J.J. Abrams' Star Trek (POTENTIAL SPOILERS)

[barbelith]

I will be seeing this movie later tonight. I am not a huge Trekkie but with such good reviews, How can I resist.

I hate Star Trek in all its forms and even I enjoyed this movie.

 

[Lembas Eater]

I loved it. They really pulled it off. Best Star Trek in a long time.

I saw Koenig at a con and he mentioned the accent. He basically said that they are getting more accurate these days, that today's Russian accents seemed more authentic then his ever did - even though he IS of Russian descent as well as Yelchin.

 

[Dr Daystrom]

The only suggestion I'd have is if you haven't seen the movie yet, read the graphic novel prequel-- The information contained within allows for a much greater enjoyment of the movie (if that's even possible).

I agree with this 110%. The graphic novel story was devised by the screenwriters for the film, and explains much (like how a mining ship got to be so powerful it could tear fleets of military vessels to pieces, or where Spock's funky little ship came from, or why the Romulans look like they do)

WELL worth the time to check out.

 

[DarthNeil]

I agree with this 110%. The graphic novel story was devised by the screenwriters for the film, and explains much (like how a mining ship got to be so powerful it could tear fleets of military vessels to pieces, or where Spock's funky little ship came from, or why the Romulans look like they do)

WELL worth the time to check out.

And additionally to connect

Spoiler

Ambassador Picard, Captain Data, General Work, and scientist/engineer Geordi

to the whole story.

 

[Darth Caedus]

Film rocked my socks

 

[MaulFan]

Did anyone else think Kirk's ascension to being captain of the Enterprise came astoundingly fast?

I've only watched the movies and some of the early TOS episodes, but I remember Kirk having done a lot more in the academy and on other ships before eventually commanding the Enterprise.

Maybe it's just because of the time restraints associated with making an origin film, or maybe it's that 3-year time lapse in the first hour of the film. I hope they add some detail to those 3 years in the fleet for the sequels.

It is a bit rushed, but historically in Trek films, things go pretty favorable to Kirk. Like in Star Trek IV, his repremand is a demotion to Captain and command of a starship. It's fitting for Kirk and necessary to make more movies, but really, in any rational world, if he stole and destoryed a starship, the last thing he'd ever get is command of a new one. I categorize that as one of those things you just have to accept as you watch the movie and move on and not get too hung up on.

OMFG! I had to contain myself from laughing hysterically before and during the sequence where Kirk parachuted into the atmosphere of Vulcan. Seriously, I was giggling so hard and it would not have been cool of me to laugh out loud -- no one else saw that they were going on a mission with someone in a RED SHIRT! Ok, a RED SUIT! And boom goes the dynamite, Red Suit bit it! Wanted to laugh my fraking ass off!

I almost started laughing because of the Family Guy where they make fun of how away teams would consist of primary guys and a random Lt. or something that could die or whatever and no one would care.

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[cerealkeller]

At the theater I work at, last night many people I talked to have never seen ST before but were seeing it based on positive word of mouth. When one of the couples I spoke to left (keep in mind they were young twenty somethings who looked like they would see Fast and Furious as apposed to ST), they LOVED it! The girl was going off on how cute and awesome Kirk was and her boyfriend was just saying how this is the first science fiction movie he's ever enjoyed.
Point is this is bringing in a broad audience and I hope to God it's the number one movie this year. It already is in my mind. I'm telling everyone I know to see it. Last time I did that was when Batman Begins came out and nobody was giving it a chance.

 

[jedibear]

...J.J. did it. This movie brings back all of the good vibes from watching the original series... I never put STAR TREK in one camp and STAR WARS in another-- they were just all my favourites... and while the PT from George weren't exactly what I had hoped to bring back those nostalgic feelings of Han and Chewie, this STAR TREK did exactly what Lucas failed to do-- Brought back the good and re-energized it to boldly propel it, excuse me, where no filmmaker has gone before.

...The only suggestion I'd have is if you haven't seen the movie yet, read the graphic novel prequel-- The information contained within allows for a much greater enjoyment of the movie (if that's even possible).

