Urban Talks Trek Characters and Production Design January 11, 2008
by Anthony Pascale , Filed under: Star Trek (2009 film) , trackback
TV Guide has put up an extended version of their interview with Karl Urban about his upcoming roles in the CBS mini-series Comanche Moon as well as the new Star Trek movie. Urban repeated to TV Guide that he was a fan of Star Trek who actively persued the the role of McCoy and he feels that the characters are faithful and the designs are like ‘high definition’ versions of the original (more below…no spoilers).
Regarding the film in general he stated:
The movie that we are making is very, very faithful to the spirit of the original series and the characters that were created back in the ’60s. It’s those same character dynamics, and you know what? It’s a lot of fun.
Urban on McCoy in the new movie
He is that lovable, irascible humanist that he has always been. He is, as he was written in the original series, a good friend of Jim Kirk’s. J.J. is going to reinvigorate this franchise in a fresh and exciting way. It’s going to be amazing.
Urban on making a prequel to the 60s still look futuristic
The way I feel about it, being as specific as I’m allowed to be, is it’s like listening to a radio station in AM and then tuning it into high-definition stereo. Everything will sort of really come into high-definition focus… if that makes any sense. All I can really say is the production as a whole is incredibly faithful to the Star Trek universe and takes into account what has come before. The very fact that Leonard Nimoy is reprising his role of Spock, for the first time in, like, 15 years, is a huge endorsement. He wouldn’t be doing it if he didn’t believe the spirit of this production was not in the right place.
Urban talked to USA Today about his performance as McCoy
The tricky part is injecting fresh perspective. You don’t want a carbon copy of someone’s performance.
Full interviews at TVGuide.com and USA Today
The western mini-series Comanche Moon with Karl Urban kicks off this Sunday at 9PM on CBS
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Comments»
hmm… well i got high hopes still
I still think he’s totally wrong for the part of McCoy.
Urban’s comments, more than any so far, make me look forward to this film.
great interview!!
I hope it will be realy good. I like HD. :D
Sounds good! Of the main crew McCoy was one I was having a harder time thinking of someone for the part but i’m looking forward to seeing how he plays it. I think Urban will work, my biggest surprise (WTF) was Pegg as Scotty (was really pushing for Mcgillion) but the more I thought about it I think it could work well. Really have to wait a year to find out for sure, i’ve seen actors in parts I wouldn’t expect “blow me away” before so i’m hopefull!
I have a good feeling about this guy. He’s got a good attitude about things. You gotta give him points for all those years of having watched Trek, too.
Only one concern. Perused or pursued the role?
“By golly, Jim, I’m beginning to think I can cure a rainy day!”
Sounds like the design of the sets might not be such a radical departure as everyone has been fretting about. Just shows there’s no point worrying and arguing about it all until people the photographs are out there.
I’ve changed my opinion now. I think he’s gonna do fine.
It really seems like Urban is a Trek fan, and I appreciate that. I knew he did a lot of Sci-Fi and Fantasy throughout his career, but I thought that was just for a paycheck, not because it was a beloved genre of his. I hope, for all our sakes and his too, that this movie is good.
Karl Urban will do great I’m sure. It’s obvious he’s a Trek fan which is always cool!
Thanks Anthony
A different ship along with a new crew with a fresh story makes more sense to me. The way their doing it and attempting to pass it off as something new makes as much sense as running backwards UNLESS the director can somehow manage to pull one out of the hat and I doubt he has the ability.
He’s too young and inexperienced. Fresh ideas are fine as long as their tempered by someone who has a the LONG track record. Oh well….
hmmm…I think he’s wrong as far as his “carbon copy” statement. what made these characters what they are is the original actors mannerisms and delivery of their lines, which is why many people feel Kirk [I]is[/I] Shatner, Kelley is McCoy, etc. A new actor portraying such a classic and long established role needs to emulate the previous actors performance down to a “t”, otherwise they are rewriting the character.
I can’t help but be encouraged by everything Urban he has said. I’m really looking forward to Commanche Creek.
@13 Don’t agree. Different actors brought different flavours to Bond, Sherlock Holmes, Batman, Superman etc. Having an actor trying to mimic another actor’s performance to a ‘t’ is a recipe for disaster and a target for ridicule.
Capturing the essence of a character is the goal and the key to success.
Urban’s comments stand well with me.
13 – Star Trek: The Rich Little Edition.
15 hit the nail on the head. Look at Superman Returns. I thought it was a great homage to the Christopher Reeve films, but Routhe’s performance was so to a ‘t’ mimicking Reeve the ‘actor’ instead of Superman the ‘character’, that the film comes across as soulless and devoid of any long-lasting impact. I don’t want that kind of carefully planned carbon copying with this new Trek movie. Yes, honor canon. I like the analogy of bringing the ’60s TOS technology into greater detail and focus rather than a complete overhaul. But let these actors bring something unique to the roles…
Hi CanuckLou (15)
Problem is, some people misguidedly feel that Star Trek is somehow ’special’ among the many franchises out there and deserves different treatment from Batman, Superman, Sherlock Holmes and so on.
To some people, Trek is a set-in-stone pseudo-religion that can’t be revised in any way! They can’t recognise that it really is just another franchise, albeit one that we love.
With new performers, we have the opportunity to draw out different nuances from the characters and explore sides to them we haven’t seen before. That’s the excitement of seeing different performances in the theatre and something that can only benefit Star Trek.
IMO, Urban’s stressing Abram’s intention to respect the original to the point where it almost becomes defensive.
But at least he has two sentences to say about McCoy’s characteristics and the “character dynamics”. Not much, but far more than Pine had to say about the character he’s about to portray.
If any of the actors in this movie try to copy their predecessors to a “t” they will fail. Mainly because of some of the narrow minded fans. All they can do is stay true to the spirit, which is fine by me. and Mr. Urban’s enthusiasm for the role is nothing but inspiring, imo.
And to all those people that think they have to do it to a “t”, or else it will fail, you obviously don’t get what Stra Trek is about – at all. If Mr. Roddenberry’s vision of the future was trying to teach us anything, is was open-mindedness, which some of you obviously don’t(and will never) get.
THE LAMENT OF THE TREK O.C.D. CANON-ITE #137:
What is this “high-definition” talk? The ’60s STAR TREK was all about analog!
I’ll be picketing outside the theaters on 12/25/08. ;)
OMG, the movie is gonna be great! OMG, J.J. is gonna just totally screw it all up and it’s gonna suck! OMG, now it’s gonna be great again! I love the contravercy, but I’ll still just go to see the movie and make up my mind for myself.
I dont’ have a problem with remastering things. As a matter of fact I couldn’t sit down and watch an original series episode with it’s HORRIBLE graphics, but I spent the money for the new HD remastered set and It’s breathed new life into the series and made it watchable.
As long as this movie respects canan, I’m happy.
#13 :” A new actor portraying such a classic and long established role needs to emulate the previous actors performance down to a “t”, otherwise they are rewriting the character.”
You’ll never find an actor of any ability who’s willing to take the part, then.
13. ctiii –
If you knew anything about acting…you would know what a colossal waste of time that would be…it wouldn’t be acting, it would be impersonating….and would be as flat as a pancake on Jupiter.
It’s absolutely possible, for a different actor to filter the qualities of a character through their own physical and mental interpretation…and still be the same character. Copying…is NOT reasonable or realistic.
#13 CTIII -
If ALL of the new actors do indeed mimic the original TOS actors “to a T,” then audiences around the world will giggle and laugh throughout the film, as if they were watching one, long 2-hour “SNL” skit.
With all due respect… that’s one of the most ill-informed statements I’ve ever read on these boards.
@18 Dom – I hear you loud and clear.
If one is going to approach this movie with the mind set that ST XI is going to be a carbon copy of the 60s show they will severely disappointed.
The actors, the sets, the look, the sound, the… everything is going to different. The trick is, will ST XI capture the spirit and themes of the original? That is what the goal is. Everything else is window dressing.
That’s the mindset I am going into the movie with. Any little touches they can throw in, beyond having Nimoy in the film, that reference the original series is a gift to the fans.
I am looking forward to seeing what new courses JJ et al can set for this iteration of the Enterprise and crew in the original Star Trek era.
Totally agree with Canuck Lou and others that mimicry is not the same as performance. Just get the basics right; accent, attitude, and then put your own stamp on it. If Trek didn’t get an insfusion of fresh blood when it did, I doubt it could’ve Lived Long or Prospered to a new audience. And let’s face it; the hardcore audience (myself included) is getting older. We don’t go to movies as much as younger folk. Just hoping they can walk the tightrope of winning new fans (which the franchise needs) and not turning off too many of the hardcore tribe. Some will automatically boycott (granted) because they’re just close-minded. I, for one, wish Karl Urban and co. luck! But I worry about the over-abundance of pessimism and negativity creeping into fandom lately. Trek is not sacred, folks; it’s an entertainment property. If it doesn’t take chances, it’ll become stagnant. Let’s ALL just wait and see!
