Star Trek Into Darkness Film Review: Beam Me Up, J.J. Abrams

The Star Trek reboot was a massive hit with almost all audiences.  Though there was always a little bit of tension over the fact J.J. Abrams openly admitted he was a bigger Star Wars fan and just a casual fan of Star Trek.  There were many critics that described the first as a Star Trek flavoured space opera rather than an actual Star Trek film.  And if that bothered you, I can tell you right now Star Trek Into Darkness will not make you any happier.  But it does contain several winks and homages to the franchise's past, and may have a few scenes that will get you absolutely giddy.  The reality is the reboot drew in new fans, and so the big question is if the sequel is a worthy follow-up.  I answer that very question in my latest film review for Collective Publishing.

The Breakdown of Star Trek Into Darkness Podcast: This Isn't Your Grandpa's Star Trek

Scott and I return from our hiatus with a Breakdown of one of the biggest blockbusters of the summer, Star Trek Into Darkness.  It also is the longest podcast ever as we have tons of opinions and thoughts on this film.  We deliver in-depth analysis of what works and what missed.  It is also one of the first podcasts we recorded without knowing what the other person thought of the picture, and it leads to some pretty lively discussion.

Enjoy!

The Hits and Misses of the New Series from the 2012/2013 Season

This week the networks are hyping up the news series for their fall schedule.  History says most of them will likely turn out to either be flops or mild successes, but there is usually one or two massive breakout hits.  This past year, Elementary was a strong ratings giant and continued CBS's reign on top.  I never watched Elementary because I'm allergic to gimmicked procedurals.  I did watch a fair amount of the heavily hyped new series from last year.  In my latest Collective Publishing, I look at 5 heavily hyped new series from this past season and analyze their freshman success (or failure).

Splish Splash Everett is Taking a Bath

Because I need to post something that my son will hate me for in his teen years, right?

Latest Trendy Song That Makes My Heart Dance with Glee

I've dished up a song by The Lumineers in the past.  It has been very clear for the last several years that Mumford & Sons has started a certain trend or maybe even craze in the music industry that is being followed by several bands.  The Lumineers would be one of those bands.

It gets played on most rock stations, but not sure how much the hardcore rockers like this music being shoved on their laps.  But there are many who do love the shoveling of this music, because it sells out arenas and actually moves albums in stores.  It is one of the current hot trends in music right now.  I describe it as a "Celtic folk rock fusion thing" that for the most part is upbeat and happy.  I'm probably the only one to use that description because it is kind of awkward and also would be deemed inaccurate by anyone who is a big fan of the genres I mashed into the description.  The one indisputable description is that it is trendy and hot right now.

There was a time that I tried to rebel against the hot and trendy.  Mostly because I argued the trendy usually looks rather stupid a decade later.  I still hold to that belief.  A lot of things that are super hot in pop culture don't have a long shelf life and aren't what endures as the classics to be remembered.

But at 35 years old, I really don't care anymore.  I'm fine being suckered by the trends and jumping on what is hot.  If I like it at the time, then that is the only thing that matters.  I like this new song by The Lumineers called "Stubborn Love."

It is the right kind of song that gets my fingers dancing and keeps my heart upbeat while I type away during the day.  An enjoyable and catchy song keeps me cheery and happy while trudging through some of the more mundane pay copy.  I still have all my other more deep and profound songs that spark creativity, but a fun little piece of eye candy is a great thing for the straightforward work.

Plus I'm a sucker for cute and happy little kids, and this video has one of those too.  I am not sure if the actual lyrics are super happy, but the video has heart and the music is good for the soul.

"Survivor Caramoan Finale" Recap: The Revenge of the Jury

Survivor Caramoan was loaded with blindsides and betrayals.  In the finale, it is time for the backstabbed to put the mastermind on the hot seat.  It was a pretty entertaining final tribal council, which is a fitting capper to a memorable season.  I've got all the highlights and reveal the winner in my recap for BuddyTV.

Be Distracted by "Everett Riding a Lion" Pictures as I Disappear for the Weekend

I have several projects that need my attention, plus the duty of making a few wonderful ladies feel special, so I'm going to hide away from the blog for the weekend.  I'll be back to post link to the Survivor finale recap on Sunday evening.  Enjoy your weekend and to the amazing mothers out there, have a fantastic Mother's Day.