May
15
So as you know I didn’t get to see Star Trek on opening weekend. It was my most anticipated summer movie and I missed it. Luckily time spent with my friends is like twenty Star Trek movies so I didn’t miss it one bit. But you bet your ass I saw it the first chance I got when I arrived home. And man oh man was it everything I wanted it to be and more. From the moment the movie started, it was just such an amazing experience.
I’m a relatively new fan to the original Trek. I was always a fan of The Next Generation, but it wasn’t until recently that I sat down and watched all the original crew movies, and am now working through the television series. Even being a new fan, I felt such a great connection to the characters, especially Bones and Scottie, and I wanted to see their new incarnations given the respect they deserved.
I don’t want to give the plot away for those of you who haven’t seen it yet (and I hate when reviewers insist on using spoilers for their reviews) but let’s just say that I was crying within the first five minutes, and may or may not have cried a few times more throughout. It was just so good. It gave each of the characters the respect they deserved (even Scottie and Chekov with their minimal time on screen) and you could tell that the creators treated the source material with the utmost respect while still making it their own world in a very big way.
All of the characters gave great performances, with Karl Urban as Bones being a standout for me, with a great version of DeForest Kelley’s classic character without being an outright imitation. Chris Pine as Kirk was also a great surprise being both suave and funny. His interactions with Bones as the doctor “treated” him was fantastic. Simon Pegg did great things with his minimal screen time, and Zachary Quinto as Spock was pitch perfect, but we knew that before they even made the official announcement that he was cast, so that wasn’t a surprise. I was surprised with some of the choices they made with Quinto’s Spock (you know what I’m talking about if you saw it) but I thought it was a great twist, and fit the story really well.
If I had one complaint (I’m a fanboy, I have to have at least one) it would be that the action at the climax of the movie didn’t surpass the action in some of the earlier action scenes, but that just goes to show how exciting the rest of the movie was. Seriously, the action was amazing. This was a big budget summer blockbuster that just happened to be a Star Trek movie.
So the movie made $75 million dollars on it’s opening weekend. That’s amazing for a Star Trek movie. I know I plan on seeing it one or two more times. If the title Star Trek kept you away, I implore you to go see it. Or if you enjoy J.J. Abrams’ other stuff, you should go see this just to count the references to his other works, like slusho or the big red ball. Or maybe if you’re thinking about seeing Angels and Demons this weekend, please don’t. Go see Star Trek instead. I really really want Star Trek to beat Angels and Demons on it’s second weekend.
Let’s discuss the movie in more spoilery detail in the comments section, shall we?
May 15th, 2009 at 5:29 am
Oh yay! I loved it too! I was amazed by how great it was (and I eat my words about having a twinky Kirk – he is hot)! Thought the Spock twist was good fun though I was disappointed they named Uhura. Her name was always known but never mentioned in the original series. But that’s just about my only complaint so who cares? Also, I loved the way they explained that the change in history had changed all their destinies – J.J. was firmly saying that this was his Trek now, and you had better all buckle up! I’m going to see it again this weekend, and ‘m bringing Jim, too. You’re never too old to get into Trek!
May 15th, 2009 at 6:57 am
Still haven’t seen this damn movie. Both of my kids already saw it (the little bastards). And I’m left trying to drag my cultureless friends who have no Trekkian desires by their nappy, Mugato-like hair to go see it. Which hasn’t been a success yet.
Since I haven’t seen it, I’ll have to be abstain from today’s discussion. **sigh** But you can always keep me company at Spike300, I suppose. Just don’t forsake Puntabulous — the conversation here will be much more entertaining!
Jonah, rejoice in my absence!
May 15th, 2009 at 7:03 am
I freaking LOVED IT! I think what impressed me the most was that all of the performances were excellent, which I think is incredibly difficult to pull off with such a large ensemble.
Quitno was flawless, Pine *got* the character of Kirk without becoming Shatner, Saldana pulled off the strength of Uhura and Cho and Yelchin gave live to Sulu and Chekov.