#13… absolutely wrong…. the worst thing they could do would be to try and do imitations of the original actors’ performances. that would just be awful
#26.. i agree completely
Just like with the changes in set design – ship interiors, uniforms, etc. – the vast majority of people that would be interested in seeing this film, which includes a huge sci fi audience that probably like Star Trek, but aren’t hard core trekkies – will recognize from the begining that this is a “new” vision of Star Trek. They won’t expect it to look exactly like the 1960’s show, nor will they want it to. They won’t expect the actors to act just like the original actors, nor will they want them to.
It seems to me that a small group of hard core trekkies want this movie to be nothing more than a carbon copy of the 1960’s show, down to the acting (or lack there of). Basically, they want another TOS episode blown up to the big screen.
I fully expect that not to be the case when the movie comes out because that would be a disaster. Most movie going people will want something new and something different. Most people don’t want to see the same thing over and over. They go to the movies, and especially a movie like this one, to see something new. All the anticipation leading up to seeing the film is about what new things they will have, new technologies, new set designs, special effects, etc.
Spirit of the character…
That’s exactly right. I recall in Generations and First Contact that the TNG characters suddeny changed- no different actors of course, but very different interpretations by the writers. Data became the laughing spaceman, Picard became an action hero blasting away at every Borg and smashing his glass case. Those instances were made up for in Nemesis when Data really developed into a humanistic person and Picard was once again the introspective man he had been (unbearingly at times) throughout TNG.
Well, Picard snaps and shoots up the Romulan ship. And Data’s death was treated inhumanly. Oh, well.
TOS was about humanity developing and working together for a better future (so to speak.) But what fans really fell for was the friendships between such dynamic characters interpreted by such unique actors. Shatner was Kirk, maybe moreso than any other actor was their part. Now he’s the laughing spaecman. : )
(Oh- hope I’m as active when I’m in my seventies…)
Good characters can be re-interpreted through good acting without losing what made them special.
So, why isn’t Carrot Top in this movie? Let’s start a campaign for him to play a Gorn- rocks are good props.
#13 :” A new actor portraying such a classic and long established role needs to emulate the previous actors performance down to a “t”, otherwise they are rewriting the character.”
Well, I can’t say that they need to mimic the originals to a “t” but with Nimoy being involved there should certainly be something very “familiar’ about how these characters are played. And since these characters were literally born into the bodies of Shatner, Nimoy, Doohan, etc…and where there for decades…there are no other benchmarks. Kirk..pauses…his ..delivery (at times). and delivers flying jump kicks. Spock raises one eyebrow alot and grasps his hands behind his back when standing still. McCoy is very animated with his hands when he ges excited. These unscripted actions by the actors are a HUGE part of what defines theses characters and make them who they are.
The new guys will certainly bring their own traits to the roles as well…but if Nimoy is going to be in this movie AS Spock, if he lifts an eyebrow, I hope Quinto also raises an eyebrow. And if I’m really lucky, we might even see a flying kick from our new Kirk.
Agreed – no to mimicking other actors!
I like to think that anybody that hasn’t watched any Trek, can pick up a good TOS novel or two, and (gasp) still get to “know” the characters.
If this film is a success, then hopefully in sequels the actors will find a dynamic of their own that we’ve never seen before (in canon). And perhaps, from that will grow a unique and worthy take on these characters, and Trek.
Hopefully this film series is so good, some people will even forget “canon rules”! That’s certainly the intent, if they are inventing a revised timeline.
It would certainly free up the new film series to do it’s own thing, and boldy go where no other Trek incarnation has gone before ;-)
Hi, star trackie (31)
Even the use of hands is a choice the actor has to make. Zachary Quinto might prefer to have his hands in front! Karl Urban might be more saturnine or even more animated. That’s something the cast will come up with along with the director.
Remember, Zachary Quinto is starring as Spock in this film. Leonard Nimoy plays an apparently substantial role in the film, but he is very much a guest star in someone else’s film, handing over the reins.
Even Leonard Nimoy’s performance will be a compromise to get the best synch with Zachary Quinto’s leading role, devised by the actors and JJ Abrams! Basically, the same as ever happens in movies where more than one person plays the same character.
There are no absolute musts in this film. Think of this film as having as much relation to TOS as a new York Met Production of Wagner’s Ring has to a Bayreuth production of the same! Sometimes the same actors appear and sometimes they don’t. One version has one sort of sets and another is completely different. End of the dat, they’re still The Ring!!!
Simply mimicing a performance is a bad thing, but if you are trying to bring to life a character done for years by another actor, you better dang well make sure that you make sure your performance echoes something of the original… or you have failed.
It’s all acting… so “act” like the character! That’s how I see it.
#6 “my biggest surprise (WTF) was Pegg as Scotty (was really pushing for Mcgillion) but the more I thought about it I think it could work well”
Yes, Pegg is a terrific actor and I have great faith in him. I have to say that, honestly speaking, there is a lot of talent in this new Trek casting. More than was in the original cast. Don’t get me wrong, I really love Shatner, Kelley, Doohan and Co., but I don’t think about them as top actors.
Urban’s comments sound far more encouraging than stuff like “this ain’t your daddy’s Star Trek” and “hardcore fans will probably freak out”. I am re-assured for now until someone else affiliated with the production decides to spout some new drivel.
#26: “With all due respect… that’s one of the most ill-informed statements I’ve ever read on these boards.”
Stick around. ;)
#31: ” And since these characters were literally born into the bodies of Shatner, Nimoy, Doohan, etc…and where there for decades…there are no other benchmarks.”
Now, there will be.
#13–Asking a professional actor to approach a project in that manner would be an insult. Not only would it be personally insulting to the artist, but then the whole thing would look like a collection of people doing impressions. Do you really want to see Chris Pine doing a Shatner impression? I do not, anymore than I want to see Karl Urban mimicking Deforest Kelley. It will be fans like you, who cannot broaden their horizons enough to appreciate anything in this film that is not a carbon copy of the 1960’s version, who will decide to dislike this movie for all of the wrong reasons. This incarnation of the pre-TOS-era/TOS-era Star Trek should be appreciated not only as part of the Star Trek film collection, but as an individual film as well. Here’s to hoping that there are more of us than there are of you…
38. Closettrekker.
Worse than that, ‘fans’ who dribble on about ‘canon’, copying performances to a ‘t’ and insisting that the bridge rail (assuming there is one!) is the exact shade of red tend to shout the loudest.
You can guarantee they’ll be spouting off in the lead up to the film scaring normal people off seeing it. I mean, who’d want to be associated with people that anal?!
Like it or not, us fans who are sensible and open minded need to drown out the vocal minority that are determined to spoil everyone’s fun!!!
mimicry schmimicry! Even the original cast did not mimic their own performances from the original series when they were making the movies. It was understandable because in the movies they were older and wiser. Now, we will have characters who are younger and less experienced (I’m talking about the characters, not the actors), so they should not be copying the original series characters to a ‘t’.
#36 Jim – I agree with you. I think they should make Urban the official spokeman for the new movie – he can generate enthusiasm without any slip of the tongue. His enthusiam is contagious.
a long time ago a young cgi designer who was developing a character named jar jar for a guy named george stated that “25 years from now we should be able to recreate a now dead actor. Using vocal samples and motion mapping we could probably make a sequel to Casablanca.” he went on to talk about why that would not be a good idea, because no matter how good the cgi was, there would be no acting. i think the same thing applys here. only a pedantic fetishist would find such a recreation useful. a real mccoy requires life behind the role.
Jeez. Between the ST cast and the presidential candidates, this is gonna be a long year of empty soundbites.
Just watched Mission Impossible III last night. All they need is one of those mask-making devices and the vocal thingy they put on their throats — and everyone can look and talk exactly like the original cast. Takes about 5 minutes.
I mean, come on, this is 2008, use the technology that’s available already!
Heh heh heh.
I’ll be quite happy with a new CG-animated re-version of the animated series, where the original cast are concerned.
I’m just looking forward to the new movie!!!
But if having new actors play these classic roles isnt a big deal, why didnt the studio just throw some money and support to the “New Voyages” people and let them do the movie? For that matter, why isnt “New Voyages” more popular among Trek fans and the general SciFi community than it is?
As far as all the mannerisms like Spock raising an eyebrow or putting his hands behind his back, or McCoy speaking with his hands, and the new actors being free to change them on their own…that isnt something for them to interpret and change. The “character” Spock (or McCoy) did those things, not the actors…some of it was probably even written into the script as stage directions making it the “characters” traits.
I wouldn’t want to see the new actors imitating the original ones, too. This would not only be impossible, it would not make much sense either.
In STXI, we will probably learn something about a period that hasn’t been covered before and that’s what may make it bearable or even interesting. We will be told a new story and the characters‘ reactions to the possible events, their emotions should be congruent with the established image but may as well imply different features as being shown at a pre-TOS stage in their development.
As regards the characters’ acceptation at large, they are meanwhile well embedded in people’s minds. Becoming archetypes and cultural icons, being recognized by all cultural, social and age groups is a masterly achievement and tells its own tale. The image was created 40 years ago and was cemented by subsequent congruent portrayals.
