Star Trek Into Darkness - JJ Abrams and Co

To say I was apprehensive about going to see this film is an understatement. I love Star Trek. I have loved Star Trek for as long as I can remember. Watching it on a Wednesday evening at 6pm on channel 4 was a highlight of the week - I don't care how sad that makes me sound, I loved it and still do. I will also confess now that I have been a Khan fangirl since I saw the film many years ago. I also recall my best friend at the time taunting me over this and my fourteen year old self getting rather embarrassed... This fangirling never died. I have an action figure on my desk and a movie poster on my wall. I'm telling you this so you know what the new film has to live up to.

The first Star Trek film by Abrams was phenomenal but the thought of someone messing about with my all time favourite film made me squirm a bit inside. And you know what? It was all for nothing. Abrams has done a cracking job. The film is different enough for it to fit with the new pantheon but the similarities and parallels between the two are enough to keep raving fans like me happy.

I don't really know where to begin with my praise for the film, seeing how reviewing films is a whole lot different to my usual area of expertise. The script was great, dialogue between that characters flowed well and there is enough one liners to make you laugh without making a farce of it. There is even a point where Kirk tells one of the characters off for too many metaphors - I won't say which but it is a nice link between old and new.

 

The only thing I will mention is that this story isn't going to win any massive awards for individuality and uniqueness. There were parts that my partner and I could guess and knew what would happen next but I found that I didn't care that much. The acting and themes in the story detracted from these small predictability's and it made it a film well worth watching. JJ Abrams, I salute you.

The Gunslinger (again) - Stephen King

Yes, I know, I have already read and reviewed this book. Don't despair, I will read something different next, I promise. I loved it the first time and when this was the only book near me when my kindle decided to die (it just needs a recharge) I was overjoyed.

I've never re-read a book before and been as impressed the second time around than I have with this one. On the first reading you're all blown away with the tension building and then the release, the whirlwind of story and darkness of character sweep you off on an adventure that is like no other you'll ever have. I knew what I was getting myself in for when I picked it up this time, however, with this reading, it is the small details that stand out. There are concepts and ideas mentioned in the novel that are not explained until several novels down the line. It is a real credit to King's skills as a writer that this happens. These details make a lot more sense on a second reading and as a whole, make the story that much more enjoyable.

On the second reading, I no longer had to worry whether I liked the protagonist. This time, I understand his reasons for doing what he does and cannot hate him for it either. Yes, he is still the dark brooding antihero he was before but my perception of him has altered through gained knowledge and this enhances the whole experience. I also didn't feel the same about Jake, the young boy in the story, there was no sympathy for him on his 'experiences' (I won't say what it is, some of you may not have read his yet) as I knew what was ahead. What I didn't reckon on was there being the first chapter of The Drawing of the Three at the end, which has just made me want to read on. I will be disappointed once more when I open my next book and find Roland Deschain isn't in it!

The setting, language and mood of the novel are all as captivating as they were the first time around and I strongly advice those of you who have not read this novel/series yet to stop what you are doing, find a copy and read it. Why are you still reading this drivel? Go!

Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austin

 

It's been a while I know! Some major things happened in the real world over the past couple of weeks which has meant I haven't been able to update but at last, things are settling back down and I am ready to commence reviewing once more. My latest read was like stepping back to my uni days. I've not picked up a 'classic' for some time but thought I should read this one.

I found it a delightful read. I enjoyed it far more than I thought I would and far more than I ever did when I was reading this sort of thing back at uni. The novel flows well and I found the language wasn't too challenging. As with most classics, it was written over one hundred years ago, which means the language could potential be an issue. This was not the case in this novel. I did have to read a couple of sentences more than once but that is a small price to pay for such a great book.

The best thing about this novel is the insight it gives into the way of life during the nineteenth century. Austin has captured many of the social issues facing those of her class and gender and yet the novel doesn't lose any elements of humour while dealing with these issues. One observation made is still true today - “For what do we live, but to make sport for our neighbors, and laugh at them in our turn?”- this shows Austin was capable of making good observations of those around her and us them to amuse others.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and would recommend it to those interested in nineteenth century history, particularly the social elements. I'll read her other works as well in the future.