes" enter into a battle an international force lead by the jaded James McCullen (Christopher Eccleston), to reclaim their package of warheads and save the world from a major catastrophe. They'll be up against the the cunningly beautiful Baroness (Sienna Miller) and heaps of nanotech controlled soldiers as they fight their way to McCullen and his scientific mastermind known only as, The Doctor.

This is another action flick that was taken way too seriously by "real" critics. They apparently missed that this movie delivered exactly what it should have. It's a mans man movie with plenty of gratuitous, nonsensical, over the top action... it's G.I. Joe for eff's sake, what more do you want!? In lieu of that point, there was not much character development, but any fan of the cartoon would have no problems connecting the dots, and any 8-14 year old wouldn't care about that anyway. The intertwined relationships between characters on both sides of the war was especially interesting, and the action sequences along with eh special effects were as good as they get. Surprisingly, Wayons wasn't too much of a distraction from the rest of the film like I thought he might be. His humor fit in well, I was pleased. The acting is par for the course, nothing great, and the story flowed well. Even the brief cameo by Brendan Fraser was as fun as it was unexpected.

If you watch this movie expecting some deep, moody war drama, think again. It's a no brains, all brawn super action flick, simple as that. Expect that from the beginning and you'll be sure to enjoy this as much as any other mid to late 20 year old.

8.2/10

Rated: PG-13
118 mins

Star Trek (2009)

Reinventing a classic is not an easy task to do, but Paramount gives us a young, star studded vision in to the hit series, enduring for nearly 40 years, that doesn’t disappoint.

A time traveling evil is on the loose and an unsuspecting Starfleet crew is going to encounter the toughest test their have young crew has ever faced. J.J. Abrams (Cloverfield) directs this epic tale chronically the evolution James T. Kirk (Chris Pine) as he enter the Academy and reluctantly follows in the footsteps that led to his father’s untimely death. Alongside his academic foe, Spock (Zachary Quinto), who will later become his greatest ally, he fights to stake claim to his destiny and save the future for all inhabitants of the universe. The strong supporting cast (Bruce Greenwood, Karl Urban, Zoe Saldana, John Cho and Simon Pegg) all contribute their roles as the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise as she sets out to defeat Nero (Eric Bana) and to “explore strange new words, seek out new life-forms and civilizations, and boldly go where no one has gone before.”

Not being a fan of Star Trek, let me start by saying I absolutely loved this movie. So much so I’m going to buy it, and I don’t do that often. I’ve had little exposure to series, but enough through pop culture references and my time spent in Iraq to be aware of the overall story and base characters. I’ve seen two other Star Trek movies (Nemesis and Insurrection) and they both fail in comparison to the grand scale of this one. The young cast, in most cases coming from smaller rolls or TV, does an amazing job of bringing the the characters and their subsequent development to life. The cinematography and special effects will surely compete in the awards at seasons end and I look forward to perhaps a sequel? True Star Trek fans might tear this flick apart, but for us casual folk who just want our $10 worth, you can’t go wrong. Not a fan of Star Trek? Not a fan of Sci-Fi? Don’t worry, you’ll like this movie as it spans many genres and appeals to more than just one group.

8.8/10

Rated: PG-13
127 mins