Spring Date Series: Star Trek at the Ziegfeld

This week's DOW (Date of the Week...it'll catch on) is to embrace your inner Trekkie and head over to the Ziegfeld Theater to see Star Trek. In business since 1927, this 1600-seat theater is a must for all New Yorkers. The theater is expansive and emanates old Hollywood theater glam. It's not often that movie viewing is a real treat as it is at the Ziegfeld. The massive screen, large, comfortable seats (so hard to find at movie theaters these days), and wonderfully ear-piercing surround sound makes this theater worth the extra $2.50. The Ziegfeld is not for just any movie, especially at $12.50 per ticket, but I will recommend viewing a film that needs to be seen on the big screen. And since Star Trek is kicking off the summer blockbuster season whether you are a long time fan or Trek virgin (like myself), it seems like the most opportune time to bump up your movie viewing experience.
With popcorn & soda to share...
Total Date Cost: Under $35

Wolverine: There’s Just Something About a Prequel

…especially when that prequel features a jacked Hugh Jackman, super special effects, and deliciously villainous adversaries. I have always been  fascinated by prequels and their ability to bring a new dynamic to the screen through a different way of storytelling. While devotees already know how Logan ends up, it is great to see how Marvel makes all the pieces fit. The original X-Men film was my first superhero genre movie experience. I had no idea what X-Men was, but immediately fell in love with the at-the-time unknown Hugh Jackman and his gang of mutants just trying to exist in a closed-minded world.
X-Men Origins: Wolverine does not disappoint in keeping the X-Men franchise alive. A “new” villain in the form of Liev Schrieber (Victor/Sabretooth) brings a necessary freshness to the screen, and Jackman’s continued spot-on performance as the tortured, revenge-seeking Wolverine left me wanting more. While the plot perhaps isn’t the strongest storyline and there are some discrepancies between Wolverine and X-Men 2: X-Men United, I’m willing to overlook it because this movie is fun. The casting and scenery were spot-on and the sound and special effects are worth the ticket price.
Ryan Reynolds charms as the comedic (and uber buff, yum!) Wade Wilson/Deadpool, and a special shoutout goes to Lost-ies Dominic Monaghan and Kevin Durand for coming back into my life. Expect a few cameos and some X-Men faves. And to all of those downloaders of the leaked version, I feel sorry for you as this is a movie you need to see on the big screen.

Bottom Line:
Superpowers are cool and I wish I had some! There’s action for the guys, eye candy for the ladies. Sure, you could see this film and probably enjoy it without any X-Men knowledge, but since it’s one of my favorite superhero movies, go ahead and rent the original before you go. You’ll get the inside jokes and already have a stronger connection to the characters.

Gripes:
Not enough Ryan Reynolds or Taylor Kitsch for me!