9 May 2009

Movie Madness: "To Boldly Go Where No One Has Gone Before"

O.k., so as a "Trekkie" I couldn't possibly leave my impressions of this until the end of the month movie recap, now could I?

I think I can sum this one up in one word: AWESOME!!!

:o)

Hmmm... although I think it might be more useful for anyone reading this if I develop that a bit! :p

I'll admit I've been a bit wary about this film ever since I heard about it and the fact that the idea was to "reboot" the franchise... A recipe for disaster if ever I heard one! And so o.k., JJ Abrams has brought us some damn good TV shows, but Mission: Impossible III just felt like an over-blown Alias episode, so not very inspiring for something with the scope (and baggage) of Star Trek. Plus there's the fact that -much as I've enjoyed them- most ST movies feel like double episodes of their respective TV series (although I'm basing myself mostly on the TNG stuff as I shamefully admit I've seen very little of the original series, at least that I can remember). But then I hear stuff like Abrams is a Star Wars (original trilogy) fan and wants to bring a bit of that panache to Trek. That the scriptwriters are die-hard Trek fans and will respect the "canon" (in other words nothing will contradict what has been previously filmed). Then we learn Sylar (a.k.a. Zachary Quinto) will be Spock... and I'm starting to feel a bit reassured (in sooo many episodes Sylar has actually kind of reminded me of a Vulcan, detached, logical... perfect choice!). And finally I start seeing the movie trailers:



After a series of these I was psiked!!! And man was I NOT let down! Hats off to these guys, they really pulled a good one out of their hats! The 2h just fly by at warp speed and not once leave you looking for an escape pod. Although I suspect that, in spite of many winks to Trek fans -Admiral Archer and his dog anyone?-, it might play better at first with people who aren't die-hard Trekkies... Why? Well, without spoiling it (or trying not to), all the while respecting everything that came before it, it definitely blows it all out of the water to completely reboot the franchise! I guess I should have expected it somewhat when I heard that time travel was going to be a key component... Also, it seems rather odd seeing such an emotional side to Spock... (but I liked it). Plus there's the fact that in a way it does seem more like Star Wars than Star Trek, with more emphasis on space battles than the philosophical/sociological ideas that were cleverly hidden / disguised in the various series.

But leaving all "canon" discussions aside, I just plain enjoyed the movie! The actors felt totally true to their characters (although I think they might have done so even more in English... man I HATE dubbing! grrrr, particularly that recitation at the end by Leonard Nemoy... I could just imagine his voice in my head "Space, the Final Frontier...") and the story was pretty solid.

In any case, I'm already looking forward to the next installment! And the idea of a Federation without one of its key races playing an integral part to it all? So curious to what that would result in!

So, Live long and prosper, and go see it! ;o)

6 comments:

  1. I can't wait to see it myself :)

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  2. I've been biting at the bit on this one since Wednesday!!! I got a message on facebook from my sister in New Zealand saying how great it was (she got an advance screening!) and seeing as how she's not a big sci-fi fan well it was high praise indeed!

    And definitely well worth the money and the 2h spent in the cinema! :o)

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  3. Avert your eyes if you are easily offended, but I have to confess I am of the 'never seen either star wars of star trek' camp - I know, what have I been doing all my life? haha.

    The movie looks good though - it's getting lots of thumbs up reviews. I've finally got round to seeing Wolverine (which you wrote about many moons ago). That was great too!

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  4. Oh my! Someone who has never seen Star Wars or Star Trek?! :O You are indeed are rarity!!!

    Nope, I'm not easily offended... Plus I can understand, I wouldn't give Trek the time of day until a friend "forcibly" sat me down in front of a couple of TNG episodes! :p But I did grow up on Star Wars. Had a couple colouring books and a record telling the story of one of the films as a child so... fond memories!

    How did you like Wolverine? I still haven't seen it!!! We were hesitating between that and Star Trek yesterday, but Trek just worked better with our schedule (my Dad and I went a bit crazy and decided to work out a double feature! We say The International first), and what with my sister's shout out about the movie (and my jealousy of her having seen it before me lol!) impatience won and we saw Trek. Wolverine will be for next Saturday. (and then I'll be keeping my eyes open for the scenes I saw being filmed when I was in New Zealand last year!)

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  5. We had friends over for dinner on Friday and they couldn't say enough about this movie. We are excited to see it!

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  6. Ahhh, friends with good taste! ;o) Have fun when you do!

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Hey there! Yes you! The quiet one in the back... I'd love it if you hung out for a bit and shared your thoughts!

I might stop by your place with an answer, but I'm more likely to reply right here so click on "email follow up comments" if you'd like to see what I and others have to say and come continue the conversation! ;o)