Section 31 Movie - More Wars Than Trek

Finally got around to watching Section 31 last night. I guess didn't hate it as much as I thought I was going to, which is faint praise, indeed. The biggest problem is labeling it Star Trek when it had nothing to do with real Trek. It was a movie without a purpose or heart (or compelling characters, plot, etc.) It looked pretty, but other than that... 

Rosalie nailed it when she said it seemed more like Star Wars and I realized that's exactly the problem. Alex Kurtzman wants to make Star Trek into Star Wars instead of allowing Trek to be Trek.

Media Tracking for the Year

I've often wished that I had recorded every time I finished a book or a movie in my life. It would be fascinating to see the list. And based on the graphic I found above, I'm not the first to have this idea.

A few years ago I started doing something like that with movies that I watched and the date I saw them if I knew what it was. I would then make a little notation on the movie - maybe what it was about - and give it a grade. Here's a very few I ran across in my file: 

1 Mile to You B (Netflix) 7/4/19

A Quiet Place A

A Quiet Place 2 A 6/11/21

A Week Away C (Netflix) 4/17/21

Aquaman C

ARQ B- (Netflix) 11/19/16 time loop

Parallel (Amazon) 6/5/21. B - Like an episode of Black Mirror with a nice Twilight Zone twist at the end. Plot a bit predictable but decent ride.

            ...and so on

I started this because with the plethora of movies available on streaming services I would sometimes have trouble remembering what I had watched. Then I'd start a movie and go, "Hey, this seems familiar..." This would be super helpful to have also for them it's been a number of years since you've seen the movie and you can't remember if it might be worth watching again. The movie ARQ listed above I have no recollection of, but with my B- grade I am pretty sure I won't be watching it again. (I also look at Aquaman and think I might have been generous with my C grade, but that's a discussion for another time.)

I think this would be just as interesting for books that I've read. I thought about going through and making a list, but I've literally read thousands of books in my life and there's no way I could ever complete the list. And forget about TV shows! That list would be overwhelming and, potentially, depressing. (But maybe a list of series?)

I think this would be a good project throughout each year from now on - just list when you've seen a movie and read a book or finished a TV series. Then you could go back at the end of the year and review. Of course, with my blog, I pretty much report on every major movie or book I've seen, so there's that. But a summary list would be helpful as well. 

Stay tuned and at the end of the year I'll post mine here. If you have one of your own you to share, you can post in the comments.

Rob's Review: Avatar - The Way of Water

I finally had the opportunity to see Avatar: The Way of Water today with my sons, Jordan and Jonah. We ended up seeing the movie in 3D down near the Cities. Here are my initial impressions.

The movie is obviously a spectacle and special effects masterpiece. It should definitely be viewed in the theater for the full impact. I don't know that 3D is necessary (especially given the premium prices 3D commands), although it was excellently done and not distracting at all. I would also be interested in seeing it in standard 2D for comparison, but I'm not sure I'm up for another 3 hour 10 minute movie experience real soon.

The movie will do well partly because there's nothing else out right now that's especially compelling as far as movies go. And it's a greatly-made movie, if not a great movie. It's certainly enjoyable enough, especially as I went in with low expectations. 

I enjoyed the characters and the rudimentary plot, but I wish they had spent as much time on the story as they did on the special effects. The acting was top notch, but I wish the characters were developed a little better or at least had more to do. There was a lot of time spent "sightseeing" and showing off the special effects, but it did little to add to the actual story being told. The run time could have easily been pared down to 2.5 hours or less with some judicious editing. I imagine they didn't want to cut costly effects, but the movie suffers as a result. 

Would I recommend it? Sure. It's fun to watch - good eye candy - and a great way to kill several hours. But I doubt if I'll be watching it again any time soon. 

My grade: B+

Rob's Review: Wakanda Forever

I finally got a chance to see Wakanda Forever (aka. Black Panther 2) with Jonah this afternoon. As I anticipated, it was very enjoyable and kept me engaged the entire 2 hours and 40 minutes of the run time. It was a worthy successor to the original Black Panther.

