Star Trek (2009)

Star Trek (2009)

Director, JJ Abrams did himself proud with this credible follow up to the excellent Cloverfield. His Star Trek is by far, to my mind, the best Star Trek movie made for screen or TV.

Probably, its closest predecessor, is the Star Trek: Wrath of Khan. It has a great plot - filling us in of the back story of young Capt Kirk and Spock with lots of dazzling action and CGI sci-fi effects. Fortunately for us, the creators have kept the look and feel of the movie close to its predecessors so we don't end up feeling like we are watching another Lucas / Speilberg movie. Thankfully, we are spared of the silly, unbelievable and incredibly dumb characters of the later Star Trek franchise series which had Patrick Stewart in the lead.

Even those too young to have watched the earlier Star Trek movies will enjoy this movie immensely. The younger cast (particularly Chris Pine as Kirk and Zachary Quinto as Spock) also enable the movie to move at a more energetic pace. However, older Star Trek fans will be delighted to see Leonard Nimoy in quite a substantial role in the movie. Trekkies will be delighted to note that its trademark - a good dosage of Star Trek humor and repartee among the members of the Enterprise crew - are still present.

Parental Advisory: Star Trek 2009 Suitable for Children?

This latest incarnation of Star Trek seems to be aimed at teens and above so parents are to be advised. Possibly objectionable scenes which may not be suitable for parents with young children are scenes of love making (in bed), people in underwear, swear words, drunkenness, inappropriate behavior, hints of bestiality and people (especially the teen characters in the movie) making bad moral choices in terms of revenge and breaking the law. However, there are redeeming aspects of the movie like hope and redemption. Some parts of the movie may be too intense for very young children like violence and intense situations. Star Trek is rated PG-13 for for sci-fi action and violence, and brief sexual content.

Other than this, Star Trek is definitely one of the more significant sci-fi movies for 2009 and a must see for anyone who love futuristic action movies. There is also an IMAX version of this movie. I can't wait to get my hands on the DVD or Blu-ray discs of the movie when it comes out later this year.

Watch Star Trek 2009 streaming movie trailer in Widescreen HD:

© http://goingtomovies.blogspot.com - star trek 2009

Bedtime Stories (2008)

Bedtime Stories (2008)

The critics hated Bedtime Stories but the kids loved it. Based on the laugh-O-meter at the theatres, this Disney holiday family movie is guaranteed to be one of the more funny movies for 2008. Apart from Sandler's top notched comic antics, the running gag about a hamster called "Bugsie" should also keep the children in stitches.

The up and coming talented British comedian, Russell Brand, who plays Adam Sandler's best friend, also provides lots of laughter whenever he is on screen. He is a sort of cross between Mr Bean and Borat.

The fantasy sequences - full of chivalrous knights, honorable cowboys, and slimy space monsters are also fun to watch.

There movie has lots of good motivational themes like "don't stop believing" and "do unto others". It is also refreshing to see screen kids behaving like children rather than miniature adults with bad habits. This first time collaboration between Adam Sandler and Disney shows a more sensitive side of Sandler.

The story centers on a handyman (Adam Sandler) who works for a Howard Hughes like hotel magnate who had promised Adam's father that one day Sandler would be given an opportunity to run the hotel. However, reality sets in when he finds a rival who has worm his way into the heart of the magnate's daughter. One day, he finds that creating bedtime stories crafted to outcomes he wants can help him achieve his dreams. However, these wish-fulfillment dreams comes at a cost and he must marshall all his human resources in order to actualize his dreams.

There movie also manages to tell a heartwarming love story without any sex - just like in the old days of black and white films. Using just a little light kissing to add emotional depth to the story.

However, don't expect one and a half hours of harmless fun. Though Adam Sandler has toned down his usually offensive humor, there is a tinge of subtle rude humor here and there. It is in the form of some over the top humor and offensive site gags. Adam Sandler character's rude behavior to a rather helpful lady is not the type of behavior parents would like to see in their children.

