Star Trek VI Review

"So...this is goodbye."

As the tagline goes from The Matrix Revolutions: "Everything that has a beginning has an end." Welcome to my review/retrospective of Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered County.


THE SERIES:

In 1966, a small NBC television series called Star Trek hit screens on weeknights. William Shatner, Leornard Nimoy and Deforest Kelley starred in the hour long space opera traveling in a ship called the Enterprise. Each week, the crew traveled to strange new worlds in our galaxy dealing with the dangers that followed. Sadly, after three years, NBC pulled the plug on the show due to declining ratings and in 1969, Star Trek was no more.

However, in the early 1970s, Star Trek returned to television in the form of a Saturday morning cartoon and all the cast, with the exception of Walter Koenig, returned to do the voices. In 1974, that show ended and Star Trek was nothing outside of comics and toys. And then Star Wars came...Once Star Wars was a massive hit, Paramount cancelled a plan to make a new Star Trek live-action show and instead decided to produce a motion picture. In 1979, Star Trek: The Motion Picture hit the big screen. Fans had to wait a whole ten years to see their favorite characters in live-action and the result was not to everyone's expectations.



THE MOVIES:

The first movie was a financial success, however not highly praised critically. Gene Roddenberry, the producer of the movie, and creator of the series itself, stepped down and the next Star Trek movie was made under far less of a budget. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan was a huge success critically and is considered the best of the all six original films. A growing success of movies came out during the 1980s and Gene Roddenberry's creation was as popular as ever! So popular in fact that he started a new show on his own called Star Trek: The Next Generation. This, however did not feature the actors we've come to know and love and it was a stretch for some people. On the big screen, however, the original actors continued to be featured and until 1991.

Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country is perhaps the best movie in the entire series of films. We've all known Captain Kirk, Mr. Spock, Dr. McCoy, Scotty, and the rest for 25 years and since 1991 was the 25th anniversary, Paramount felt it was the perfect idea to make one last hurrah with these characters. Time certainly has gained on them since the show started, and the movie captures a perfect sense of family and history. The movie depicts Captain Kirk's last time in command of his beloved ship and his struggles to accept the fact that he's not the young, gallant Captain he once was.

It is the best swansong to any series wither it be a movie or television show. This is the true ending to the original Star Trek.


About three months before retirement from Starfleet, Captain Kirk and crew are ordered to take the Enterprise-A out to escort a Klingon ship to Earth for peace talks. Spock's father, Vulcan Ambassador Sarek has called for a diplomatic meeting on Earth and Spock essentially vouches for Kirk--whose son was killed by a Klingon--to be the special envoy. Now, even though Kirk loves being in command, he would rather accept retirement than rendezvous with a Klingon Chancellor's ship. He would just as soon open fire and start an all out war. Since Sulu is now a captain and no long a part of the Enterprise crew, Spock's protege, Valeris (played by Kim Cattral) volunteers. With the ship underway, Kirk has a moment in his quarters voicing his concerns in a Captain's Log: "I've never trusted Klingons. And I never will. I can never forgive them, for the death of my son. It seems to me that escorting the Klingon chancellor to a peace summit is problematic at best. Spock says this could be a historic occasion, and I'd like to believe him. But how on earth can history get past people like me?" As Kirk is about to get ready to head to the bridge, Valeris seems to be standing right by his quarters when she enters with his luggage. Was she standing there this whole time?

After Valeris talks with Kirk, she goes to speak with Spock who tells her that this will in fact be his last voyage on the Enterprise as a member of her crew. Valeris manages to hide the least bit of sadness in her face and responds, "I could only succeed you, Sir." To that, the chime rings informing all senior officers to the bridge to greet the Klingon Chancellor's ship.

Kirk-hesitant as ever and still upset with Spock that he was chosen to be the special envoy-hides his bigotry as best he can and invited Gorkon and crew on the Enterprise for a diplomatic dinner. This should be good...

A dinner of sorts

Well, the Klingon's arrive. Chancellor Gorkon introduces his crew, daughter Azetbur and finally his chief of staff, General Chang who has much admiration for Captain Kirk as a boy has to a baseball. At a pause, Kirk gives a look of confusion as he has been known throughout the galaxy to have beef with Klingons. After a brief tour, a dinner is prepared for all and as Khan said to Kirk years before, "Diplomatic dinner is only war time concealed." The high tension at the table is very evident and being served Romulan ale, on the request of Valeris, makes it even worse. When Chekov makes a statement that "We do believe all planets have a sovereign claim to inalienable human rights", the Chancellor's daughter responds that "the Federation is nothing more than a homo-sapiens only club." Another member of the crew claims that this is leading to the "annihilation of our race!" McCoy responds, "That's not true!" "No?" "NO!" After some more bickering back and forth, General Chang tells Kirk, "To be or not to be. That is the question which preoccupies our people, Captain Kirk. We need breathing room!" Kirk replies, "Earth. Hitler. 1938." Clearly having no idea who Hitler was, Chang shuts up and there is an awkward silence.

