The latest Star Trek, a Joan Crawford Western and an inspiring documentary short

12/10/16 Star Trek Beyond, not yet nominated 2016

Every time a new Star Trek movie comes out (specifically the last iteration), I feel a sense of dread. I can't help it, especially because I know it will probably be nominated for an Oscar and I'll have to watch it anyway. And, I suppose the thing is, that the movies really aren't that terrible, in fact, I usually end up enjoying them. That's what happened with Star Trek Beyond. I enjoy the banter, sarcasm and jokes between the crew, especially Dr. McCoy and Spock, as well as some pretty great special effects. We get a look at Starbase Yorktown (I don't think that has been shown in other films), because the crew of the USS Enterprise is on leave. The Enterprise and crew take off to help rescue a ship that is caught in a nebula. It's probably not giving away too much to say it's a trap! (you were shocked, right?). Idris Elba is the 'villain' Krall/Captain Bathalzar Edison, the former commander of the USS Franklin who has mutated. He and Kirk (Chris Pine) have a pretty intense battle towards the end of the movie. Since the movie just came out on DVD, I don't really want to give away too much about the different plot points (well, except that the rescue of the ship in the nebula was a trap, but that was obvious). When I watch Star Trek movies, I don't look for a sophisticated themes or meanings, I just want a fun movie, hopefully with great effects, maybe some snappy dialog. Based that very generous criteria, I enjoyed it. My guess is it will be nominated for at least one of the technical Oscars (effects, sound mixing, editing). If you are looking for a fun movie this weekend or over the holiday time, this would be a good choice. Oh, a word about Idris Elba: he is a good bad guy, and I still think he would make a kick ass James Bond.


12/11/16 Johnny Guitar, National Film Registry, #64 BBC 1954

A Joan Crawford western? That could be interesting. In fact, I liked Johnny Guitar, directed by Nicholas Ray, starring Joan Crawford as Vienna, a saloon keeper out west who is battling with cattle ranchers over the impending railroad and the farmers that will come with it. The two real stars of the movie are the only two female roles, Vienna and Emma Small (Mercedes McCambridge), who are bitter rivals, over men and over control of the town. In preparation for the trouble, Vienna hires Johnny Guitar (Sterling Hayden), who used to be known as Johnny Logan, a gunslinger (I didn't really spoil it, if you've seen even two westerns, you have seen this trope many times). There is also The Dancin' Kid (I'm not making this up), who is the object of affection for Emma and Vienna. Offscreen, Emma's brother is killed and it's blamed on The Dancin' Kid and his gang, but there is no real proof; it doesn't matter, Emma works up the other landowners into a lather, and they threaten the Kid and Vienna unless they leave. Johnny and Vienna get caught in a precarious situation and try to escape, but this really comes back to a battle between Vienna and Emma. Crawford and McCambridge go toe to toe in many scenes, neither one backing down. I do not think this type of casting or story happens very often (ever?) in westerns or other genres, for that matter, which is a shame. It was fun to watch. In too many westerns, women are portrayed as fragile and in need of men for support; they don't often strap on a holster with every intention of using the gun. There was something that was a bit campy, and sometimes I wasn't sure if I should laugh or not, but that feeling passed. After so many meh movies from the BBC list, it's nice to be so pleasantly surprised.

12/11/16 King Gimp, Best Documentary Short, 1999

King Gimp is a documentary short that follows Daniel Keplinger, a young artist with cerebral palsy. Daniel wrote the documentary and narrates it through typing and speaking. The filmmakers followed Dan from the age of 12 for around 13 years, going to a school for handicapped kids, through being mainstreamed at a local high school where he discovered his talent for art. His mother was determined to give Dan the same opportunities and experiences that other kids his age were having, as much as she was able, including going to a regular school. Dan also went, and graduated from, Towson University in Maryland, getting a degree in Art. He struggled with some of the professors who told him that he would not succeed and could not be an artist, until he found a professor who believed in his ability and talent. King Gimp' may have a negative connotation to some, but to Daniel and his friends, it's a badge of honor, representing his strong spirit. To me, the sign of a good short film is that you want more, and I wanted more.