Unless you have been living on Rigel 3, you are no doubt aware there is a new Star Trek movie in theaters today, directed by every geek’s favorite, J.J. Abrams. As a fan of all things Trek, I was really looking forward to this movie. I didn’t care that it featured an all new cast, and was finally going to be the “How Kirk & Spock met” storyline that has been shopped around for a while now. I just needed my Trek fix.
I was disappointed. Maybe my expectations were too high.
The plot, when you can follow it, drags up the same old hoary “space-time continuum” thing that has been done to death in the various Star Trek franchises over the years. It “introduces” us to Kirk, Spock and the rest of the gang as they graduate Star Fleet Academy and battle the Romulan, Nero, who’s cheesed off at Spock about his planet getting destroyed, and is traipsing through time seeking revenge. Things are pretty confusing, and Abrams frenetic visual style doesn’t really give you much of a chance to grasp what’s going on. The space-time gimmick allows the filmmakers to play fast and loose with established Star Trek continuity, thus shutting up any objections from the fanboys and girls, and allows them to establish this franchise as “Their” Star Trek universe. Really though, the plot is very secondary in this film. What the audience is going to this movie for is to see the characters they love so well. Here, the film doesn’t disappoint.
The cast is excellent, led by Chris Pine as Kirk and Zach Quinto as Spock. The performers wisely don’t try to do impersonations of the original actors, avoiding the film becoming a bad Saturday Night Live sketch. One exception is Karl Urban as “Bones” McCoy. Urban has a great time channeling his inner DeForest Kelley, and his performance was a highlight of the film for me. As you already know from pre-publicity hype, Leonard Nimoy and his dentures are dragged out once again to appear as the older Spock. As the villain, Nero, Eric Bana doesn’t make much of an impact.
As I said, I found this film underwhelming, but there is nothing I can say that will dissuade anyone who wants to see this film from seeing it. I actually recommend that you go. Although I was unimpressed, I still enjoyed bits of the film here and there, and I hope that, now that Abrams and company have gotten this “origin” story out of the way, the next film (oh, yes, there will be another) will be the Star Trek I am waiting for.
Clacked by Bill White
on May 08, 2009 @ 14:00 EST5EDT
Wow. What movie did you watch? Because I’m glad I saw the Star Trek I did. I had a lot of fun.
Underwhelming?!?! Boy, you are harder to impress than me! I write reviews for a local paper and find myself becoming quite jaded by one lackluster movie after another that people seem to fawn over, but even as hyped as I was for TREK, it delivered everything I hoped for and more and is the first film this year I actually want to see again! Underwhelming is not a word I would use to describe this movie! It does offer some revisionist history that may upset the old school fans, but it’s a mind-blowing ride nonetheless. Look at it as a Star Trek alternate universe, origin story that introduces the characters to a new viewership, and expect the next one to have more story.
If it’s an alternate ST universe then perhaps, Kirk (Shatner) did not/does not have to die under a pile of rocks and he can be brought back for a cameo…
Next one needs Klingons!
If you are going to do a TOS story then use Klingons!
Loved it. Thought the time travel-timeline reset was done extremely well. It was seamlessly incorporated into the story and didn’t seem ‘forced’. While the movie clearly has separated itself from the ‘future’ of the previous series and movies, it was done in such a way that is seems secondary to the story.
I did not watch the original series or the movies and understood what was going on without any problem. No confusion here, so not sure what the complaint is there.
Highly recommend the movie to trekkies, non-trekkies and geek wannabes like me.
Oh-also just read and was reminded that Winona Ryder was Spock’s mother. Totally missed that while watching. She must have done an outstanding job for me not to even notice it was her! Also, didn’t realize Nero was Eric Bana. Loved the characterization and makeup for him.
I will be going again and watching on IMAX.
Oh, it just sounds like a big screen Lost to me, with the time travel crap… JJ Abrams, did you get your chocolate in Star Trek’s peanut butter?
See, I love stories that play with time, when they do it right.
In this case, the time “play” gave the team the perfect excuse to revise and adjust the storylines.
