More Star Trek - The Next Generation Films: Generations, First Contact, Insurrection, Nemesis

I'm continuing my love of Star Trek and reviewing the last set of the films in the franchise I haven't yet addressed on this site... The Next Generation movies. I've done the Evens, the Odds, Into Darkness (which also contains a mini review of Star Trek 2009) and now these films. From here I patiently wait for JJ Abrams, or whoever Hollywood decides to hand the reins to, to make another chapter... or I can just go watch re-runs of Deep Space Nine.

Star Trek: Generations
(1994) [Trailer]
Director: David Carson [IMDB]

Synopsis: The Enterprise tries to halt the activities of a maniac hell bent on finding a passage into a alternate dimension... just give the dude some LSD.

Generations is the bridge film between the old and the new. It feels like it had to be made from some reason... as if Shatner demanded it or something. It's a decent film, I think the one thing it lacks is proper closure. It feels a little rushed and not very climactic. Maybe it was Malcolm McDowell as the villain... I just felt like he wasn't ominous enough. Who knows, but for me the back end of Generations didn't give that wow factor... whatever that is. I do like it mostly as a whole and would definitely rewatch it.

Star Trek: First Contact
(1996) [Trailer]
Director: Jonathan Frakes [IMDB]

Synopsis: The crew travel back in time to stop the Borg from destroying Earth before we made our first jump into warp speed.

Lets be honest... this is the film all Next Gen fans wanted. The Borg were/are the greatest adversaries the Federation has ever known and they needed their own film. Commander Riker takes the director's chair and knocks it out the park. I love this film and it's light years ahead of any of the other TNG titles. First Contact is a really well balanced film and takes all the elements that made TNG great and elevates them. I'd say if you're only going to watch one Next Generation film, it should be this one, but go ahead a watch all of them, okay?

Star Trek: Insurrection
(1998) [Trailer]
Director: Jonathan Frakes [IMDB]

Synopsis: A loner planet is the source of internal youth and the Enterprise steps in to protect it from a threat within the Federation.

Insurrection is widely regarded as the worst Star Trek film ever made and after watching it I realized it was the only film in the franchise I hadn't seen. I'm not sure why I actually never got around to watching it, maybe it was because it got such a bad wrap, but I have to say after checking it out... I like it. I don't understand why it gets the hate it does. There are a few corny moments, but as any fan of TNG will attest to, so did the series. It does feel like a glorified TV episode, but it was still fun to watch. Shit, even my wife, who hates Star Trek, liked it. Don't get me wrong, it's not great by any stretch, but it's still a solid installment.

Star Trek: Nemesis
(2002) [Trailer]
Director: Stuart Baird [IMDB]

Synopsis: Tom Hardy is a genetically modified, younger, Jean-Luc Picard with a secret past and now he's looking to help the Romulans plan an attack on Earth.

First thing I noticed when watching Nemesis, is how similar Tom Hardy's character is to his Bane character in The Dark Knight Rises. Only thing is, he's not as effective in Nemesis and he's one of the better elements of the film. I felt like this one dragged its tail a lot and would definitely be my least favorite of all the TNG titles. It's feels like its story arch peaks early then you're on this extremely long climax that just seems to keep going and going. I didn't hate this film, I was just bored with a lot of it.

The Hunt

The Hunt
(2013) [Trailer]
Director: Thomas Vinterberg [IMDB]

I've seen two other films by Danish director Thomas Vinterberg: 'The Celebration' and 'Submarino', both of which I consider foreign masterpieces. Now comes this new concoction with Mads Mikkelsen in the lead and I'm already sold. I was very pumped to finally get a chance to sit down and check this bad larry out... so here we go.

Spoiler Alert:

Before I begin, I would recommend you watch this film first before reading further. It is great... as you can see at the bottom... 5 Arnolds. It is better going in not knowing what will unfold, as it makes for an intriguing ride... also it'd be hard to review or talk about without spoiling certain aspects of it.

Synopsis: A daycare teacher is falsely accused of improper behavior with one of the children under his care and a little that lie starts to tear his life apart.

This film really does a great job at pissing you off. I've said this before, but kids are assholes. This little girl basically screws this guy's life up and there's nothing he can do. It taught me a valuable lesson though, everybody are assholes.... not just kids (sorry about that kids.) When the girl realizes her fabrication carried some weight and decides to fess up, no one believes her. Everyone automatic assumes he's guilty... because why would children lie. It's basically a no win situation for my boy Mads.

The Hunt is a really fascinating look at the small town dynamic, but with a twist. At first I thought people were reacting way overboard and that the events that take place after he's accused were a bit unbelievable... then I thought about it. They really aren't. People suck. They blindly follow without questioning sometimes... not everyone, but a lot. This guy hadn't even gone to court yet and he was already guilty.

I thoroughly enjoyed this film. It keeps you anxious and guessing what will transpire at every moment. I recommend it, as well as the other two Vinterberg films I mentioned.

Teddy Bear

Teddy Bear
(2012) [Trailer]
Director: Mads Matthiesen [IMDB]

This came in the form of a recommendation from my trusted source for all things movie related... so trusted in fact that I can not reveal his (of her) identity. I was told this was a gem, a diamond in the rough if you will... and you will. 

