Sunday 31 July 2016

Star Trek Beyond - Film Review


Went to see Star Trek Beyond the third film in the rebooted franchise last night and have to say it's my favourite of the new films so far.
After the lack lustre of Into Darkness this film hits the right spot showing the crew of the Enterprise deep in space and three years into their five year mission which feels like a classic series film.
Also what draws you to the film is that it isn't too connected with the previous ones only briefly mentioning Ambassador Spock who time travelled in the first film and created the Kelvin  timeline which these films are set in and played by the late Leonard Nimoy.

The acting among the crew is excellent and they gel brilliantly echoing the original series and films again.  In particular the relationship between the main three of Spock (Zachary Quinto), Bones (Karl Urban) and Kirk (Chris Pine).
The other crew members get good air time too including Chekov (the late Anton Yelchin), Uhura (Zoe Saldana) and Scotty  (Simon Pegg who also did an excellent job of  co-writing).

The special effects are brilliant and the dialogue zings along with humour and nods to the past.  The plot involves the Enterprise crew being captured by the alien Krall  (played by Idris Elba), having to escape and stopping his invasion and destruction of the outpost Yorktown - which reminded me of the space station in Elsyium.

The film kept me and the audience entertained without having to think too much.

Overall - Brilliant entrance to the Star Trek universe but hope next time they leave the Enterprise intact.  

Score   -   9/10

Monday 4 July 2016

The Secret Life of Pets - Film Review


At the weekend took my daughter to see the new smash animation The Secret Life of Pets from the makers of Despicable Me and Minions.
It revolves around a spoilt terrier dog called Max whose routine is spoilt when his owner brings home a new huge dog called Duke.

Duke realises Max doesn't like him so tries to get rid of him which also results in Duke getting lost in New York with Max.

They face a killer revenge fuelled bunny who wants revenge on humans for abandoning him and the rest of his gang who live in the sewers and consist of a tattooed pig, crocodile and snake.

Eventually they are better for their experiences and become best friends.

The film was very funny with lots of animal gags and set pieces and some gags for the adults and the animation and voices were spot on.

Also at the beginning of the film was a very funny new short from the Minions where they need money to buy a banana juicer.

Overall   -  one of the better and funnier animations out over last few years and quite original and not a sequel.

Score  -  9/10