This past week I finished reading a classic Star Trek novel. The Pandora Principle is the official, until debunked in a movie or TV series, origin story of Lt. Saavik; who's now a captain in the recent "Vulcan books" by Sherman and Schwartz. I really have to doubt the two women read this book by Carolyn Clowes when they decided Spock and Saavik would be betrothed to each other. In the Pandora Principle, Spock is not only her mentor but, it turns out he raised her from the time he found her at around age 11 or 12 until she was old enough to enter Starfleet Academy making the betrothal plot point kind of "Woody and Soon Yi" which may be less taboo in Vulcan culture but still... The book takes place shortly before Star Trek II even though Robin Curtis, not Kirstie Alley, is on the cover. The dialogue in this book was great and the plot overall was interesting but I was left unsatisfied with the ending despite the awesome climax. It seemed they were gearing up for a big reveal that never materialized which was obviously disappointing not to mention what the non-elaborated-upon Romulan sect hoped to gain with their plot was never fully explained in my opinion.
Recently, I also saw the movies Pitch Black and Bad Boys II. It's interesting to to watch more-original interpretations of space movies but Pitch Black had a few flaws. Except for a few instances, "dramatic conflict points" comprised of the monsters attacking again and again. It became monotonous actually. Also, the characters you wanted to live didn't and the ones you hoped died survived. (OK, there was some exceptions in both camps but still...)
Bad Boys II held up better. Martin Lawrence and Will Smith were hilarious together. The plot was admittedly formulaic but I really don't mind that in action-comedies. In fact, I usually expect it...I don't recommend it for my mother but I think everyone else who craves something without too much thought required will love it.
Yesterday, we went to see the new Bond film. (I went for research purposes as well.) Quantum of Solace was great. I really enjoy the direction they've taken the franchise. They had gotten too wrapped up in special effects and general kookiness as of late so these last two films have been refreshing. Two reviews I read prior to seeing the film suggested there wasn't enough action. There was plenty for me. I think people go into certain films like this one expecting certain things and are almost disappointed when something new and different happens. This wasn't formulaic Bond per se (There was really only one "Bond Girl" and she wasn't even the one he slept with!) and I say more power to them! Can I close by just saying how cool Judy Dench as M was in this movie? Admittedly, I also enjoyed the pokes at America and our intelligence services...
Recently, I also saw the movies Pitch Black and Bad Boys II. It's interesting to to watch more-original interpretations of space movies but Pitch Black had a few flaws. Except for a few instances, "dramatic conflict points" comprised of the monsters attacking again and again. It became monotonous actually. Also, the characters you wanted to live didn't and the ones you hoped died survived. (OK, there was some exceptions in both camps but still...)
Bad Boys II held up better. Martin Lawrence and Will Smith were hilarious together. The plot was admittedly formulaic but I really don't mind that in action-comedies. In fact, I usually expect it...I don't recommend it for my mother but I think everyone else who craves something without too much thought required will love it.
Yesterday, we went to see the new Bond film. (I went for research purposes as well.) Quantum of Solace was great. I really enjoy the direction they've taken the franchise. They had gotten too wrapped up in special effects and general kookiness as of late so these last two films have been refreshing. Two reviews I read prior to seeing the film suggested there wasn't enough action. There was plenty for me. I think people go into certain films like this one expecting certain things and are almost disappointed when something new and different happens. This wasn't formulaic Bond per se (There was really only one "Bond Girl" and she wasn't even the one he slept with!) and I say more power to them! Can I close by just saying how cool Judy Dench as M was in this movie? Admittedly, I also enjoyed the pokes at America and our intelligence services...
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