If the film meets its own claim, it will add one, maybe adventurous, chapter to the already written ST encyclopaedia, nothing more. But the TOS characters as a fundamental component of cultural heritage do not need benefit or promotion, they already have reached the peak and will remain there; with or without the film.
#37- ” “And since these characters were literally born into the bodies of Shatner, Nimoy, Doohan, etc…and where there for decades…there are no other benchmarks.”
Now, there will be. ”
…maybe..maybe not. depends on how successful the film is. I’d wager than when debating the fictional character of Jim West, not a lot of folks bring up Will Smith’s wry smile and witicisms.
and # 38 “#13–Asking a professional actor to approach a project in that manner would be an insult. Not only would it be personally insulting to the artist, but then the whole thing would look like a collection of people doing impressions. ”
Now that all depends on how you approach the project, doesn’t it?
Are you rebooting with a whole new mindset or are you portraying younger versions of established characters? Clearly Quinto is playing a younger version of Nimoy’s Spock. That detail alone dictates how it should be played, no different than if an actor was asked to play John Kennedy. Yes, I know I know, Kennedy was real, Spock is not…I can you screaming now. But that has little to do with this. In context of the MOVIE…we are asked to believe that Nimoy’s Spock is real…and we are asked to believe he is the same Spock that we have seen for 40 years. We are also asked to believe that Quinto IS a younger version of that very same Spock…not a new Spock…1966 Spock. So, in the context of the movie…if we see a younger Spock there should be at least SOME semblence of Nimoy’s portrayal.
Is it insulting to ask Quinto to arch an eyebrow? Hardly.
Not unlike an actor being asked to portray Kennedy, or Elvis, or Patton, many proffesionals would see it as a challenge. Will Smith is the perfect example. He stepped into the established character of Jim West and the whole reboot was a titanic disaster.
His take on Ali was acclaimed. In fact I’d bet he was quite proud of his portrayal of Muhamed Ali. And I don’t think he was insulted in the least when asked to take the role.
It’s all how you look at it.
#46 -
1) “But if having new actors play these classic roles isnt a big deal, why didnt the studio just throw some money and support to the “New Voyages” people and let them do the movie? For that matter, why isnt “New Voyages” more popular among Trek fans and the general SciFi community than it is?”
First, the new TREK XI crew look more like the original characters than the NV crew does, and second (and more importantly) they’re already ESTABLISHED actors. NEW VOYAGES is a fun little time-waster, but they ain’t actors, my friend.
And the reason why NV isn’t more popular is because it’s a slavish, amateur production. It’s FUN to watch, mind you (if you have nothing more to do on a Saturday night) but nothing more. Putting the NEW VOYAGES up on the big screen (even with a bigger budge) would be seen as one big giant goof. It ain’t happenin’.
Let NV have their fun on the Internet and let the Big Boys do their thing with TREK XI.
I don’t believe a word of it. The writers of this movie have no feel for the Star Trek universe. Don’t fall for the spin.
ctiii (46)
It goes without saying that New Voyages are fan films mostly made by semi-pro enthusiasts who help fund the bigger aspects of their films by holding down everyday jobs.
New Voyages isn’t particularly huge in the fan community, because a lot of us don’t want to watch fan films. I mean that as no slight against the hard work of people who make these productions, but most of us want the real thing. STNV appeals to a retro audience who want a nostalgia fix.
The rest of us would rather see an official new production!
Hey Roberto! FInally getting to watch M:I:III tonight! Can’t wait!!!
I’m thrilled that one of us trekkers/trekkies has a major part in a Star Trek movie! Way to go Karl.
#19
My dear, you are a trip. I’ve never seen someone with such an uncanny ability to find negativity in even the most straightforward of statements.
Any actor worth his/her salt will always bring whatever that individual actor has to any part. An inflection, a mannerism based on the previous actor in a roll is welcome, the the new actor will always bring their own spin to a character.
Then again, Kevin Pollack doing the Shat would be a hoot.
#39- Well said, Dom.
#47-I agree, but even more so, some of what occurs in this film may even explain why some of the characters evolved into who we knew them to be in TOS. We have seen such changes in Spock, for example, throughout the original series and into the feature films. What happens to him in TMP, for instance, along with his long developed relationships with Kirk and McCoy leads him to actually embrace the human side of himself, it seems, by the time we see him in TWOK. Until then, one could argue that he may have even been ashamed of that part of himself and, at times, tried to compensate. Eventually, he found it to be another source of strength. My point is, we may soon see another artist’s vision of what not only Spock, but the rest of the characters we all know and love, may have been like before we knew them, and what caused them to evolve into the personalities they had during the five year mission.
#48–No one is suggesting Quinto play a new Spock, rather that he plays Spock during another period in his life. If you read what I wrote to Iowagirl, you may understand what I am trying to suggest. The same is true with Urban’s approach to Dr. McCoy. He’s not going to give us an impression of DeForest Kelley. Good. My hope is that he gives us his best perspective on how Bones must have been as a much younger man. How did he develop such a sarcastic manner? How did he develop the courage that even Khan had to admire in “Space Seed”? What happened that made him the man he was to become? These are the kind of artistic challenges Mr. Urban has to face in this project, and he seems to have the right attitude to do it.
#50–Well, Mr. Nimoy believes that they do, or he would not have agreed to come out of “Trek retirement” for a role in this project.
#48:”…maybe..maybe not. depends on how successful the film is. I’d wager than when debating the fictional character of Jim West, not a lot of folks bring up Will Smith’s wry smile and witicisms.”
Do people debate Jim West? Why the hell, and how many of them and how often?
OTOH, the *world* knows and appreciates Smith’s “wry smile and witticisms” in just about any context – if the success of his films in general are any indication. And given a worldwide boxoffice take of over two hundred million dollars (in 1999!) for Smith’s version, it’s pretty likely that a lot more folks have actually *seen* him play James West than have watched Robert Conrad in the role since his series was cancelled in 1969. ;)
#57 you know #50 was joking right?
Same as old but “High Def”?
Very encouraging.
It’s highly likely that a huge portion of the Smith version’s audience still to this day have no idea there was ever a TV show with that name. Honestly, I think that’s true of “Mission Impossible” to some extent as well; while the theme music lived on, the show seemed to fade from late-night reruns sometime in the 80s. A lot of adapted movies really do reintroduce things to entirely new audiences.
I don’t think that would be possible with Star Trek yet; it has remained a part of the pop culture even through its leanest years, but there are certainly a lot of potential viewers who are dimly aware of TOS without ever having actually seen an episode.
And I hope they get an awesome movie. And I hope I get one, too. And while I’m wishin’, I want a pony :)
I’m a huge Trek fan…shouldn’t they have put me in the movie??
;-)
#59-Guess I missed that. Sorry.
#61:”It’s highly likely that a huge portion of the Smith version’s audience still to this day have no idea there was ever a TV show with that name. ”
You’re almost certainly right.
Prior to the premiere of “Star Trek,” the network TV shows I can remember being really excited about during my childhood were “Wild, Wild West,” “Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea,” “Fireball XL-5,” “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.,” “Batman” and “Lost In Space.”
I was just a wee bit too young to remember “Tom Corbett, Space Cadet,” but I was transfixed by the syndicated re-runs of the George Reeves “Superman” series.
#54
Thanks. So I was able to show one of my abilities – a road others still may have to take. :)
#48
I agree 100%.
#58
So wrong…so very wrong. I like Will Smith alot….but Smith as West was a total disaster. Too much character change. If you want to make a western and use Will Smith, don’t call it ‘Wild Wild West’. Make the same movie but change all the names. Same effect without making the people who like the TV series feel bad. The only reason the use the characters and give the movie the same name as the TV series is to “invite” the older crowd to the party. The old crowd is the fanbase. The guaranteed viewer.
Anyone can make a new movie with new characters and try to get large box office numbers. These reboots are an attempt to get the old crowd to the theaters too. The studios know that. They’re making a Ford Focus but calling it a ‘68 Camaro. Dude, if it’s a Focus, call it a Focus.
#50 Good one Roberto! Keep pinching us to see if we are paying attention!
“Damn it Jim….I’m a DOCTOR! Not a Screenwriter!!”
Hoping ‘Star Trek’ is really ‘Star Trek HD’ as opposed to ‘Star Wars’ or ‘Galaxy Quest’
Or ‘Lost’ in Space, hee hee
BTW, I love ‘Star Wars’ and ‘Galaxy Quest’.
#66: “#58
So wrong…so very wrong.”
What, that more people saw Smith’s movie and like Smith in general than have been watching the original TV series in the last three decades or so? Sorry, but that’s so very, very right – that is, very true.
Disliking something vociferously doesn’t make one the voice of the majority.
Why wasn’t Gary Sinise called upon to be McCoy?
DeForrest Kelly always looked old… well, I assume he was what- 45 or so in TOS??…so Sinise being older than Pine or Quarktro would be just fine.
Sinise wouldn’t be impersonating Big D… Sinise could just be himself.