I completely agree about Urban, he simply stole every scene he was in and I was absolutely thrilled with Pegg, he is so good and I’m glad he pulled this roll off.
I also love that they included just enough cheese to make it funny, but kept is serious enough to not be foolish. Working in all the fan service (I’m not a physicist, I’m a doctor!) I squeed each time from Kirk getting it on with a green lady to the red shirt to “fascinating”.
Lastly, so I don’t take the entire comments section, Eric Bana was a FANTASTIC Star Trek villain! I loved the character and his portrayal.
May 15th, 2009 at 7:17 am
This weekend. Last weekend the line at the Imax was looooong and in the rain no less. So my plan is to go on Monday since its a long weekend for us. Seems the universal opinion is that its great.
May 15th, 2009 at 7:27 am
Sven: I agree that the change in history was extremely well done. It still allows the original movies to exist, and technically they still occurred in Trek history, but now anything goes. Uhura’s name didn’t bother me. I think I enjoyed the reaction from Kirk and Spock’s coyness too much to care.
John: I thought Eric Bana was a great villain also. It was a very Trekkian villain with a personal vengeance rather than a “take over the world” kinda villain.
May 15th, 2009 at 7:41 am
Haven’t seen it yet, but with all the good reviews (yours, Polt’s, and….well, that’s all I’ve read and all I need) I’m starting to really look forward to it.
May 15th, 2009 at 7:42 am
I absolutely loved it too and am really desparate to see it again! I thought all the actors did a wonderful job. The only one I wasn’t happy with was Uhura. They had Grace Lee Whitney on the original series to be the ’sexy’ one. They didn’t need to do that to Uhura.
But I loved everything else – the humor, the action, the sentimental aspects. I also hope that it does super at the box office (and beats stupid Angels & Demons). I’m doing everything I can to encourage my students to go. I’m offering extra credit if they write a review and talk about the technology. And making Star Trek the subject of their final power point project. I’m also offering a Twilight poster (something they can’t resist) to the one who does the best job.
May 15th, 2009 at 7:51 am
Chris Pine in tight grey boxer briefs…Nuff Said.
Actually, I will say a little more: I LOVED it too. Totally refreshed a stale and worn out franchise! Can’t wait for more!
More of Chris Pine in his undies, I mean!
HUGS….
May 15th, 2009 at 7:56 am
Is that Pine in your undies, or are you just happy to see me? (My, he’s looking spruce this morning!)
May 15th, 2009 at 8:02 am
Dave S, if we wanted to talk to you we would already be over at some other website. I am sure there are at least 3 or 4 more that you try to hold hostage everyday…I’ll stay right here with my first love. http://www.puntabulous.com, thank you very much.
May 15th, 2009 at 8:05 am
Michelle: Let’s go again this weekend!
I didn’t mind Uhura, but she also didn’t impress me the way the other characters did. She was just kinda there. I suppose some of the fanboys liked her though!
Good idea getting your students to go!
Polt: Totally agree. Gratuitous and awesome.
TwoPi: Is that Pine in your undies, or are you just happy to see me? = Funny; (My, he’s looking spruce this morning!) = Genius!!!
May 15th, 2009 at 8:10 am
Oh, and Leonard Nimoy was incredible! He brought such a level of gravitas to the role. And his “since my usual farewell would appear self-serving…” line was amazing.
May 15th, 2009 at 8:33 am
Craig: You have almost convinced me to step foot in a theater again. That’s something i swore i would never do.
And I didn’t know Eric Bana was in this, I Have to see it now.
May 15th, 2009 at 8:55 am
TwoPi: Brilliant! I bow to your amazing wit, sir.
Craiggers: Totally agree with your assessments of Pine, Uhura, and Nimoy.
And you cried? Seriously? I was more like just sitting there in slack jawed awe watching the opening scenes. I suppose i was too blown away for tears.
And I’m pleased to see your Twitter about Long Halloween. That was the one I was the least sure about.
