Resembling an issue of a long-running comic book series or TV show more than a film sequel, Star Trek Into Darkness is filmmaking by formula. It's not wrong to compare a film such as this to its predecessor, as they are essentially two versions of the same film. This one looks more expensive (no dodgy makeup effects, by and large), but is still afflicted with a penchant for lens flare and smoky neon haze in primary colours. This one has two sexy babes rather than one, and clads them in minidresses, wetsuits or plain old lingerie, but neglects both of them - supposed co-lead Zoe Saldana is absent for about 30 minutes toward the end for no reason. This one has less annoying Karl Urban, but he's no less annoying in smaller quantities. This one has a better sense of scale, it's more epic, and has a better-thought-out villain, but still consists mostly of 'action' scenes involving people sitting in chairs and twiddling knobs, as extras queue up patiently for their one line. This one has wonky camera angles as people run through corridors (check), thwarted threats to civilisation (check) and a Russian accent so bad you won't believe it's from a guy named Anton Yelchin (check). Every figure is a narrative tool, serving to satisfy some portion of the demographic - young peppy nerd, Asian nerd, self-absorbed quip-cutting nerd, then the women, all of whom are required to both have it and flaunt it (how different this film might be were JJ Abrams gay), then the leads... One of the leads is smart, honest, conscientious. He follows the rules, but only because he respects the benefits which doing so can provide. The other lead is obnoxious, deceitful, rude, gung-ho. He's far too cool to follow the rules, and wouldn't you know it, he's the handsome, womanising, successful one who gets all the glory cos he's the hero. It's the formula. Star Trek Into Darkness does make one deviation from formula, only to change its mind and break its own rules. This isn't a movie for cocky, douchey know-it-alls. It's a movie for people who aspire to be cocky, douchey, know-it-alls. I don't give a shit if it's 'fun'. But I'm not the demographic.
Finally, a great summer movie. At last. This movie is better than Iron man 3 because it has a strong negative role played by Benedict Cumberbatch. He steals the show. His acting is superb. Not good to watch this movie in 3D. Movie is action packed. Never a dull moment. But, the ending of the movie leaves us expecting more. I'm sure we'll see Khan back again in upcoming star trek movies. The only this the movie doesn't have is a motive for the villain. A movie worth watching. Star trek fans may not like it as much as others may like it. The Bromance between Kirk and Spock is in abundance, which is illogically logical. Just one more thing. "Live long & Prosper"
ReplyDeleteI thought I was alone in not understanding why Benedict Cumberbatch's character was so pissed off with everyone!
DeleteGreat review. You just summed up the summer movies' theme. With the soaring movie budgets, there is a lack of space to re-write a formula. There can only be deviations, deviations which are more accommodated to attract the audiences in large. There is a fear of testing public's incompetence with changing the formula that has always emphasized on frills over thrills. So the accountability of quantum change in creative control is very little even with the involvement of big names in big summer projects of sequels, prequels and reboots. And what's really hurting the issue more here is the fact that filmmakers signed by studios for big-budget movies are compelled to look for the next potential story hurting the chance of creating a resolved mess in the first place. Looking forward isn't a bad thing, but looking forward to shoving the same mess over and over is, which studios are apparently interested in. These words come from someone who isn't raising a problem, but instead a part of the problem because he just wants to have a good time and ticket's worth.
ReplyDeleteMay be Disney can change their formula after phase 5 with a R-rated feature. What are the odds of it being not a spin-of or sequel/prequel/reboot? 0. Why? it just not gonna happen. With the Avengers blueprint, never.
Preach it sister!
DeleteYou should start your own blog and throw these out daily!
Those are privileged words coming from you but am better here. And on the side note, as you might already be aware, Ben Wishaw has won the Best TV leading Actor BAFTA for his portrayal of Richard 2 in 2 part Hallow Crown BBC TV miniseries. Happy for him. It's TV, but BAFTA is BAFTA right.
DeleteActually I only caught parts of the BAFTA ceremony, and not that part, so thanks for letting me know. Somehow that miniseries passed me by entirely!
DeleteYou wouldn't be teeniest bit interested for World War Z, but there is an intriguing article, if you haven't already read, on the insight of the movie's troubled production reflecting the film's quality and over-budget issues published on Deadline.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.deadline.com/2013/05/after-fixing-world-war-z-ending-paramount-now-out-to-prove-its-zombie-pic-doesnt-stink-like-a-rotting-corpse/
Hope you wouldn't mind me.
Gosh, I know. That film has been plagued with crippling issues for so long now. I'm interested enough, like I'll see it, but I think it looks pretty dreadful. You know, you can smell a stinker like that from far off.
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