“I’m a doctor, not a NY cop that shrimped with Gump.”
Oh wait… bad record w/ sci-fi films… Mission to Mars, Imposter (didn’t he vow never to play a gun toting part ever again after that one?)
Hmmm….
#30: Carrot Top could play a ship engineer…”Bright red would look good here… and here… and here!”
#65: “… a road others still may have to take. ”
Not on the most pathetic day of my life, sorry.
Bring on the miniskirts!
I think I’ll just reserve any judgments until I see some production photos. Six months away?
One says it will look totally different, one says it will look like the 60s.
So what now? Totally different or like the 60s?
I want a live action ‘Adventures of Jonny Quest.’
(grin)
I’m just wondering when they will be remaking “My Mother the Car.” There’s gotta be a lot of pent-up demand for that one. I hear there are some real knockout/dragout fights on fansite such as this, debating the various actors who could possibly live up the legend of Gerry Van Dyke.
And there are a lot of fans who are exclaiming, “If Gerry Van Dyke isn’t in it, I’m not gonna go see it!”
hee hee hee
#58
There’s another reason they might call it Star Trek — copyright.
18. Here here, could not have said it better myself.
I think a way we should look at this is not a remake of Star Trek (which it is in a sense), but a “film version” or “adaptation” if you will.
I think we should compare this to Lord Of The Rings, remembering, for me, how well i knew the stories growing up with them. We all had a vision of what a film should look and feel like, and the cannon needed to be respected of course. Yes I know I’m talking about a book but the scenario is the same.
#69
You were so very, very wrong in #58 to imply that Smith as West made the movie better than the TV series.
I think the world is with me that the 1999 Wild Wild West was not better. Will Smith was used as a box-office draw. The fact that it was labeled as a big-budget, action-adventure also got people in to see it—whether it was good or bad. They got me. It sucked. Superman Returns same thing. Got me. It sucked. Batman and Robin. Got me. Sucked. I mean, sheesh, they had George Clooney and it still sucked.
All ya have to do is make a movie based on something I grew up with, give it the same name and you will get me. Sad but true. Yes, the studios know this. The only thing we can hope for is that they do it right.
#71
Well, I wasn’t referring to you, but if you feel obliged to disclaim it though; that’s fine with me.
oh. and if Tim Matheson doesn’t provide the voice for young Jonny I am boycotting it (a live action Jonny Quest)… same said for the other voice actors from the original 1964 cartoon.
(slap me for being silly)
Hey, I liked “Superman Returns (except for that little bit about him maybe being a daddy–that was too out of canon–there’s that word again!).”
#74- As long as the film does justice to the men and women who brought us this wonderful idea that was Star Trek, why does it matter? I don’t recall many comic book lovers complaining that the X-Men movies did not feature men in spandex. What are the chances that, in the 23rd century, the human race will adopt a look that screams “1960’s”–Checkov with a haircut that makes him look more like one of the Beatles than a starship helmsman, mini-skirts, bee-hive hairdos, go-go boots, and hippies in space?
I can’t seem to say this enough, but Star Trek is not a retro-fashion show, nor is it about cheap props and subpar special effects. Or maybe it is to some. To me, it is about a philosophy, and as long as that philosophy is adhered to, the integrity of the TOS characters is maintained, and the story is interesting, this movie will be fine. The truth is, even if a few old fans lack the imagination and common sense to appreciate what is being done here, Star Trek will still have much more to gain than it has to lose at this point.
And this is not directed at anyone in particular, but if Quinto doesn’t raise his eyebrow high enough for you, or the bridge actually looks like something you would expect it to look like in the 23rd century rather than it did with a small budget TV show, or maybe the communicators do not look like my cell phone did 10 years ago, and something like THAT keeps you from appreciating these artists’ work, then you were never going to be satisfied with anything they could have done anyway. Who cares? Are they supposed to be the first group of people who actually CAN satisfy all of the people all of the time?
I have been waiting for them to do this ever since I was first disappointed with the spinoff series. I will give them every chance to succeed before I criticize them as artists. There will be things that are not perfect. I hated Kirstie Alley’s overly emotional performance as a Vulcan in TWOK, and that is my favorite Star Trek movie. But you know, it does not even bother me anymore when I see it. There are too many good things about it, namely the story. The story will make or break this film more than anything, although the actors will be held to unfair standards that come with the territory. I, for one, will give them a chance.
Some see Urban as McCoy
My view was rural, not being coy
I’m pretty sure we’ll like him
As he yells, “he’s dead, Jim!”
If his acting is off, it WILL annoy!
#58 “Do people debate Jim West? Why the hell, and how many of them and how often?”
Who knows, but whenever they do, and whoever they are, you can bet they aren’t talking about Will Smith.
“OTOH, the *world* knows and appreciates Smith’s “wry smile and witticisms” in just about any context – if the success of his films in general are any indication. And given a worldwide boxoffice take of over two hundred million dollars (in 1999!) for Smith’s version, it’s pretty likely that a lot more folks have actually *seen* him play James West than have watched Robert Conrad in the role since his series was cancelled in 1969″
Nice soundbyte on the virtues of Will Smith, but the “world” that saw him as Jim West also understands the failure that was “Wild Wild West.” Your statement might make an interesting sidebar on IMDB but does little to prove my statement wrong. Try again. :)
OK, Somewhat bad example. Superman Returns didn’t really suck all the way. It was just a bit off or something. I guess I felt if they’re going to use the music, and someone who looked like Reeve, they should use the same suit and someone closer to looking like Margot.
If the new actors were to attempt to perform exactly like the original actors, what would end up with is a Brady Bunch Movie version of Star Trek.
Bosworth was far too young to play Lois Lane and the general storyline about Luthor wanting to build a continent SUCKED BIG TIME!!
I thought Brandon Routh did a very good job in the role of Superman!
#75 “I want a live action ‘Adventures of Jonny Quest.’”
As long as its not that abysmal 80’s JQ. Has to be 60’s JQ, or I’m not interested…naturally. lol Or a CGI version. I sensed some JQ inspired moments in the Incredbles. Good stuff. CGI Jonny could rock.
# 88 -
THE INCREDIBLES.
Best “Jonny Quest” episode, JAMES BOND film and super-hero movie all rolled into one awesome package. Closest we ever got to JQ on the big screen!
I’m with #64 – as a matter of fact, the should have skipped updating “Speed Racer” and done “Fireball XL-5″. Wings and flames galore!
I’m very happy to see that some of the Trekkers are finally warming up to the idea of Karl playing Bones. He’s going to do a fantastic job, you’ll see…
Bring it on, JJ. But, no HD stereo seat-belts, please ;-)
39. I wholeheartedly agree!
#85
I saw the extras for the making of Superman Returns and you really got the feeling that the director and his two “20-ish” co-writers were nothing more than a bunch of very lucky teenagers running around the set thinking “wow look at this set, this is really cool” Whereas giants like Mario Puzo,(who wrote the screenplay for Superman and also wrote the
Godfather) Richard Donner(who also directed the Omen), Gene Hackman, Marlon Brando, Christopher Reeve etc etc where all focused and professional, which is why “SUPERMAN” was such a brilliant film.
As far as writing is concerned (unless you’re unusually gifted) you should be AT LEAST in your late 30’s early 40’s to be a good dramatic writer. Writing is essentially making observations about life in a fictional format.
What the hell do you know about life when you’re 25?
As far as the Trek film goes, I have a very good feeling about everything we have seen and heard (courtesy of Anthony)
Sadly though, it looks like the only way Shatner is going to be in the film is if he passes before Christmas, and the film is dedicated to him.
I still think that Urban will make a great McCoy.
And that’s all I have to say about that.
#82 Re Kirstie Alley in TWOK
Some comfort for you: You probably already know this, but Saavik was originally written as a Vulcan-Romulan hybrid, and it very much informed Alley’s portrayal; but that very important little piece of character info was deleted from the final version of the movie.
#50: LOL! More gasoline for the fire, eh? As many Ultraconservative Orthodox Canonite have suspected from the very beginning, you are pure evil! ;)
Peace. Live long and prosper.
The Vulcanista }:-|
##51 “New Voyages isn’t particularly huge in the fan community, because a lot of us don’t want to watch fan films.”
Who says “Star Trek – The New Voyages’ isn’t popular with the fans? I know of many people who enjoy them, myself included.
Of course, they [the new voyages] are, to some degree, amatuerish. But let’s not forget these folks are doing this out of love. They are not paid for their association; some of them are not professional actors; nor are those behind the scenes. It is all for the love of TREK.
Personally, I find much to be pleased in… if it is all too retro, so be it. I think the actors who portray Mr. Spock, Lt. Sulu and Ensign Chekov do a “right on” performance of the originals.
If you think about it, these internet voyages are nothing more than 21st century high tech versions of the fanzines we had in the 70s and 80s. What amazes me is how for all these years Paramount has had a “hands off” policy on the fanzines, and now the internet voyages. I thank them for that because I really think these people helped keep TREK alive.
#94 I disagree. What the hell do you know about life when you’re 25?