Good comments, DN ...BUT...I have to take one friendly exception here (and not to start a flame war )....
I know a lot of folks are comparing what JJ has done here with what Lucas did with the prequels and it's not a fair comparison. Lucas went back to finish the story, not repeat what was already done with just a new twist.
That's what I went to the prequels for and unlike so many folks around here, I felt like that's what I got...a completely different "volume" of the overall story of the Skywalker saga...different, yet well-told in it's own way.
I'll always enjoy the entire SW saga...classic and the prequels...as part of one story....so, while the prequels were a different approach to continuing that story, I wouldn't say Lucas "failed" because they didn't generate the any nostalgic feelings for what came before.

JJ was given the task of re-energizing a franchise that had run into a creative rut....and he does so brilliantly, without totally dismissing everything that came before. It was a strange balance to have to achieve, but he did it....creating something that looks and feels fresh to a new audience, while generating a great nostalgia for those who've always enjoyed "Trek"...


And yes, "Countdown" is a worthy read...very well done. The only contradiction with the movie is Spock Prime mentioning that the "Jellyfish" was "our best ship" (the Vulcan Science Academy) instead of it being donated by LaForge but...no big deal. The comic is a much better send off for NG than the dreary "Nemesis" was...

"Star Trek" is a fun, well-done movie...here's hoping that the sequel is a worthy extension of this effort...

 

[DarthNeil]

Good comments, DN ...BUT...I have to take one friendly exception here (and not to start a flame war )....
I know a lot of folks are comparing what JJ has done here with what Lucas did with the prequels and it's not a fair comparison. Lucas went back to finish the story, not repeat what was already done with just a new twist.
That's what I went to the prequels for and unlike so many folks around here, I felt like that's what I got...a completely different "volume" of the overall story of the Skywalker saga...different, yet well-told in it's own way.
I'll always enjoy the entire SW saga...classic and the prequels...as part of one story....so, while the prequels were a different approach to continuing that story, I wouldn't say Lucas "failed" because they didn't generate the any nostalgic feelings for what came before.

JJ was given the task of re-energizing a franchise that had run into a creative rut....and he does so brilliantly, without totally dismissing everything that came before. It was a strange balance to have to achieve, but he did it....creating something that looks and feels fresh to a new audience, while generating a great nostalgia for those who've always enjoyed "Trek"...


And yes, "Countdown" is a worthy read...very well done. The only contradiction with the movie is Spock Prime mentioning that the "Jellyfish" was "our best ship" (the Vulcan Science Academy) instead of it being donated by LaForge but...no big deal. The comic is a much better send off for NG than the dreary "Nemesis" was...

"Star Trek" is a fun, well-done movie...here's hoping that the sequel is a worthy extension of this effort...

Nobody ever wants to start a flame war-- Most of the times they just happen. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand you know what you're going to get when two mods go at it-- Respectful niceties that border on Victorian conduct.

Oh, it's so on.



Don't get me wrong-- I loved the PT because, like you, I went into all three (particularly the first one) with the mindset that this was going to be another chapter and I was happy with what appeared on screen (give or take a certain gungan, overuse/overreliance on CGI, questionable acting...etc)... But what did not take place was a magical out of body experience where the jaded 30something de-evolved into the 8 year old who'd spend entire weekends making up his own stories from that sci fi universe-- or afterschool as well-- oh hell, daydreaming during schoolhours as well. What was missing was that WOW factor and the sense that IT was happening again. Not a scene for scene recreation or second coming of Han... Just a sense that what was unfolding on the screen would have been equally as powerful back then as it presently was... The PT (although great and I love it for what it was) didn't have IT. Abrams STAR TREK has IT in abundance and watching it brought back all of those wonderful feelings.

After last week's studio offering of WOLVERINE it's nice to completely clean the palette with uber-creative individuals who not only get IT, but more importantly give IT.

Go see STAR TREK if you're a fan-- but more importantly go see STAR TREK if you're not a fan. This is geek cinema at its best-- for the masses and not dumbed down.

JB, consider yourself served.

 

[p!tu]

what an awesome movie.

 

[Wanderer]

Nobody ever wants to start a flame war-- Most of the times they just happen. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand you know what you're going to get when two mods go at it-- Respectful niceties that border on Victorian conduct.

Oh, it's so on.