Bedtime Stories is suitable for children with some reservations:

Bedtime Stories is rated PG for some mild rude humor and mild language although this is a Disney movie. While Bedtime Stories is a wholesome family movie for their kids with hardly any cursing and sex scenes, there are some minor parts of the movie which parents may find disturbing. There's references to "passing wind", "buttkiss", "kissing everyone's butt" and at least one "Oh my G**" and another "They were killing my head, I swear to God!".

There is derogatory references to people who are midgets or are overweight. There is also a Paris Hilton "party-girl" character who "gets around with lots of guys". There are also scenes of women in low cut dresses showing lots of cleavage.

Some young children may be disturbed by the fact that the two lead children are wondering if they will ever see their missing dad again. He has apparently left them for another woman. There are also comments such as “don't worry, we won't tell your parents,” which promotes keeping secrets from your family and breaking the rules.

I am looking forward to getting the Bedtime Stories on DVD and catch the gags I missed the first time round. Those who like good classic 80s pop music, will like the movie soundtrack (though the songs are not released on the original soundtrack audio CD). Songs featured include Journey's Don't Stop Believing, Springsteen's I'm on Fire, Pointers' Fire and Trammps' Disco Inferno.

© http://goingtomovies.blogspot.com - Bedtime Stories (2008)

Babylon A.D. (2008)

Babylon A.D. (2008)

Not a bad action movie in spite of the disagreements between the studio and the French director, Mathieu Kassovitz, and actor Vin Diesel over how the movie had been produced. Pity many people gave Babylon A.D. a miss because of the bad press. Not Shakespeare, but Terminator fans will enjoy this fast paced movie.

Vin plays an exiled American mercenary who is paid to smuggle a genetically manipulated girl (who may be carrying a dangerous virus) from Russia to the USA. Along the way, he meets resistance with various cult and military groups intent on stopping him from delivering his "package". This apocalyptic tale set in our near future has similarities, though not as dark, as the earlier "Children of Men" film.

If you have missed the Babylon A.D., catch it on DVD or Blu-ray when it is available.

Actors: Vin Diesel , Mélanie Thierry, Michelle Yeoh, Charlotte Rampling, Gérard Depardieu
Director: Mathieu Kassovitz
Writers: Eric Besnard (writer) Maurice G. Dantec (novel)
Genre: Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi | Thriller
Rating: Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, language and some sexuality.

© http://goingtomovies.blogspot.com - "Babylon A.D." (2008)

Lost Boys: The Tribe (2008)

Lost Boys: The Tribe (2008)

This Lost Boys: The Tribe sequel did not fare as well as its 1998 cult favorite predecessor - which is a shame as this straight to video reincarnation deserved better. While the gory scenes are pretty good, poor scripting, bad acting and the lack of fun in this movie makes it a poor cousin of the earlier movie.

Lost Boys: The Tribe is about a brother and sister who moves to Luna Bay, California and the sister is seduced by the leader of a pack of vampire surfers. Brother gets himself infected by the vampire strain so he can prevent his sister from turning completely into a vampire. Unlike other vampire movies, it seems that it is easier to get a cure from the vampire's bite in this movie.

Lost Boys: The Tribe is a standby movie in case you don't have any suitable movie to watch in your free time.

Actors: Corey Feldman, Corey Haim, Jamison Newlander, Autumn Reeser, Tad Hilgenbrink
Directors: P.J. Pesce
Writers: Janice Fischer
Studio: Warner Home Video
Run Time: 94 minutes
Genre: Comedy | Horror | Thriller
Rating: Rated R for strong vampire violence and gore, language, sexuality and some drug use.

© http://goingtomovies.blogspot.com - "Lost Boys: The Tribe" (2008)

Felon (2008)

Felon (2008)

Probably one of the more memorable prison movies. Forget the "Prison" TV series with its unrealistic scenarios, "Felon" is the real world about prisoner abuse which leads to harden criminals joining race-based gangs in order to survive predators in prisons.