Using that logic, 23-year old David Gerrold would never have written (or sold) “The Troubles With Tribbles” to Gene Coon for second season ST: TOS.
#90
Fireball XL-5??? OMG, I had forgotten about that one. I’d *so* totally go see a remake of that!!! But they have to show the marionette strings. Otherwise, I’ll boycott. ;)
God, I’m old.
Peace. Live long and prosper.
The Vulcanista }:-|
Like this guy more and more !!!!!
Fireball XL-5…….woohoooo!! “Stand by for ACTION!!” (drumbeat…) :)
:)
#96–I did know that about Saavik, having read the novelization of both TWOK and TSFS, but it was my understanding that she had been found at a very young age by a Vulcan Science Team led by Spock (it’s been awhile-so maybe my memory is off) and raised on Vulcan by Sarek and Amanda Grayson. Then being a pupil of Spock’s (and one he evidently took great interest in) should have directed her to a more “Vulcan-like” control of her emotions. Certainly being Romulan would not make her more genetically predisposed to a lack of emotional discipline than Spock’s human blood did. Would it not be almost the same as if all of her DNA were Vulcan? Forgive me for going way off topic, but…if you can talk Trek with other Trekkers…
#25
Well spoken. For instance, Michael caine as Alfred in “Batman Begins”. Yes, he’s playing Alfred, a character known and beloved by millions of die-hard Bat-fans. Yet he dellivered a credible, sensitive preformance that did not in any way diminish or disrespect the great Michael Gough (sp?) who played him in the other films.
#95 THX “And that’s all I have to say about that”
RUN, THX, RUN!!
This new trailer is like a box of chocolates….you know it’s gonna be sweet! :)
#46 ctii – wow you are full of yourself aren’t you? Who are you to say it isn’t up to the actor to interpret the role? That’s exactly who it’s up to.
Of course it is up to them to interpret the role. That’s why you pay them to act in your movie.
Seriously, it’s obvious that you are not going to be happy with anything except a boring carbon copy of the 1960’s show, complete with the bad acting and poor production quality. So, just don’t see the movie, because i guarantee you will hate it based on your comments.
Everything that is being mentioned as being updated – in terms of the set designs and the new actors adding their take on the characters, is not only common sense and expected, but is absolutely necessary to bring in a larger audience.
If you don’t want to invite anyone else to join the Star Trek community as fans, then fine, go sit in your basement and pout.
The reason things like New Voyages are not as popular is because only hard core trekkies even know about them, number one, and secondly because they are low budget and look like it. If that’s what you want this movie to be like, then it would suck.
I for one am tired of Star Trek movies being nothing more than a 2 hour tv episode on the big screen. I want to see evidence of that big budget on the screen. I want to see something that is far beyond the production value of anything we’ve seen on Star Trek tv shows. and i’m sure most of the general movie going public would agree, otherwise they won’t go and Star Trek will never be heard from again.
91. Scifigirl
[I’m very happy to see that some of the Trekkers are finally warming up to the idea of Karl playing Bones. He’s going to do a fantastic job, you’ll see…]
I feel the same way about Mr. Urban. A perfect choice for our “Bones.”
It’s the care in casting that has me really siked to see this movie.
The whole CGI/VR sets thing still has me on edge. But that the future for you. You never know what your gonna get. But, more and more, I am hearing better and better comments from insiders on this production.
As for the high-def comment. It still offers no further detail on what to expect. Is’nt CGI REALLY easy to render in high-def? Its just a setting in the render box.
Under no circumstance on Earth do I want to see Chris Pine do a William Shatner impersonation, or Zachary Quinto do a Leonard Nimoy impersonation, and so on. If anyone expects the new cast to simply channel the spirits of the original actors, they’ve got to be living in some kind of broken-mirror universe. All actors are in the movie business to bring their personal skill, technique and style to a role, not to try emulating someone else. Yes, there are times when it is appropriate to emulate a famous personality to some degree, as in a bio-pic, but even then, it is likely the actor is still contributing something of him/herself to the role. Therefore, I am of the school of thought that these actors should be given the space to do their thing without having the personas of Shatner, Nimoy, etc. hanging over their every line. Now, I’m also wondering if people are telling the writers, “Hey, you make sure the DIALOGUE sounds like the original actors, too!!! or “Make sure you write it like David Gerrold, or Harlan Ellison, or DC Fontana…” Kinda makes your blood boil, eh….?
And I think the same principle applies to the look of the film. Those people who want this film to look like an exact copy of TOS should consider how much their own mind looks like an exact copy of banal. We all know (and the producers know) that ST is something of an institution. That institution can be a terrible limit, because you cannot simply transform the whole thing into whatever you want. But sometimes such limits can spawn a tremendous amount of imagination and creativity, which would never have been arrived at were it not for the necessity of keeping within the “law” of ST, so to speak.
As an innocent bystander, I have good feelings about this movie, in spite of Shatner’s absence (sorry, had to sneak that in). I want to be hit with some unexpected things, I don’t want to feel like I’m watching an old episode, and I don’t want to know everything about the film, until I sit in a darkened theatre to be swept away for a couple of hours. Isn’t that the joy of going to the movies?
#84.
Actually he did prove you wrong. 1999 Wild West was a very big box office success and most people that saw that movie vaguely knew of the original show.
Just like you continually trying to compare playing the role of Spock or McCoy, etc. to playing an actual historical figure. I’m sorry , but you are so out in left field it’s funny.
#90, #98
Speaking of, does anyone rememeber that marionette show called “Captain Scarlet”?
#105–You hit it on the head.
It would be extremely selfish for us to expect such a big budget to be spent on recreating a production that would be completely dated and substandard just for the sake of nostalgia. Why should new fans care about the continuity of uniforms, hairstyles, and props? If there is to be Star Trek for years to come, it cannot depend on the old guard fan, and therefore it would be economic suicide to sacrifice a believable look to the new film for the sake of pretending that this is the 1960’s. How about being a team player and showing some loyalty to the franchise that did so much for us, instead of whining about its lack of loyalty to you? Chances are, if enough younger people like the new movie, they will eventually be curious enough to go back appreciately and see what was done back then. Like it or not, to get their techno-driven approval, the effects and the look of something which is as grand as NCC-1701 or a 23rd century technological device is supposed to be, it will require an updating approach by the movie-makers and an open mind from us.
I’m tired of hearing about how “Trials and Tribbilations”, “In a Mirror, Darkly”, and “Relics” did not change anything. Those shows were not on the big screen. They also had the same relative budget constraints that TOS had. They will also never gross the kind of money this movie is capable of, no matter how many DVD box sets are sold. Whether you believe in capitalism or not, you must acknowledge that if this does not make real money, it could be the last of the Star Trek movies. If that is what you want, close your mind and do not buy a ticket. I’ll buy one–and give it every chance to succeed or fail on its own without passing premature judgement.
#106 VR? Virtual reality really has nothing to due with the making of this film, unless they are doing extensive motion capture work and woring in a virtual reality environment that the actor is seeing. As for CGI (Computer Generated Imagery), you can not just up the quality with a render button. Each digital object is created out of many layers and componants crafted digitaly out of polygons. The more scrutiny that the element has to stand up to, the more work has to go into the detials of that element. It is an unfortunate concept that people have that because a visual element is done on a computer that it takes no crafting skill. Trust me, for a CGI element to look good in HD on the big screen, it takes alot of work. As for Mr. Urban’s remarks, I think he was being mediphorical more than anything. Using the significant increase in visualy pleasing quality you can get when viewing something in HD to the quality and production value of the new movie.
I think some of the fans here suffer from PREMATURE E…..valuation! Yikes! :)
Do I hope the story is new and there are unexpected things? Yes.
Do I need the unexpected things to be the Enterprise? No!
The Bridge layout and size? No!
The buttons on the panels? Sure
The costumes? Sure
The Earth buildings? Sure
The faces of the actors? Sure (have to)
The way the actors act? Sure (have to)
They weren’t that limited, TOS was much worse than TNG, DS9, or ENT.
And enough mind-closing talk. How open minded? I’ll give it a chance. If it’s not great enough I’ll quit watching.
And the updates should be done in a careful, meaningful way, not just changed for little or no reason.
#114- I don’t think bringing Star Trek to a new generation is little or no reason.
DS9 wasn’t limited? They had to recycle the same actors to play different roles due to budget constraints. When TNG first kicked off, the FOX network was in its infancy, and ENT was on the UPN for God’s sake! They were so limited, I couldn’t even see the show until it came out on DVD!
As far as how open-minded, I mean for many here to give it a chance even if it does not look like a recreation of the 1960’s TV series production. If they come out with bowl haircuts and bee-hives, kids will laugh and ridicule the look. Fishnets and go-go boots may make you and I smile, but kids will not take it seriously. If the Enterprise does not look like an impressive 23rd Century space vessel, it will not have the effect that it did on us. Communicators cannot look like 10 year old technology, when it is supposed to be centuries more advanced. The bridge will have to look like a place where something that massive and sophisticated is operated. Face it, we cannot depend on the imaginations of kids who are raised on the net and spoiled by CGI, IPODS, and High-def.
