I finally got around to watching the recently-released Star Trek movie (also on my Most Anticipated Movie of 2013), directed by J.J. Abrams, just like the first one that came out a few years ago. I actually missed the very first part of the movie because someone at 21 Cineplex decided to start the movie earlier than scheduled and without the usual trailers and advertisements. 5-10 minutes into the movie and hordes of people were still coming into the theater looking for their seats. Just a word of warning though, this review might spoil the movie for you if you haven't seen it.

Plot Intro
The movie started in a primitive planet with naturally red plants where the Enterprise crew is trying to prevent a volcanic eruption that was an extinction level event, while keeping their ship hidden from the locals. Spock gets trapped inside the volcano and Kirk was forced save him, in doing so breaking Federation rules against revealing space-travel capability to primitive species. As Enterprise rose from the bottom of the ocean (where it was hidden), the planets natives kneel as if the Enterprise were god - a feeling transmitted to the audience as we realize how massive the Enterprise is.

Review
What I like about the new Star Trek movie series is that they can be enjoyed by original Star Trek fans as well as viewers who are new to the franchise. Plus because the new series "resets" the timeline, it is interesting to see how events unfold differently but still produces the same outcome in the end. However, neat as it is, the story line makes the movie inevitably predictable for most people.

What it lacks in plot it makes up in character developments. The duo Captain Kirk (Chris Pine) and Spock (Zachary Pinto) is back, against a new terrorist, John Harrison (Benedict Cumberbatch), who is later revealed to be, as Old Spock described, "the most dangerous adversary the Enterprise ever faced." Behind the colorful action scenes was the tender human relationship - the bonds of lifelong friendship and dedication among Enterprise crews. And while not funny as its predecessor, this Trek movie still has a number of comical moments, especially when it involves Scotty (Simon Pegg).

Overall, I was satisfied with the movie and I would recommend watching it if you are a Star Trek fan, or not... The movie did leave me wanting a third Trek movie or even a new Trek Series to be made. If you haven't seen it, hurry and catch it before they take it down from the theaters.

Verdict: 8/10

Photo Credits:
various scenes from Star Trek Into Darkness movie on Google Images search engine Learn more »

So I was lucky enough to have a friend who works in the entertainment industry who gave me tickets to see the new Iron Man 3 movie. It came out last Thursday, 25 April in Indonesia (sorry, you North Americans have to wait until 13 May) and most cinemas filled out just about all of their theaters with this movie. And yet, it was still difficult to get tickets. Anyway, here's my take of the movie...

(WARNING: MAJOR SPOILERS. DO NOT READ ON IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN THIS MOVIE)

Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) is back for the third installment of the ever so popular Iron Man franchise. This movie marks the first release of phase two of the Marvel superhero movie collaborations - will be followed by Thor: The Dark World (8 November 2013) and Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) to make the 2nd Avengers movie.

Iron Man 3 assumes the viewers have seen The Avengers (2012), making frequent references to it and is a major reason behind some of Iron Man's problems (which was not clearly explained in the movie). The story takes place shortly after the events of the Avengers where Tony had a close encounter with death while defending Earth against an alien invasion. Early in the movie Stark loses his fancy cars and his house in Malibu, and for a long stretch of the movie, his super suits and AI Jarvis. And this reveals a new side of Tony Stark that we haven't seen before - vulnerable and human. Tony, now with PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder), also stripped of his suits and tech, must now go back to his core skills to find and stop his new adversary, The Mandarin, from his evil plot.

Downey Jr. delivers a stunning performance, showing both Stark's vulnerable moments while keeping up with his witty and arrogance self. Kingsley (as The Mandarin) stole the scene with his charismatic and powerful, yet coupled with unexpectedly humorous, performance. Pearce is also on fire (literally) as the sophisticated and charismatic antagonist Killian who brought to the table more than just angry mobs of super soldiers. Aside from brilliant actors, climax scenes like the "Barrel of Monkey" scene - where Iron Man saves falling crew of the Airforce One in mid air - and the "call for backup" scene - where dozens of various autonomous Iron Man suits show up to provide support in the action finale - leave you smiling and wanting more. As if that wasn't enough, Iron Man 3 also had plenty of witty humorous moments like the idiosyncratic prototype Mark 42 suit and Tony's failed attempts to remotely call various parts of his suit. Scenes where the increasingly funny Don Cheadel's character Rodey tell you his password also left the audience in a unilateral laughter. And finally, for the first time,we get to see Tony kicking ass with a combination of his partial suit and conventional firearm, a combination that proves to be as fun to watch as it is deadly to the bad guys.

There were lots of anticipations and expectations from this movie. Did it deliver? In one word: yes. For those who has seen previous movies involving Iron Man, this is an absolute must watch, a great sequel. However, with its lack of background story, things could be quite spotty for people new to the franchise. Overall, it was a very enjoyable movie with a great balance between action, drama, and comedy.


Verdict: 8/10 

Photo Credits: various scenes from Iron Man 3 movie on Google Images search engine Learn more »

I'd like to share some movies that are coming out in 2013 that I'm really excited for. It's really difficult to rank them, especially when it comes down to the top 5 because they all look so good. Some of these movies have already been released but I haven't seen any of them so my short descriptions are what I can gather/assume from news and trailers. (WARNING: May contain spoilers)

10 - Oblivion

Joseph Kosinski (TRON: Legacy) brings us a take of his unpublished graphic novel of the same name - the story of a drone repairman Jack Harper (Tom Cruise) in a post-global-war Earth. His mission is changed forever when he discovers pods containing live humans, and as the mystery unravels, a group of survivors living underground. I'm excited to see Kosinski's view of what a post-apocalyptic world would look like.