After Gorkon and his party leave for his ship, the crew contemplates for a minute with some bickering about the Klingon eating habits and everyone is a bit tipsy from the ale served. Valeris said she had ordered Romulan ale to help make the evening go more smoothly. That, it certainly did not. It's bad enough Kirk already hated the Klingons.

Kirk, in his quarters tells ships galley that Romulan ale is no longer to be served at diplomatic functions. As he is about to get some rest while having a hangover to end all hangovers...let alone space hangovers, Spock summons Kirk to the bridge. Arriving, Spock detects a form of radiation occurring. Kirk asks everyone if they know about the surge, and they don't know as they are all having surges in their heads from the damn ale the night before--a shot is fired! Out of nowhere, a shot is fired on the very Klingon ship they are escorting to Earth! No! Who could have done this?!!! Kirk, signals his absolute and total surrender proving that it was not him who had fired. Spock, looking at the memory banks, tells him that the Enterprise did, in fact fire two torpedoes. It's not like Kirk to do something like this...Is it? He wouldn't just fire on a ship without reason...would he? We've known Kirk too long to not believe that he would do such a horrible thing...Even to a Klingon ship. Has his age really caught up with him?

After beaming aboard said Klingon ship, Kirk is witness to a blood bath of Klingons dead in puddles of blood. Pink blood. They enter a corridor, Chancellor Gorkon has been shot! As if things weren't bad enough, there was a massacre in the ship as well! On the eve of peace! Dr. McCoy, funny as ever, tries to revive Gorkon and for a mere few seconds, Gorkon comes to. His lasts words are, "Don't let it end this way, Captain..." Arrested by General Chang without hesitation, Captain Kirk and Doctor McCoy are taken into trial on the Klingon home world of Qo'noS.

Doctor McCoy was unable to save Gorkon.

Meanwhile, on 1701-A, Spock begins an investigation putting Valeris in charge. The ship is to be searched from bow to stern and not one place will be overlooked. The missing boot from one of the assassins. Apparently the surviving Klingons on the ship said they had seen two Starfleet officers wearing magnetic boots beam aboard their ship after the first hit from the Enterprise. When a starship has shields up, there is no way for someone to beam aboard. However, when the shields are down-like the Klingon ship was-anyone would be able to come aboard, and that is exactly what occurred. After the officers beamed back to the Enterprise, they managed to also beam aboard some blood particles that were floating. The hunt is still on for the killers. Gravity had not been restored until after the assassins left the ship, hence the blood still floating and the need for gravity boots.

Meanwhile, Kirk and McCoy are taken to a Klingon penal colony on the asteroid Rura Penthe, for a life sentence of labor and torture. Upon arrival, Kirk befriends a fellow prisoner by the name of Martia. She seems nice, and well...quite attractive. Responding to how she knows their names, "We don't get too many presidential assassins." Kirk replies impatiently, "We didn't kill Gorkon!" "Of course not." She responds. "But there is a reward for your death." McCoy adds, "That figures." Now, Captain Kirk realizes that this whole thing was a rouse and that he's been set up all along. Kirk is catching onto something here. A few nights later, Martia appears in Kirk's cell and has a plan for escape. When they both escape the prison, they travel in the clear to where ships can reach people for transport. In the colony, the area had no electricity, save for a magnetic shield to prevent beaming. Now they are in the clear and able to escape! Martia, however, has other plans and lured Kirk and McCoy in the clear for no other than for them [Kirk and McCoy] to be captured and killed. When Martia turns out to be a Chameloid, or Shapeshifter, she mirrors Kirk's image and the two fight before the Klingon raid shows up. Killing the "wrong" Kirk, the Klingon in charge decides to tell Kirk who wants him killed. "Since you're all going to die anyway, why not tell you. His name is-" and suddenly both prisoners are beamed aboard the Enterprise.

TRAITOR!

