A Few Minor Things

Video Pick(s) of the Week: In response to the new "Star Trek" film being released I thought it might be necessary to recommend a few films that have absolutely no affiliation with "Star Trek" , but nevertheless share it's theme.

"Galaxy Quest": This 1999 comedy might seem pretty stale on the surface, but if you look closer you will discover a clever little gem of a parody. The film centers on a group of C-list actors living off of their long since cancelled television show "Galaxy Quest". These actors are enlisted by a group of aliens known as Thermians to help save their species. It seems these aliens have been receiving communications from earth which they believe to be "historical documents", and have built their entire way of life around Earth's television programs. This is a pretty sharp premise when you think about it. Once the Termians have come under attack by the evil general Sarris, they decide to ask the source of all their information for help not knowing they are actors, or even what an actor is. What ensues is a series of well constructed gags centered around "Star Trek" culture. The actors must recall and re-enact certain specific scenes from years past, and adapt their 'talent' in order to survive situations that strangely resemble moments throughout the series history. Tim Allen plays the Captain and while his hairline receded, his ego sure didn't. Alan Rickman is the Droll half alien second in command that would rather cut off his ears and tongue than have to hear or say his signature catchphrase one more time. Sigourney Weaver fills the female role about as well as she fills her bra as the blond navigator who simply repeats everything the computer says word for word. A pre-Monk Tony Shaloub is hilarious as the always laid back (even in the face of certain annihilation) engineer. And Sam Rockwell lives in a state of constant fear because his (single episode) character on the show was killed off before the first commercial break. While comedy may be at the core, this film contains a few moments of heart and sadness. I was surprised how moved I became when the Thermians learn what deception is, and how it works. Having re-watched this film after seeing the new "Star Trek" makes me appreciate it even more now than when I first saw it nearly ten years ago. I recommend it, but strongly suggest you are at least somewhat familiar with "Star Trek" culture otherwise many of the jokes may shoot right over your head, and into warp speed.

"Serenity": Here is another film about a group of people adrift in outer space, but this one also has a twist on the Trek theme. It is all done with this western twang to it. You have half of the crew that is similar to the Enterprise's: A braggart Captain, a stern serious second in command, a doctor who would rather be on the ground, and a sweet, lovable engineer. Then you have got the rest of the crew which I felt always had much more western sensibilities: The untrustworthy muscle, the beautiful whore (-er, sorry companion as they like to be called), and the preacher that harbors a hide out for this crew. And the villains are exceptionally noteworthy for being an uncanny mix of both the sci-fi and western elements: A literal "man with no name" bounty hunter that dresses in a full body spacesuit and wields a sword. And the Reavers, humans that have gone 'savage' killing, eating and wearing skins of the dead much like the faceless Indians of the old west. I found this crossbreeding of genres both fascinating and inspired. Even back when this was a television show called "Firefly" (Serenity is the name of the ship). The other main difference is that the film's heroes are actually outlaws who pull bank jobs on different planets. Some of them wear dusty cowboy boots, long leather brown coats, and carry futuristic six shooters in their holsters. This group is just looking to stay off the grid, but this becomes difficult when River (the doctor's sister) is sprung from her captors and hunted down by the Alliance for being a psychic with access to government secrets and information. This film may lack top notch special effects, but that is all part of it's charm. There are plenty of smart one-liners, very likable characters, absolutely ruthless villains, and a fresh spin on things. Notch this one into your belt because you best be watchin, partner.

Trailer Report: "Best Worst Movie" It seems that there is a documentary on the horizon about a very important subject that people need to be made a aware of. This is not a documentary subject revolving around cheeseburgers, firearms, or even Donkey Kong. No this is something far more important: "TROLL 2"

Anyone who has ever seen this film I guarantee has never forgotten it. This is most likely because they have been scarred for life. Words simply cannot describe the level of awful this film is. I swear to god, it is an absolute riot. I've watched it about a half a dozen times with various friends , and to this day we quote and laugh harder about this film more than any comedy we've ever seen. "Best Worst Movie" (perfect title by the way) is a documentary about the fall then rise of this schlock masterpiece. The trailer chronicles it's humble forgotten beginnings leading all the way to it's undeniable cult status today. It looks like included will be interviews with the cast, and footage of current midnight show sellouts. Check it out.

Three I Can't Wait to See: The year may be nearly half over already, but that just means the best is yet to come here are my most anticipated movies this summer.

"9": Weird little rag doll creatures voiced by: Elijah Wood, Jennifer Connelly, John C. Riley, Crispin Glover, Martin Landau, and Christopher Plummer (what a cast!) fight to protect their souls, not to mention the future while they run from and fight numerous half metallic half animal predators. This is Shane Acker's first feature length film based on his own academy award nominated short film of the same name (a fantastic find on YouTube). Tim Burton and Timur Bekmambetov (Wanted and Nightwatch) are backing this film as producers. This looks like the kind of movie to see if you thought "Coraline" wasn't dark enough.

"The Brothers Bloom": Rian Johnson's followup to "Brick" has been on hold for some time now, but the whole concept is just magical. Two con man brothers Adrian Brody and Mark Ruffalo are out to swindle a wealthy heiress Rachel Weisz out of two million dollars. Only problem is she might be socially inept, but is probably even more cunning than the boys. looks like a screwball thriller with lots of twists, turns, humor, and brains.

"Inglorious Basterds": QT finally makes his war movie and Lee Marvin would be proud. Brad Pitt looks both menacing and goofy (if that's possible) as the hardened Lt. Aldo Rayne a man prepared to take a group of Jewish soldiers behind enemy lines to get some Nazi killin done. Tarantino has never failed me in the past and the promise of carnage and Nazi scalping already has me wondering, "How soon can I buy my ticket?"