Sequels: The Final Frontier...

Okay, so got a lot to talk about. A little over two hours' worth of things to talk about, actually. See, this morning I went to see Star Trek Into Darkness, and I expected something pretty spectacular. I mean, come on: Benedict Cumberbatch as the manipulative, highly-intelligent villain; the new Enterprise crew reprising their roles and getting along a whole lot better than the first movie (well, a little better); vast, exotic worlds, far more elaborate and beautiful than the 2009 movie; bigger fight scenes, more action, a faster pace. Four years might be a long time to wait in the movie world for a sequel, but Abrams and crew have certainly delivered. There's one thing I can say about Into Darkness: it's a step up.

New Year, New Movies

So it's the start of another year, and one I've been looking forward to very much. Every year is a new start (because no other day can be, apparently) and right now I want to start watching some new films.

I wrote on my other blog last year about my problems with sequels, but 2013 looks to be pretty good. I liked the Hobbit (apart from a few problems with the whole 3D thing - looks like it's 2D for me this year!) and The Desolation of Smaug ought to be the best of the three; from what I remember of the book, Mirkwood will be one of the most terrifying and action-packed parts of the whole thing.

Hobbit Hang-ups

So the Hobbit is coming out tomorrow. Peter Jackson's new trilogy, and it's starring Martin Freeman and a whole ton of Hollywood heavyweights, not to mention Benedict Cumberbatch. From the cast list alone I'm expecting a flashier version of BBC's Sherlock; what can I say? I'm setting myself up for disappointment here.

Sherlock vs Sherlock: The Great Game

I'm sure this whole topic has been pretty much exhausted by now, but hey. Here goes nothing.

This year we've had two television shows, one from either side of the Atlantic. In the blue corner, representing tradition, story and people who want to write gay slash fiction, we have Sherlock. In the red corner, representing pandering to audience expectations, Hollywood values of making everything bigger and more American, and strict heterosexuality in their fanfiction, it's Elementary. And which is better?

There's only one way to find out.