I was really excited about watching Star Trek, and I’m not even a Trekkie or anything. In fact, I’ve never seen an episode  – I always thought it was…you know, lame. But this Star Trek is different. This is the stuff of the new generation -  a cooler kind of mission with a hotter rendition of the original cast – after all, it’s meant to appeal to superficial people like me, right? And did it? Indeed. Indeed it did.

Now, story-wise, there’s little I can say on that front. You would have to watch the movie and pay attention and keep your ears peeled for all the inside jokes only the true Trek fans would understand. Who’s the lame-o now? But even if you’re not into the sci-fi stuff, you’ll nonetheless appreciate all the outer-space scenes complete with black holes consuming entire planets and space-crafts battling against a backdrop of stars and celestial particles and ominous-looking elements. Truth is, I can’t quite remember what all these elements were, but that’s not really important.

The reason I’m just glossing over the (main) story is because it isn’t where all the good stuff takes place. This is one of those “it’s not the destination, but the journey” type of joints, and on board this space vessel, the journey is all about getting along with your peers, no matter how odd or intolerable they may seem.

Odd? Spock.

Intolerable? Kirk.

It’s the dynamic interplay between the two youthful leads that bring new-found zest to an ageless story. And let me just say, these two really made the movie.

The reason I was so excited about the film specifically was for Zachary Quinto, who’s brilliant Spock interpretation made a convert out of me. There was none more suited to play the emotionally-void Vulcan-humanoid, thanks to years of embodying the soul-less Sylar on Heroes. It’s funny because whenever Spock got mad at someone, I kept waiting for him to point and sear a line across their forehead, the way Sylar would on the show (but luckily no such dramatics occurred). Instead we witness an identity crisis that has him grappling with the duality of heritage – the Vulcan part of him that operates solely on logic and reason, and the human side that inspires feelings and emotions. An unrecognizable Winona Ryder plays his Mother who assures him that he will be loved regardless of who he chooses to become. Reason takes reign, but he does allow himself the indulgence of a human relationship with Uhura (the lovely Zoe Saldana) which was quite pleasing to see.

So, Quinto in the lead was already worth the price of admission for me and everything else was just icing on a cake that was light on fluff, heavy on stuff. Well, it’s not the kind of movie that requires one to ponder any complex conundrums, (except a whole space-time continuum thing) as the film’s pretty much meant to simultaneously attract a younger audience while remaining loyal to the old-schoolers. Hence, the casting of Harold and Kumar’s John Cho (whom I like), a mighty fine Chris Pine (who I now like) and a very much revered appearance from Leonard Nimoy (judging from all the hootin’ and hollerin’ and hand-clappin that happened in my theater). I also have to single out Anton Yelchin (Charlie Bartlett, watch it) who really brought the funny with his exaggerated Russian accent as Pavel Chekov, and oh yes, the comical Scotty played by the ever so clever Simon Pegg (Run Fatboy Run, rent it!)

I have to commend the entire cast and the writers on successfully rebooting the franchise and making it fresh for the uninitiated, the rest of us who were just too cool to watch the original. For those who have followed the series, there will be a tug of nostalgia (I sensed the inherent joy around me) and I’m guessing, the satisfaction that their beloved Star Trek was done justice. The standing ovation made me believe this was so.

This is a film that is kind of hard not to like. Between all the intergalactic explosions and inter-stellar happenings is a great back-story about the beginnings of the Enterprise and this vision of the utopian future where different races (even species) converge for a unified mission. It kind of made me want to go back and school myself on the Star Trek legacy, or at least Wikipedia the main gist of it. I haven’t done that yet, but I will. After all, I would like to appear informed, if I am to attend future Star Trek conventions.

I’m not saying I didn’t like the movie. But when the credits came and we all turned to each other for the verdict, the unanimous answer was an unenthusiastic “It was good”, except for maybe one person who said “It was really good” but I suspect it had more to do with her lust for Hugh Jackman, Ryan Reynolds and the guy who played Gambit. In any case, it wasn’t a bad movie, it just did not live up to its character’s iconic status.

