At the movies: Stories We Tell.

For the time being, at least, this is the best movie of 2013. Go see it, and spend some time with real human issues that aren't about drink-throwing and dumb shit. I wish Oprah was still on the air, because it's totally in her wheelhouse and she could get an insane amount of publicity for a small film that absolutely deserves your support. I guess that's my pull-quote: "If you miss when Oprah would use her powers for good, Stories We Tell is the movie you need to see."

Some thoughts on Star Trek Into Darkness.

I am fortunate, because I have an editor and venue that is interested in hardcore Trekkie thoughts. Take a look, if you're inclined to dig deep (by which I mean Arex and M'Ress, a defense of Star Trek: The Motion Picture, Klinzhai realness, and why Hollywood considers Wrath of Khan to be some kind of sacred ur-text). I welcome your thoughts, provided you're not just trying to be a jerkface.

I also made a point of not getting into my usual #1 Star Trek complaint (the abandonment of the Deltans in favor of their community college equivalents, the Betazoids), because the bald female navigator in this film (Ensign Darwin, as credited in the cast list), while she may not supposed to be Deltan, that is certainly the visual impression she gives. That she is an actress of color is even more awesome, because it's about time Paramount gave us some IDIC in action.

Also, here's a link to my take on the 2009 Trek, just to acclimate yourself to my perspectives. Cumberbatch is lightyears better than Bana, that is for damned sure.