Abrams's Star Trek

Staff Writer: Grave Digger

3 1/2 out of 5 Shovels - Action/Adventure Movie
2 out of 5 Shovels - Star Trek Reboot

Trekkies hang on, JJ Abrams has taken off with his version of the beloved television and movie franchise. Though full of adventure and action, Abrams sticks a lot of attitude down the throats of the viewer. Kirk is a rebellious, yet genius level punk. Spock does not have control of his emotions. Uhura struts about as eye candy and Spock's love interest. No one can understand Chekov. Sulu is great with a sword. Scottie is rash and crazy. And Bones is a germ, space, and person -ophobe.

If someone who did not know the Trek universe and saw this movie, then this person would probably give the movie an above average rating. There is, however, an overabundance of danger, action, and whatever can be thrown at the audience, is, well thrown.

As a Trek lover since a very young age, I did not enjoy this film as a Star Trek movie. The departure from the original series is vast enough to leave a chasm in one's chest. Changes in the timeline left the characters scarred and stereotypical. Now Kirk is the unpredictable and hubrius laden hero. Spock will be forever be pulled in two emotional directions. Uhura will have no storyline accept what Spock does with her. Bones, Chekov, Sulu, and Scottie will remain comic relief; one-liner deliverers.

This balance isn't the same. The chemistry isn't the same. Spock is flat. Kirk is over the top. Bones is, I'm not sure what they've done to him.

Don't misunderstand, the actors did a great job bringing the nuiances of their iconic characters to life with voice, gesture, and intensity. The storyline and direction did not serve them well. Brilliant actors with little to act on. Action, danger, and suspense is great when in harmony with comedy, romance, and drama, but not in this piece. Abrams did not take liberities with the franchise he steamed rolled over it.

With a $76 million opening weekend, I doubt we have seen the last of the series. I just hope the second installment takes us back to a better movie instead of creating a live-action video game.

Fringe

Staff Writer: DL Mullan

3 ¼ out of 5 Shovels
On the outside, Fringe doesn’t look to different from past science fiction television. The female protagonist (FBI Agent) is met by testy bosses, mystery characters, and dangerous men. Then our lead is to seek and recruit a “mad scientist.” With the help of the scientist’s son, the agent begins to unravel the mystery of the airplane passengers’ and her partner’s toxic illness.

A combination of the X-Files, Alias, and perhaps Moonlighting, Fringe may turn around its flat introduction. The pilot could have done more if the plot had time to develop. Though commercials were cut down, the pilot needed to be fleshed out throughout the two hours. Instead FOX wanted viewers to sit through a game show.

Don’t count Fringe out yet. Many talented people abound in front and behind the camera:

Executive producers:
J.J. Abrams, Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci, Jeff Pinkner, Bryan Burk, Alex Graves

Producer:
Robert M. Williams Jr.;

Director:
Alex Graves

Writers:
Abrams, Kurtzman, Orci.

Actors:
Olivia Dunham - Anna Torv
Peter Bishop - Joshua Jackson
Walter Bishop - John Noble
Phillip Broyles - Lance Reddick
Charlie Francis - Kirk Acevedo
John Scott - Mark Valley
Nina Sharp - Blair Brown
Astrid Farnsworth - Jasika Nicole

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