With Kirk and McCoy saved, Spock informs them that a Klingon Bird-of-Prey vessel fired on Gorkon's ship, thus seeming to frame the Enterprise! Someone must have changed the data banks on the ship to make it seem like torpedoes were fired upon. Someone on the inside and using Kirk as the guinea pig. Heading up to the bridge, Kirk, Spock and McCoy walk down a corridor when all of a sudden two bodies pop up in front of them. They were both killed with phasers on stun at close range. Kirk says, "First rule of assassination: kill the assassins." Then an idea pops up in his head. What better way to find the true killer than to pretend the assassins survived and had statements to be made? A ship wide chime comes in announcing "Statements to be made my Yeoman Burke and Samno." All is quiet in sickbay. Then, like a dark light entering a room, someone tiptoes in with a phaser. As they get closer to one of the "alive" assassins, Spock turns on a light revealing that it is no other than Valeris! Spock's protege! The one that he wanted to succeed him! The one in charge of the investigation! And yes, the one who also had the idea to serve Romulan ale during the already tense diplomatic meeting!

On the bridge, Captain Kirk and crew confront Valeris and tell her that a new location for the peace conference is taking place. But where? Valeris would know. Desperate, Kirk orders Spock to beat it out of her and performs a Vulcan mind-meld...or rape...and informs Kirk that the conference is no longer on Earth, but that the new location is still unknown. As Spock had told Kirk those many years ago, "The needs of the many, outweigh the needs of the few. Or the one." This would have to have been Spock's reasoning to force Valeris to get the information out of her. A full scale war between the Federation and the Empire would most likely take place and extreme measures must be taken. With Valeris in the brig, and Captain Sulu helping the Enterprise, the two ships are also on the lookout for a Klingon Bird-of-Prey that can fire while cloaked. Sulu has the location of the peace conference and informs Kirk that it's on, "Camp Khitomer, near the Romulan boarder." Now Kirk knows where to go! The Enterprise speeds to it's destination at maximum warp.

As the Enterprise is almost at transporter range, a voice from speakers malevolently saying, "I can see you Kirk...Can you see me?" Kirk knows that voice! He's heard it before and despised the sound of it. Chang...the Klingon that found Kirk and McCoy guilty, the Klingon that praised Kirk for being a "cold warrior"...and the Klingon that was Gorkon's own chief of staff! That little lying creep!

A sudden attack ensues and the Enterprise is taking hits from a ship it can't even see. At this rate, they're as good as dead. Then, out of another quadrant, Captain Sulu and the crew of the Excelsior take charge and endure hits from the Klingon ship; but not before Commander Uhura tells Kirk that there must be a way to track the cloaked vessel. "Well, the thing's gotta have a tailpipe." Spock and McCoy then head to the torpedo bay to modify a torpedo to track the plasma from the enemy ship. With the shields collapsing, Kirk chimes in yelling for them to hurry up! On ships speakers, Chang is heard citing Shakespeare and McCoy tells Spock, "I'd give real money if he'd shut up!" With the torpedo set and ready, Kirk-as only he can-yells, "Fire!" and the torpedo is away headed towards Chang's ship. A look of defeat, Chang simply says, "To be or not to be." And the battle is won. It is a small victory, however as now Kirk must continue onto the planet.

"It's about the future, Madam Chancellor!"

After Chang's ship is destroyed, Kirk and party beam down to the conference to stop another assassination. Having everyone split up and scatter like a pack of cockroaches, he starts towards the Federation president during his speech. Pushing through a crowd of delegates, Captain Kirk rushes and knocks the president out of the way as to avoid a sudden bold of a rifle intended for him. As the assassin looks for another target, and has his sights on Valeris, Scotty knocks down the door behind him and shoots that sucker to the next world killing him instantly. Now, there are two versions of this death. In the theatrical cut, it is seen that a Klingon was indeed the would-be assassin; however in the VHS edition, it is discovered that a Starfleet officer was dressed as a Klingon. Either way, the films ends the same way. Peace has been reached and Kirk proves himself innocent and years of hostility between the Federation is over.

When asked what the meaning of all this was, Captain Kirk tells the new Chancellor of the Klingon Empire, Gorkon's daughter Azetbur "Some people think the future means the end of history. Well, we haven't run out of history quite yet. Your father, called the future, the undiscovered country. People can be very frightened of change." Astonished and convinced that Kirk was indeed not part of this conspiracy, the daughter and newly appointed Chancellor says, "You've restored my father's faith." To which Kirk responds, "And you've restored my sons."