I would say that if you haven't seen the first Black Panther movie, you will be fairly lost watching this movie. I only saw Black Panther one time when it first came out in 2018, and although I remembered most of it, there were several scenes in the movie which presupposed that you were very familiar will all the characters and what had happened before. So this movie would have benefited from a little more time (or any time!) reintroducing all the characters or recapping the first film. 

Nevertheless it was a fun afternoon with my son and an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon. If you are a Marvel fan and have seen the original movie (and remember it well), I'd recommend it. If not, go see the first one first.

My Grade: B+

Rob's Recommendations: Terminator 2

It was the summer of 1991. I was attending Bethel Seminary but spending my second summer up at Lake Lundgren Bible Camp in Pembine, Wisconsin, on Summer Staff Team as a camp counselor. We were very busy throughout the week, but after the campers left on Saturday morning we had free time until Sunday afternoon. Almost a whole 24 hours!

Sometimes we would hang out at camp or go to someone's home who lived nearby, but this one particular Saturday I decided to enjoy a day away alone. I drove down to Green Bay (about an hour and a half away) and did some shopping and wandering around. I decided to go see a movie. I didn't really know what was out, having been relatively cut off from news and information during the summer. 

I did see that a new movie, Terminator 2, had come out. It was a new release and I wasn't familiar with it at all. In fact, I don't think that I had seen the first Terminator, although I was familiar with the plot. For example I knew that Arnold played the bad guy who was from the future trying to kill Sarah Connor to prevent her from having a son, John, who would lead a rebellion against Skynet and the machines that had caused a nuclear apocalypse. 

I'm not normally someone who enjoys going to movies alone, but I was enjoying the time away and wanted to see a movie on my day off. So I bought the ticket and found a seat. 

The reason I remember so many details was that it was one of those kind of defining moments in my life as far as movies go. The last one had been the first time I saw Star Wars. I remember watching the Star Destroyer and feeling the rumble in the theater and I knew that movies would never be the same after that. This was the same kind of thing, especially when the big fakeout reveal happened (spoilers ahead - highlight to reveal) when Arnold was revealed to be the good guy! A reprogrammed terminator who was sent back to save John Connor!

I'm sure you've seen the movie, but if not I would highly recommend it. In fact, it has my highest recommendation as it is my favorite action movie of all time. Time travel. Arnold. Great story. Great acting. A killer soundtrack (I immediately went an bought a copy of the soundtrack on cassette to listen to on the way back to camp!) What's not to love?

There's an extended special edition that is very enjoyable, as well, but the theatrical version remains my all-time favorite.

My grade: A+

The Future Isn't What it Used to Be

Maybe it's just me, but it seems like there's not a lot of exciting entertainment content to look forward to right now, especially when it comes to movies. 

I love movies and I love going to see them in the theater, but it seems like there's not a lot of "I can't wait to see it" type stuff in the pipeline. There's nothing like a super blockbuster that everyone seems anxiously awaiting.

There's a new Marvel movie coming out this weekend, Wakanda Forever, that I'm sure will be fine. Most of the upcoming Marvel movie slate is the same way. I'm sure they'll be enjoyable, but is that enough?

Then there's the next Avatar movie which looks like a special effects extravaganza, but the trailer left me cold. It was a little like watching someone play a video game. I frankly don't know if I'll end up seeing it in theaters. There's no big Star Wars or Star Trek movies in the near future. I guess the only thing that looks kind of fun is the new Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell movie Spirited, but it turns out that's an Apple TV+ release.

Really, the only ones I am excited about is the Flash and the next Indiana Jones movie, both coming out next June! Yikes. Hopefully there will be a sleeper hit in the meantime that is really good.

So what do you think? Any theatrical releases you're looking forward to?

Rob's Recommendation: Poltergeist

I'm not a big fan of horror movies, especially slasher flicks. For one thing, I don't like blood and gore, and I also don't like the jump scares. 

