STAR TREK:
INTO DARKNESS
INTO DARKNESS
Cast:
Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto , Karl Urban ,Zoe Saldana,
Benedict Cumberbatch, Alice Eve, Simon Pegg,
Peter Weller
Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto , Karl Urban ,Zoe Saldana,
Benedict Cumberbatch, Alice Eve, Simon Pegg,
Peter Weller
Directed by J.J. Abrams Running time: 127 mins.
If you feel comfortable enough to delete from your memory banks all knowledge of the previous dozen cinematic escapades under the Star Trek banner, then most likely “Into Darkness” will be a treat.
This
latest (or if the aforementioned suggestion proves successful) debut Trekism,
boasts potentially one the best screen villains in eons in the shape of the
sublime Benedict Cumberbatch as John Harrison, who literally and metaphorically
blows everyone else into comparative mediocrity. Rather
than wade into spoiler territory, one of the reasons Star Trek has retained a
faithful and loyal following as well as attracting new devotees has been the
franchise’s ability to stay wiser, fresher and more mature than its monster big
sister Star Wars - and the latter’s own law of diminishing returns.
Prior to ‘Into Darkness’, let’s remind those of us not yet neurologically phaser-stunned, of the brilliance displayed by "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan" which pulled way ahead in light years terms from "Star Trek: The Motion Picture." Much leaner, more enjoyable and decidedly affectionate, "Wrath..” became the model subsequent outings aspired towards but continually failed to reach. The least said about nerdsville’s "Next Generation" series the better. Eventually JJ Abrams arrived aboard to take hold and few could find much fault with the revisionist 2009 “Star Trek” production which became a spectacular critical and bums-on-seats success.
Abrams reclaimed the basic archetypal dynamic that had previously defined "Star Trek," and its use resonated across the cinemagoing spectrum. He recognised the essential attributes of the Kirk/Spock/McCoy triumvirate and beautifully rebooted that fundamental foundation. By returning to the starting point and showing the whole growth and bonding process of the trio, and ultimately the additions such as Uhura, Scotty et al, as a crew, it illuminated why the original set up and format was the one that worked best of all and why the refashioned/ new crew stuff in the big-screen next generation sequel was ultimately not what the public really wanted.
"Star Trek Into Darkness" begins with Kirk (Chris Pine) once again portraying the character of Kirk. I admit still to feeling a personal lack of conviction that he (Pine) has sufficient age and gravitas to be a credible Captain of the USS Enterprise - however, he plays with a such a combination of cockiness, anger and comedy that he’s not all that comparable to the peerless William Shatner. At least he's concentrating on playing the character of Kirk. It’s fairly evident that he's attempting to get there with it, and he is progressing in this, his second Trek film, but for me, he's not quite "The Captain" yet.
In this, James T. struggles at time with his identity, and the challenges in trying to contain all of the personalities that make up his crew. This is a team where mutual trust is paramount, and they have to believe in their captain. However, at key sections in “Into Darkness”, there are times when this seems highly unlikely. Zachary Quinto, who plays Spock, shows great precision against Kirk's playful imperfect humanity, which is a major element of the series’ appeal - and Abrams has clearly indulged considerable time and energy in achieving this successfully.
However, the film's biggest downfall turns out to be in the shape of Benedict Cumberbatch's enigmatic baddie. The actor himself is excellent in the role – a commanding presence and also quite a physical tough nut to crack. Sadly though, the most criminal aspect about ‘John Harrison’ is the fact that the role is so sadly underwritten and underdeveloped. Cumberbatch works his best with the character, but the script unsatisfactorily fails to exemplify and explore his motivation, and at times seems to pull back when more of him would vastly increase the value of the entire feature.
Prior to ‘Into Darkness’, let’s remind those of us not yet neurologically phaser-stunned, of the brilliance displayed by "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan" which pulled way ahead in light years terms from "Star Trek: The Motion Picture." Much leaner, more enjoyable and decidedly affectionate, "Wrath..” became the model subsequent outings aspired towards but continually failed to reach. The least said about nerdsville’s "Next Generation" series the better. Eventually JJ Abrams arrived aboard to take hold and few could find much fault with the revisionist 2009 “Star Trek” production which became a spectacular critical and bums-on-seats success.
