Star Trek into Darkness

"Space: the final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. Her ongoing mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life-forms and new civilizations; to boldly go where no one has gone before.". This is one of the most famous quotes, by one of the most famous Sci-Fi characters of of one of the most famous and influential Sci-Fi franchises to have ever been created. Star Trek was first broadcast as a TV series back in 1966. With such a unique narrati
ve and and fantastic performers (for example Leonard Nimoy, Patrick Stewart, George Takei and more), ever since, especially for the older generation, Star Trek has become a culture for many people.

Now firstly, after many years, in 2009, Star Trek was directed by J.J Abrams. The film being a prequel to the whole franchise, with a fresh new cast (with Leonard Nimoy), the franchise had continued.

And now secondly, on the 16th of May 2013, the sequel to Star Trek (2009) has confronted its Trekkers once again.

Star Trek Into Darkness was a well deserved wait, I must admit. Full of action, suspense and excitement. I was drawn in the whole way through, from beginning to end.

The great thing about Sci-Fi epics is that there is always something new to appreciate, you always feel drawn because something always catches your eye. As with Sci-Fi, the director is left to be as creative as he could possibly be, the universe is his ouster and is practically God in this situation. With every other genre, besides fantasy, there are always still aspects you cant change such as location, with Sci-Fi, anything can be changed, anything can be created and I think J.J, Abrams, used it to his advantage.

Its special effects were stupendous, from the Enterprise submerging from water to space itself, the SFX were at its finest.

The films sound, sound editing and scores were brilliant, the scores definitely lived up to the originals and its sound/editing were sharp, well synchronised and explosive.

Its performers, were brilliant. Well acted, well in character, well composed and hilarious.

With their acting, even for a Sci-Fi epic, the comedy definitely created that fine line, which is needed to help keep its serious and comedic side balanced. Simon Pegg obviously led this campaign as he originates from the comedy genre. Along side Simon, Zachary Quinto, also known as Spock, surprisingly sets a comedic tone, wth his very dry, emotionless, serious mannerisms.

My one problem, referring to the cast was the fact that yes, every main supporting actor performed beautifully and all had quite important roles, but each character wasn't given enough screen time to appreciate.

My other problem, referring to the whole film was the plot. Although yes, the narrative, served me well with its SFX, music, cast etc, the plot was basic, nothing really impressed me with the story minor a couple, but only a couple.

Overall though, the narrative did impress me and again I did feel drawn in, the whole way though. I definitely can't wait for the sequel (hoping that there is) and actually want to watch the whole Star Trek franchise. Live Long and Prosper.

Iron Man 3

Iron Man is possibly the biggest franchise within the Marvel series, brought to life in 2008, in an Afghan cave by Robert Downy J. Nominated for numerous awards in the process and loved by thousands upon thousands. Now 5 years down the line, the third instalment has been released.

Tony Stark, entwined in the aftermath of the events of  'Avengers: Assemble', is struggling and to make things worse, a new foe has unveiled himself; the Mandarin.

What I liked about this in my opinion was its segregation from the Marvel franchise; not that I don't like Marvel, because I do, but the fact that it didn't actually feel like a superhero movie. Unlike most superhero films, which are made to impress the fans with explosions and and action etc, Iron Man 3 has a story of pure gold and made a change. The amount of twists that were in the film was unreal. Watching the trailer and the the movie itself, is absolutely mind boggling, but in ways that are good and bad.

The performance from the cast was amazing, not one disappointed me, but inparticular;

Robert Downy Jr, as always performed fantastically. As I like to theorize, Downy Jr's technique is sarcasm and he does it beautifully. Bringing laughter, tears and excitement to all.

Ben Kingsley surprised me dearly, but I cant say why. He was  superb, especially in the bedroom scene,   but one thing that disappointed me was his role. Great twist but I must admit I was genuinely looking forward to his role.

Ty Simpkons, a young but brilliant performer that took the screen at one point in my opinion, with his cheeky mannerisms.

The ending was amazing as well, action packed and emotional which all sent chills along my spine.

Additional things I didn't like was the final credits, I think the soundtrack and picture stills should have matched the mood of the film other than in a contrapuntal styled way and the amount of cliff hangers left within the film. Too many for my liking.

Other than what I have just said, Iron Man 3 certainly didn't fail to impress me, I do hope more can lead from this, but I can only hope.