Marval Movie

It had been a long time since I saw the stage musical “Into the Woods”, but I have fond memories of its magic. Now the movie directed by Rob Marshall is on screen and it’s a lush production. Into the Woods has  a great cast and is faithful to the story as  a childless couple seek to end a witch’s curse.  However, it seemed really long despite just two hour running time. And Stephen Sondheim music is tricky – it’s not hummable, but it does tell the tale. If sing-talk annoys you, then stop reading now.  

Emily Blunt (baker’s wife) has a lovely voice. I liked her best. James Corden (baker) is pleasant. Johnny Depp as the Big Bad Wolf is amusing. The young lady playing Red Riding Hood has a nice set of pipes, and the boy Jack (of Jack and the Beanstalk) took his part well.  Anna Kendrick (Cinderella) is decent but a tad shrieky on high notes. Chris Pine (the Prince) is dashing and he says, “I was raised to be charming, not sincere.” He appeared to have fun in his role and could sing just fine. The star is the witch and Meryl Streep can certainly act -  but to me, she is only an adequate singer. Critics are suggesting Oscar nomination – I say no.  

All of these characters converge in the woods and all seek different things. The Bakers want a child and must gather four items – a red hood, a white cow, golden hair, and a gold slipper – by the blue moon so the witch can create her potion and lift a curse upon them. Thus encounters with Red Riding Hood, Cinderella escaping the ball, Jack taking his family cow to market, and Rapunzel stuck in a tower are crucial to the success of the Bakers. All must conquer fears, and learn about risks. There are lessons in the songs and the famous song “Children Will Listen” is important.  

All in all, I liked the film okayish (C+, B-) for my $4.50. It kept me warm on a cold day for two hours. However, unlike some musicals (like Rob Marshall’s Chicago) this did not generate audience energy. You did not want to burst into song or tap dance or do jazz hands. However, it makes you think as you go “into the woods”  (i.e. enter your own life challenges) and come out on the other side.  

Star date 2016 – another successful mission logged for The Enterprise. Go see Star Trek Beyond.  This franchise stays a winner thanks to director Justin Lin’s filmmaking style. Captain Kirk (Chris Pine – slowly maturing into a worthy leader), Dr. Spock (Zachary Quinto – worthy sidekick), Bones (Karl Urban – grouchy in a good way), Ulurhu (Zoe Saldana), Checkov (sadly, the late Anton Yelchin), Sulu (John Cho), and trusty engineer of anything Scotty ( Simon Pegg) round out a cast we care about. Especially when Irdris Elba as Krall is lurking beyond……..beyond the nebula into vaster, deeper space.

Before they leave on their mission, we see Kirk chat with his boss – is he contemplating a desk job? Spock chats with fellow Vulcans and learns of a loss (all hail the late Leonard Nimoy – this is a good tribute). Thus, is he contemplating another life? Well, leave that behind as The Enterprise heads back on a mission beyond the nebula to find another space crew and help a lost commander. But is she good or evil with an ulterior motive? Oh no!!!

Star Trek and the Federation talk of unity, peace, and goodwill, but like today’s Earth the ideas are good but tough to implement. Tough to comprehend when your ship is being attacked and all the warp speeds and shields don’t seem to matter.  Crashing and trying to save his captured crew, Kirk joins forces with a woman who seems darn resourceful. She’s managed to resurrect an old ship – the USS Franklin, and she has many reasons to seek revenge against Krall.  So, as the Star Trek cast slowly work their magic – communicate, reinvent, and reinforce friendships, we’re along for the ride.

Strap in and turn on your phasers for a fun journey. Star Trek Beyond is a solid summer movie adventure into space – the selesai frontier.  Live long and prosper

Gal Gadot absolutely leaps from the screen. She is stunning, smart, and is the perfect Diana/Wonder Woman. I loved this movie. It is sharp, slick, moves along with an actual plot, is visually arresting, and Wonder Woman has a lot of character.  Am I gushing? Sure. So many of the Marvel and DC Comic movies are over-the-top fights moving to more over-the-top fights. Sometimes it’s too big of an assault to the senses.  (I like the films, don’t get me wrong, but…)

Wonder Woman has better pacing as an origin story.  We meet young Diana as a girl living with the Amazons on a shrouded island. This place filled with strong women is idyllic and yet prepared for the worst. Unfortunately, Chris Pine as Captain Steve Trevor, pilot in WWI, crashes into the nearby waters. Diana saves him and the island is invaded by German soldiers. Needless to say, Diana saves her people, unleashing more powers than she ever knew she had. She is special and in her naïve way, wants to find Ares – the God of War – to stop this mess. Trevor is a spy who needs to escape and get back to England. Diana says farewell to her world, she’s destined for bigger things, and joins Trevor on his mission.

Once in England, this Amazon fish out of water proves resourceful. Again, Gadot shows trust, heart, and worry – it flashes across her face, even as she’s using her golden lariat, her magnificent sword, and her ever increasing skills. Chris Pine is also quite good with a light comedic touch at times and then true stolid pahlawan bearing. They work together to find the German plant preparing to unleash killer poisons. They find the horrific scientist creating chemical weapons of mass destruction. Oh, there’s plenty of action and blow-em up. But through it all, Diana/Wonder Woman is a towering presence.

Wonder Woman is a winner in so many ways. A strong female heroine with principles and heart. I do believe that Gal Gadot was created from clay and blessed by Zeus. And I look forward to future films from this actress. I want her to save OUR world!