Seriously, how good is the latest Star Trek?

Allow me to put in perspective this reviewer’s state of mind with this film. I am a hardcore classic Trek fan. That’s not to say that I have seen every single episode, know every movie by heart, or even seen the animated series. Far from it. In fact, I’ve seen a few of the episodes, I have seen all the Classic Trek movies, but don’t know them by heart, and I’ve seen very few of the animated series. That’s not to say that I am a Star Trek fan. In fact, I am a huge fan. In fact, one would say I would be called a Trekkie, if not for the fact that I don’t wear the pointed ears or the Starfleet uniform in real life. Hell, I don’t even own a Star Trek action figure. (Molly owns the classic Trek Barbies though, but that’s another story…)

Imagine my shock and wonderful surprise when I saw the trailer for Star Trek. I was not expecting to go as absolutely insane over this movie as I did based on the trailer alone. This is Star Wars caliber excitement for me people. I am a hardcore Star Wars fan. More so than Trek. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mean the original trilogy, I mean the prequels. And yes, I am aware of the fact that it took them eleven movies to accomplish that but I believe in quality over quantity and while Wrath of Kahn is much beloved in the hearts of fans, (mine included) it was a different kind of good.

This has changed…

J.J. Abrams has brought us a Trek that I can finally say, kicks the ass of Star Wars.
 
Yeah, I said it.

In fact, Abrams has brought us a Trek that for the first time that I have gone to see a Trek movie in the theater (and I have been doing this since Wrath of Kahn), that it not only accessible to both fans and non fans, not only effectively reboots the franchise in such a way that it does not leave the non fans isolated and wondering if they missed something by not being familiar with the original series yet, makes enough winks and nods to us old Trekkies to remind us of just who these wonderful characters are, but also delivers a truly visceral, and visual experience that you would never get with a Star Trek movie. This is the Star Trek that we have all been waiting for.

The cast is absolutely fantastic and they bring to life the characters that we have known and loved from the original show to life in a way that almost makes us forget about the iconic originals. I say almost as this is an alternate take on these people. To explain more, would be spoiling so I will not say anything more about that.

Chris Pine as James T. Kirk delivers a performance that does not attempt to copy William Shatner. That said, he brings Kirk to life with an intensity, humor and charm that still makes his rendition feel like Kirk. Pine does this very effectively. Zoe Saldana brings a raw sexiness to Uhura that I was not expecting. She also is an excellent actress as she has quite a few very emotional moments with a certain character that bring her talent to the forefront. Simon Pegg as Scotty is wonderful. The accent, the quirkiness, the famous line of the ship giving all she’s got, Pegg is absolutely a delight to see on screen. John Cho as Sulu is excellent. He copies George Takei’s voice almost perfectly and yes, we do get to see Sulu swordfight in this movie and that fight is awesome. Anton Yelchin as Chekov has some very funny moments because of the accent. His character works and even gets a moment to shine which is something that the original Chekov did not get all that much. Zachary Quinto as Spock is incredible. He brings a quiet intensity to the role, yet does not underplay much of what Leonard Nimoy brought to the original character. Quinto is the performance to watch. His casting in the role was what made me really take notice as he is fantastic in the NBC show Heroes. His casting in Trek is no exception. Quinto is a fantastic actor and it shows in this movie.

I am forgetting to mention my favorite performance in the movie by far. That would be Karl Urban as McCoy. Urban brings the role to life in a way I would have never expected. He was cranky, he was moody, and absolutely hysterical. Urban’s McCoy is simply wonderful and for me at least, the standout performance in the movie.

I am going to refrain from talking about the story, the villain and the big cameo from the old series for this movie as there are the inevitable millions of reviews that will talk about all these things. But understand this, Star Trek is the real deal. This is the best movie of the summer so far. It deserves, nay, screams for an audience to cheer, laugh, and even cry to its every frame. J.J. Abrams has delivered us a movie that does not disappoint in any way, shape, or form. In short, go see Star Trek. You will be glad you did.

In the grand tradition of Tales of the Underdogs, comes a bold new series of stories of a first time father.  Nubbed Squirrel Productions bring you...THE OLIVER CHRONICLES!  (Cue dramatic music here or something...)

Be warned that virtually all my baby stories involve some form of body excretion.  I have already been pooped on, peed on, spat up on, etc. I am not surprised anymore but those with weak stomachs should be warned that baby functions are gross.  You have been warned.