Kirk facing the end of his career

Parting ways with Captain Sulu's ship, the Enterprise is on her own. A sudden message from Starfleet Command comes in and Uhura tells the captain that the ship needs to be put back to spacedock for decommissioning. Kirk looks at the main screen as if to get a plead from it to say, "Don't worry Jim, it's just a joke." Coming back to reality, he asks himself, Is this really the end? No...It can't be. Can it? No more adventures? No planets to travel to? People to save? These thoughts are going through his head as he knows that time is gaining up on him and that the days of his youth are long gone. Things have to change, but why can't I be in charge of my ship for just a little longer? The thought of having to lose the Enterprise for the final time after the countless times he fought to get it back flew through him. The Enterprise was the one lady he really cared for. The thought of him having to settle down on Earth and catch up with the life he left behind didn't appeal to him in the least.

With almost a tear in Kirk's eye, Spock breaks the silence of the inevitable and remarks, "If I were human, I believe my response would be: 'go to hell'. If I were human." To that, Kirk shoots a little smile and with a line from Peter Pan, replies, "Second star to the right. And straight on 'till morning." And with that, the Enterprise sails off into the sunset. With 25 years of saving the galaxy and traveling to new worlds, it is time for Captain Kirk to pass the baton and hand the keys to another crew for a Next Generation.

The Force Awakens

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away....

It's been 10 long years since a Star Wars film has hit theaters. Since that time, there's been a worthy 3D animated series, many books and games, and even an animated feature in 2008. Now...as of 2015...a new Star Wars film has hit the big screen and what an amazing film it is! Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens takes us back to that galaxy far, far away thirty years after the events of Return of the Jedi and, like a long lost friend, has finally comeback!

I honestly thought this was not going to happen. I mean, why would Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill want to come back to a franchise that has been around since before I was born. For Harrison to come back was honestly a miracle; that and a ridiculous paycheck. This is a guy who wanted to disassociate himself from the character as much as Sean Connery wanted to disassociate himself from James Bond. But, here he is! Han Solo is back! Carrie Fisher has had a tough life, what with drugs and her bipolar disorder and electroshock therapy, but back she came! Mark Hamill! LUKE!!! He is back as well! I was thrilled!

The film takes place about thirty years after the events of Episode VI, and shows us a vision of the world George Lucas created after the fall of the Empire and the rise of the New Order: a faction of supporters of the Empire's previous glory and their attempt to retain it.

THE RETURN OF THE FALCON

Now, this film isn't just with the characters of old. We are introduced to a new generation of actors that will most likely take over the mantle from our friends in the previous trilogy. Rey, is a young woman living on the planet Jakku surviving off of anything she can get. Jakku is very similar to Tatooine, except far more baron. Surviving on her own, she befriends a small droid by the name of BB-8, an Astromech droid that contains the known whereabouts of Luke Skywalker. At first she is reluctant to have a droid following her around, let alone one that looks like a soccer ball, but an attachment is soon grown as they both are abandoned and without anyone to care for them.

Rey has made a new friend in BB-8

Meanwhile on another part of the planet, a New Order TIE Fighter crash lands and out comes Finn, who escaped a Star Destroyer after having a major case of PTSD once his fellow Stormtrooper dies in his arms. Now, attempting to escape, Finn races to find some water after walking for hours in the hot desert terrain. BB-8, knowing that Finn was a trooper for the Order, freaks out and informs Rey that he killed his master since he is wearing his jacket. Clearing the muddy water by informing Rey that Poe (BB-8's master) helped him escape and was shot down, took his jacket when that was all that remained in the wreckage. BB-8 starts to trust Finn a little more and they start to go on their way as a team. After a bumpy introduction, Finn hears the sound of TIE fighters heading towards the city and flees with Rey to take cover. As the ship they are headed for explodes, their only other option is to grab the next ship in sight. And that ship? The Millennium Falcon, Han Solo's old ship from the days of the Empire. Escaping the planet, the ship is then pulled into a tractor beam on a freighter piloted by non other than Han Solo and Chewbacca!

Now, upon first seeing Han Solo, I was cheering my ass off! It was so cool seeing Harrison back as his most iconic character. One of his first lines, "Well you tell them Han Solo has taken back the Millennium Falcon for good!" After that line, the whole audience cheered and it was something that you don't do unless it's something very special and these movie certainly are special. Before Han takes the crew off with the Falcon, two ships arrive and take over the freighter attempting to get the money that Han has owed them and promised to pay back. Han may be older, but he's still the same badass. As Han attempts to do what he "does best", Finn and Rey escape through a hidden duct and accidentally release the creatures that Han is stowing in tow. Once released, the creature wrecks havoc and kills most of the smugglers, and almost Finn. Han and company escape in the Falcon afterwards. While the ship is in light speed, Rey show's Han the map that was in BB-8 and how it is the map leading to Luke Skywalker. Han, surprised, tells them that he knew Luke and the Empire, the Jedi and the events that took place over 30 years ago really happened and were not in fact just stories.