Synopsis: Dennis is an aging pro body builder who is socially challenged when it comes to hooking up with the ladies. So he decides to go to Thailand where the easy women flow like a full bodied Bordeaux.

Teddy Bear is an extremely enjoyable film and really easy on the viewer. At no point during its run time did I feel bored or removed. It grabs you instantly and brings you on a weird little journey into a world that is captivating and it almost seems real... like a quasi documentary at times. Kim Kold is very affable and pulls out a a performance which is unexpected and raw. I hope to see him in other things in the future.

I can't think of any real negatives at all... it's partly in Danish and partly in English, so if you don't like to read while you watch TV, skip it. Other than that, get going... it's on Netflix instant and it's a winner.

Bad Milo

Bad Milo
(2013) [Trailer]
Director: Jacob Vaughan [IMDB]

Everyone has gone to the bathroom at one point in their lives and had an epic battle with the porcelain pony... and it stinks. That is what this site has been reduced to, scatological humor... sorry. But basically you're going to get an hour and a half of that if you dig into Bad Milo.

Synopsis: High amounts of stress cause a man, who looks like a cross between Ray Romano and Jason Bateman, to start growing an evil monster inside his bowels.

Checking out Bad Milo was priority after initially seeing the trailer a few weeks ago. It immediately reminded me of Basket Case (which I love) mixed with the Gremlins. I relish campy horror, and look forward to viewing anything within that realm, but I was a little uncertain whether Bad Milo could hold up... it does. It's no where near perfect but it is a fun movie that obviously doesn't take itself too seriously. I really like that they went practical used a puppet (or animatronics... not sure) but I wasn't a fan of the shitty (no pun intended) CGI blood. I mean if you're going to go all out and rock a hand crafted Milo, why not splurge and get some buckets of fake blood?

All told, Bad Milo made me laugh a few times, and it stays true to form. The film is raunchy at times, so if you're easily offended, steer clear... however I'd recommend it for horror fans. Also you get to hang out with Peter Stormare for a bit... love Peter Stormare.

You're Next

You're Next
(2013) [Trailer]
Director: Adam Wingard [IMDB]

You're Next has been getting a slew of impressive reviews but barely made any noise at the box office this past weekend. I really wanted to squeeze in time for its opening but couldn't get around to it until yesterday, when my good friend and movie going buddy Doug accompanied me to the cheapo theater in queens... I love the cheapo theater.

Synopsis: A family reunion goes south quickly as they soon come to find out they've been targeted for extermination by home invaders.

You're Next was a banger and really exceeded my expectations, which weren't really low... so that's good right? It's dabbles in the slasher and home invasion genres but offers a pretty unique twist which was refreshing (I won't go into it... you know... spoilers and stuff.) If I had went into this movie and received another Funny Games or The Strangers, I would have been let down. Not that those are bad films, they rule, but I wanted something fresh and You're Next delivered. Two things that really impressed me, besides the spoiler stuff I can't get into, were the score and pacing. The score rings out nods to some of the best 80's synth scores around, think Carpenter meets Tangerine Dream, it was a real treat. With the pacing, right out of the gate You're Next offers up a brutal scene that hooks you, then works itself through another hour and a half of good times without seeming boring or stale.

There were a few issues acting-wise but other than that I can't think of any real negatives that spoiled the experience.

I'd definitely spend some time with this film, especially if you're a horror fan.

Sharknado

Sharknado
(2013) [Trailer]
Director: Anthony C. Ferrante [IMDB]

Unless you're internet illiterate you've probably heard about SyFy's newest smash hit Sharknado. Sharks seem to be all the rage, they even have their own week now, so why not capitalize off that and make a movie about them forming a tornado of death. Seems legit. 

Synopsis: I think you can figure it out.

This movie is terrible. I strongly considered not wasting my time with a review, but after a couple of days away from it, I felt I should belt out a few words. I am a firm believer in the "so bad it's good" credo and I know many films that would fall into this category... Sharknado is not one of them. The casting is sad, the performances are even sadder... is that a word? I mean, Tara Reid is a mother of two fully grown adults, Tara Reid... the girl from American Pie, who is only in her 30's. 

Sharknado could have been hilarious, but its overly serious tone and bad CG just did nothing for me. There will be those who tell you "It's about sharks, in a tornado, come on... it's great." They would be lying to you. Save your time and watch Leprechaun.

Prince Avalanche

Prince Avalanche
(2013) [Trailer]
Director: David Gordon Green [IMDB]

I haven't given David Gordon Green enough of my attention on this site and for someone I admire as much as him, I really should start throwing more of my time his way. I've seen every one of his films and dug them all... now comes Prince Avalanche. Based off the trailer, it looked fantastic, now I'll tell you if it held together.

Synopsis: Paul Rudd and Emile Hirsch are two roadside construction workers in Texas... this is their story.

I found Prince Avalanche to be boring overall and a bit of a let down. It's a film with very little story and not much happens throughout it. I find with films of this nature, if you're going to take out traditional elements of storytelling you need to fill the gap with someone else. Prince Avalanche is extremely well shot and a beautiful film. It also is tightly constructed and has a soothing score, but it wasn't enough. I feel like the characters, while not horrible, just weren't that interesting and didn't help cement the cracks from the loss of story.

I wish I could say I liked this as much as I do all of DGG's other films, but I don't.