Star Trek Into Darkness (2013)

★★★★½

*** WARNING!! THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS!!! ***

Action-packed right from the start! A fun movie with plenty of nods to the original. Unfortunately, while I was aware that homage was being paid, I'm not actually a fan of the original, and so I don't think I was able to fully appreciate the references. Still, I think I must give extra credit to this new release for actually making me want to go back and watch one of the original movies that I've never seen. :P

Incidentally, Ken correctly predicted two major plot points!

Update: Okay, I just watched the original Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, and now I understand even more how the new movie pays tribute to the original! I love the Kirk-Spock role reversal at the end, and the re-use of dialogue. I'm changing my star rating from 4 to 4 1/2 stars. I couldn't bring myself to give it 5 stars because the movie wasn't amazing by itself; I had to put it into context with the original to fully appreciate it.

Before Sunrise (1995)

★★★★½

I wish I had seen this movie in 1995 when it came out - I was in college then - because this is the perfect movie to see in that time of your life when backpacking around Europe is something you're looking forward to doing, when you have dreams of a new romantic relationship, when meeting people is easy, philosophical conversations are commonplace, and you're just trying to figure out who you are and what the world is all about and where you fit in in that world.

This movie is basically one long, really romantic first date. It consists almost entirely of two people simply conversing, getting to know each other, and there are extended, continuous scenes with both characters in front of the camera. Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy do a really good job in that their characters do seem to become more and more comfortable with each other as the movie progresses.

I especially liked the pinball scene. Ethan Hawke's observations about break-ups probably rang true for anyone who has ever been on both sides of a break-up.

Ultimately, I can see how this movie might make a really big impression on a young twenty-something starting out. For me - older, married, with kids - it kindled in me more a feeling of nostalgia, and even a sense of sorrow, or pity, knowing that these two young people will probably one day be disillusioned. Maybe that is part of the brilliance of this movie - that your opinion of it can be so much influenced by your own experiences and where you yourself are in life.

I really liked the ending of this movie, and without giving anything away, I'll just say that I think it leaves you with a sense of hope, even if there is also some bittersweetness.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2 (#7, 2011)

★★★★½

Wow, what a lot of action! This climactic ending to the Harry Potter franchise did not disappoint. The battle at Hogwarts was great, and finally we see the real Severus Snape! Alan Rickman totally made the whole series. Still a bit too much thinking required for a movie I value for entertainment, but I think I got it all figured out now.

If only the ending could've been a bit more upbeat. Grown-up Harry, Ron, and Hermione were all subdued and serious, not at all full of the bustle and friendliness and excitement with which I imagined the scene would be filled.

Pride and Prejudice (1980 TV Mini-Series)

★★★★½

Another TV mini-series!

Despite being a period piece, this adaptation somehow betrays its 1980s origins. It's kind of slow and is rather much more like a play than a movie, with straightforward dialogue taking up much of the screen time. The acting lacks the subtlety and charm of the 1995 BBC version, and the adaptation as a whole lacks the dramatic flair of the 2005 Keira Knightley film. Still, like the other two adaptations, this one adheres faithfully to the book, and much of the dialogue is taken directly from it. I was pleased to find that this version includes even more of my favorite lines that were unfortunately omitted from both the other two versions.

This mini-series is about one hour shorter than the BBC version, and there is some condensing of scenes, though not much. Characters were true to the book, only a couple were missing, and I admit I rather prefer this version's portrayal of Lady Catherine. I would even call this version's Mr. Darcy on par with Colin Firth's in the BBC version; even though David Rintoul doesn't have the same presence as Colin Firth, his portrayal, I think, better showed Mr. Darcy's gradual change in attitude towards Elizabeth. This version also pleasantly includes Charlotte more than the other two.

The Queen (2006)

★★★★½

I went into this movie having no idea that it centered on Princess Diana's death. I was in college when she died, and I remember a big deal being made in the news, but I didn't really follow the story. I certainly didn't know that the event marked a turning point in the public perception of the Royal monarchy, nor did I know about Tony Blair's role in the aftermath. A fascinating account, and one that left me thinking that a little more old-fashioned dignity in this world wouldn't be a bad thing.

Son of Rambow (2007)

★★★★½

A quirky film with a great soundtrack. Illustrates the old saying, "People aren't always what they seem" - in a good way.

Rendition (2007)

★★★★½

I don't know why this movie didn't get higher marks from other viewers. I found it compelling, the time-shifted storytelling technique helping to illustrate the cycle of violence (Ken's observation). Even the possibility that the U.S. government could allow such events to happen is frightening. The lack of moral courage is disturbing, though there is a glimmer of hope that people can unexpectedly step up to the plate when faced with a choice.

Lars and the Real Girl (2007)

★★★★½

Fantastic. What a concept for a film. When Ann recommended it to me, she said, "Don't read the Netflix synopsis, just watch it." But I couldn't help myself, I read the Netflix DVD sleeve. And I thought, "What kind of movie is this?!?!" While factually correct, it's a bit misleading. With down-to-earth portrayals of small town denizens, it's heartwarming, uplifting, and rekindles your faith in society's capacity for compassion. My only gripe: I wish the resolution had been tied to the birth of the baby.

Michael Clayton (2007)

★★★★½

One of those movies that starts at the climax, then goes back to tell the story from beginning to end. A dialogue-based movie that requires a bit of thinking. Deftly creates the character of Michael Clayton. Kept me intrigued and guessing up to the very last scene.

Gone Baby Gone (2007)

★★★★½

Not a feel-good movie. So grave, it weighed on me (especially as a parent). Blurs the line between "right" and "wrong" and explores moral ambiguities, forcing you to consider, "What would I do?" Foul language; well acted. High rating notwithstanding, not a movie I'd see more than once.

Sicko (2007)

★★★★½

A movie every American should see. Whether or not you are currently a supporter of universal health care, this movie sheds light on the quality of health care Americans receive compared to citizens of other nations around the world. It's shocking and appalling.