Solo and Chewbacca aboard the Falcon thirty years after the Battle of Endor, just before meeting Rey, Finn, and BB-8

 

 

Meanwhile, Kylo Ren, the head of the New Order and the man who in fact captured and tortured Poe Dameron, will stop at nothing to find BB-8 and follows any lead possible. Now, here is a character who has a lot of pressure and impatience as he wants to become the next Darth Vader. It is revealed later on in the film that Kylo is in fact the son of Han Solo and Leia Organa and will stop at nothing to bring rise to the New Order. Kylo somehow even managed to obtain the charred mask of Darth Vader from Endor that Luke had left behind. Weird.

Kylo Ren aka Ben Solo (Son of Solo, Grandson of Vader)

Now, I'm not going to talk about the entire film, but I just wanted to give all of you a glimpse on what you will see when viewing this movie. It's awesome to see practical effects again, let alone REAL sets. I'm sorry George, while I praise you for creating one of the best franchises ever, I must say that I am not pleased with your lack of writing skills and poor ability to put emotion and depth into your characters. This is the return to the Star Wars from the past and a return to form and depth. Although I do have a soft spot for the prequels...to an extent...and not a very long one at that...I must say this is what not only myself, but I'm sure millions and millions of fans have been waiting for. 

The death of Han Solo was so sudden and I must say, I couldn't believe it. When he was on the catwalk and walking towards Kylo Ren aka Ben Solo, for a moment I actually thought he was going to convince his son to join the Light Side and go back to Leia. However, I knew he was too forgone to change after just one quick conversation with his father, so something was going to happen. As Han approached Kylo, you notice that Kylo takes off his helmet, begins crying and looks defeated and regretful. But no, he tricks Han by mistaking it for weakness as he puts a lightsaber through him, very much in the same fashion to Darth Maul killing Qui-Gon...except Han is no Jedi. After a moment of surprise, Han touches his son's face one more time and then falls to his death. Once he kills his father, he simply replies with, "Thank you" and moves on; but not before Chewie shoots him. "Aghhhhhhhhhrrrrrr!!!!!" aka YOU KILLED MY BEST BUD YOU ASSHOLE! General Leia feels Han's death and sobs. The Force is strong in her. The music, the intensity, the emotion...this is classic Star Wars and even though it wasn't as intense as the "Luke, I am your father" scene, it still holds up very well and it doesn't give you a chance to stop and linger. Han Solo is my favorite character from Star Wars and now I'm a bigger fan all the more for his death.

Now, at the same time, this wasn't totally to be unexpected. Harrison Ford wanted to kill off Han in Return of the Jedi. Now, I could certainly see that as there wasn't that much for the character to do once he landed on Endor. Lucas, however, didn't want Han to die because no one would want to buy any dead Han Solo action figures. Now, this sounds ridiculous, but I'm sure that wasn't far from the truth. So, even though Harrison came back...it sucks that he had to die in this movie. But her finally got what he wanted. Let's just hope they don't kill of Indiana Jones in the upcoming film!

I hope you enjoyed reading this and I think I'm probably going to see the film one more time before it leaves theaters. 

R.I.P. HAN SOLO

The Gift (2015)

A couple, a stalker and a dog walk into a bar. The stalker endlessly bugs the couple. The couple gets mad and freaks out the stalker. The stalker retaliates and blames the couple for his misgivings. End of story. Thanks for reading my review of The Gift starring Jason Bateman.

...Just kidding.

*Be warned...there are spoilers!

The story begins--like most B-movie horror films as of late begin--with a married couple moving into a new house. Simon (played by a humorless Jason Bateman) and Robyn Callum (Rebecca Hall) seem to have everything going for them and even though the house isn't exactly what they expect, they soon change it around and make it to their liking. Fair enough. What better way to get the interior you want than go to town and check out all the expensive stores? As Simon and Robyn go shopping, this strange dude (played by Joel Edgerton) is peeking through the window and eventually enters. What is this guy's story? Well, with no time to waste, he quickly comes up to Simon and asks if he remembers him from school. He is known as Gordo. After a minute to piece together who this dude is, Simon remembers and tells him that he's in a rush to get home but for him to call him so they can catch up.