One of the few exceptions is Steven Spielberg's wonderful 1982 movie, Poltergeist. If you haven't seen it (and, surprisingly enough, there are people out there who haven't), do yourself a favor and watch it. It's more spooky than scary, but it's a lot of fun. Plus, it has a great score by Jerry Goldsmith. It's actually kind of a family movie, in a weird sort of way. I remember even my mom enjoyed it, even though she wasn't a fan of horror movies, either.

I watched it again a few years ago and it wasn't nearly as scary as I remembered. It think maybe the special effects haven't aged as well, or maybe we're just used to scarier stuff now. It probably makes a difference if you watch it on a big screen in the dark verses on your phone or something.

Anyway, that's my throwback pick for Halloween this year.

My grade: A

Not Quite Standing the Test of Time

You've probably had the experience where you remember a movie (or a TV show) you watched a long time ago and you have fond memories of that movie, but then when you watch it again, you find it doesn't really hold up. Yeah, that was my experience with The Lost Boys. 

I think that movie came around at a certain time (the 80s) and captured the zeitgeist of a generation (or at least those of us of a certain age at the time) and so we think back to that time the the fond memories we have of seeing it then. With The Lost Boys there was the added appeal of a great soundtrack. I still have that soundtrack on a cassette tape and enjoy putting it in once in a while while driving, especially at dusk.

But when the movie reran on TV not long ago, I watched it again. It's got great memories and some good scenes, but as much as at the time we liked the "Coreys" (Haim and Feldman), and as awesome as Kieffer Sutherland turned out to be (24's Jack Bauer!), the movie itself doesn't really hold up - at least when compared to how much I enjoyed it at the time. It's still a fun diversion, and an interesting peek back into the styles of the 80s, but it wasn't as awesome as I remembered.

Your mileage may vary, of course. If you saw it back when it was in theaters, you may still enjoy it. If you are a younger person, you probably won't understand the appeal. They are working on a remake of the movie, and it will be interesting to see what they do with it. Otherwise I'll file it away as a good memory and a fun movie at the time, but I probably won't we rewatching it again. 

Rob's Reviews: Spider-Man - No Way Home

It's National Cinema Day, which is an attempt to get people to see movies on a typically slow day for theaters due to it being Labor Day weekend. So many or most theaters are offering movie tickets for $3. GTI Cinema in North Branch (and Cambridge) is going one better and offering most of their concessions for $3, as well. So I'm heading down with some students to see Spider-Man: No Way Home once again.

This movie ranks as maybe the best Spider-Man movies of the nine that have been made so far. It is great on its own, but if you've seen any of the others - particularly the movies with Toby Maguire and Andrew Garfield - you will enjoy it even more. It's a real treat for the fans and I'm looking forward to seeing it again. It's the "More Fun" edition with 11 extra minutes, so that's a nice bonus, but I'd see it again anyway.

I don't want to talk much about it because of spoilers. But if you enjoy the character, you'll love the movie. If you haven't watched it, it has my highest recommendation. (I only give and A+ to a movie I'd want to watch repeatedly.)

My grade: A+

Rob's Recommendations: Galaxy Quest

On my dad's final night visiting we pulled out Galaxy Quest, currently streaming on Amazon Prime. This gem came out in 1999 and is considered by some to be the best Star Trek movie that's not about Star Trek. Except it is, sort of. 

If you're not familiar, here's the Wikipedia summary: "Galaxy Quest is a 1999 American science fiction comedy film directed by Dean Parisot and written by David Howard and Robert Gordon. A parody of and homage to science-fiction films and series, especially Star Trek and its fandom, the film depicts the cast of a fictional cult television series, Galaxy Quest, who are drawn into a real interstellar conflict by actual aliens who think the series was an accurate documentary. It stars Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Alan Rickman, Tony Shalhoub, Sam Rockwell, and Daryl Mitchell."

It's an affectionate parody of Star Trek fandom and it's very funny in parts. If you haven't seen it, I'd recommend it! I hadn't seen it in many years but I found it holds up very, very well. And it's pretty family friendly with its PG rating.

My grade: A

Rob's Reviews: Uncharted

Finally caught the movie Uncharted last night on Netflix. I had been looking forward to seeing this one for a while but hadn't really had anyone to see it with. I thought it was okay - perfectly adequate adventure. The special effects were decent (which you would expect for a major motion picture) and the plot was okay, but nothing special. And not particularly believable, but that's to be expected for a movie based on a video game.