So Oliver likes to eat, then again ALL babies like to eat.  Well let me enlighten you on the eating habits of my son.  Ollie likes his vegetables.  LOVES his veg in fact.  He likes his peas, sweet potatoes, squash, carrots so much that when he's really into the meal, he will literaly grab the spoon and make sure it arrives in his mouth with the foody payload in a timely manner.  That said, he also likes his cookies very much.  You do not come between Oliver and his cookies for anything in the world.  Even less between him and his bottle.  If you are spotted with a new bottle in your hand, you better believe he will scream for it if he does not receive said bottle in time.  

Oliver had just finished his bottle and I gave him a cookie.  Here is where the trouble started.  Oliver takes the cookie form my hand and proceeds to shove it in his mouth in typical Ollie fashion.  He starts to munch on the cookie and play with it.  I'm watching heroes and all of a sudden I hear...

HUWAHHHH

(Keep in mind, this is a gagging sound.  Try saying it at the top of your lungs like you have something stuck in the back of your throat and you will have an idea.)

Molly from the other room: Is he gagging on something?
R: Yeah, I think it's his cookie.  
M: Pick him up then!  

I pick up Oliver and he stays quiet for just a second.  

R:Okay I picked him up.  I don't think he's gagging on the cookie any...
O:HUWAHHHH
M:GET THE COOKIE OUT OF HIS MOUTH!!!!!

Molly comes into the room, right when I am about to put my finger in his mouth and all of a sudden, a geyser of formula that we are pretty sure he didn't have time to digest shoots out of his mouth a'la Exorcist and all over me.  The cookie was in there somewhere I'm sure.  Either way, it smelled like old cheese.  

So I'm sitting there with baby vomit completely covering my sweatpants and absolutely speechless.  Molly starts laughing her ass off.  Oliver seeing mommy laugh, starts laughing hysterically.  And naturally, hearing my kid laugh like this sets me off into laughing as well.  Lesson learned.      

There is an epilogue to this story, I called my mom and told her what her grandson had to done to me and simply answered, "Payback's a bitch." Because apparently., I did this to her many a time when I was a baby.  
    

Saturday, July 19th 2008, my world was permanently rocked by a little person named Oliver.  I knew from the moment that I met him, that things were going to be different forever.  I just had no idea how different they would be.

Flash to today, April 27, 2009.  Things are different now.  I'm unemployed.  Molly still has a great paying job with even better benefits than before, and I got my first "A" in college since I can't remember when.  Oliver is now trying to walk.  I remember when I first met my son, he couldn't walk, let alone hold the bottle on his own.  He does that now too.  It's just so amazing seeing him develop the way that he does.  I think I couldn't have made a better choice than to start studying psychology so that I could understand what my son is and will be going through.  

The job thing.  Heh. Yeah.  I am glad I am no longer working at Siemens.  I remember so little of that day that I was fired.  I just wish I had left on MY terms and not THEIRS. That said, when a job begins to give you chest pains of stress, it's time to get the fuck out and not look back.  That's exactly what I did.  As soon as I found out I was getting fired, I requested my things right then and there, and walked away, and never looked back.  I have friends still there, sure.  I don't know the full reason why I was fired, I don't care to know.  I do know that the friends I kept from there are great people for dealing with what they have to deal with.  The person who fired me says he didn't want to lose my friendship with him because of firing me.  He fucked that up by telling that to someone else and not to me directly. I'm not saddened by losing him as a friend. 

I am now looking for something part time so I can be a full time daddy.  Doing so will save us money in child care as well as give me time to bond more with my son.  A movie theater would be nice to work in again.  Hell an acting gig in a stage play or something would be great because I can be there at night and not have to worry about who's watching my son because my wife will be home with him.  That and I can take him places once he's able to walk more. 

Life for me is nothing short of happy, despite the circumstances.  Oliver's smile and laugh are enough to get me through the day.  That's it for now. He's waking up.  Time for food and playtime! 

Who are the Underdogs?  They are artists, writers, fighters, actors, drama nuts, geeks, freaks, drinkers, thinkers, bohemians, and the best friends I will ever have.  Who am I?  I am the chronicler of this, our exploits.  Why?  Because no one else sure as shit wants to write this crap down...

First off, I know it's been almost a year since I last wrote one of these.  I've been a little busy being a dad, podcasting, losing my job, looking for a new one and taking online courses that promise to be nothing short of interesting.  I'm finally going for my bachelors's degree in psychology.  With that I can be a teacher out here in Texas.  Possibly even a theater teacher. 

As I write this, by the way, my kid is happily eating a cookie and having the most interesting conversation with himself.  I just find it hilarious. 