Let me explain what I mean.

Wolverine’s a troubled guy, right? He’s supposed to be this deep character full of personal conflicts and a tormented past of which he can’t be sure of on account of the countless memory alterations. He’s been manipulated with, experimented on, scarred, screwed over and forsaken by the woman he loved. His emotions should be as impenetrable as the adamantium bound to his bones – kind of like a mutant James Dean.

In other words, Wolverine is bad-ass, like Christian Bale’s Batman, who too, because of his dark past rises from the ashes a brooding, complex character. But where Chris Nolan’s Batman was able to convey that contemplative, morose, anti-hero persona at a profound level, Wolverine’s people took no measures to embed any depth to his personal struggles.

I know it’s not really fair to compare Wolverine to the Batman franchise, because they aren’t meant to be similar in nature (or are they?) If anything, the characters are from two opposing camps (Marvel vs. DC) so of course creating similarities would be rather pointless.

I just wish the writers had been clever enough to come up with memorable quotes that might be applicable to real life (Batman had a ton of them), something I could use to make myself sound smarter in conversations about our flawed society and the human condition (ie: “Some men just want to watch the world burn”). Wolverine provided no such insights. Instead, all I kept hearing were cheap clichés like “You want him? You got him” or “Look what the cat brought in.” After several of such trite sentences, I stopped hoping for anything exceptional.

And what a shame that is. For this here’s a guy who’s endured so much strife, who operates like a one-man army against antagonists from all angles – including from within himself – yet is given no chance at self-reflection and personal revelations. Surely he must have a shipload of wisdom to dispense, or something a bit more impactful and significant to say than “How about I cut your goddamn head off? See if that works?”

No, says one of my Wolverine insiders, that’s how he is in the comics – he doesn’t say much. He says things like “Bub”. Ok fair enough, so Wolvie’s a man of few words. Fine. But what about all the other characters? For example, the old man who owned the barn. Old guys tend to have wise things to say. In Batman it was usually Alfred who steered Bruce towards enlightenment. In Spiderman, Uncle Ben told Peter Parker “With great power comes great responsibility.” I thought for sure this elder and his wife would give Wolverine something remarkable to remember after their meeting. But no, they abruptly get shot and that’s the end of them. Another opportunity unused.

I can already hear people objecting to my emphasis on the importance of “words” when a movie is really all about the storyline. Who cares about quotes and intelligent-sounding sentences? It’s all about the kick-ass plot.

Fair enough. For people who just expect a generic story interspersed with some slightly cool action sequences (and a very lame fiery explosion scene with a slow-mo Wolverine walking away unscathed), then the movie shouldn’t really dissappoint. If you’re just there to pass the time with two-hours of standard entertainment, you’ve got nothing to complain about.

But I was truly hoping for more. I hoped for something deeper, with more psychological impact, something that would imprint the story of Wolverine with a tad more substance. If a movie is going to establish itself in any meaningful way, it has to have something meaningful to say. If not literally, then at least metaphorically, or symbolically.

I did appreciate a few things about the film though. In particular, the scene where Wolverine’s girlfriend tells him the story of why the moon is so lonely. That was quite touching – almost made me shed a tear. I also found Victor Creed quite scary and ruthless (a nice performance by Liev Schreiber) and the way he charged on all fours amused me greatly. Ryan Reynolds had huge arms – that was quite exciting. (Ok seriously, I didn’t actually care about that last one but it was worth mentioning).

Still, the potential to be something greater was grossly missed. Wolverine could’ve been more than just a man on the run, more than just a witless warrior embroiled in a stranglehold of violence and self-preservation. It reminds me of that part in Batman Begins when Liam Neeson (as Henri Ducard) explains to Bruce Wayne that  “A vigilante is just a man lost in the scramble for his own gratification. He can be destroyed, or locked up. But if you make yourself more than just a man, if you devote yourself to an ideal, and if they can’t stop you, then you become something else entirely.”

