Comments on: Star Trek

By: Grinth

Grinth — Tue, 12 May 2009 23:21:42 +0000

I enjoyed it. I’m really looking forward to the next one, but lets be honest: the script is almost as bad as Star Trek Five. It just goes to show how easily people are blinded by $150 million worth of gloss and glitter.

By: Nomad

Nomad — Sun, 10 May 2009 21:22:24 +0000

this new Star Trek is high quality movie goodness, especially after what a letdown Wolverine ended up being

By: Marc

Marc — Sun, 10 May 2009 19:24:56 +0000

I agree with much of your review. Overall it was good, but not flawless. Nero could have been a lot scarier. Also, I got the impression that his voyage back in time was accidental, not something he planned. How did he know where Spock’s ship was going to appear at in order to catch him? And why wouldn’t he have just gone to Romulus to warn them of their impending doom instead of chasing Spock around to get revenge? I’m also sad that in this alternate universe, Vulcan got destroyed and Spock’s mom died! But overall it was enjoyable. Do you know if JJ Abrams will be involved in the sequel?

By: John

John — Sun, 10 May 2009 19:24:13 +0000

I watched Star Trek Friday at the KSC Visitor Center’s IMAX. Your review was perfect. You started off the review with more of a halfhearted endorsement, then slowed moved to a positive conclusion. I guess I feel the same way. I don’t think Abrams had to destroy the Star Trek universe we grew up loving for the sake of this one film. He could have done both, although deviating from cannon would have ticked off a few of the hardcore geeks. Parts were overly silly, but like you wrote, they kind of worked and were indeed funny. Pine makes a good Kirk, and Quinto was a fantastic Spock, although he was a bit too human (love affair???) A lot of this was meant to offend, I think, the fan base, while still making such a fun flick overall, no one would dare criticize. In the end, my biggest complaint is that the plot didn’t flow well. You nailed it, and I think your review was by far the best and most accurate one I read. If I had to grade: B- If anything else, the movie inspired me to rewatch real Trek, which is science fiction and philosophy, not just a big budget action flick.

By: Jim

Jim — Sun, 10 May 2009 19:23:03 +0000

Just saw the movie. Some random thoughts: Overall, thumbs up. Need to see one more time in the theater and then I’ll wait for the DVD. Liked Spock and Uhura. Thought Bones was played too much for comedy, not enough as the foil to Spock when Kirk had to make a decision. You were right about lens flares, way too many throughout whole film. Spock actor was particularly good at Nimoy’s mannerisms – especially noticed one time when he sat down in the command chair. Nimoy was great. I thought the narrative did a better job explaining Nero and Spock’s presence from the future (comic book #4 retold) than your review let on. Also think the script at one point made it very clear this was a new timeline where anything might happen. Still found Roddenberry’s optimism present. Never did hear specifically Majel’s voice as computer. I will need to listen again. Heard the tribble but never saw it on Scotty’s desk (in a cage my son told me.) Really liked Chekhov being so young. As much as Uhura was significant and played up, I thought Sulu was way underplayed – even though he had his share of screen time, Pike at the end in a wheelchair was nice touch on the alternate timeline theme. There WAS lots of comedy relief, but for me that made me feel comfortable and sucked my wife and oldest son into the movie, which they both said they liked even though they planned to hate it. New model of Enterprise was easier on the eyes than I feared and I liked it. Not all inclusive list, but all I can think of right now!

By: Peter

Peter — Sun, 10 May 2009 19:22:15 +0000

Just walked out of the theater… I LOVED IT!! Hell yeah! My only thoughts were this; I wish Pavel Chekov and his accent didn’t come across as a joke. Everyone in my theater laughed every time he spoke. And two, I’m “indifferent” about the idea that the Trek Timeline has been completely altered, thereby canceling out every series except Enterprise. Not a complaint really… I just haven’t decided how I feel about that. I realize, though, that it’s an attempt to create a whole new story line to introduce Trek to today’s generation… But maybe I’m just still mourning the loss of Vulcan.