So, last year with the gang, (except for Jason) I got to go to Disneyland.  For our exploits there, check out the blog entitled "Shun the Nonbeliever!" and you will see what I am talking about.  Anyway, on our way out, Aubrey, Shannon and I are on our way out of the park and Aubrey has it in his craw that he's got to get a sticky bun before we leave the park.  It's a traditon for him.  He had never gone to Disneyland and not gotten a sticky bun.  I'm cool with that.  Hell, I've got my own traditions when it comes to the Happiest Place on Earth.  I gotta get a mint julep from New Orleans Square and the chicken fusili from Tomorrowland or it's not a great trip. (Last year was the exception as Molly made me promise to not have a mint julep without her.)

So Aubrey goes in to get his Sticky Bun and ends up waiting in the longest frickin line that he could possibly end up waiting in.  The whole day has had us with a wait of about a half hour maximum for every attraction and then Aub gets in the sticky bun line, and we are there for at least an hour.  I go and do my shopping for the wife and kid and a little for myself and I go back and meet up with Shannon who is hanging out at the entrance of the Sticky Bun store. 

R: Is he done yet?
S: NO.
R: What is he helping harvest the wheat for the Sticky Bun or something?!?...Oh wait, the line is frickin HUGE!  What the hell?!?

So we wait, and wait, and wait and finally he comes out, triumphant with his Sticky Bun in his hand.  We go to the World of Disney Store I buy some extra stuff for myself, the wife and kid, get back to the garage, get in the car, and head home and the following happens.

Before I get into the conversation, I must preface this by saying that Aub is an extremely good sport. All of us in the group get our digs in on each other but the two that get the most digs from others are Aubrey and myself.  (Especially me because I'm a behemoth with a big nose and a Tarzan Toe.)

R: So Aub, did you get you sticky bun?
A: Yep!  Got my sticky bun and I know the line was long but it was worth the wait.
R: You get a sticky bun every time you go to Disneyland, do you?
A: Yes Sir!  I get one for every time that I go. 
R: So you eat them right?
A: Yeah.
R: Really? Huh. 
A: Huh what?
R: You get one every time and so I was wondering if you were hoarding them for the day that all money no longer has any value and you have to use the sticky buns as a form of currency.

And so it went.  Like I said, Aub is a really good sport and after more than ten years of friendship, I would expect nothing less.  I want off on him and he and Shannon and myself had a really good laugh on the way home.  It worked because I was the one driving and I tend to fall asleep at the wheel if I don’t have any good conversation going.  Needless to say we made it home and came back from Disneyland with nothing but some great memories.  Next time Aub, you don’t have to wait until the end of the day for a sticky bun.  Just say the word and we’ll go get one during the day rather than when we are making our escape from the park.  Hell, I’ll even buy one myself just to see what it’s like.
 

So here's the part of the story that I actually break down a couple of times, I cry tears of sadness, I cry tears of joy, I ask God for the strength and courage to get through it all and he delivers in spades.
 
Last Saturday (the 24th) 2 a.m.  Molly gets up to go check on the sleeping boy.  I am trying to sleep because I have to work in the morning.  She comes into the bedroom.

M: Rick?

R: Yeah?

M: Pain. Bad pain.

Allow me to explain.  A couple of months ago, Molly was diagnosed with Gall Bladder disease.  We were told by the doctor that it would need to come out.  The projected date to have it removed was SUPPOSED to be on the 17th of February.  The gall bladder apparently had other ideas.  Molly was in a tremendous amount of pain and had me go back to sleep so that I wouldn't be worrying about her. But I was. 

I got up, get dressed and left for work.  This was around 6:15 a.m.   
Here's the thing, we were told by the doctor that she were to throw up, she was to come immediately to the emergency room.  I get a call on my cell.

She threw up.

I offered to come immediately home as I wasn't too far away but she assured me that she would be okay while I was at work.  I got to work, I started my shift.  I get another call from Molly.  Twice now.  I get in touch with my supervisor and explain the situation. He send someone to cover the rest of my day and I am home in a flash.  We went to the ER and they began the tests on Molly.  Oliver meanwhile, being a six month old, is just thrilled at the extra attention that he is receiving from the hospital staff and at thew same is being an incredibly good sport at the fact that he's in a hospital and is getting bored.  Thank God as well as he's too young to understand what is happening to Mommy so he's totally laid back. 

So they do the tests on Molly, and she's admitted the same day.  She is there overnight with the intention for surgery the next day as the gall bladder is really inflamed.  There was no way that she would have been able to wait until the 17th of February.  Had that thing burst, I would have lost my wife.  Oliver and I go home for the night and we come back in the morning to the hospital.  We are there until they take her in to operate.  She gets out of it fine but they have to keep her in the hospital another night due to her liver enzymes being extremely high from the day before.  