I enjoyed Tom Holland in it but didn't really feel like Mark Wahlberg was all that believable as a fortune-hunter con man whatever-he-was. His character was very underdeveloped, as were the supporting characters. Of course, you don't go to see a movie like this hoping for a deep plot and well-developed characters. It was just an enjoyable popcorn flick. It's nice that is was only PG-13, which meant that there was some action/violence (not bloody, though) and occasional language, but overall unoffensive.

If you're just looking for a nice way to kill a couple of hours you will enjoy this. If you're looking for more - keep looking. 

Overall grade: B-

Rob's Reviews: Tom Clancy's Without Remorse

Another Sunday afternoon means another chance to enjoy a fun action movie with my dad before he heads home later this week. Up today is the new Amazon original movie, Tom Clancy's Without Remorse starring Michael B. Jordan.

This movie is exactly what it appears - an exciting action movie that is similar in some respects to John Wick but much more realistic. The plot is decent if not revolutionary and the acting and action are both very good. It's rated R but there's no sex or nudity and only a little profanity, so it's a welcome change from some of the streaming fare of late.

If you like a good action tale with good acting, you could do a lot worse. This is an enjoyable way to spend the afternoon. 

My Grade: B

Rob's Recommendations: Three Amigos

One of my all-time favorite comedies is actually one I didn't care for that much when I first saw it in the theater back in college. I don't know if I was in a bad mood or just had different expectations, but when I first saw Three Amigos I was a bit underwhelmed. 

And then my friends and I began talking about it in the days and weeks that followed. Certain phrases became catchphrases ("Would you say I had a plethora?" "You shot the invisible swordsman!") and a number of the scenes were discussed and even reenacted in the cafeteria. By the time I saw it again on video, it had somehow become a classic. I even had a cassette tape of the soundtrack with songs by Randy Newman.

I've seen it dozens of times since and I never tire. A few years ago on my birthday I had some of my high school students over and we watched it again. I don't know if they enjoyed it quite as much as I did, but I am still entranced by the comic genius that is Steve Martin. 

If you haven't seen it, I'd recommend it highly. My grade: A+

Rob's Reviews: Red Notice

Continuing out movie marathon, today's movie was the Netflix original Red Notice starring Ryan Reynolds, Gal Gadot, and Dwayne Johnson. This was another action comedy with a lot of fun locations. The story was good and it had some fun twists along the way. It's really not about the believe-ability for movies like this. It's another one of those light, fun movies where you spend a couple of hours with some actors you enjoy.

A pleasant way to spend an afternoon or evening. 

My grade: B+

Rob's Reviews: The Gray Man

It's movie week at the Spahr's as my dad and I catch up on some old and new movies. Last night we watched the new Netflix release, The Gray Man. This action thriller stars Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans and is completely unbelievable and lots of fun at the same time.

Look, if you're going into an action flick like this expecting high drama and complete believeability, you're setting yourself up for disappointment. That's not the kind of movie this is. Instead, it's a lightweight roller coaster of action violence an fun. It's a diversion, and it's mostly satisfying, although there are a few antagonists who kind of get away with it in the end. Maybe it's setting up a potential sequel. 

My son, Jordan, summed it up nicely: It's like a pg-13 version of John Wick done by the Russo brothers. I would say, enjoy it for what it is. On the plus side, there's no nudity and minimal bad language. If you're looking for an enjoyable popcorn flick, this is right up your alley. 

My grade: B

Rob's Reviews: 13 Lives

At the Global Leadership Summit last week we heard an interview with Ron Howard. During the interview he talked about his newest movie, 13 Lives, about the rescue of the boys soccer team that was trapped in a cave in Thailand back in 2018. Ron said that one of his goals was to make it as authentic as possible and not a dramatization of the actual events.