Abrams reclaimed the basic archetypal dynamic that had previously defined "Star Trek," and its use resonated across the cinemagoing spectrum. He recognised the essential attributes of the Kirk/Spock/McCoy triumvirate and beautifully rebooted that fundamental foundation. By returning to the starting point and showing the whole growth and bonding process of the trio, and ultimately the additions such as Uhura, Scotty et al, as a crew, it illuminated why the original set up and format was the one that worked best of all and why the refashioned/ new crew stuff in the big-screen next generation sequel was ultimately not what the public really wanted.
"Star Trek Into Darkness" begins with Kirk (Chris Pine) once again portraying the character of Kirk. I admit still to feeling a personal lack of conviction that he (Pine) has sufficient age and gravitas to be a credible Captain of the USS Enterprise - however, he plays with a such a combination of cockiness, anger and comedy that he’s not all that comparable to the peerless William Shatner. At least he's concentrating on playing the character of Kirk. It’s fairly evident that he's attempting to get there with it, and he is progressing in this, his second Trek film, but for me, he's not quite "The Captain" yet.
In this, James T. struggles at time with his identity, and the challenges in trying to contain all of the personalities that make up his crew. This is a team where mutual trust is paramount, and they have to believe in their captain. However, at key sections in “Into Darkness”, there are times when this seems highly unlikely. Zachary Quinto, who plays Spock, shows great precision against Kirk's playful imperfect humanity, which is a major element of the series’ appeal - and Abrams has clearly indulged considerable time and energy in achieving this successfully.
However, the film's biggest downfall turns out to be in the shape of Benedict Cumberbatch's enigmatic baddie. The actor himself is excellent in the role – a commanding presence and also quite a physical tough nut to crack. Sadly though, the most criminal aspect about ‘John Harrison’ is the fact that the role is so sadly underwritten and underdeveloped. Cumberbatch works his best with the character, but the script unsatisfactorily fails to exemplify and explore his motivation, and at times seems to pull back when more of him would vastly increase the value of the entire feature.
MUD
Cast:
Matthew
McConaughey, Tye Sheridan, Jacob Lofland, Reese Witherspoon, Sarah Paulson, Ray
McKinnon, Sam Shepard, Michael Shannon, Paul Sparks, Joe Don Baker
Director: Jeff Nichols
Running time: 130 mins
Director: Jeff Nichols
Running time: 130 mins
Ellis, a 14 year old, beautifully played by Tye Sheridan is informed by his downtrodden father that "You can't trust love," which conversely alerts him to the possibilities of this highest of emotions.
"Mud" is a compelling story of love, friendship and loyalties - a thought-provoking drama set at the perimeter of maturity into adulthood, where life’s harsh realities gradually begin to replace the innocence of youth.
It tells of a fugitive named Mud (another outstanding performance from Matthew McConaughey), and his relationship with two young lads - Ellis and Neckbone (Jacob Lofland), who accidentally encounter his incongruous temporary base on a small island off the Mississippi River following their short trip on a motorboat to this new destination. Mud’s hiding place in within an abandoned boat, mysteriously perched on the top branches of a tree.
The friends become fascinated by this odd character’s appearance, not least the gun protruding from the back of his trousers and his request for food. Within a short time however, the boys become aware of the vigilante hunt for Mud and intrigued, they confront Mud who reveals his horrific past.
Their new associate declares that states that whatever he's done - he's done it for love. Eventually Mud's complicated story causes Ellis to question his morality for the first time. He eventually learns that the world is filled with people who aren’t all they may seem on the surface.
The entire film is wonderfully cast with McConaughey now one of the screen’s most accomplished and riveting actors, but it is Tye Sheridan as Ellis who runs away with the whole thing. He is outstandingly good as Ellis projects his illusions, often painfully broken often. The impressive Jacob Lofland, who debuts as Neckbone, makes a perfect pal for Ellis.
Reece Witherspoon's character is a little sketchy and so she doesn't have quite enough to do as the love of Mud's life. Michael Shannon as Neckbone's uncle has a slightly humorous role as an oddball oysterman. A powerful cameo from the always good value Joe Don Baker adds weight to the cast’s standard.
Sam Shepard plays Tom Blankenship, a recluse living on the river across from Ellis and his family. His character becomes pivotal when we learn that Tom has a past relationship with Mud. What adds to the charm of the film is the cinematography.
The smooth pans and tilts of the camera capture dreamlike images such as a boat perched on a tree, a ghostly white shirt waving its arms underwater and the long shot of the island. With its rich depth and engaging style, "Mud" is a superb piece of filmmaking which you shouldn’t miss.