Trailer
Release Date: 19 April 2013
Cast: Tom Cruise, Morgan Freeman, Olga Kurylenko, Zoe Bell, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau

9 - Kick-Ass 2

If you haven't seen Kick Ass, you should stop whatever you are doing right now, and go see it. Kick Ass, simply KICKED ASS! It was loud, it was obnoxious, it was crazy, featuring some of the most gruesome and action-packed scenes. And it left me wanting more. Can't wait for the return of Kick-Ass and Hit-Girl in their new adventure.

Trailer

Release Date: 24 November 2012 (updated)

Cast: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Chloë Grace Moretz, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Jim Carrey, John Leguizamo

8 - Monsters University

Who doesn't want more of Mike Wozawski and his furry partner Sulley? This duo is back this year with a prequel story of how they both met and began their relationship at the University of Fear.

Trailer

Release Date: 21 June 2013

Cast: Billy Crystal, Frank Oz, Jennifer Tilly, John Goodman, Kelsey Grammer, Steve Buscemi

7 - Despicable Me

I think we've all been waiting a while for this one. Ever since its Banana Teaser Trailer (with the unbearably cute little yellow minions) came out early last year, it has been referenced over and over again and it's finally coming! This time around, Gru (Steve Carrell) is recruited by the Anti-Villain League to help deal with a powerful new super criminal.

Trailer

Release Date: 3 July 2013

Cast: Al Pacino, Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Miranda Cosgrove, Russell Brand

6 - Elysium

Everybody knows that Jason Bourne is a badass. Jason Bourne (or at least Matt Damon) wearing an exoskeleton shooting huge guns is badass-er. After Microsoft canned the Halo film project, Neill Blomkamp (District 9) decided to start his own Halo-ish sci-fi action movie. Seems like Neill is out to make sure Microsoft regrets their decision. And he's got Bugatti and Versace on board.

Trailer

Release Date: 9 August 2013

Cast: Jodie Foster, Matt Damon, Michael Shanks, Sharlto Copley, William Fichtner

5 - Star Trek: Into Darkness

Captain Kirk and Spock's story was re-written by the Romulans in the first J.J. Abrams Star Trek movie, and this is the sequel to that new story. Different timeline, different dimension, same characters but with new dynamics, what's not to like? It's got every aspect of a good movie. Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock Holmes The Series) stars as the mysterious and intimidating antihero. On a different note, J.J. Abrams is also directing the next Star Wars movie. Interesting how the same guy directs both Star Trek and Star Wars.

Trailer

Release Date: 17 May 2013

Cast: Anton Yelchin, Benedict Cumberbatch, Chris Pine, John Cho, Karl Urban, Simon Pegg, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana

4 - Fast and Furious 6

Aaah... hot girls, the old crew, and tons of beautiful cars. Diesel's back with Paul Walker and The Rock aka Dwayne Johnson, in what looks to be a collaboration to bring a bigger, badder, car crew down. Plot twist: Letty (Michelle Rodriguez) is back from the dead. This movie franchise has gone through some major development starting with its last movie (Fast Five). It's more than just a high stake race movie, but has developed nicely into a more mature and complex story.

Trailer

Release Date: 24 May 2013

Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Gina Carano, Jordana Brewster, Luke Evans, Michelle Rodriguez, Paul Walker, Tyrese Gibson, Vin Diesel

3 - The Wolverine

The Wolverine is probably Marvel's most celebrated and popular character. His healing/regenerative factor keeps him healthy, young, and immortal. Oh and he's got retractable ademantium claws on each arm that'll cut through anything. What more could you ask for? This time around, it's a sequel that dives deep into the Wolverine's life.

Trailer

Release Date: 26 July 2013

Cast: Brian Tee, Hugh Jackman, Will Yun Lee, Svetlana Khodchenkova, Hiroyuki Sanada, Rila Fukushima, Tao Okamoto

2 - Iron Man 3

The third installment of the oh-so-popular superhero Iron Man, now with his MARK VII suit and his army of suits (drones). Looking good as always. This installment is said to be the beginning of phase two of Marvel's movie series. Waiting to see what Marvel has in store for its fans with the next few intertwined Marvel Universe movies.

Trailer

Release Date: 3 May 2013 (25 April - Indonesia)

Cast: Ben Kingsley, Don Cheadle, Guy Pearce, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jon Favreau, Paul Bettany, Robert Downey Jr.

1 - Man of Steel

Superman - the ultimate superhero. Everyone's heard of him, everyone knows his story. Countless retelling doesn't stop people from making more. This time it's by Christopher Nolan (The Dark Knight) and it looks dark, depressing, and brutally awesome. Hit up the trailer and you'll see. Some believe this to be the first step into an interconnected DC Universe movie series, just like what Marvel's doing.

Trailer

Release Date: 14 June 2013

Cast: Amy Adams, Diane Lane, Henry Cavill, Kevin Costner, Michael Shannon, Russell Crowe

The End

So there you have it. My list of most anticipated movies of 2013. Notice a pattern? It's all about superheroes and sci-fis. Technically speaking, superhero movies are glorified sci-fis. So if you think you don't like sci-fi movies, think again!


Photo Credits: 
Various Google image searches

Learn more »