Beyonce Obsessed harkens back to Fatal Attraction

by Andrew D. Smith

Obsessed brings back the tried and true formula of Fatal Attraction and adds some cool “it” factor by starring a hip young cast. What also sets it apart is the development of an African-American family at the center.

Derek Charles, played admirably by rising star Idris Elba, is an up and coming young finance manager who seemingly has it all. His beautiful, devoted wife Sharon, played by Beyonce Knowles, lovingly stays at home, raises their cute little boy and caters to Derek’s every need and desire.

However, this seemingly perfect life is about to be rudely shattered by scheming, conniving, femme fatale Lisa, cunningly played by Ali Larter. Lisa takes one look at the successful, handsome Derek and begins to manipulate and insinuate herself into his arms.

Admirably, Derek resists her best efforts, and Lisa’s scheme takes a dark sinister turn. Throughout the movie, Derek is tricked, trapped and endlessly stalked by the lovely but twisted Lisa. Sharon unwittingly falls for Lisa’s games and becomes upset and distanced from her husband. Finally, Sharon discerns the truth, and the inevitable clash between devoted wife and obsessed and demented stalker builds toward the final confrontation.

The pace of the movie moves the watcher briskly from beginning to end. The plot is well developed, and the cast does an exemplary job of bringing the characters to life. Elba does a wonderful job of portraying a successful young career minded man trying to continue to move forward and avoid the clutches of the desperate lady who becomes obsessed with having him.

Knowles showed an acting depth not expected from a pop star diva. Her role as protective wife and mother grew throughout the movie and added a sense of realism when she found out the truth behind the schemes of her nemesis. Larter as the obsessed temporary worker brought to life the complex role of Lisa. Switching from flirtatious to dangerous, funny to obsessed, Larter brought the character to life and made the story believable.

If you enjoy femme fatales and exploration of the depths of demented obsessions, make sure and check out Obsessed.

Star Trek This first of a new generation may help a renewed franchise live long and prosper

by Alan Inkenbrandt


The latest entry in the Star Trek franchise dares to boldly go where the original 1966 TV series has gone before — with highly entertaining results. In sharp contrast to the glacial pace of earlier Trek films, this one — the 11th — starts at warp speed and maintains that frenetic pace to the end credits.

Director J.J. Abrams, creator of TV's Lost and Alias, has reimagined the universe of the 24th century with a talented young cast and whiz-bang 21st century effects. Kirk, Spock, and the rest of the crew of the Starship Enterprise have returned — only a bit hipper and more intense than their original incarnations. They're also considerably more self-aware, constantly winking at the cornier aspects of the show that have inspired countless William Shatner impersonations.


That sort of post-modern jokiness could have sunk the new Star Trek, but Abrams manages to find the right balance between in-jokes and reverence. Everything from the performances to the art design remains true to the spirit of the original show without getting trapped by nostalgia. It's a tricky business, and die-hard Trekkies probably will howl. They'll also be horrified by the clever bit of sci-fi sleight-of-hand that Abrams employs to free himself from the constraints of the old storyline.


The crux of the story is this: The maiden voyage of the Enterprise is interrupted by a Romulan on a rampage. Nero (Eric Bana), rogue commander of an enormous Romulan vessel, has sworn revenge upon the United Federation of Planets in general and Mr. Spock (Zachary Quinto) in particular.


After the Enterprise's original commander, Capt. Pike (Bruce Greenwood), is captured, James T. Kirk (Chris Pine) and the rest of the inexperienced crew are left to stop Nero. They also discover why he has gone berserk, with very personal ramifications for both Kirk and Spock.

Star Trek is a terrific blend of action, humor and just a drop of pathos. The plot echoes the grand themes that made the original iconic, yet steers clear of the ponderousness that turned off non-Trekkies.

The actors have found a way to evoke the essence of their predecessors while making the roles their own. In short, this film pulls off the near-impossible task of introducing Capt. Kirk and his crew to the next generation without disrespecting the qualities that made the original work.


If the future sequels are as fun as this one, let's hope that the Star Trek franchise lives long and prospers.