I think you see what I am saying. Concentrate on the quality of the story and the magic of the characters we all love.
Today there’s such a glut of cgi-augmented “epics” on tv ALONE, that this movie had better be REALLY BIG to top what has become so common place.
Will they pull off something special and different, WITH respect to the past? AND with good writing?
I don’t envy their position- they’re going to catch hell no matter what.
Urban FTW.
I really like this guy. He’s all McCoy, even with that stubble of his, and he’s Trekkie too. What’s not to like about him? :)
105- “Seriously, it’s obvious that you are not going to be happy with anything except a boring carbon copy of the 1960’s show, complete with the bad acting and poor production quality.”
back to show your “love” for TOS again I see…
108- “Actually he did prove you wrong. 1999 Wild West was a very big box office success .”
Hmm. Budget of 170 mil, made 113 mil domestic., and a little over 200 mil worldwide.
and from Greatest Box-Office Bombs, Disasters and Flops of All-Time :
“Upon its release Sonnenfeld’s dull-edged but bloated film did poorly at the box-office during its theatrical release. It was nominated for nine Razzie Awards including Worst Actor (Kline), Worst Supporting Actor (Kenneth Branagh), Worst Supporting Actress (Kline as a prostitute), and Worst Supporting Actress (Salma Hayek, tied with Dogma (1999) and it won five: Worst Director, Worst Original Song — “Wild Wild West”, Worst Picture, Worst Screen Couple (Kline and Smith), and Worst Screenplay. ‘
Clearly Jay, your definition of “Box office success” is different than mine.
Keep showin’ the love!
“
#115:
I wasn’t thinking of normal TOS, it wouldn’t even really fit…
I was hoping for Cage-era stuff, not beehives, but if I don’t get it, then I hope that whatever changes that are made are carefully worked out. How exactly should they be revised for a new audience?
I do like Karl’s words, maybe the film will be a little treat. And I’d like to be pretty open, especially as it’s these guys’ first time, but I shouldn’t be TOO open minded.
#118: “Clearly Jay, your definition of “Box office success” is different than mine.”
You missed the point entirely.
The point was the number of people who saw the film.
The film made about 220 million dollars. That’s a lot of tickets, in 1999.
Whether the film earned money for the studio is a separate issue, irrelevant to the question of whether the film was widely seen.
As someone else initially pointed out, I’m willing to bet money that far more people have seen Will Smith as Jim West than Robert Conrad in the last several decades.
#98: “Fireball XL-5??? OMG, I had forgotten about that one. I’d *so* totally go see a remake of that!!! But they have to show the marionette strings. Otherwise, I’ll boycott.”
Hell, I even remember Anderson’s first Marionation effort in the U.S. market, “Supercar.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yhEFM3bn4s&feature=related
I used to watch “Astro Boy” on its first syndicated run in the U.S., too.
120. Dennis Bailey
[As someone else initially pointed out, I’m willing to bet money that far more people have seen Will Smith as Jim West than Robert Conrad in the last several decades.]
Since this is not a Trek related post, I will comment as I like.
YOU CAN’T HAVE A BLACK GUY IN THE 1860s WORKING AS A GOVERNMENT AGENT! Unless he was washing the presidents dishes. SHEESH!!
Karl’s eyebrows are all wrong! They must shave half of them off, then shave off his stuble and glue it in place to make his eyebrows arched just like the late Mr. Kelley’s, or I’m boycotting the film! Oh yeah, he has to wear blue contact lenses too!
Roberto #50 seems to have taken his smart #ss pills today, and I think it’s contagious. I better read Karl’s interview again to get over this. }; )
#122: “YOU CAN’T HAVE A BLACK GUY IN THE 1860s WORKING AS A GOVERNMENT AGENT! Unless he was washing the presidents dishes. SHEESH!!”
They did, to the tune of 220 million dollars.
Have you ever tried to make a list of all the “Wild, Wild West” stuff from the TV series that you couldn’t have in the 1860s?
Are you under the misimpression that there was *anything* realistic about the TV series? :lol: :lol: :lol:
#121 Dennis Bailey “Supercar”
Wow, hadn’t thought about that show in 30 years! Loved it as a kid! Ah, memories…….. :)
Martin Bowers built a replica of the Supercar a few years ago:
http://www.martinbowersmodelworld.com/html/supercar.html
102: I *think* your memory of the novelization is correct. It’s been a loooong time since I’ve seen that thing!
I found the deleted scene while wasting an afternoon on YouTube. Kirk and Spock are at SF headquarters, exiting the Kobayashi Maru simulator. As they’re discussing Saavik’s performance, Spock remarks to Kirk upon Saavik’s Vulcan/Romulan heritage as “making her more volatile than, say, someone like myself,” or sumpin’ like that. It was a good little scene. I wish they had kept it. They even pass by a janitor cleaning the corridor.
Peace. Live long and prosper.
The Vulcanista }:-|
#112: They have drugs for that now, you know. ;P
Peace. Live long and prosper.
The Vulcanista }:-|
#121 [jumping up and down] OMG!!! ASTRO BOY ROCKS!!!
It’s recently been on the Cartoon Network on Sun. 2:00 a.m. Stumbled upon it after a late evening out. Needless to say, I was *completely* blown away again after, what, 40+ years! Ancient Anime at its best!
Peace. Live long and prosper.
The Vulcanista }:-|
124. Dennis Bailey
[They did, to the tune of 220 million dollars.]
Score 1 point for you Dennis.
But that does not bode well for future Treks that shoot for mass appeal.
The production may be fine with this movie, but future Treks (sequels) will always have to stay closer to the mainstream. Something that traditionally is not a consideration when it comes to careful plot and production design.
And thanks for not berating me as a racist. Historically speaking, I think I made my point.
122. TrekMadeMeWonder – January 11, 2008
“YOU CAN’T HAVE A BLACK GUY IN THE 1860s WORKING AS A GOVERNMENT AGENT! Unless he was washing the presidents dishes. SHEESH!!”
Is this along the lines of your copyright/patent argument a few posts back?
Wild, Wild West… wasn’t even close to reality in the series or the movie. Does it matter what color he was? And I am not going to comment further on how…racial your comment looked.
At the risk of double posting:
#112: Harry
They have drugs for that now, ya know. ;P
Peace. Live long and prosper.
The Vulcanista }:-|
#132-
I’m having a Vuja De moment.
Tha’s when you experience the same moment in time twice but have no recollection of either.
Spooky.
Oh, and could someone please toss this “t” up there for me?
Thanks.
#133
I hate it when that happens.
Peace. Live long and prosper.
The Vulcanista }:-|
#134
I hate it when that happens.
Peace. Live long and prosper.
The Vulcanista }:-|
Haling frequencies open,
Original character traits here and there would be something I would look forward to. who in Hell’s carnation expects to see this new incarnation walking in the exact same footsteps? I’d like to see homage throughout the film as much as possible. whats really needed is breath of fresh air to set the enterprise sailing again.I think the film is headed in the right direction. I’m glad they went with the original crew.
Tots and taters,
cosmo kid
I actually liked the Wild WIld West movie. Yep said it, it’s out. I even have it on DVD. BUT, having said that…when I watch it, I don’t consider Will Smith to be James West, Robert Conrad IS James West. Will Smith is simply playing James West. It’s someone else’s “take” on it, a reboot, and I enjoy it on that level.
But, relating this to Trek and Nimoy being in this movie as Spock…would I feel so comfortable with Will Smith as Jim West had Ross Martin played along side him as Artermus Gordon? Probably not as it would seem oddly out of place..
Vulcanista…
I joke about some fans suffering from premature e…valuation and you feel compelled to tell me twice about drugs for certain conditions?
I can assure you that we can pursue this discussion AS LONG as you feel is needed… :)
The more I read about the actors portraying these roles, the more confident I become about the movie. And I am very chagrined by those who actually would like to see a carbon copy of the Star Trek they grew up with. Do you really think audiences will be captured by a science-fiction production that carries all the cheesiness of 1960s television?
I like what CanuckLou said about capturing the “spirit and themes of the original”. I imagine Urban’s portrayal of McCoy will be faithful to the spirit and themes of the character. He certainly has that stern sour look to his face that McCoy often had.
I hope they keep everything the same, I hated how they streamlined stuff for Enterprise. Retro is f*ckin’ cool!
Dennis Bailey wrote: “Hell, I even remember Anderson’s first Marionation effort in the U.S. market, “Supercar.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yhEFM3bn4s&feature=related
…….
Ah man, you are holding out on us at the other forum Dennis. This stuff is great! :)
I am a big fan of Gerry Anderson’s work; I have the DVD box set of Thunderbirds and the two subsequent movies, Thunderbirds Are Go and Thunderbird 6.
Also, anyone out there heard anything about a supposed CGI revival of Captain Scarlett? I think it was supposed to be done using motion-capture technology.
#136-
I’m having a Vuja De moment.
That’s when you experience the same moment in time twice but have no recollection of either.
Spooky.
(where am I?)
