J.J. Abrams, the man behind Lost, Alias and Mission: Impossible III, is about to add another sci-fi classic to his résumé. Paramount recently handed the 40-year-old writer-producer-director the reins to one of its most revered projects: the next Star Trek film. Abrams will produce the movie with Lost cocreator (and fellow Trekker) Damon Lindelof. Abrams recently called from his Pacific Palisades, California, home, where he was hanging with kids (and budding sci-fi fans) Henry, Gracie and baby August, to chat about sci-fi, the th
read more
Question: I agree with Laurie, a reader from your previous column who chooses Surface over Threshold or Invasion. I am a big "sci-fan" fan (Star Trek, Farscape, The Prisoner, Lost, Dr. Who) and this show is far more interesting than the other two new entries this season. Threshold is OK, but its "monster of the week" story structure is can get old very fast. Invasion is dreadfully dull. I don't mind slow, but it's just not compelling in any way, and watching it quickly became a chore. Surface is fast and fun. You actually get to see the monster — a nice change of pace. It's hampered by NBC's family-first production values (think SeaQuest), but watching these four story lines unfold is much more interesting than, say, seeing a married couple bicker over who's watching the children tonight (i.e., the first two episodes of Invasion). It's supposed to be fun and it is.
Answer: One man's fun is another's nap time, but never let it be said that I don't allow opposing points of view in this
...
read more
