STAR TREK'S NEW 3 D "INTO DARKNESS" IS A HIT
****
THE GLORIOUS CORNER
By: G. H. Harding
****
William Shatner
I just saw a screening of the new Star Trek movie, Into Darkness, and was totally bowled over. In real 3D, the movie literally jumps out at you from the first frame to the last. As a fervent Trekker, I approached this re-boot (as I did the last one) with some trepidation, but, director J. J. Abrams has done just an outstanding job; and, although he does play fast-and-loose with the Star Trek-bible at times, everything works terrifically well; especially, with the re-imagining of Mr. Spock as an action hero. Spock, in fact, rises as a character possessed not only of smarts, but is re-calibrated as a Tom Cruise-like action hero. You won't believe what he accomplishes in this movie.
Chris Evans, as James Tiberius Kirk, is simply sensational. He possesses the same degree of braggadocio that original-Kirk-actor William Shatner had, but also possesses an emotional side that is terrifically well telegraphed. Zachary Quinto, as Spock, is terrific. I've known Quinto since his role of the TV show Heroes and he has developed into simply an excellent action (check him out in 2011’s Margin Call; which he co-produced). Zoe Saldana as communications officer Uhura brings just the right degree of sensitivity and erotic appeal to her character. Also, Alice Eve, as Dr. Joan Marcus, is terrific … playing into the Trek-cannon even more, as her character fathers a son with Kirk several years down the road. I must admit however, that actor Benedict Cumberbatch, as the maybe-villain, delivers one of the most riveting performances I've seen in quite some time. I won't reveal exactly what character he essays (as there has been extensive speculation on the Internet), but suffice to say, his performance is nothing short of brilliant. I've not seen him on onscreen before, but he is truly mesmerizing.
Abrams’ shots just amaze and in the 3D-mode … are noting short of sensational. The story works terrifically well (by Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman and Damon Lindelof); original Robo Cop actor Peter Weller is simply excellent as Admiral Marcus; with his own secret agenda. I haven’t seen all of the summer movies yet, Hangover 3 is next week, but this Trek-adventure is utterly amazing.
INTO THE WOODS
Speaking of Chris Pine; he is poised to join Jake Gyllenhaal, Johnny Depp and Meryl Streep in Disney's film version of the 1987 Stephen Sondheim musical Into The Woods. Rob Marshall is directing the pic with an eye on the 9-figure total taken in by Best Picture nominee Les Miserables and Streep star Mamma Mia. Not a bad choice I say … but, what about Disney’s Aida?
BEAUTY MAN
Two words in Hollywood perhaps get said more than anything else: ‘hair and makeup.’ To some, these masters of the beauty are the real stars and there’s no one hotter than Johny Saade, who is fast getting the reputation as the go-to makeup artist to see for red carpet appearances, movie premieres and galas. He’s worked with Kate Walsh, Debbie Gibson, L’Wren Scott, Rob Lowe, Mick Jagger, Chris Rock, Harry Hamlin, LeAnn Rimes, Sam Harris, and Bonnie Raitt. He was at last week’s White House Correspondent’s Dinner and is currently in Cannes, France for the Film Festival. He is without a doubt a rising star. Check him out HERE.
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