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STAR TREK

Starring: John Cho, Ben Cross, Bruce Greenwood, Simon Pegg, Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Winona Ryder, Zoë Saldana, Karl Urban,
Anton Yelchin, with Eric Bana and Leonard Nimoy

Directed by: J.J. Abrams

Rated PG-13 for sci-fi action and violence and brief sexual content

By John Delia

Special effects streak to the forefront of this wild and winsome adventure that kept my interest throughout. If you are big on space science fiction and you know what Trekkie means than you won’t be disappointed with Star Trek. I loved the story build up, acting, direction and especially the cinematography combined with CGI. The film fits into the summer mold and ranks high with this reviewer.

The fate of the galaxy rests in the hands of bitter rivals, a Romulan band of rogues versus the Federation. The Rumulans are lead by Nero (Bana) who during one skirmish with a starship has killed Captain Kirk, the father of James T. Kirk (Pine) and started a war with the Federation. Many years have passed since the incident and Kirk a thrill-seeking farm boy has grown into a tough young man. Reluctantly joining the Federation, Kirk finds himself an outcast due to a decision involving a test devised by Spock (Quinto). The two find themselves on the enterprise together and a battle of wits pursues. When they come in contact with Romulan forces, the two opposites are forced to attract.

The star of this film is not the storyline that has been hammered to death over the years of Star Trek heaven, but the production itself. The story is just there to facilitate the action, adventure and awesome cinematography mixed with seamless computer graphics. It is what makes entertainment these days tick. Much like the recent Wolverine: X-Men Origins, Star Trek’s makers bring the film to the screen in such a way to stimulate the senses and evoke the imagination to believe in what they see. With both films I was entranced, engrossed and enthralled.

Direction by J.J. Abrams is perfect, bringing together all the elements and hitting his target audience in the bull’s-eye. I loved the way he paced the film establishing his characters and making sure you knew their personalities that play a big part in the film. In addition, screenwriters Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci smartly pull off a blindsider with the audience, opening the door for many sequels that will refresh the Star Trek franchise.

One downside I found was the choice of aliens, space shuttles and other details similar to those in films such as Star Wars, Alien, Starship Troopers, and many more. It distracted somewhat, but not enough to downgrade the film. I also found that the absence of the Star Trek theme during the film was interesting. Not till the credits roll does the iconic music provide its tantalizing sounds of Star Trek missions past. Much like the James Bond theme absent in the last two films it took away some of its legacy and energy. I actually felt cheated when the US Enterprise took off midway into the film and without the theme the thrill was dulled.

The film is rated PG-13 for sci-fi action and violence and brief sexual content so take this into consideration when bringing an immature child to see the film.

FINAL ANALYSIS: A summer action filled blockbuster you will not want to miss. (4 of 5 Palm Trees)

VALENTINO: THE LAST EMPEROR

Starring: Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti

Directed by: Matt Tyrnauer

Unrated

By John Delia

Interestingly enough this documentary peaked my interest with some excellent footage of the great designer. Valentino: The Last Emperor follows the life of the most prolific fashion designer in Italy who built himself an empire; and because it is more like a reality show than a boring biopic, I was captivated by the content. If you enjoy documentaries that get to the heart of the subject, then this flamboyant film is for you.

The documentary was made as a feature-length movie that takes the viewer inside the singular world of one of Italy’s most famous designers, Valentino Garavani. The film documents the colorful and dramatic closing act of Valentino’s celebrated career, tells the story of his extraordinary life, and explores the larger themes affecting the fashion business today. In production from June 2005 to July 2007, the filmmakers shot over 250 hours of footage with exclusive, unprecedented access to Valentino and his entourage.

The film touches on Valentino’s personal love life with his friend and partner Giancarlo Giammetti who helped him build the empire. In a very touching moment, Valentino singles Giancarlo out as the power behind his success. Several scenes show Valentino’s closeness and conflicts, with Giancarlo being the peacemaker for most of Valentino’s unconventional behavior with the documenters and the Valentino line franchise owners.

The flamboyance of the shows, the passion for designing of the clothing, the hand sewing of each piece, the six dogs that travel with him everywhere, his amazing chateau, apartments and opulent villas throughout the world are all depicted in the hour and half film.

You don’t have to be a female or into fashion shows to enjoy this film, but it helps. The dresses are superb, the runway shows are luxurious and the back stage prep amazing.

FINAL ANALYSIS: A fairly good entertaining look at one of the kings of fashion. (2.5 of 5 Palm Trees)