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andrewrigby1
Reviews
Star Trek: Picard: The Last Generation (2023)
Love and Connection
If there is one thing this show, particularly this episode, is about, it is our need for connection and love.
I was introduced to Star Trek by my Mum. Some of my earliest childhood memories are watching Star Trek with my Mum. When Next Generation came along, I was still a kid and one who had no idea how I was going to fit in this world (gay kid in the 80s/90s, go figure). Star Trek showed a future filled with optimism; and where people didn't discriminate against others because of the prejudices that drag down our current times.
So this brings us to the end of an era. Are there things that could be nit picked in this episode? Yes, of course. Though most of the criticisms I have seen levelled at this show are just as true of the other incarnations of Star Trek. Like those other incarnations, it transcends those critiques because it means something to us.
And this episode meant a great deal to me. Technically, it was brilliantly executed (the sfx, the design and the awesome soundtrack). The story brought together themes of love, connection and sacrifice whilst telling a gripping adventure story. The cast brought over 35 years of history to every exchange and every sideways glance.
I am not afraid to admit it, I ugly cried through some parts of this. It brought joy, it brought connection, it brought love!
Peace to all!
No Way Out (1987)
Good thriller with one terrible scene
A solid thriller. Costner and Hackman on good form. The tension is skilfully ratcheted up, particularly after the slow-ish start (the first third of the movie establishes the groundwork but isn't that interesting in itself). The twists and turns are neatly handled and the plot sticks to the landing without losing itself to excessive silliness. Good stuff!
But that scene where Costner and Sean Young get it off in the back of the car to the smooth sounds of an 80's power ballad is amongst the most horrifically cliched 80's sex scenes you'll ever see in a movie. Just when it can't get any worse: the saxophone comes in! Thankfully it doesn't hijack the rest of the movie.
Scandal (2012)
Curiously fascinating, but sort of horrible
Curiously fascinating, utterly trashy TV show about generally despicable human beings, with few redeeming features, getting away with morally horrific things. A testament to how wearing a shirt and tie can be seen to somehow make horrible people palatable within the context of an inequitable criminal justice sistem - even though there is a moral and an actual violence that results from their actions that is just as contemptible as any criminal. Far more wide reaching than a random meth-head, this is criminality that corrupts the very fabric of the society that serves them (all the while they masquerade as serving society).
Unlike How To Get Away this doesn't really manage the high-wire balancing act within the grey areas of morality, with characters that are less interesting and fall too squarely into being morally reprehensible (also, no Viola Davis). Still oddly watchable in short bursts, though.
Springsteen on Broadway (2018)
Very real and very moving
I have always enjoyed and admired Bruce Springsteen, without necessarily being a big fan. But this really gave an insight into both the man and the artist - a perfect balance of mythologising and deep honesty. A great songwriter. Very real and ultimately very moving. He is also very funny.
What came across as the essence of Springsteen and his music is a sense of empowerment about being victorious in life, whoever you are and whatever that means to you. Thunder Road has never sounded more resonant. I loved it.
Star Trek: Picard: Maps and Legends (2020)
A Positive Future
I have a feeling that this really will tirn out to be the Star Trek that we fell in love with. A positive future and a vision for humanity that provides hope in these troubled times. Its just that we don't get to see it in episode 2. There's still work to do here and the writers are playing a longer game. I'm fine with that. The fact that problems are not confronted and neatly solved in a single hour somehow feels appropriate at this point. It's a narrative that suits these troubled times, with Jean-Luc Picard as the figure of hope fighting back against xenophobia and fear and reactionary politics that define the moment, but don't necessarily define us for all time.
As Anne Frank said, "Look at how a single candle can both defy and define the darkness."
Jean-luc Picard is that light in the darkness and we need him now more than ever.
We are only 2 episodes in so i cant yet say whether or not this will turn out to he a great Star Trek series... but so far, I still have faith that in the long run this will live up to its potential.
Star Trek: Picard (2020)
Star Trek remembering what it does best!
Different, but still Trek. And Patrick Stewart is in a whole league of his own. Trek has through the years sought to champion (with varying degrees of succeed) minorities and those whose voices may not always be easily heard. It was well ahead of the game in the 60s with racial diversity; though painfully behind the curve in the 90s with sexual orientation. Here we have a lead character who centralises the issue of age and being elderly in a way that is rarely seem on mainstream TV. And by doing this through an actor as nuanced and elegant as Stewart, those who know some of their best days may not be behind them (but have trouble convincing the rest of the world of this) have a rare and worthy hero!
Star Trek: Picard (2020)
Star Trek remembering what it does best!
Different, but still Trek. And Patrick Stewart is in a whole league of his own. Trek has through the years sought to champion (with varying degrees of succeed) minorities and those whose voices may not always be easily heard. It was well ahead of the game in the 60s with racial diversity; though painfully behind the curve in the 90s with sexual orientation. Here we have a lead character who centralises the issue of age and being elderly in a way that is rarely seem on mainstream TV. And by doing this through an actor as nuanced and elegant as Stewart, those who know some of their best days may not be behind them (but have trouble convincing the rest of the world of this) have a rare and worthy hero!
Star Trek: Picard: Remembrance (2020)
Glancinf back but striding forward!
Different, but still Trek. And Patrick Stewart is in a whole league of his own. Trek has through the years sought to champion (with varying degrees of succeed) minorities and those whose voices may not always be easily heard. It was well ahead of the game in the 60s with racial diversity; though painfully behind the curve in the 90s with sexual orientation. Here we have a lead character who centralises the issue of age and being elderly in a way that is rarely seem on mainstream TV. And by doing this through an actor as nuanced and elegant as Stewart, those who know some of their best days may not be behind them (but have trouble convincing the rest of the world of this) have a rare and worthy champion!