Felon probably took its inspiration from an actual event that happened in the Corcoran state prison in California around 1989 and 1995 in which prison guards (the controversial Security Housing Unit SHU) conditioned inmates to fight each other so as to assert control over them.

Very good performances by Stephen Dorff as an man sent to prison unjustly and Val Kilmer as a Charles Manson-like character. The fight scenes are superb as it is shocking. If you liked "Fight Club", you will probably enjoy this movie as well.

Felon is Rated R for brutal violence, pervasive language and brief nudity

Actors: Anne Archer, Nick Chinlund, Stephen Dorff, Val Kilmer, Sam Shepard
Directors: Ric Roman Waugh
Studio: Sony Pictures
Run Time: 104 minutes
Genre: Crime, Drama

Watch the streaming video of the "Felon" (2008) movie trailer here:

© http://goingtomovies.blogspot.com - "Felon" (2008)

Ruins (2008)

Ruins (2008)

If you liked "Turistas", you would like this terror ride through South American jungles. Ruins, however, is more a creature horror movie than torture flick. This distinction does not stop Ruins from having gore that is relentless as it is realistic; and should please blood thirsty fans to no end.

"Ruins" is Rated R for strong violence and gruesome images, language, some sexuality and nudity.

The movie is about a group of friends who get stranded on an isolated ancient Mayan ruin which is home to a 1,000 year old carnivorous plant-like being. The movie is based on a best selling book of the same name by Scott Smith. This movie proves that the world is a more dangerous place than it seems. Terrorists are the least of your worries.

Though Ruins has not done very well at the box office, this should not stop you from renting this movie - if you are a self-respecting horror / sci-fi fan.

Actors: Shawn Ashmore, Jena Malone, Jonathan Tucker, Laura Ramsey, Joe Anderson
Directors: Carter Smith
Writers: Scott B. Smith
Studio: DreamWorks SKG
Genre: Horror, Sci-fi
Run Time: 93 minutes

© http://goingtomovies.blogspot.com - "Ruins" (2008)

Wall-E (2008)

Wall-E (2008)

Wall-E is a hard science fable about how unbridled capitalism and the disregard of the environment can destroy our planet earth. Wall-E is not a movie that will appeal to very young children because of its serious overall tone and subject matter - which tends to be bleak.

It is probably a film that will appeal to adults who like serious hard science fiction though the movie is good for kids to see as it educates them about being responsible to the environment.

The story is set in the future where there are no humans. Only one WALL•E (a Waste Allocation Load Lifter Earth-Class) robot appears to have survived on earth and it has developed human like qualities through centuries of exposure to human works of art and invention. The arrival of another robot EVE (Extra-terrestrial Vegetation Evaluator) sets off a chain of events leading to Wall-E's entry to the mother ship that left earth 700 years earlier due to environmental destruction. The gigantic spaceship is now inhabited be horribly obese humans who have never walked in their lives due to their shrunken skeletal frame and the weightless of the space environment.

At the heart of the movie is a love story between Wall-e and Eve which is touching and invigorating. The characters are well-developed even though the two main characters do not say a word in intelligible English. What you get from them is bot-talk. Somehow, Wall-e reminds me of Speilberg's ET creature.

Wall-E is suitable for 6+ children

Children may find Wall-E the robot "cute" if they like R2D2 but don't expect silly kids humor in the movie. In fact, the film's G-Rating does not stop this Disney movie from being scary in parts with explosions, evil robots, cockroaches and scary dark sets. Some of the science talk may be hard for some of the young ones to understand.

Pixar has pulled out the stops in the cutting edge CGI when creating this highly innovative movie. If you like good CGI, Wall-E is the film not to be missed.

Watch the streaming video of the Wall-e movie trailer here:

© http://goingtomovies.blogspot.com - wall-e (2008)