By: Mischa

Mischa — Sun, 10 May 2009 19:21:34 +0000

I agreed with most of your review. There was definitely some silly stuff in terms of time-lines and promotions…but all in all I think I probably liked it more than you did… which is surprising!! But I guess I was just in that middle bracket of having the familiarity with the characters and a bit of a storyline…without it being anywhere close to my heart. Because everything you described is EXACTLY how I felt with the changes to Lord of the Rings. I walked out of Two Towers tremendously conflicted….. experiencing, I imagine, the same emotions…

By: Christian

Christian — Sun, 10 May 2009 19:20:44 +0000

Hey, just read your “Star Trek” review, which was very engaging. Although you liked the film much more than I did, I appreciated the many caveats further into your review. I’m “in the weeds” of a different sort from you — not caught up in minutiae, but rather simply not engaged by this franchise. Never have been, but I’m always willing to give the stories a try, hoping one will turn me into a fan. I simply don’t see why this film is being hailed. I thought it was just … OK. I’m not the biggest fan of “space operas,” and never cared for “Trek,” but that makes me the intended audience for this reboot, right? I’ll check out the sequels, but I thought this film fell off quite a bit once Kirk was on the Enterprise. The cast all look like kids — part of the point, of course, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was watching “Star Trek: The High School Musical Edition,” minus the singing. I kept thinking these people were just out of adolescence, and their problems amounted to schoolyard taunts. The villains looked about as frightening as schoolyard bullies. Not good when you’re setting up a story that revolves around mass genocide. I’m glad we finally have a watchable, competent, big-budget entertainment in theaters, but I’m not feelin’ the love for this movie. I was rarely drawn in. In fact, the humor, which you found excessive, was probably the film’s saving grace. I liked Simon Pegg’s energy, which was much needed, I thought. All in all, not a bad film, but I’m frankly stunned at the level of praise it’s receiving.

By: BDK

BDK — Sun, 10 May 2009 19:20:06 +0000

Dude, that score was so genius!!! What didn’t you like? My only problems with the movie were that I didn’t like the villain. I thought Bana was good but I didn’t feel scared or worried at all when he was on screen. Also, I didn’t like the interaction between Simon Pegg and that little creature…that joke became tired. Other than that, the direction, score, everything was spot on. I loved hi canted angles throughout while people were running or when he would turn the sound off and just play the score while epic battle scenes were taking place…pretty wild stuff.

By: Tom

Tom — Sun, 10 May 2009 19:19:18 +0000

After much thought, I’ve come to terms with the alternate history version of the story. (Having read virtually every work by the great alternative history novelist Harry Turtledove, I should be able to appreciate this approach.) In this timeline, I will simply need to be more open-minded about the construction of my Star Trek universe. More to the point, Mr. Abrams made a great movie. The Enterprise looked fantastic, the actors were perfect for their roles, the script was well-done, albeit with perhaps a few too many humorous moments, and the special effects were top-notch. And all of this I got to see in IMAX! Live long and prosper.

By: David

David — Sun, 10 May 2009 19:18:30 +0000

The movie was great. Your review is written very well. I especially like your last line: “I look forward to seeing what Star Trek will be when it grows up.”

By: E Tappan

E Tappan — Fri, 08 May 2009 13:31:27 +0000

Excellent review! I just saw the movie last night and agree with all the points made here. I am a first-generation 1960’s Trek fan but decided to watch this film with an open mind. And while there were certainly some minor issues, there were so many, many more wonderful moments. Simply put, this film is a delight!!

By: ranger

ranger — Thu, 07 May 2009 14:21:33 +0000

Excellent review! I had NO intention of seeing this movie, and now I will. Great job of putting it all in context–now I want to see it!

By: Zeiram

Zeiram — Thu, 07 May 2009 12:27:09 +0000

Terrific review. Comprehensive and accurate. Moreover, it makes you want to see the film; so well done sir.

By: isotonic

isotonic — Thu, 07 May 2009 07:18:41 +0000

Great review “Star Trek is just plain fun, crafted with genuine affection but not slavish devotion”. I could not agree more. As a long-time fan of the series I was worried about this movie but decided to do my best to put all preconceptions aside. My willing suspension of disbelief kicked into overdrive right from the beginning and I let it stay there, choosing to ignore a few contrivances and plot holes because I was having such a good time. I absolutely loved it; the best time I’ve had at the movies in ages.