I was intrigued by the interview and I planned to go see it in the theater, but was excited to hear that it was available on Amazon Prime, which we subscribe to. So Rosalie, my dad, and I watched it last night and we all thought it was a great movie. It was very well-made and thoroughly enjoyable. If you're looking for a great way to spend an evening, I'd highly recommend this one.

My grade: A

Rob's Review: Thor: Love and Thunder

I finally got a chance to go see the new Thor movie, Love and Thunder, with my son, Jonah, this afternoon. I will admit that I went in with low expectations after hearing some mixed reviews. I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised. 

While not at quite as good as Thor: Ragnarok, I did enjoy the two hour ride. That's basically what it was - a fun Thor adventure with some good laughs. It was an opportunity to catch up with some beloved characters, but overall it felt as little light on significance as far as the Marvel Cinematic Universe as a whole. There's nothing wrong with that, though. It was just an enjoyable summer diversion on a rainy Saturday afternoon. It's not necessarily one I'll seek out to re-watch multiple times, but I would see it again if someone who hadn't yet seen it wanted to go. 

Interestingly enough, opposite of me, Jonah had heard rave reviews and was slightly disappointed that the movie wasn't more substantial. I do think the movie suffered due to the lack of Loki's presence.

Nevertheless, I predict that if you enjoyed Thor: Ragnarok, you'll like this one just (or at least, almost) as well. 

My Grade: B+

Rob's Recommendations: The Last Starfighter

I've been listening to a podcast (Inglorious Treksperts) which is going through their list for the top 101 science fiction movies of all time and I've been reminded of some great, sometimes overlooked ones (like The Iron Giant that I wrote about a few days ago). One of those was the fabulous 1984 movie, The Last Starfighter.

This is a wonderful romp full of humor and action, complete with a wonderful soundtrack by Craig Safan. The film tells the story of Alex Rogan (Lance Guest), a teenager living in a trailer park who is recruited by the Star League, an alien defense force, to defend "the Frontier" against Zur and the Ko-Dan Armada. In order to recruit top pilots, they use a video game called "Starfighter", which Alex beats, leading to an encounter with these aliens and a trip to outer space. It's the Excalibur story retold for the modern age. 

This movie was one of the first to use computer generated images (CGI) and though they may look a little dated by today's standards, they were wonderfully realized for the mid-80s.  

It's a wonderfully fun adventure and if you haven't seen it, I'd highly recommend it. Even if you have seen it - go watch it again and enjoy! I've watched it at least a dozen times and am due for a rewatch.

My Grade: A+

Rob's Recommendations: The Iron Giant

I watched The Iron Giant last night with our youth group, many of whom had never seen it before. The movie came out in 1999 and didn't do well at theaters because of bad marketing by Warner Bros. It has since gone on to become a beloved, if sometimes overlooked classic.

I had forgotten just what a wonderful little movie this is. My boys used to watch it all the time when they were growing up, so I've seen it at least a dozen times, but it's been about a decade since I watched it last. I enjoyed it just as much this time, if not even more. That's the good thing about memories that fade over time, you can re-watch something and it's almost like watching it for the first time!

This isn't a full review, just a recommendation: if you haven't seen it, you should check it out. It's heartwarming and funny, with a great voice cast and wonderful direction. You're welcome to borrow my DVD, and if you don't return it I'll have a good excuse to get the Blu ray!

My grade: A

Rob's Recommendations: What About Bob?

A few years ago I used a clip from the movie "What About Bob?" in a sermon illustration. Several from my congregation whom I would have expected to be familiar with this classic comedy were sadly unaware of it's existence. Filled with wonderfully memorable quotes, it's my favorite comedy of all time, with the most genuine, organic, heartfelt laughs of any movie I know.

Sure, there are other great comedies. I absolutely adore "Groundhog Day", "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure", "The Three Amigos", "The Princess Bride", and "Monty Python and the Holy Grail". But if I had to pick just one, it's this one. Bill Murray creates a wonderfully quirky character who plays perfectly off of Richard Dreyfus' uptight psychologist, Dr. Leo Marvin. The movie builds and builds into a terrific conclusion. 

If you haven't seen this classic from the early 90s, treat yourself, track down a copy and enjoy!