The time travel is nothing like in Lost. Don’t worry! It is seamlessly done and will make perfect sense. No wondering about the time space continuum that make you crazy on Lost or Heroes.
Yeah, I pretty much agree with very little that you said. The visual style being an eventual detractor from the movie, and Urban’s spot perfect performance.
I thought the movie was damn near perfect. Most of my objections were minor (Why cast Ryder and then age her up like 15 years? ), and I think this film nailed it in just about every regard.
This is exactly what this franchise has needed for a long time.
What the franchise needed for years is a good TNG movie.
We got one. At least, I liked First Contact.
You know, in retrospect, TNG doesn’t stand up for me. BSG has spoiled me on what I think popular Sci-Fi should be. Tonally, TNG just doesn’t stand up.
But, Oreo, you expected this movie to fail. You’ve said as much in previous posts. Its incredibly frustrating to see negative reviews, not because the film was bad, but because it didn’t follow exactly the original cannon.
You know, there was an article in Maxim the other day about how Fanboys are killing genre films. I hated it, and thought it was, well, mean. But its attitudes like I’ve seen online today that make me tend to agree with that Maxim article.
I can’t make you like this movie, Oreo, no more so than I can make Debbie like episodes of HIMYM that we disagree on. But whereas she and I stay positive and enjoy poking at each other, I’m frankly tired of the Internet negativity that attaches itself to every conversation out there.
So, on that note…. I’ll shut the hell up.
Its been (correctly) pointed out to me that I come across a little harsh, specifically to Oreo, and I apologize, as it wasn’t my intent.
I guess I just liked this film, and feel that most people that don’t do so just because they won’t let themselves. I would point people to the comments on the Cinematical review to really see what I’m talking about.
*cuddles Dorv*
First Contact in my book is the best Star Trek Movie ever. It’s the second movie of all time I went to twice (the first one was the original “Batman” but I was 12 then).
“Definitely no swedes” :-)
First Contact, while good, isn’t as good as the movie I saw last night, nor is it even in the same league as Kahn.
Nah that wasn’t harsh, just stating your views. I was HOPING for the movie to fail and expecting it just because I don’t think Star Trek is as big of a name as it used to be. i think I might be wrong.
I wanted it to fail because I wanted a TNG movie that wasn’t bad. First Contact is OK, but the Borg Queen stops me from calling it good.
I don’t know cannon, well more than most, but more so TNG. I don’t really care unless it’s really badly done. However TNG is MUCH better than BSG. :P
TNG has one well developed, interesting character, IMHO, which is one of my main problems with it.
Have you lost you Vulcan mind?
(I just wanted to say that to someone, and I figured you would not take it the wrong way coming from me ;)
Fascinating… I find it highly improbable that I have, in fact, lost my mind, as I would not be able to type.
I just returned from the theater. Having watched the TV show as a kid, and being a HUGE fan of “The Wrath of Kahn”, I was disappointed in the new Star Trek movie. I didn’t have issues with the time-travel story. The special effects were amazing. But the dialogue is so lame! I disagree with you about Urban’s performance. I just cringed every time Bones opened his mouth. The actor wants to be Deforest Kelley so bad, but fails over and over. The WORST was the Kobayashi Maru scene. No way would Kirk be that arrogant. He’d be sly and underplay it. I wish the writers would focus as much on the dialogue as they do on the the action sequences.
I liked it!
https://www.filmgecko.com/star-trek-review-reboot-takes-off-at-warp-speed/
I haven’t seen the movie yet and I didn’t watch any previews but knowing now that there is timetravel just makes me want to pick up Rick Berman and beat JJ Abrams with him until they but %&$*ing get it that not every Sci-Fi Story needs timetravel for god’s sake.
I guess I’ll get it on BluRay so I can at least listen to the commentary (if there is one, most likely there won’t be one) to find out what justified this.
And Debbie I don’t understand. The timetravel on Lost is so logical *smirk* You just don’t want to invest yourself in this. Which reminds me of “Flashes before your Eyes” and makes me want to pummel Darlton until they get it that 42 minutes is not enough time to rip off Donnie Darko.