 Needless to say she is now home, back to fine, and ready to go back to work next week.  Me on the other hand, because of all this stress I have been putting on myself over the past couple of weeks (and I few other things I am not allowed to talk about because certain eyes might be reading my shit), well, I was taken into the ER today because I was (and still am) having  chest pains.  My biggest fear was that it was my heart. 

It's not. 

They did tests to determine that that I have a healthy heart.  I do however, have to set up an appointment for sometime next week with a cardiologist for a stress test.  Not looking forward to it.  I will be able to rest a little easier once this is all over.   
 
I am asking God for all the courage and the strength to get through all this.  So far, he has been there.  I will continue to pray as long as I breathe.  To all the naysayers that say that God doesn't listen, I say, ask for the right things and he will listen.  Ask for the right things, and God will being it to you.  If nothing else, this has reaffirmed my faith just a little bit and I am thinkful for that.

Things get worse before they get better, right?

So Leo and I go to check out the car.  We discover that it was the battery that has corroded itself out and had pretty much taken the post that goes into the battery as well.  We go to Wal-Mart and get a new battery and go back to the car.  After much fighting with the post and trying to get it off the piece of the battery that has been corroded ON to the post, we finally get it off of there and onto the battery.
I start the car and I am able to drive it home.  However I still jhave no power steering and it's like trying to move a pig through mud.  To make things worse, as soon as I get home, the car sputters and dies. We immediately think the worst and that it is the alternator, or the starter.  We call our kid's godparents, and they recommend someone in downtown Fort Worth.  

Monday I set up a car rental.  I don't know if they are able to resolve the issue right away and I made the reservations for an entire week just in case the shop needed to keep the car there.  The tow truck comes and picks up the car the next day and I follow it to the repair place.  The guys was pretty nice, said he would get to the problem right away and he would give me a call when done.  

I get called a little later and he tells me that the car is ready.  It wasn't the starter, and it was not the alternator, thank God. The post that had been eaten by the battery acid was bad.  He went ahead and switched it out and the car started just fine.  Molly and I went to go pick it up and the power steering was still out.  The guy said that he could not determine what was wrong there and that the computer that interfaced with the car was not able to either.  At least the car started and was able to get me home. 
Molly took the Saturn to the dealership, and she was told that it was the steering column that was bad.  The car would run but the power steering would be off and the longer we waited on it the worse it would get.  This would cost us something to the tune of about $750.  Thankfully, I had just gotten paid. 
We got the car repaired and all was well...until the weekend.
More Soon...

Okay so these past two weeks have been nothing short of well, for lack of a better word, all fuckled.  (I even went so far as to create a new way to say "fuck", that's how bad it's been.)

Let's set the wayback machine to about two weeks ago. 

All was well, I went to work on a Saturday, which kinda bums, sure but it wasn't the be all end all.  I was finally on my way from work, and decided to stop by the comic book store which is about five miles from my house. (could be a little more but then it could be less, fuck it, I don't know, I've never measured the distance, anyway..) I go in, do my business, and get in the car.  It won't start.

This is not entirely a new thing with this car.  The last time it happened, it was the security system for the car's computer where it shuts down for about fifteen minutes and then it will start.  I wait fifteen minutes and try to start it. 

Nothing.

I wait another fifteen minutes. 

Still nothing.

I call Molly, I tell her I might a little late because I can't get the car to start.I try it again.  We don't have Triple A at the time.

Not a damn thing.

I remember that we have Saturn Roadside assistance and I call them.  They send someone to give me a jump and after much waiting, and hemming and hawing, we finally get the car to start. 

But something is off.

The power steering is not working so it's like trying to move a stubborn mule through mud.  I get about maybe a mile or two from the house and the car dies.  Completely.  I am now stopped on the corner with people giving me the universal "what the fuck?" face, unable to start the car, no power, no heater, (and it's 24 degrees outside, people) stranded, and with the only car that Molly and I have at the moment.  

Thank God for the kindness of strangers.

This guy and a police officer helped me get the car into the parking lot of a burger joint on the corner where I was stopped.  I had no choice but to leave it there overnight.  The police officer was kind enough to give me a lift home despite being a little out of his jurisdiction. 

I don't know jack shit about cars but I knew someone who did. I called my buddy Leo that night and I made arrangements to help me get the car home the next day.  I filled out and put the application for Triple A in the mail that night.

It gets worse...I assure you.

TO BE CONTINUED (because I have to go be a dad right now.)