A happy couple getting letters from a anti-social creep

The next day, Simon is off to work and Robyn is left at home to work on her own business. This is getting so generic that myself and the audience are waiting for the shit to go down. After coming back from a morning run, she notices a package on her front door. It's a bottle of wine with a note on it. Putting it on the table, she gets in the house and grabs a sip of Gatorade, when all of a sudden this dude comes walking up the driveway. It's Gordo. How he finds out where they live I have no idea, the writers felt that wasn't important, I guess. This guy is indeed a creeper. Now that he's there, she invites him in the house for a tour of their new place. Noticing that the wine was from Gordo, she assumes that Simon told him to surprise her. He has no idea what she's talking about and this gives her pause, but she moves on and continues the unexpected tour. When going down a hallway, she notices in the corner of her eye that he enters the room for their future child, if they ever have one. Not saying a word, he looks at the toys and picks them up. It's as if he has a flashback from a horrible experience in his past. Robyn tells him that Simon has a fear of monkey's and offers him to take home the monkey toy if he wants. He looks at the toy and then puts it back; more on that a bit later. Suddenly having to leave, Gordo asks her to let Simon know that he stopped by.

Several days go by and each day the couple comes back, there is a new present on their front door. First, it's a bottle of wine; then it's fish food for koi fish. Every day is something new. Now, this is the part of the story that peaks my interest. So, the story uses the "couple entering a new home" routine, check, then the story begins to get subtly freaky, check. How far is this going to go and will it get worse? I'm curious to find out. Then, Robyn asks Gordo to come by for dinner. He accepts.

AWKWARD TIME! As they all sit around the table, Gordo is just talking and talking about how he is proud of Simon and for their new place. "I'm very happy for you, Simon." He says this throughout the movie and it becomes to be a bit tedious. We, as an audience, get it! He's happy for him. Let's move on. Now, Simon is not trying to be rude but he's just about had enough with this creepy guy whom he hardly remembers from high school. Now it's time for Simon to ask Gordo what's up with him. We only get one simple answer, "Oh, I was in the military." That's it...no more, no less. There is obviously something more to this guy than meets the eye.

Gordo being a creep-o

Simon finds something a bit off about Gordo

Eventually Gordo asks for Simon and wife to come to his place. Now, this is a nice, gated, high end place with a bunch of bird statues in the living room. This is perhaps the best part of the entire movie...if there is one. Gordo says he has an important phone call and leaves. Finding it to be awkward, Simon decides to confront Gordo when he returns. When Gordo comes back, Simon asks Robyn to wait in the car so he can clear things up. Gordo really wants to get in the pants of Robyn and Simon can clearly see that. He always shows up in the morning when Simon is at work, yet he always asks for Simon. Now, being an average person, you should be able to put two and two together and think, Hmmm...maybe I should come back when he's back from work? No, he obviously wants something else. What is up with Gordo? Gordo confesses and says this house isn't really his and it belongs to his ex wife who left him. Simon replies and thanks him for being honest about his past, but wants him to leave them the fuck alone and not to bother them again until he can get his own life together. Getting in the car, they are about to leave when the gate doesn't open. Honking and honking, Gordo opens the gate just as Simon threatens to come back in the house and beat him up. The gate opens and the next day we never hear from Simon again...or so we think.

Days go by and we don't hear from Sir Creeper. This is where the movies slows down for me. I confess, I fell asleep at some parts of the movie so maybe I missed some crucial parts, but I just didn't care. I wanted to see where this movie was going and sofar it was going nowhere. Robyn goes around town looking for old classmates of Simon and she finally comes across someone who had said that Gordo was bullied and tormented by Simon and is practically a loner because of it. The movie seems to take an hour for her to search files and files and ask around about this guy. Why do we care? Confronting Simon about it, he gets furious and tells her to drop the subject.

The next day, she gets back from her run and takes a sip of her drink. Once there, she hears noises and then looks around. All of a sudden she faints. Before she falls unconscious, you hear this heart thumping. Now, I assume it was the filmmakers attempt to bring suspense to the audience. This is used during many movies, especially when something is about to pop up and spook us. In this case, we see her grabbing her chest. I totally think she dies and I find that to be a bit interesting and makes me care for the character just a bit more than before. The scene changes and then she wakes up--not in a hospital bed--but in her own house. What the heck happened? Did she have some kind of a heart defect?