Don't get me wrong-- I loved the PT because, like you, I went into all three (particularly the first one) with the mindset that this was going to be another chapter and I was happy with what appeared on screen (give or take a certain gungan, overuse/overreliance on CGI, questionable acting...etc)... But what did not take place was a magical out of body experience where the jaded 30something de-evolved into the 8 year old who'd spend entire weekends making up his own stories from that sci fi universe-- or afterschool as well-- oh hell, daydreaming during schoolhours as well. What was missing was that WOW factor and the sense that IT was happening again. Not a scene for scene recreation or second coming of Han... Just a sense that what was unfolding on the screen would have been equally as powerful back then as it presently was... The PT (although great and I love it for what it was) didn't have IT. Abrams STAR TREK has IT in abundance and watching it brought back all of those wonderful feelings.

After last week's studio offering of WOLVERINE it's nice to completely clean the palette with uber-creative individuals who not only get IT, but more importantly give IT.

Go see STAR TREK if you're a fan-- but more importantly go see STAR TREK if you're not a fan. This is geek cinema at its best-- for the masses and not dumbed down.

JB, consider yourself served.

Youch! On the money retort right there imo..
Yep, agreed the pt missed the mark in so many areas its unreal. I still cant get my head around the fact ol' George had decades to think up a wonderful and inspiring adventure yet peddled out what feels like half hearted and ho hum mediocrity. His continued defence of this along the lines of (we) the original fans had grown up, therefore grown out of that child like appreciation of things is gaga. The pt just didn't have that magic to begin with...something Abram's offering has in SPADES.
My love of a film is judged by its ability to transport me me away allowing me to live that adventure...i've tried to find it amongst the debris of the pt but glad to find that magic in Star Trek...

 

[galactiboy]

OMFG! I had to contain myself from laughing hysterically before and during the sequence where Kirk parachuted into the atmosphere of Vulcan. Seriously, I was giggling so hard and it would not have been cool of me to laugh out loud -- no one else saw that they were going on a mission with someone in a RED SHIRT! Ok, a RED SUIT! And boom goes the dynamite, Red Suit bit it! Wanted to laugh my fraking ass off!

The funny thing is when they were in the ship I didn't notice he was in red and my wife, my wife, commented... "red shirt". I've never been so proud of her in my life

One of the fun parts was all of the nods and repeated lines from previous Trek, it could have been overdone... but I think they balanced it well. Especially when Old Spock uttered the line "I have been and always shall be your friend". That line was so perfect for that scene.

 

[CAhobbit]

Saw it and LOVED it (and this is coming from a pretty big Star Trek fan). Ultimately this was on par with the great Star Trek movies of old (character and storywise), the only difference between this new one and previous films is really the amping up of action sequences. At the core of it IS Star Trek and everything that came before. I'm so glad it was as good as I was hoping and I'm happy that it's bringing in a whole new audience. It's interesting that all that was needed to sway non-fans was better action sequences though, cause previous Trek is full of great characters and REALLY amazing storylines.

 

[galactiboy]

I was actually worried the action would be too much for a Trek flick... but they balanced it out really well. Much like the effects the action helped tell the story instead of cover up for a crappy movie.

 

[BadMoon]

I was actually worried the action would be too much for a Trek flick... but they balanced it out really well. Much like the effects the action helped tell the story instead of cover up for a crappy movie.

How bad ass was it though when

Spoiler

they teleported Kirk and Spock right into the bridge of the enemy ship

?

I was like hell yeah!

 

[Eli26]

I want to see this movie... yeah that added a whole lot to this thread. But no I am being forced to wait until Tuesday to see it. Why oh why am I so excited to see a Star Trek movie? I couldn't stand the franchise prior to this movie. Damn!

If I ever get excited for a LOTR movie, shoot me!

 

[IrishJedi]

All I know is that Pine and Quinto have a chemistry that I can't wait to see explored and expanded in several more films. Same with pretty much the rest of the cast. Urban as Bones is genius. And dare I say it... I like Pine as Kirk more than Shatner! He's cool and cocky without being dorky in any way.

 

[carbo-fation]

Saw this last night and I loved. I could never stomach the original Star Trek but JJ made the impossible possible for me.

 

[plasmid303]

All I know is that Pine and Quinto have a chemistry that I can't wait to see explored and expanded in several more films. Same with pretty much the rest of the cast. Urban as Bones is genius. And dare I say it... I like Pine as Kirk more than Shatner! He's cool and cocky without being dorky in any way.

I thought Urban as Bones was the most accurate performance in the film (without going into imitation, of course).

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[The Mike]

I loved how through the film we saw that characters mature, from Bones getting used and being powerful in Space, to Kirk maturing into the Captain everyone knew he would be, to Spock controlling his emotional human side. Great!