Speaking of Gerry Anderson, for me no conversation is complete without mentioning U.F.O. I just love me purple haired gals. What was with that? The purple hair, I mean?
I loved UFO! And I ask and have asked the same question-purple hair?
I read Silva Anderson had something to do with that–like it was some sort of uniform for the moon women. The “80’s” fashion statement for moon babes.
131. Orbitalic
[Is this along the lines of your copyright/patent argument a few posts back?]
Hey, I already apologized for that one.
As a rabid Trek fan I felt it neccessary to point out to the studios that “some of us fans” take Trek seriously. Serious enough to not want to Star Trek (XI) turn into a Superman Return ‘thang.
But, I did apolagize.
also,
138. jonboc
[I actually liked the Wild WIld West movie.]
Me too. Seriously. I did enjoy Will Smith as West. He probably saved the movie. But in relation to Trek, I really don’t think we need artistic license this time around.
Just keep the big “E” the same basic shape please. Larger or sleeker, I will probably also enjoy all the other upgrades I see very much. If they’re logical and very well designed.
But, I do not discount TOS in any way. It’s still my favorite of all time. Magical, very magical indeed.
Karl said: “The way I feel about it, being as specific as I’m allowed to be, is it’s like listening to a radio station in AM and then tuning it into high-definition stereo. Everything will sort of really come into high-definition focus… if that makes any sense.” Makes sense to me!
#145
Oh yeah, and I’ve brought this up before, but I love the fact that the Interceptors only have one missile. Darren Dochterman said it was because they were really good shots and only needed one.
Now that would be a cool revival or reboot or whatever. But they have to keep all the sex, drinking and smoking intact. Aside from battling invading aliens, those seemed to me to be the most popular past-times.
Ahh, the future was a simpler time.
What ever happened to the good ‘ol days of the internet when an anonymous post would reveal a link to a good pic of an upcomming big budget movie??!!
C’mon Anonymous!!!!
Oh, Man! I am getting excited. Pardon me if I ramble. I wanna talk about design again ‘cuz Mr. Urban brought it up. And because I’m obsessed and my obsession is growing by the day. And yeah, this will eventually tie in with Urban’s comments I think. OK, starting with the Exterior of the Enterprise. I said, in an older post that (imo) we have never really gotten a good look at the Enterprise. I know many will argue, but I feel strongly that the original TV model was sort of a half-ass job. I love the shape, the dimensions, the placement of windows and such, it’s just that the model lacked sophistication-like it was a rush job in some respects. Perhaps it was. She was unsophisticated to the degree that the sets and costumes often were. Everything (in terms of scenery and props) was just barely good enough to get by. Watching Trek, or Dr. Who, one cannot help but notice the limits of time and money on those old shows. That, combined with the images being degraded further due to the poor broadcast quality and old TV sets of the day. The recent incarnations of the 1701 (DS9, Enterprise, and the CGI remaster) have been absolutely faithfull re-creations and that’s all they needed to be, but the big screen changes everything. As I mentioned before, it’s like we’ve only ever been able to see the “Hot Wheels” version of the Enterprise. When you look at a toy car it looks great, but compared to the real thing it becomes obvious where corners had to be cut and little details had to be downplayed in order to achieve that small scale. If you make a faithful CGI reproduction of a toy car and then zoom in on it, and then beam that hi-def image onto a huge movie screen its gonna look like a humongus toy car. To me, the remastered E looks like a giant “toy” Enterprise. The same idea of scale holds true for the interior sets. Think of the original series sets as toy versions of the real thing. Now, we are finally going to see the real thing! It’s gonna be like we’ve all been walking around for years without our glasses. JJ’s gonna send us all to the optometrists office. It’s gonna look and feel somehow “right” but now everything will seem just that much better. More relistic. More logical. I hope! More refined and sophisticated. Even the best close-ups of the ship we got in TOS were grainy and highly processed. I always liked to believe that there was a lot more going on there but I just couldn’t quite see it. I couldn’t get close enough or get the image focused enough to make out the other details that HAD to be there. We are gonna see stuff and just freak out! Little details we hadn’t even thought of like the sharp edges of the plating around the viewports, the fine details on the nacelles that we didn’t even know was there. The fine outlines of the flush outer docking rings that we always knew HAD to be there but were just “out of focus”. I’m not one of these guys calling for bigger guns and rivets on the hull and all that. I’m just hoping that they bring the scale up and make this huge vessel feel like a huge vessel. That can’t be done by just simply making a bigger model that’s exactly like the smaller model. I said it before it’s like looking at an insect under a microscope. The details were always there, we just couln’t see them because our eyes were too far away. I’m just saying that I think my wildest dreams about the direction of the designs might be coming true. I am a nerd and I want the world to know it! A quick response to 94 Sockboy. Hey Spockboy, what did Orson Welles know at 25? A hell of a lot. What does anyone know at any age. Some of the biggest dumbasses I know are in their 50’s! It’s up to the individuals. These young guys weren’t given this job because they suck. Investors in film are no different than other investors. They wanna know their money’s being spent wisely. The trick is this is art, not real estate. We ain’t gonna know until we know. P.S. Superman Returns was a damn good flick until Supes started peeping through Loise’s windows. Wrooooong. And Sureman the Movie hasn’t aged as well as most of us like to think it has. Oh, and one more thing…Suuuuuupercaaaaaaaaaaaaar.
http://tinyurl.com/2bc65e
Any Trek thread mentioning the great series UFO deserves a link to this little gem..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GONeqPxh4d4
151. Anonymous
Guess I asked for it. But that defineately was NOT it.
NEXT!
#139 Harry
Hey, alls I’m saying is if there’s a condition called premature e……valuation, well, you know, they got drugs for everything now. Some folks should avail themselves. Immediately. ;)
Peace. Live long and prosper.
The Vulcanista }:-|
154. The Vulcanista
Can the Premeture “E” thing. I get enough Prilosec commercials during the latenight Spike TV showings of Voyager. : )
Oh, come now, how often?
He sounds confident enough. And it’s like he said, Leonard would certainly not have anything to do with it if it screwed up canon too much. I’m really looking forward to this movie.
I love Karl Urban anyway from Lord of the Rings. I just hope he can do Bones justice. (Not that anybody could hold a candle to De, of course)
I’m all for a Man from U.N.C.L.E. reboot…or a proper, non-bollixed version of The Avengers for that matter.
As to the matter of actors — ever since they started doing Shakespeare on film, there are certain roles that get associated with one actor for a very long time and it’s hard to overcome them.
Sir Laurence Olivier’s Richard III became so iconic, for instance, that for years that became the “default” interpretation – done in a way that was in some sense handed down from the old-school, overacting Shakespeareans Olivier learned from. Olivier’s style of speaking became a kind of shorthand for “Shakespearean dialogue” and it was widely parodied (Monty Python, for instance).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thz2EUizC9Q
But look at how different a modern-dress interpretation can be, with a more modern and naturalistic pitch to the dialogue — here’s Ian McKellen (fast forward to about 5:00 in) — the same Winter of Our Discontent speech.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ke5-SUDrHMU
I think the people that get upset have to stop being so hidebound and literalist about it and realize that Kirk, Spock and McCoy are not people, they are roles.
Sure, we’ve had the ‘original broadway cast’ do those roles fairly continuously since the ‘first run’ of this play, to coin an analogy, but at a certain point other actors take on those roles, the play is mounted elsewhere with a different production design, a different emphasis to one theme or the other, etc. etc.
To echo what someone else implied upthread, the New Voyages people do a fun fan show that has become increasingly professional, production-wise, but you can’t help but see James Cawley as doing an impression of William Shatner’s Kirk, rather than taking a chance on doing his *own* Kirk. Likewise, the other actors are often doing impressions of well-known performances; James Doohan was not doing a real Scots accent by any mean, but Mr. Root goes out of his way to imitate it, if you see what I’m saying. (That said, they had the Enterprise doing cartoony rev-ups and loop-de-loops in their first episode, so it seems that their sense of “canon accuracy” is selective.)
The Exeter crew are also putting on a very sophisticated production, and they at least have the advantage of writing for all-original characters. It’ll be interesting to see how the actors flesh out the characters more, develop a good, naturalistic interplay, etc. Once they loosen up a bit and give the scripts more time for table reads, rewrites, basically to breathe, it’ll be much improved.
#110 well said.
#150 Dear Elmachocombo,
Beautifully put by the way, I agree with you completely except for one thing…
You really need to read more slowly.
As far as 25 year old writers not knowing much about life I said “UNLESS THEY ARE EXCEPTIONALLY GIFTED”
Was Orson Welles exceptionally gifted?
Well duh.
I too, am VERY EXCITED about the new TREK film.
If they capture the spirit of the original with a fresh new look and approach then I’ll be a happy camper.
By the way, I’ve never heard of “Sureman the movie” but it sure sounds like a great film ; )
Peace
Thunderbirds are GO!!!
I just hope the cast can gel, and that we get a reimagining better than the likes of ‘The Avengers’ turned out…and I like the tone of Karl’s thoughts on this so far.