HUGS…
May 15th, 2009 at 9:18 am
We really want to go and see this movie too
May 15th, 2009 at 9:40 am
I’ve heard the complaints about Uhura and while I get it, I wasn’t bothered by it. Sure, she is cool enough to not need a relationship, but I didn’t mind the addition. Like Chekov, her roll was smaller and more subtle than the others, but I think she showed tons of potential. She is highly intelligent, strong willed and good in an emergency. I’d like to see her in more action in subsequent features, but I thought they presented a quality character.
Oh, and I will third (perhaps fourth) the time line element. I think they handled that incredibly well.
Oh and was I the only one who thought Nimoy’s final scene was hysterical. “No, no, you go off into space with Kirk. I’ll stay with out people and get me some of that fine, fine Vulcan pussay!”
And Craig, I got a little choked up at times. Winona Ryder’s (who was pretty good too) line about always being proud of her son got me a bit.
May 15th, 2009 at 10:02 am
Shit. I’m gonna cry? I’m not big on crying in movie. I want explosions.
May 15th, 2009 at 10:04 am
Tam: There are plenty. Plus lines like: “I can do this! I can do this! I can do this!” and “Vee vill arrive at Wulcan in approximately Ate minutes.” totally balance it out.
May 15th, 2009 at 10:09 am
My god I love Chekov. Is Chris Pine in his undies when those first lines are being uttered?
May 15th, 2009 at 10:22 am
ooooh, Chekov and Pine in his grey tight undies together while Chekov shouts “I can do this!” repeatedly…..not THAT’S a movie I wanna see!!!!
HUGS…
May 15th, 2009 at 10:42 am
Settle people, Chekov is only 17.
May 15th, 2009 at 10:47 am
Yes, but the actor who plays him is 20.
May 15th, 2009 at 10:59 am
Thank you Craig. Thank you for pointing that out. And I meant TV Chekov anyway.
May 15th, 2009 at 11:06 am
Wait! Chekov is only 17??? When did that happen? I’m shocked!
May 15th, 2009 at 11:08 am
Craig: It that his age or his weight?
Tam: Walter Koenig actually makes me think of Alfred Bester
May 15th, 2009 at 11:11 am
On second thought, my 18 yo nephew is launching planes off of the Abe Lincoln, so I guess Chekov could have been that young.
May 15th, 2009 at 11:13 am
Loved it! Especially loved the way the writers & Abrams dealt with rabid Trekkie fans who might balk at story continuity errors: this is a new reality.
Best part of the movie for me? No Shatner!!!
May 15th, 2009 at 11:16 am
Seems like yesterday he was laughing at his own farts. Oh wait, that prob was yesterday. Anyway, I’m proud of you Jake!
May 15th, 2009 at 11:19 am
Scott: Yes! I loved that they didn’t give into Shatner and give him a part. Nimoy was perfection!
May 15th, 2009 at 11:51 am
OK, I want spoilers! What was Uhura’s name? Clara? Gladys? Whaaaat?
May 15th, 2009 at 11:52 am
Madge???
May 15th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
Mark: You had me curious. Her name is Nyota. Personlly I like Gladys better.
May 15th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
But I’ll bet about 9 months from now there will be a mad crop of little Nyotas born whose parents are all Trekkies.
May 15th, 2009 at 12:15 pm
Nyota Uhura?? OK, I guess Nyota means Star In Swahili, But Gladys is a feminine name from the Welsh name Gwladus, which bears the meaning of royalty (princess) or the gladiolus flower. And I LOVE Gladiolus.
Thank You Google!
May 15th, 2009 at 12:16 pm
By the way, Dame Shirley is Welsh
May 15th, 2009 at 12:26 pm
Tam: It doesn’t take nine months. You don’t have to name the baby at conception. Unless things work differently in Canada.
I thoroughly enjoyed the movie. My only complaint was that the plot was a bit contrived at parts.
