Michael Giacchino

I didnt talk much about the actual movie, "Up" the other day, because all Pixar films are excellent and need no acceptance from me (or the general public).  One thing about the movie I want to point out was the music.  Michael Giacchino suprised me when the credits rolled.  I had always known him as the go to guy for J.J. Abrams, but didnt know that he was chosen to do the Pixar film.  Not only that, but it was not his first film for the company, he also composed "The Incredibles", and "Ratatouille".  

This new soundtrack is very memorable, as it nails the emotional scenes.

If you find you like this, or if youre interested in new soundtracks, check out Giacchino's 'Star Trek'.  That and 'Ratatouille' are both very good.

Salvation

The re-imaging of the franchise is something we should be getting used to by this point.  Not only has it become the savior for studios, but also audiences.  Fresh ideas are so welcomed here.  Without progressive thinking, where would film end up?  Perhaps Casablanca would have just been made....

Anyways, this morning I walked to the famed Chinese theatre on Hollywood (I live about a ten minute walk.... Im lucky, I know).  There, I finally got to see the new "Terminator: Salvation" and was eager to see what some have reported to hate, while others noted they were thoroughly entertained.    **Now, I warn... I talk about the movie... So there are some spoilers***

"Terminator" was what I would call a real "guys" movie.  Something in-between a Chris Nolan story and style, a splash J.J. Abrams intensity, and the beauty of Michael Bay explosions (you cannot argue that man's ability to blow anything up and make it incredible).

The story is simple, destroy skynet and keep John Conner alive.  Bla bla bla.  We know how it goes back full circle.  But what I appreciated was how even though we knew what would happen and that this story wasn't over.... (Kyle Reece is now a teenager and that in is late twenties/early thirties would be sent back in time to prevent Sara Conner's death....) I was still entertained.

So the story is far from over.  Director McG acknowledged this.  He set this film to be a new trilogy.  Id look forward to another.  

One thing I wanted to point out, is the films style.  It is tremendously dark yet delivers very complex CGI, but none of this deters from how amazingly attractive the film turned out.  Its very blue and black.  All other colors (minus the explosion) are muted, almost lifeless.  Its slick and colored like '300'(kinda) was but as the spartans were treated with warm sepia tones, John Conner got a 'cool' look.  It was a great looking film, and the action shots were really nicely planned.

I wont go into the story's twist, which is a little predictable, but the evolution of John Conner from a soldier/prophet to a leader is a good one.  And yet the governor failed to make his appearance... which was fine with me....  Warner Bros. used good old computer graphics to get him in as that bloody robot, and wow... it looked great.

The acting was good, I especially enjoy Anton Yelchin (who was also in 'Star Trek').  He is

 proving to be a pretty talented young actor, and when you are surrounded by so many other lifeless famous young actors... it is nice to see one shine.  Plus, Helena Bonham Carter's presence is always appreciated by me.  She is one of my top ten favorite actors.  And Bryce Dallas Howard.... she is not only talented, but one of the most beautiful women in Hollywood.  We all know Bale is a tremendous actor, so I wont mention him.  Sam Worthington also proved his skill.  It is nice to see a cast together who all are talented (and nice to look at).

All in all, I really liked it.  It is a completely separate film from the original two (and... the... ahem... 3rd)  but really, it should be different.  It takes place almost 40 years after the first, robots from the future are no longer secrets and things are meant to look and feel different.  Check it out, and let me know your take.

Star Trek

We are all on the same page at this point, Star Trek is taking over theaters everywhere! And if you have not yet seen it, you are missing out. J.J. Abrams has again created something entirely new out of an old concept and did not disappoint.

Being someone who has never before seen anything Star Trek (No joke. Nothing.) and only have knowledge of the shows references through television shows like Family Guy, I was throughly impressed.

It seemed, thought I cant speak for them, that it was exciting not just for fans but newcomers, such

as myself, as well. Critics are loving it, even hailing it as "the best prequel ever made" - Boston Globe. Yahoo! Users have raited it a solid 'A', and with almost 5000 viewers to make that average, you know its quality. Even my mom, queen of the romantic comedy/drama, liked it and wants to take my dad to see it.

The graphics were beautiful, the sound was intense, acting - noteworthy and the story true quality. Im not sure if it is necessisarily setting up for the television show because, well... it ends up being a bit unclear, meaning I'm not sure it is a true prequel. But it was a great see the development of characters that you (mainly meaning myself) only hear of.

It is really a captivating storyline. From the very first scene, you know that Abrams is going to take you for a wild, often hand held shaky/camera, thriller that somehow ensnares a brilliant story mixed with dialogue. Its no secret that filmmakers of my age know what he is typically going for, and to work with him at Bad Robot (his production company) over on Cloverfield (the street as well as the name for his movie) would be a dream. Speaking of "Cloverfield" the movie, I loved that movie. I hope another one in the form of a sequel/prequel comes about. J.J. Abrams is certainly someone who deserves respect from the film world. If you dont like his movies, you at least have to appreciate his determination to do something fresh.

But back to "Trek", there was some odd casting, I just have to note. Winona Ryder as Spock's mother was not really as odd as Tyler Perry as Admiral Barnett, who sorta seemed in charge of Starfleet...or something. Both were a little strange, distracting for some. And John Cho (we know as Herald from "Herald and Kumar") commanded giggles from audience members when they saw the preview, but actually did a terrific job making the transition

from comedy.

AND! I am going to add something here. 'The people I know' section. In LA, you see people

you know all over the place. In movie trailers, as extras (even I have been in a few shows), and whatever. Today, I'm pointing out my friend Bill, who made his very own cameo (as an extra) in Star Trek. Yay Bill!

So, the question is, do I recccomend this? yes. Big duh. Though I know I wont, this movie made me want to pick up an old Star Trek television season or maybe movie. But again, cheers Mr. Abrams, from all of us out in the world of struggling movie makers.