Which is?

A legend.

And what exactly did Wolverine become at the end of the film?

I don’t remember.

1. Robert Pattinson

When I created the original 25 actors list, I hadn’t yet seen Twilight. If I did, I wouldn’t have ignorantly excluded Robert Pattinson from the list, because his Edward Cullen character could induce me to watch any movie, no matter how bad it was. I’m a bit ashamed to admit that I have indeed boarded the Pattinson bandwagon but it’s because he plays such a studly vampire – yes, even hotter than Brad Pitt’s take on the nightly creature. Ok, here’s the truth, I kind of created this list, JUST so I could put Robert Pattinson on it. That’s how crazy this whole thing has gotten.

2. Milo Ventimiglia

I first saw him in Gilmore Girls where he didn’t really do anything for me. Then suddenly, his hotness-meter peaked the minute he appeared on Heroes – maybe it was the hair, maybe it was his conflicted personality, maybe it was because he possessed the best power on the show. Whatever it was it sure sparked my attraction for short guys with crooked smiles. For all the dudes, Milo’s living proof that you don’t need to be 6′1 or have the body of a wrestler to win hearts – all you need to do is work those mutant super powers!

3. Michael Rosenbaum

Michael is on the list because after he left Smallville I haven’t seen him since. And that’s a shame because his talent is remarkable, at least when it comes to portraying the legendary villain Lex Luthor, which is more or the less the only role I’ve seen him in. He dressed up as a woman in Sorority Boys, but that was so long ago it no longer counts. He was also in Sweet November, but that movie was so bad I choose to discount it. I’d rather look forward to his future work, where hopefully he won’t have any hair, because he makes the best-looking bald guy ever.

4. Bill Hader

Comics are quite popular on my lists because funny guys are the best guys (though nice guys finish first). Bill Hader is hilarious! I’ve sat through the most inane movies just because he was in them, (ie: Hot Rod) for he never fails to do or say anything un-funny. I just love his zany facial expressions and that absurd high-pitched voice he makes. He’s one of those guys with that unique sense of humour, who’s instantly recognizable but isn’t yet a household name. He’s currently an SNL alum which is pretty much home to the new generation’s crop of cool comedians.

5. Taylor Kitsch

I know there’s a disproportionate amount of hot men on my lists, but I swear it’s just a coincidence – I’m not that superficial! But… but I will readily admit that Taylor Kitsch is on the list precisely for his good looks. He plays Gambit in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, which was the first time I’ve seen him and frankly, I look forward to seeing a whole lot more!

Oh no, I still haven’t seen a decent movie to review and here’s another image-filled post – I’m running the risk of this site turning into a girly-girl gossip blog – which it is NOT!

But nonetheless, it is Friday… so this calls for another fashion entry. The good news is, the following pictures are smokin’! Let’s check them out:

Initial reactions? Wow! Hot! Zoink! Zap! B looks phenomenal in this mullet-inspired number (note: this is the only acceptable mullet look). It’s a ravishing dress that might look ridiculous on less blessed bodies, (blessed with a personal trainer that is!) but Beyonce makes it divine, though I could do without that holy trail.

Damn Scotty, I always thought Zoe Saldana was cute, but this dress just beamed up the Star Trek starlet into super-sexy siren status! Simply out of this world. In fact, those aren’t sparkles on her dress, it’s a freakin galaxy! A galaxy of awesomeness!

Bar Rafaeli has two good things going for her at the moment: Being Leonardo DiCaprio’s main squeeze and that scene-stealing metallic masterpiece wrapped around her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover model body. No, there’s no envy here whatsoever.