May 15th, 2009 at 12:39 pm
I’m planning to go see it again – which is the best thing I can say about it. I never want to pay to see a movie twice.
Although, I did wonder what it said about me that Winona Ryder is now old enough to play someone’s mother.
May 15th, 2009 at 12:40 pm
Mark: Gladiolas are MY favorite flower. Damn man, we are destined to be together. That whole gay thing is throwing it off though.
Ryan: Good point. Duh. My friend’s husband wants to name their baby Thor. She’s not so sure. He came up with this list of other hilarious names one of which was Testicles, pronounced like Pericles. I thought they should go for that for sure. (I’m so mean.)
May 15th, 2009 at 12:59 pm
Tam: I have been in Love with three women in my Gay career. Heather, 1991-1996, Lori, (God Rest Her Soul) 1998-2001, and now Tam. We can make this whole Gay/Straight thing work. Are you OK with open relationships?
May 15th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
Mark: Maybe we can just have a long distance virtual relationship? That might work and wouldn’t get in the way of dating other people.
May 15th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
Uhura’s name has been Nyota for years in the books, decades even. It just never made it onto the screen until now. Just like Sulu’s name was Hikaru for years…although that was already mentioned on screen somewhere.
Mark: if Jake’s in the military, he’s probably still laughing at his own farts (if YouTube videos are correct)…God Bless our soldiers and their silliness.
When I worked at Borders one Sunday we decided to change the names on all our nametags, and one guy chose Thor as his. I was Tallulah, but we also had an Andreas, an Aisley, and a Steven Furry (only because the guy wanted to spell it Steven Fury, but spelled it wrong). oh we knew how to party there, we did!
HUGS…
May 15th, 2009 at 1:08 pm
Mark: Tam cuddles pretty good in a bed. And she’s a really good driver in big city traffic with detours and a bad map. And she like cute guys with bad emo hair. There’s lot of positive traits that make her quite a catch!
HUGS..
May 15th, 2009 at 1:20 pm
Jere: I’d love to say that it means nothing about you, or me, or Polt or Dave and is about her skill as an actor, but I don’t really believe she is that skilled. I will say, however, that it says more about the make up and effects crew than it does about us.
May 15th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
POLT!!!!: And Just How Do You Know How Well She Cuddles??????
May 15th, 2009 at 1:23 pm
Sorry, I think I have “possesive” issues…..among others.
May 15th, 2009 at 1:29 pm
john – I appreciate that. just to reassure myself, I looked up Zachary Quinto’s age – it turns out that I’m older by 5 days. Not old enough to be his daddy. At least, not in the biological sense.
May 15th, 2009 at 1:31 pm
Mark: I swear to go I kept my hands above the waist. I think there are pictures. LOL
Polt: “Pretty” good? “Pretty” good? I believe the correct phrase is DAMN good. That map did suck.
May 15th, 2009 at 1:44 pm
Jere: I just checked too, I’m more than five days older, well more in fact, but still not old enough to be his father. For the record, I’m sure you would make a fine daddy for him.
May 15th, 2009 at 2:04 pm
I was lucky enough to see it at midnight on opening day (for free even), and I absolutely LOVED it.
I love the reinvention of the lore, I love learning more about the characters pasts, and I can’t wait for the next in the series (let’s hope they keep it going!!).
I’ve also heard from people who weren’t star trek fans, and they loved it as well.
May 15th, 2009 at 2:06 pm
I really liked this movie (especially Karl Urban as McCoy)–although I enjoyed it more the second time around. As a die-hard ST fan since The Wrath of Khan, I confess I was a little put-off the first time around by JJ Abrams’ messing with the timeline. Especially because he keeps saying in interviews that he was not a fan of the original show, I sort-of felt that he had a lot of nerve changing things. But I got over that by the second time around. Maybe it needed to be a non-fan with a fresh perspective to give the ST universe a jump-start. I think it’s a Vulcan proverb that says “Only Nixon could go to China”.
