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Star Trek (2009)
Star Trek boldly goes
Just seen the movie at the cinema and have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it. The tossed in references to the original series crews' mannerisms and quotes were great despite the fact that I have never watched the entire original series in order and so may not have picked up all the references. The only thing that did seem to jar for me was the intimacy that Uhura (Zoe Saldana was very good in the role mind you) shared with Spock. As far as I recall they didn't do that in the original series, but I could be wrong. I did read somewhere that Chekov annoyed someone but I felt he showed his characteristic exuberance. "Bones" gave a strong performance, Scotty was comedic as always and Kirk was fantastic (lucky blighter getting to fumble with Diora Baird, even if she was painted green at the time!) Zachary Quinto was compelling as Spock and the appearance of Leonard Nimoy added to the film too. Sulu was strong too even if he didn't feature so much, mind you the original show always seemed to focus on "the three" (Kirk, Spock and McCoy).
One of the best moments was the moment Kirk turned and struck his head on a beam, just as Scotty did in a film after saying "I know this ship like the back of my hand!", after the bedroom scene, of course!!!
Other reviewers have noted there are plot holes to some degree but this didn't weaken the film for me even though I understand and agree, in principle, with the points raised. It is for this reason I feel I have to deduct one point as there are some issues with the whole storyline but that said I still feel it was a solid film.
Wonder Woman: Judgment from Outer Space: Part 2 (1977)
Routemasters and Lynda Carter
Although accepted that Wonder Woman was filmed very tongue in cheek I found it amusing that in a piece of footage of London in 1942 that a Routemaster bus was seen, especially as these vehicles which have typified London Transport for nearly half a century weren't actually designed and built until the 1950's!!
That aside, I have to express my admiration for Lynda Carter and her portrayal of the title character. I would have difficulty in accepting anyone else in the role (if the proposed film is to be made) even though my memory of the series in the 70's is somewhat cloudy. I have the three seasons on DVD and am watching them with a mixture of amusement and enjoyment. The only remembrance I can truly recall from my childhood memory is how amazing Lynda looked in her Wonder Woman gear. She and Catherine Bach (Dukes Of Hazzard) were my female icons alongside Raquel Welch during my pre and early teens. Wonder Woman may have been a "bit" camp but it was good old family entertainment and perhaps today's TV companies should look back to this and the TV series of The Dukes Of Hazzard for great TV entertainment.
Ghost Whisperer (2005)
Ghosts whisper and JLH shines
I cannot recall where I first learnt of Ghost Whisperer, probably on a satellite channel. I think it was Living, who screened the series first over here in Britain. As a long standing admirer of Jennifer Love Hewitt I had to give the show a try. I bought the first series and it was fantastic. The idea of someone seeing ghosts everywhere, rather than the clichéd "at night" or "in a haunted house" scenario, was so refreshing and I found the characters in the show so believable. Melinda Gordon can see and talk to the dead who have remained trapped on Earth due to something unfinished in their lives and it is her they seek (sometimes in a good way and sometimes in a bad way) to help them crossover into the light. Although each episode is "stand alone" there is a sub plot in some of them of an evil spirit who seeks to control the spirits of those who have yet to find peace and crossover. Very emotional for me as each story unfolds and a strong sense of relief when Melinda finally gives them a chance to find their peace and crossover.
Jennifer Love Hewitt is so sexy in this role and plays her character with gusto and, dare I say, such a familiar attitude that she really makes me believe in Melinda. Her clothing adds so much style (some great costumes did she get to wear) and she oozes a classy sex appeal throughout every episode. Ross McCall is a very lucky man.
David Conrad is a very likable character as Melinda's husband and in the first series Aisha Taylor is a great fiend to Melinda. Such a shame she bows out in the stunning finale to season one and only briefly features in season two's opener. I am watching season two at the moment and eagerly await the third and fourth series being released over here.