In what we are to assume several months go by, she is fully pregnant and is due soon. Simon has a bunch of co-workers over celebrating his new promotion when we hear gunshots outside. Could it be Gordo back with a vengeance? I mean, Simon was the one who indeed bullied him all those years ago. In fact, no, it's an employee for the company that lost his job due to something Simon pulled and he threatens to kill him for it. Once Simon admits he did fraud, he loses his job and is out of work. Meanwhile, Robyn is sent to the hospital. A day before birth, Gordo pops up with flowers and wants to congratulate her. Simon is there for the birth of the child, and there is nothing but smiles. While Robyn is still in the hospital, Simon heads home and notices there are several packages outside and a CD that says "Play Me". He plays it and it is a recording of their conversation while in Gordo's place a few night ago with Simon making fun of him and calling him Gordo the Weirdo. His place was wired. Opening the other envelope, there's a DVD that says "Watch Me". He puts it in, and see's a man with a money mask on. Then, the camera pans revealing Robyn unconscious on the floor. It is discovered that he spikes her drink and makes her pass out. Gordo is filming himself raping Robyn. So, the baby being born is not Simon's kid, but in fact Gordo's. This was the ultimate revenge on someone who was tormented by someone. The films ends with Simon crying and knowing that this new child is indeed Gordo's. The End.

Now, after writing this blog, I'm surprised how straightforward it is and I don't hate this film as much as I did...but I still will not see it again. I have no intention to and must say that I cannot recommend it to anyone. It's nice to see that Bateman took on a more serious roll, but he just played too much of a major asshole and unlikable character. It tests his range, but I just don't see him as someone that can pull off a role with this. His humor is a bit deadpan so he works great in comedies, but in a mystery/thriller, he just comes off as an arrogant prick that I don't really care for; and he's the protagonist of the film! After what he did with Gordo and the way he treats his wife is just a sign of someone reflecting their problems on others and not wanting to face their problems (or fears). The middle of the movie just drags and puts us in pointless mystery about this guy and we barely see him. The film shines when Gordo is actually in the picture. During the middle he isn't there and we are just following this wife around town asking question after question and I just get a bit tired of it. For it being just an hour and forty five minutes including trailers, it seemed to be as long as The Godfather Part II...only BAD. This movie is like a serious, thriller version of What About Bob? Only poorly done.

I say skip this film and save your money. Just wait a few months and it will be on Netflix. But that is just my opinion. Let me know in the comments below of your thoughts and what you thought of the film. Thanks for reading!

I give it ** out of ***** AND THAT'S BEING GENEROUS.

Star Trek Into Darkness

For those of you that insist Star Trek is just for geeks and nerds, THINK AGAIN! Star Trek Into Darkness, the sequel to J.J. Abrams' revival of the popular science-fiction franchise, Star Trek, brings more of his new vision to the world. This time, Captain Kirk and crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise, must sacrifice everything in order to stop a madman from destroying Earth and all they hold dear. This is a film filled with action, emotion, suspense and heartbreak. It's not just for the fans, but for everyone that just wants to sit back and have a good time.

Taking place a year from the first movie, Kirk and crew are now set for their mission in space for five years. On a planet that is in danger of being destroyed by a giant volcano, Kirk and Dr. McCoy must do what they can to prevent the destruction without the race seeing their technology. The Prime Directive is a clear one. A visit to a planet must not interfere with the indigenous way of life. Knowing Kirk, however, he can't wait for the chance to cause trouble. On the run from the inhabitants, Kirk fires at one of the animals used to escort then safely away.

Mind you, this is just the beginning of the movie. The rest is just spectacular and out of this world! Now, be warned, this is not the Star Trek we used to know. This all changed with the 2009 reboot of the series. However, once you come to realize that just have fun with it because you're really in for a bumpy ride! Keep an eye out for a Leonard Nimoy cameo as Spock.

Timothy Dalton: The Forgotten 007

For most people, the name Timothy Dalton is foreign to fans of James Bond, or just people in general. Dalton, whom had just made two James Bond film, was sadly short lived between Roger Moore and Pierce Brosnan but the mark he left behind was a unique one. In 1987, Tim made his debut as the new James Bond. His immediate predecessor was Sir Roger Moore, who had made a total of seven films as 007 from 1973 through 1985. During Moore's tenure, the Bond character turned into a slapstick, pretty boy, play-it-safe kind of Bond. Gone was the sense of danger, espionage and suspense of what Ian Fleming's original idea of Bond was. James Bond films turned into family entertainment for all. This was a 12 year experience. Now, Timothy Dalton's 1987 film, The Living Daylights took all this away and brought Bond back to his roots as a ruthless British agent with a license to kill. Now, mind you audiences were not expecting such a drastic 360 degree turn after Moore. Gone was the pretty boy style and the jokes and back was the ruthlessness that Connery brought to the role, and more! Timothy Dalton gave the world his own interpretation of Bond and brought the character from the written page of Fleming's books.