May 15th, 2009 at 3:05 pm
Health: I haven’t heard from any non-Trek friends yet, but I think they would like it also. I’m trying to convince as many people as I can to go see it.
Nicolle: I was a little put off by his insistence on letting us all know he wasn’t a fan of Trek also, but I think you’re right in thinking it needed a fresh perspective to get it right. You could almost tell he was a fan of the classic Star Wars instead. This was what the prequels should have been.
May 15th, 2009 at 4:07 pm
Craig: Star Wars has prequels? I’m pretty sure I would remember if that had ever actually happened.
I think the Darths & Droids plot makes a lot more sense:
http://www.darthsanddroids.net/
May 15th, 2009 at 4:39 pm
I loved the movie! It was the first Star Trek movie I’ve seen (and the only series I watched was Voyager), so I can’t say how well it handled the past movies/series. But I thought it had an excellent cast and pacing and action.
I loved the black girl! (Was her relationship also in the original series?)
And as for Star Wars vs. Star Trek, I guess I can’t make a fair judgment call yet, but I like this Star Trek movie better than all of the Star Wars movies.
May 15th, 2009 at 4:40 pm
Man, was I rooting for this movie (still am), but as entertained as I was, and as incredible as the entire cast is, I can’t help but dwell on my nagging disappointment with the overall story–its overall development, the lack of (on-screen) character development for Nero, and the alternative universe reboot concept.
A real saving grace for me was having read the comic book prequel before seeing the movie. I LOVE the comic’s tie-in to existing TNG continuity, and of course if we’ll never get Picard, Worf, and Data on the big screen again, it was nice to visit with them one last time. But better than that, I found the comic’s story involving Spock, Nero, and Romulus very high-stakes, tragic, and compelling. There’s so little compelling about Nero looking at him in the film without knowledge of the comic’s backstory (but he sure yells a lot and looks scary with this Mike Tyson tattoos!).
Beyond this nag, though, is that I keep hearing how “epic” and bold this new trek is. Well, I say, not bold enough. I mean, it’s ballsy to destroy Vulcan — but not ballsy enough. If they’ve gone through the trouble of constructing a story to preserve existing Trek canon by bending over backwards to give us Spock Prime and this alternate timeline, then why not have Nero destroy Earth, too. (Or instead? Or *almost* destroy it by decimating millions? Not too sure). Then this “new Trek” could really forge new ground by exploring the Human condition and our beloved and familiar characters in a more radically altered and truly unknown future (past?). I realize that sounds crazy (and perhaps a bit too Battlestar-inspired), but we’ve already grown up with Jim and Spock and Bones through some great adventures that help define who they are. If we’re going to continue to revisit these great characters as their younger selves, then let’s put them somewhere truly new and different for the audience (old Trek audience and “new” alike!) As a long time Trek fan (and perhaps slave to continuity), I worry about the ongoing adventures here becoming all about these characters we love playing around in Explosive CGI Action Sequel after Action Sequel and losing the signature stamp of what Star Trek is about, which does include its rich, well established “history” (and was never shy about social commentary…)
Ugg! I think I’m the lone naysayer in these comments! But I criticize because I love….
May 15th, 2009 at 4:45 pm
P.S. Chris Pine is my new Imaginary Boyfriend, and Karl Urban’s Bones was pitch-perfect. I hope the next movie gives him more meat to work with than one-liners and comic relief…
May 15th, 2009 at 5:10 pm
Arrgghhh! This is one of the few negatives about life in a small town; we only get one movie a week and it only has two showings. This week is “17 Again,” and we most likely won’t get Star Trek until we can borrow the used film reel from a village in Uganda. Sigh… no Spoilery Puntabulous for me today.
May 15th, 2009 at 5:39 pm
Awww Nico. That’s sad, funny but sad. I grew up somewhere like that. Now in the big city we get ALL the movies. Only one tiny reason I’d rather slit my wrists than move back there.
May 17th, 2009 at 9:11 pm
I so want to see this, but I will wait until the fervor dies down a bit!