frank-fm-smit Reviews

Star Trek: Discovery: Perpetual Infinity (2019) Season 2, Episode 11

I enjoyed myself, but also cringed alot

[6/10 · 30 March 2019]

This episode probably contained more tears shred than all of TNG combined. I mean come on the existence of the galaxy is at stake and all you can do is cry and be melodramatic. And that's coming from a woman that had Vulcan training? Cringe to say the least, annoying to be more realistic.

I liked the plot twist of Control taking over Lenend. Makes sense. And Ash and Phillipa joining their forces to do good, despite their questionable past.

Okay episode, but way too many tears.

Planetary (2015)

Brings about a feeling of interconnectedness with the world

[8/10 · 9 February 2017]

Watching the movie brought me in a very peaceful state. A state in which I view every part of earth as a part of myself. The movie starts off with the astronauts talking about their experience in space. This made me realize that this view of the world is needed, especially in contemporary times. A view that Earth is one living organism in this gigantic universe. A view that goes beyond species, race, borders, nationalities and communities. It made me realize that once we eventually do become a species that travels to other planets and maybe even star systems, it will radically change the way we view our existence. As the concept of tribe relates to a kingdom, the concept of kingdom to nationality, so will nationality eventually relate to Planetary.

All these ideas and feelings came to me in the first 15 minutes. The rest of the movie was more a filler with commentary by various people from different walks of life, accompanied with beautiful imagery. It is interesting that in a movie that was fairly centered around spiritual ideas no mention was made to theistic religions. Which was fine for me, but I can imagine some of my fellow Earthlings feeling left out.

The opening message was very strong, the rest of the movie could have left out some of the commentary so that the viewer has more time to reflect on the core message. A tribesman jumping around in animal skins talking about mother earth, or monks chanting away "mindlessly" in a monastery did not contribute to the message of interconnectedness, mindfulness, caring, appreciation and love.