A Shakespearean trained actor, Dalton took the role of 007 most seriously. His first film didn't show Bond as a ladies man, but rather a "one lady" man. He was badass and you would totally buy him as a killer. He wasn't one to mess around. Even his tagline for a teaser poster for The Living Daylights read, "The most dangerous Bond. Ever." It was true! The Living Daylights was an instant hit and made $191 million at the box office beating the last two previous Roger Moore outings. It also beat out Die Hard and Lethal Weapon. Dalton was the new Bond and despite what some of the critics and fans said, he brought Bond back to his roots. Two years later, in 1989, Dalton returned as 007. This time, it was a mission for Her Majesty's Secret Service, but rather, a revenge story. The new movie Licence to Kill really brought out Dalton's strong side as James Bond. Bond was on his own and out to avenge he maiming of his best friend and death of his wife. Bond this time would anything and everything to kill the man responsible. Roger Moore, or any other actor that played Bond would not have been able to sell that film the way Tim did. This was meant for Timothy Dalton in mind. Any weak spots Dalton had in The Living Daylights would be eliminated and all his strength would come to play.

The reception for Licence to Kill was unfortunately quite poor. The violence factor in this film was so dark it became the first ever James Bond filmed with a PG-13 rating. The Bond series was no longer a family event and the drastic change came too soon for some. Dalton was and is the most badass 007 in terms of how he portrayed the character and his style. I think he even out beats Daniel Craig. Dalton had originally been signed on for three films, but after Licence to Kill, there was a lawsuit between distributor MGM and 007 production company EON which lead to a six year hiatus before there next film would come out. During this long gap (1989 to 1995), Dalton decided to step down from the character and the role was given to Pierce Brosnan who continued on the legacy of 007. The film GoldenEye--which was Brosnan's first role as Bond--previously known as The Propery of a Lady, was written with Timothy in mind since he was still signed onto play Bond at the time. Timothy Dalton stands out as the more ruthless James Bond ever, and he is a precursor to the current James Bond, Daniel Craig. The world today accepts Craig as an action killer and less of a spy, because it is much more accepted...well highly praised for that matter these days; especially after the influence of the Jason Bourne films. Dalton certainly came before his time and if he were James Bond today, odds are he would be far more accepted. Long live 007 #4!

My Thoughts on 3D Movies...

Call me old school, but I'm not one for 3-D movies and I'll explain why. Since I was a child, I've always enjoyed movies and have gone to the theater ever since. Ever since Avatar came around and the 3D became a new fad, I thought a bit of the movie experience was taken away. Main stream movies these days seem to focus more on effects and graphics rather than story. In my opinion, 3D can't save a movie if it sucks; which is why I never bothered to watch the Star Wars prequels when they were re-released in 3D. Seeing the movie Avatar, was amazing in and of itself and I don't think 3D glasses were needed. But, to be honest, I just don't have $14 to spend on tickets plus an extra fee for the 3D; it's just too pricy and not worth it. But I finally came to realize the truth behind having films in 3D: Money, money and more money. It's a profit thing. As mentioned before, the price for the glasses raise the ticket price and what is the point? It's not like you are going to keep the glasses after the movie. They have disposable trashcans that you hand to the person after every movie to make sure you don't take them home. And even if you do take them home, it won't matter if you bring the glasses or not, for the ticket price will already have them included in it! Being in a darkened room and having a screen in front of you is enough for me to be involved in the story. Having it in 3D...yeah I'm sure some scenes will look cool and all, but so what? I'm sure they would be cool watching them normally. I have a friend who tells me to see movies in 3D all the time. If it's a film I really dislike, like the new Spider-Man movie for instance, he tells me the sole reason is because I didn't watch it in 3D. Look, I dislike a movie, I dislike a movie. If the characters aren't interesting or if the plot is bad, good effects and CGI just don't cut it for me. I really hope that movies will have more of a focus on plot than profits in the upcoming years. I think at this rate, we won't be getting rid of 3D movies anytime soon. I mean, heck, they already have 3D TVs. So, maybe one day I will think 3D movies will be cool, but as long as we have the option to watch them in 2D, I won't have a problem with it.