Hmm. Compared to the three pics above this picture seems kinda misplaced. I mean it’s good, it’s just not as great. I would reserve the Morticia Adam’s hair for another affair and maybe add some bling to make the dress a zinger. But it’s Rachel Bilson! Any excuse to feature her on this blog is good with me. And… the blue colour is nice!

Ok before you get all up in my grill about catering to pre-pubescents and pedophiles, let me just say that I don’t discriminate when it comes to good style. And this dress is too fantabulous to not be featured! But damn it, I hate the look of shoulders on steroids – big shoulders are the current ridiculous fashion trend again (when will they learn?!) But compared to the other over-sized monstrosities out there, this is actually tasteful and suitable. Well done Miley! Well…done.

So that wraps up another fashion Friday… I’ll be sure to bring you more stuntastic styles next week, but in the meantime, feel free to subscribe to my RSS feed for more movie news fun!

I’m not a hater, really I’m not.

But the implicit message is clear: Young Hollywood annoys me! Maybe it’s overexposure (in the tabloids, blogs, and bad movies). Maybe there’s little variation in levels of talent, or (although unlikely) maybe I’m just jealous.

But there are still some famous female faces who don’t trigger the ‘hater!’ alert, who don’t grind my gears and most importantly, who have no effect on my flimsy ego.

Here they are:

1. Kristin Kreuk

I will always love Kristin! Even if she keeps limiting her potential by picking the worst projects, such as Street Fighter which I hated, or Partition, which was so low-key I’m not sure if anyone’s seen it. She’s still the classic A-girl for her work in Edgemont and Smallville – in fact she was my main reason for watching them (this had nothing to do with her being one of the most surreally beautiful people on the planet). Not sure how much longer she’ll stay in the acting game though, as she’s currently devoted to Girls By Design, a project for young female empowerment, as well other humanitarian causes as seen through her youtube vids. That might be good for me, as it would bring her down to the level of “normal” people, and maybe increase my chances of actually meeting her!

2. Kat Dennings

The entries on her blog seem to be self-written, her candor is unexpected, there’s no snobbery of any sort, no entourage or drunken party pics, just the musings of a quirky, imaginative and personable girl who makes Youtube videos and rambles on Twitter – it’s like you kind of know her! (Yeah, riiight…) She’s had some prominent roles (Charlie Bartlett, Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist) but none that have thrusted her too starkly into superstardom. But with her talent and appeal, I predict some mightier scripts coming her way – so appreciate her now while she’s still approachable, and low on the ego.

3. Kristen Bell

My boyfriend loves her, but so do I. Because although she is beautiful, she’s not perfect and thus, non-threatening. Apart from that useless tidbit of info, she was first-rate in Forgetting Sarah Marshall, for her comical cuteness which really made her endearing despite playing the antagonist. Guest appearances on Heroes also found her extremely likable for being a bad-ass who was really just vulnerable underneath it all. Plus, she teamed up with Sylar which made her extra cool by association (at least until he… you know).

4. Rosario Dawson

Seeing her in Seven Pounds put her firmly on my radar and I’ve since declared her under-rated. Sure I’ve never really seen any of her other movies, but that doesn’t mean I won’t watch her future films. Wait, actually I have seen Sin City, so there you go, I do have a basis upon which to judge her talent. Interviews and photos demonstrate her down-to-earthness and a natural affinity for being herself – which is always a welcome change in a world of superficial clones.

5. Hayden Panettiere

She plays a beautiful blond cheerleader and she’s dating Heroes superstar Milo Ventimiglia. Logic dictates I should be oozing envy – but I’m not (I’m not like that!) Truth is, she’s  a great actress – when Claire Bennet cries, so do I. Plus, I do give her props for snagging Peter Petrelli – he is the hottest cast member after all! She’s making the big-screen leap later this year in I Love You, Beth Cooper, but this isn’t her first major film role. Go back and watch Remember the Titans and you’ll see why she’s a big timer. (Update: I just found out her and Milo split up 3 months ago. As you can see, I don’t follow celebrity gossip!)