And let’s just not forget if everything turns out right we’ll get a whole season of Sawyer Jack and Kate living in the swinging 70ies. Yay! ;-)
I saw the film last night and, although I enjoyed certain parts, I really felt that this was a Star Trek film made for people who don’t like Star Trek. It felt really dumbed down for the masses; it was like a generic action flick (albeit with great action scenes and special effect) with Star Trek characters thrown in.
(Spoilers)
The parts I disliked the most were the Spock/Uhura romance sub-plot, the destruction of the planet Vulcan, and the way too convenient way that Kirk just happened to bump into the older Spock when he was jettisoned (!??!) from the Enterprise.
On the upside, the cast was great; I could really believe these actors as the crew of the Enterprise. Also, it was a smart move to set up the alternate timeline so that sequels will not be hampered by continuity.
Now if only they had a decent plot without holes you could fly a starship through…
“It felt really dumbed down for the masses”
Oh, so it’s like a Star Wars prequel! :)
As I advertised I took my son to see the movie. On the way there, I filled him in on some Star Trek inside baseball points like the kobayashi maru, and various character traits. I’m so glad I did because I think it helped him enjoy the movie more than he would have otherwise.
As for myself – I expected to love it and I did! Quinto can’t be Sylar anymore – he’s a much better good guy. And Chris Pine had the perfect amount of swagger for me. I was so happy to meet these characters again, we get to see them grow into the characters we know we love so well. Oh Checkov and his V’s – so funny! And Scotty, who I have always had such a soft spot for (Hello computer!) was funny too. And I can’t forget to say how much I love the Enterprise herself. It was good to see her again!
I really enjoy that all of these characters are at the top of their craft, and that they compliment each other in such a way that makes them hard to beat.
At any rate, I’m looking forward to the next movie. Maybe since the future is changed Kirk can be a better father and raise his son….
OOOOh I forgot future Spock, *sigh* he’s like a dear friend!
/agree with OP
I didn’t want to see this movie as I have a hard time supporting the MPAA. Secondly, Obama is requesting a private screening at the White House which if granted is going to upset me. Either way, I went to see it due to pressure from friends.
Didn’t care for it. The trailer looked good and I was excited months ago but as with EVERY movie this last decade, no matter how good it looks or sounds it sucks. The same is true here. The time travel thing has been done to death, I can’t stand it. It’s like dream sequences, a waste of time. The plot was entirely secondary to what seemed like special effects which was about the only thing I enjoyed.
At the end of the movie I was left thinking: What happened? It doesn’t feel like anything happens in this movie just a big waste of time that screws up the continuity in that self-entitled ‘we’re Hollywood’ attitude.
As others have said, it felt very generic and dumbed down. In fact, what isn’t dumbed down anymore? Any original programming to Adult Swim is dumbed down garbage, I used to enjoy those shows but it’s gone a bit overboard. The Simpsons has been entirely dumbed down and has become a platform for a Liberal agenda. Family Guy has gotten consistently worse every season and feels like a show trapped in the ’90s that uses the old crazy Christian story lines.
It’s a real shame.
“Obama is requesting a private screening at the White House which if granted is going to upset me.”
Ummm… why? There are so many more things you should be worrying about besides what movie Obama watches.
EVERY movie this decade has sucked? Wow…. just wow!
Wow, me and Oreo agree? CRAZY!
– Not seeing the movie because the President, whom I’m assuming you don’t agree with politically, wants to see it? Sounds a bit silly to me. He’s not my favorite President, but he’s not going to keep me from seeing something I want to see.
– I think Oreo’s got the ‘Every Movie this Decade Sucks’ comment covered, but I’ve got to chime in: Really? (TM Sebastian)
– I respectfully ask all of the folks out there with a problem with the plot: When was the last time a ST Film had an outstanding plot? While FC may have been the last good movie, Kahn was the last time the plot was outstanding. Trek, when it is great, is about the characters. This movie nailed the characters. Secondly, its an origin movie (Or, for the haters, a re-origin movie). Like all movies like this, its got to take the time to (re)introduce the characters. This “problem” is why sequels have had a bit of a renaissance (Spiderman 2, X2, Dark Knight… Yes, all Genre films, but you get my point).
