bdken Reviews

Trekkies (1997)

subtle, gentle, hilarious

[9/10 · 1 April 2005]

I thought the storytelling in this doc. was incredible. Never does the narration, the interviewing, or the framing poke fun at the bizarre, unconventional -- you know, I'm not even sure what other word works to describe these people -- fans who have made incredible adjustments in their lives in order to pay homage to Star Trek.

Yes, they are strange. Yes, they seem to sometimes proclaim the supremacy of Star Trek with a vehemence that only suggests the alternative is enough to topple their worlds. But at the same time, this film, I think, takes a gentle, even respectful look at their strange personal universes.

If you want to laugh, that is your prerogative. But I think this doc. is motivated more by fascination than by indignation or disgust. Trekkies (and Trekkers) are a cultural phenomenon. One that deserves the care and depth used in the presentation of this documentary.

Charlie Jade (2005)

an alternative to space opera?

[1 April 2005]

This is coming to SPACE soon. The whole idea that the show's built on the pillaging of the world's resources by multinational corporations is pretty interesting. A lot of science fiction these days is about big bad ships and space opera. You know, who's got the best technology. I'm interested to see something that actually talks about the weird power imbalances in our world. Something that doesn't just fetishize cool gadgets and the attractive people using them... in deep space. Charlie Jade might have something interesting to say, who knows?

And what about the issue of colonial tension? A powerful group of invaders uses the land and the resources against the will of the people who rightfully dwell there. I mean, this is set in South Africa... I wonder if it was intentional?