Star Trek Into Darkness

I went to see this last weekend with The Armchair Squid, Wikes, their daughter and my son.  This marks the SECOND movie in a row that both the Squid and I remained awake through!!

I know reaction to this has run hot and cold.  Some blogging friends seemed to like it, while others walked out!

I liked it for what it was...a big action flick with some sci-fi elements.  Wikes called it STINO: Star Trek In Name Only...and I think she is right.

I proclaimed it my third favorite Trek film.  Squid asked what my top three were...

If I look at ALL 12 movies that fall under the "Star Trek" banner, here are my Flickchart rankings....

Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan

#46

 Star Trek: First Contact

#63

Star Trek Into Darkness

#71

Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home

#95

Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country

#118

Star Trek

#120

Star Trek: Generations

#163

Star Trek III: The Search For Spock

#189

Star Trek: Nemesis

#276

Star Trek: Insurrection

#407

Star Trek: The Motion Picture

#414

Star Trek V: The Final Frontier 

#549

Film Festival Friday: November 30, 2012

I realize that I had two double-feature days this past week!  And I spent more time in the theater this past Saturday watching movies than the rest of the entire year ("The Avengers" notwithstanding!).

We did a double-date lunch and a movie with one of my cousins on Saturday.  After an underwhelming lunch at The Essex Bakery and Cafe, we braved the crowds and went to see "Skyfall".

Currently #108 on my flickchart list

I did enjoy the movie but I struggle with it as a "Bond" flick in general and this new "realistic" Bond in particular.  I am an unabashed fan of Pierce Brosnan.  I am fine with the quips and gadgets of the past.  There was not enough "secret agent double O-7" in this.  And the villain seemed to harken back to the Roger Moore era.  But all in all, it was a satisfying "man movie".

When we went to pick up our kids, both Lars and I thought there was a chance our only cousin-in-common would be free and interested in seeing "Red Dawn".  When Lee proved to be unavailable  perhaps saving himself for a guy's night of "Jack Reacher", Lars and I went ahead on our own.

Currently #214 on my flickchart

A fun, if predictable, updating of the movie from my youth.  It hit all the right notes and most of the cast was pretty good.  I continue to enjoy Chris Hemworth's non-Thor roles and Josh Hutcherson hasn't disappointed me yet.  The secondary lead, Josh Peck, is a former child actor trying to get his bearings.  He left me slightly under-impressed.

Yesterday, while I was recovering from my night out, I hit Redbox for two different sort of movies.

Currently #91 on my flickchart list

I had intended to watch "Quantum of Solace", which Lars had loaned me, but saw this when I went to rent my second feature.  I always enjoy Denzel Washington and he did not let me down here.  It had a certain gritty-realism and believe-ability.  My next movie...not so much.

Currently #199 on my flickchart list

Nan and Wikes went to see "Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter" during a Girls' Night Out when it opened.  It had piqued my interest and I zeroed in on it for my day off once I scheduled it.  So I toasted up my Stouffers French Bread Pizza (my work day off staple) and popped this one in.

I got what I expected...a fun romp that takes it self just seriously enough (in terms of characters and acting....not so much the action, especially the horse stamped scene!)