You cannot deter me from this review from paying $9.00 for popcorn and another $8.50 for an extra large Coke.
I’m on to you.
*checks couch for loose change for popcorn*
Really? There’re “dentures” in this flick? You’d figure they’d know how to circumvent this in the 2???th Century …..
I have not seen the movie yet. I think I’ll take Tyler-8 to see it with me next week. Since I cannot qualify to officially comment on the movie just yet, I do have an ingenious idea that would surely infuse a new level of excitement and quality into the Star Trek universe! All is needed is to introduce a new actress that can bring brains, beauty and believability to the highest level. Can any of you imagine an actress that could put the likes of even Kirk, Picard, and Spock in the rear-view mirror when it comes to awesomeness? This actress would propel Star Trek into another dynasty if only the powers in control would only see it. Do you know of whom I speak?….no other than the epitome of beauty and talent herself….Grace Park!!!!
I think Grace park would be the best captain of the Enterprise yet.
To take part of your point (and ignore the obvious), the characterizations where what worked so much about this movie. Pine and Quinto are great, but Urban SHINES as Bones.
My God man… Get on Twitter you green blooded hobgoblin.
“You….mean….Bones outshined….Kirk….Let’s get out of here Scotty….”
Or how about Picard….”What is the meaning of this….Get the hell off my ship!”
….and how about Scotty….”When am I gonna convince ya laddie that Grace park is the sugar of the whole kit and caboodle….”
Hello Dorv. Just having a little fun there. Say, I will look into that Twitter thing as soon as I engear myself to it. I’m not as technically quick as you are about such things but as always, I have an open mind. I hope you are well.
I agree with you Bill. I went to the movie with huge expectations, and maybe that was my undoing. I love the original characters of Star Trek, and I wasn’t really blown away by any of the performers of this new movie. I mean–it’s a difficult thing to walk into those huge shoes, but I just didn’t feel anything for them. I think the action and special effects distracted from the connection to the actors. Unlike in the original series when you really cared about the characters, I walked away from this movie thinking.. “who cares”. They were never really developed, and the story line was lame. I also hate J. J. Abrams’ directing style–I’m not a fan of Lost or Cloverfield. I hate when the camera jumps around too much. I end up being dizzy instead of intrigued. Anyway, I know this movie will make a fortune because every Star Trek fan, and even those who are not, have been itching for anything Trek related. In a nutshell, it is entertaining but not mind blowing. Thanks for the review Bill. Oh, and where is the cartoon???
Just saw it. Would give it a 7.5 on a 1 to 10 scale. That “Hot Fuzz” guy stole the film. The rest? Meh. Popcorn Cinema. The previews were “GI Joe”, “Transformers 2″ and “T4″ and all of those looked up to par with “Star Trek”. I really was only mildly entertained and I don’t even want to compare it to “Wrath of Khan”. But compared to the dreck that was “Insurrection” this was a refreshing restart. A reset that leaves room for improvement. I mean “Batman Begins” didn’t wow me at all but “Batman Begins” is the only movie I gave a straight 10 in the last decade.
Still no Star Trek movie can hold a candle to “First Contact”. I loved TNG and that movie was just awesome. I only saw “Wrath of Khan” on TV and never was a fan of TOS so that didn’t affect me that much. I mean they were all already kinda pasty when they did that movie and it all looked a bit like midlifecrisis in space… but I won’t argue with anyone who thinks Khan is better than First Contact (I mean you Ivey of course). I understand your reasoning and simply have different likings :-)
Kirk railing against Kahn > Picard as Ahab.
It was far and away the best TNG movie. But honestly, in my opinion, that’s not saying much.
I also say Kahn is the best submarine movie ever made (Yes, you read right. Think about it for a minute and you’ll be with me).
It has been interesting to me to learn that I am one of the few people that wasn’t “blown away” by this film.
At least I wasn’t all alone. Thanks, Norm. You expressed my feelings about this film more eloquently than I.
By the way, to settle any debate, “First Contact” is the best ST film ever!