One point that interests me is the location of the Grandview square, formerly the square in Back To The Future (and dare I say the town square in The Dukes Of Hazzard series too?). Last year I saw an article about the fire which did so much damage to this set and I wonder how much it affected the filming of the series. Also will season four be the last (please let there be more seasons) as I would hate this wonderful show to ever end.
Did I mention that JLH is as sexy as can be in this?? She was sexy in Heartbreakers, too, but that was so driven by the script whereas I find her sexiness in GW to be so natural and much more appealing.
Poirot: Cat Among the Pigeons (2008)
Poirot goes from strength to strength
Despite the disappointment that this series is only three episodes (for some reason Appointment With Death - due to be in this set - isn't likely to reach the screen yet) I can only praise the high production values of this ongoing series and the standards of the cast and crew continue to reach the best possible level. David Suchet has oft been quoted as hoping to film all the Poirot stories and this brings him ever closer to his aim.
Where the earliest entries were shot more wide angle and with much more humour, these later entries are darker and more tightly framed. I have to admit I sometimes find the close- ups a bit too close but I am getting used to them now.
A coup in India and a girls school in Britain form the intro to the story and the action all takes place (near enough) in the school itself. Poirot is just visiting but becomes embroiled in a dangerous situation as one of the teachers is murdered and it becomes clear that someone is searching the school for something they are sure must be there! Kidnapping and more murder occurs as Poirot finds himself trying to uncover the identity of the murderer and save the reputation of the school.
Suchet is a tour de force as Poirot despite the newer films seeing him without Hastings and Miss Lemon. Praise, too, for all the young school girls who played their parts so well. The cast of lady teachers and the Inspector and groundsman all gave solid performances and it was quite hard to figure out whodunnit, even though I only read the book earlier this year. Mrs McGinty's Dead was so good and this, for me and my wife, was even better. Now we look forward to Third Girl and the return of Ariadne Oliver. Hopefully Appointment With Death won't be too far behind these three magnificent period mystery dramas.
Minaccia d'amore (1988)
The phone line is dead
Whilst this is by no means a great film I found it intriguing. As a film starring one of my favourite actresses (Charlotte Lewis) I have long sought it on DVD and now I have watched it I am glad that I have managed to add it to my collection. The premise of the story is a lovely young model who seems to be haunted and attacked through various phones. Perhaps the idea is not well realised through the film but I understood the plot and the final denouement was neatly executed. Could easily visualise this as an X-File and dare I say that Charlotte made for a lovely Scully to broaden the parallel!! For Charlotte fans, like myself, I would recommend it but as a casual viewer you might find it lacks the impact you might expect from other films in the genre.
Ring of Darkness (2004)
Another AB movie in the archive
Bought this as it stars the gorgeous and busty Adrienne Barbeau. Okay she is no longer the young (!) woman who appeared in my all time fave movie The Fog, but she still has an air of sexiness I find attractive. As for the film, it is a little weak but it isn't like the producers reckoned it was a huge box office hit! The acting is typical B-movie in places and most seem to believe in the script enough to carry the idea through. As for the lass from American Idol, okay she isn't that great with the acting skills but what the hey she has looks and maybe if she sticks at this acting thing she could get better.
Back to Adrienne though and I hope to track down more and more of her movies. I have got "That Rat movie", The Fog, Cannonball Run, The Convent, Escape From New York, Swamp Thing and I hope to gather more. Any suggestions on Region 2 DVD?
The Vals (1983)
A film of beauty at low cost!
I remember watching this on a tape I managed to pick up years ago and I wish I still had that tape, maybe I do somewhere! My recollection of the film is a fairly low budget production but one where the mostly unknown cast gave their all and made a good job of the script. I always will remember the gorgeous actress, Gina Calabrese, who sashayed across the screen and was a perfect example of womanhood to a very young and lusty lad. Hopefully one day someone will see fit to buy the rights to this movie and release it on DVD as it was one of the better low budget movies I ever saw in my youth. A shame that Gina never went much further in movies beyond 1987, I wonder what became of her!