Star Trek Movies

Last week, I've watched the first six movies of Star Trek on cable. I could not believe that I have not watched all of them before. How could I miss this amazing series of movies ? Most people would say that they prefer Star Wars over Star Trek but in my opinion, both films are totally different and hence cannot be compared with one another.
You've heard of the Superman curse before. But do you know there is a Star Trek curse as well? Most die-hard fans would tell you that any star trek movie that has an alternate number at the end of its title is doomed to fail whereas the ones with the even number are the most successful.
Let's take a look at why this is the case:
Star Trek - The Motion Picture (1979)
Plot: An approaching space cloud threatens earth and is up to the crew of Starship Enterprise to save the day.
Review: Here's the movie that started it all ! It has been more than 10 years since the original series ended. Some of the cast has aged quite significantly. Although it did quite well at the box-office, many felt disappointed. This movie is the longest Star Trek movie to date due to the long shots of some scenes until some die hard fans even dubbed it as Star Trek - The Slow Motion Picture. The storyline was not that interesting as well.
Trivia: Directed by Robert Wise (The Sound of Music)
Star Trek II - The Wrath of Khan (1982)
Plot:
Review: A revenge movie set in space. Star Trek II is not only one of the best star trek movie, but also one of the best sci-fi movies of all time. The first in the trilogy.
Trivia: Directed by Mr.Spock himself, actor Leonard Nimoy.
The first movie was so bad that they initially named this movie as Star Trek : The
Star Trek III - The Search for Spock (1984)
Plot: Admiral Kirk is informed by Spock's father that Spock is still alive and must retrieve his body back in order to save him.
Review: The second in the trilogy
Trivia: Directed by Mr.Spock himself, actor Leonard Nimoy
Actor Christopher Lloyd (Back to the Future) plays the evil Klingon.
Star Trek IV - The Voyage Home (1986)
Plot: An alien probe threatens earth and is up to the crew of the Starship Enterprise to save the day.
Review: You might think that the storyline about rescuing earth by picking up whales from the past sounds ridiculous, but it was and still is the most successful Star Trek movie to date. There are many reasons why this one was successful. It combines elements of time travel (which is my most favourite sci-fi theme) and for the first time, a bit of comedy was added to it. Also unique in this film is that there is no villain ! The third in the trilogy.
Star Trek V - The Final Frontier (1989)
Plot:
Review: This movie started off interestingly and then falters towards the end due to the similarity to the first movie. Have they not learned their lesson not to touch on spirituality or religion ?
Trivia: Directed by Captain Kirk himself, actor William Shatner.
Star Trek VI - The Undiscovered Country (1991)
Plot:
Review:
Trivia: Actor Christopher Plummer(The Sound of Music) plays the Klingon.
Creator Gene Roddenberry died within 48 hours after watching it.

Holiday Horrors

There are many types of horror movies. One of the most popular scenarios for a horror movie is when a group of people are having a holiday. Whether it is a beach or a desert, they basically follow the same formula - The victims are enjoying their holiday, then something goes wrong (one of them goes missing, the car breaks down). And the killers kill them one by one until a few (or none) of them survive. And all of these movies have a common goal - that is to outdo each another in the violence and gore department.

Here are a list movies that I have watched so far, rated from Excellent to Good:
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003)
Plot: 5 young teenagers stumble upon a helpless victim on the way to a rock concert and are trapped in a deserted town controlled by a mad family.
Review: This is the movie that got me interested in the horror genre again. Although this movie is a remake of the original that came out way back in 1974, I have not been this excited about a horror movie since the first Scream (1996) came out. The introduction to the movie really sets the mood and dread that follows.
Along with Dawn of the Dead (2004) and Saw (2004), these are some of the movies that I have watched more than thrice ! Each time recommending to my friends and watching it together with them. Probably the reason why this is the first and most successful film produced by Michael Bay to date is due to the fine and believable performances of Jessica Biel and R. Lee Ermy, excellent direction by first time director Marcus Nispel and a good script. Followed by a less than satisfactory prequel in 2006.
The Hills Have Eyes (1977, 2006)
Plot: A family are stranded in the wilderness and are terrorized by a group of deformed humans. Review: The synopsis may sound simplistic, but under the hands of director Alexandre Aja, (whose previous effort High Tension (2003) (a.k.a. Switchblade Romance) was one of the most controversial french movies) expect some good tension and scares. A highly recommended horror flick. Produced by Wes Craven (director of the original Hills). Followed by a supposedly mediocre sequel in 2007.
The Descent (2005)
Plot: A group of females descend into the cave and something bad happened.
Review: That's it. I've revealed too much. Any further details would spoil this thrilling film. Not for the claustrophobic. An edge of your seat thriller. Obviously highly superior to The Cave (2005)
Cabin Fever (2002)
Plot: A group of young people spend their vacation in the cabin situated in the woods when a stranger visits them and infects them with a skin disease.
Review: Now here's something you don't see everyday. While most horror movies deal with killers and the supernatural, this one deals with a more believable scenario. Clearly inspired by such classic horror movies such as The Thing (1982) and Evil Dead II (1987) Look out for some funny scenes as well. Director Eli Roth's groundbreaking movie.
Hostel (2005)
Plot: A group of holidaymakers head to Europe for some exotic action and they end up getting more than what they wished for.
Review: Director Eli Roth's second directional effort after Cabin Fever is equally violent and gory. Expect lots of torture scenes. Followed by a sequel in 2007.
The Blair Witch Project (1999)
Plot: 3 friends search the woods for the legendary blair witch.
Review: Love it or hate it, this film has certainly made an impact in the horror genre. The concept is so simple and obvious and yet no one has ever done it before. You will never look at home videos the same way again.
Wolf Creek (2005)
Plot: A couple enjoying their holiday in the Australian outback becomes the victim of a sadistic killer.
Review: Australian-made horror movie is surprisingly well made. The best since Dead Calm (1989)

And the rest, from bad to worse are:
The Hitcher (2007)
Plot: A couple on the way to celebrate spring break encounter a killer that won't stop terrorizing them.
Review: A few good thrills but a mediocre effort overall. Although Sean Bean makes a good villian, this movie makes him like a terminator. Also be prepared to curse the couple for doing stupid things !
The House of Wax (2005)
Plot: A group of friends are stranded in a deserted town where the only safe place is in the house of wax.
Review: Good concept marred by poor script. Laughable acting by Paris Hilton. Some good death scenes though.
Turistas (2006)
Plot: A group of "Turistas" (Tourists in Spanish) discovers a remote beach resort that was too good to be true.
Review: Average horror movie that only becomes more interesting towards the end. Since this is from the same director that made movies such as Into the Blue and Blue Crush, expect lots of scenes that take place underwater.
Wrong Turn (2003)
Another similar horror movie that follows the same formula. A couple of good horror effects but most of it is unmemorable.