By the way, I note that Harry Knowles of aintitcoolnews.com is currently positively gushing more than usual over a screening of the Matt Reeves directed / J.J. Abrams produced ‘Cloverfield’ that he was privy to recently. His highly positive net musings on this Movie can only be a good thing for that Movie’s overall ‘buzz’.
If I want “high-definition” ST I watch the remastered TOS episodes.
Trekkies this is your captain speaking.
Calm down and relax as we are about to go where no man has gone before.
Are you mad Jim?
Think of all the loyal fans who have devoted years to making us what we are.
Why, do you think i want tp be portrayed by some actor who’s only claim to fame was a bit part in The Lord of The Rings?
Captain i might remind you the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.
So if i were to make a human judgement i would confront the nay sayers and set phasers to kill… If i were human.
Why you insensitive !^%#*Vulcan&@&^
#164
- Captain i might remind you the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few. –
Mr. Spock, I might remind you with all due respect that if the Captain had taken you by your word, you wouldn’t be here to remind him.
#105 said “If you don’t want to invite anyone else to join the Star Trek community as fans, then fine, go sit in your basement and pout.”
If they are going to question all what Star Trek stands for, then I certainly *don’t* want to invite them. We really don’t need this kind of “everything but the latest franchise installment sucks” Star Trek “fans”. We got plenty of them with Voyager and Enterprise already, and for what I care, they can kindly go to hell. We’ve had enough of this “bad acting” and “low production values” crap already.
#126 Dennis-
Thanks for that link. Bower is one the premier model makers from the last golden age of miniatures.
I had a Fireball XL-5 playset, complete with figures, AND a Supercar toy!
(They might still be in mom’s attic…)
Years ago, before TMP, I did some renderings of what I thought a revamped E bridge might look like- bigger, sleek, glossy black surfaces, metallic accents, functional wide screens all with thin neon-blue frames- kind of like a more detailed Excelsior bridge from ST3.
Very futuristic, not the beige hotel lobby look that TNG later ended up with.
The TMP bridge ended up being too much a departure, but still looked plausablly advanced.
I hope they go the look I had imagined- a hyper-real evolution/deconstruction of the technology.
I’m sure that wouldn’t disappoint.
First of all, I’m looking forward more and more to this movie, with every comment one of the actors is making. Now, I would want to hear from Chris Pine!
Secondly, I personnaly would NOT want to see beehive hairdos, gogo boots, puffy hairdos for men, etc… in this movie. I haven’t grown up with Star Trek, I’m a little too young for that, but I’ve been a fan of TOS (foremost!) since 1991 and I know that if they keep the fashion trends of the sixties in the movie, people who are not devoted fans like we are will just laugh their guts out. I agree with #115, a fresh look on the franchise has to come with taking into consideration the technology we know now. We don’t want to see goofy things going on, it will only ruin the credibility of the whole thing. Ok, keep the vulcan hairdo for Spock, after all, it is a trademark, but please, NO beehives of puffed-back hair for the women, no beatle-puffed of Kennedy haircuts for the guys! I’m not THAT nostalgic!
As for the performance of the actors, I think that they will have to act slightly like the previous actors, because they gave the tone to the characters, BUT I don’t think they should copy them. I would just feel like a bad SNL sketch, like someone said earlier. Capture the spirit is far more important. But, I do expect Quinto to raise his eyebrow, walk with his hands behind his back, I expect Urban to do double-takes from time to time… Well, to be honest, I expect more from Quinto, Pine and Urban than from the rest of the cast. After all, they are filling the biggest shoes in the movie, don’t you think? ;-)
#150–Thank you for that most optimistic outlook on the “upgraded” production we all know is ahead.
#167–I do not think we have to assume that any new fans will question what Star Trek is all about, nor should we assume that they will never appreciate past incarnations of Trek. In fact, seeing star Trek in a format that speaks to them first will probably prompt new fans to go back and watch what came before. My son saw the TOS movies before he ever saw an episode, and now he is as enamoured with the original series as I am. If he had begun by watching the television series (at his age), he would never have gotten past the bad special effects in order to enjoy the story. My point is, if the new film can be a eyecatcher for potential fans of a new generation, then not only will Star Trek survive as more than fan films on the net, but those new fans may have the capacity to enjoy what they may never have otherwise, simply because the characters and potential progression of the story (to them) is new and interesting to them.
#157–You are right. He will never be DeForest Kelley. The bad thing is, if by chance he delivered a “better” performance (not that one is needed, this is purely hypothetical), almost no one here would be objective enough to acknowledge it.
My guess is, they won’t violate canon any more than has been done before, beginning within the original run of TOS. Preserving the “essence” and philosophy of Star Trek is more important to me than how high Quinto’s eyebrow is arched, how much time Chris Pine hesitates in between his words for emphasis, or if Karl Urban is not the exact height of DeForest Kelley.
#127–Sounds great. I’ll have to try and find that.
#169–Good for you!!! Thank you for your opinion. It is younger fans like you that will determine how successful this film is, and maybe you can help convince some of my fellow “Old farts” of what I have been trying to say for some time.
I intend to see this movie like I did the remake of Lost in Space.
I went in fully knowing that it couldn’t look like the original. Let’s face it, they were on a flying saucer no bigger than a good size RV yet it had three huge decks inside. That would never work on the big screen. So I expected the ship and the characters to be somewhat different. I only wanted the premise and basic feel to be the same. Let me tell you how happy I was to see little tributes to the original show without it being a big screen remake. The Jupiter One launch vehicle looking like the original Jupiter two was a nice touch that pleased me. So I went in with no expectations and got a few surprises. If the story were better and there was a sequel I would see that as the new look of LOS without taking away from the original.
So that’s how I want to view this new Star Trek. Go in with an open mind and expect to be impressed with a whole new look that’s respectful of it’s pedigree but not hampered by the past. Then what ever we get that ties it to it’s roots is icing on the cake!
#159 Spockboy “Sureman the movie”
What a great premise!
President: “Gazongo has attacked Riverside City, can you help us?”
Sureman: “Sure!”
It’s a winner! :)
Touche, Spockboy,
I read too fast and type too slow. Glad we agree. I am worried though, that even if it’s a fantastic movie it may not draw crowds. Young americans are by and large a fairly illiterate lot. I’m only 35, but when I talk to kids in their 20’s I need a translator. Very little common ground. JJ and his gang are young, my age, but are they young enough to attract todays jaded yutes? Most people I know refuse to go to the movies anymore ‘cuz of the the cell phones and the pot smoke. No joke. I saw a glimpse of the future on the youtubes last night. Check this shiz out. Star Hood Trek.
#130: “And thanks for not berating me as a racist. ”
Well, I didn’t think you were – and I only bring racism into a conversation if I think it’s actually involved. Contrary to some folks’ beliefs it’s not to be “politically correct” but for fairness’ sake.
By having all these great people stepping into old roles, maybe someday enough people will become interested in what actually happened to McCoy, Chekov, etc. after their former captain wound up in the temporal anomaly. Not everyone wants to follow these later, post-Kirk events as they appear in novels.
I would prefer to think that what happened to Kirk in Generations never actually happened.
The guy has fought alien beast and saved the universe from eternal destruction many times and he supposedly dies by dropping off of a cliff.
Someone wrote that, someone else green lighted it.
Lets just imagine that anything in TNG films (with the exception of first contact) never happened.
177 — so your attitude is “(fingers in ears) LA LA LA, I can’t HEAR YOU”??
Seriously?
Ok, look at it from a practical perspective — The Undiscovered Country was supposed to be the “dignified” send-off for the TOS crew. And largely, it was. If they’d stopped there, we’d all be fine.
I have a feeling Shatner wanted another kick at the can in the hand-off to the TNG movie era, though. And the writers decided that the only way to please Shatner’s ego AND definitively close the book on TOS was to give him a role where he went out with guns blazing, fighting evil. Hence, falling off a cliff in Generations.
Hey, I mean, Tasha Yar died *twice*! And what about that cute Bajoran ensign, Sito Jaxa, who sacrificed her young life in “Lower Decks?” That, to me, is more tragic than the death of a 60-year-old captain who’d lived an incredibly full life, rich with honours, strange new worlds, stranger new venereal diseases, risked the ship to heck and back again and again.
Frankly, I think, for Kirk, dying was *preferable* to fading away into obscurity and meaninglessness.
If you think about it, that is.
And if you did, you’d respect the screenwriters’ decision and GROW THE H*LL UP.
Karl Urban will do justice and have respect for the character he’s playing if his words in the interview are any indication. I for one choose to trust him and the other actors. Also…this is the first time I’ve ever wanted to see McCoy naked. LOL
I think we would have rather seen Kirk die a la Matt Decker. Also, he didn’t “die alone,” as he predicted in TFF.
If it had to be ST:G, at least let him do it single-handedly while Picard is stuck in the rocks, or on the E or whatever.
One interesting thought is that we know the future histories of some of these key characters. If JJ is sticking to canon, we know they won’t die in his film, or series of, films. When they are in danger, we just sit back and wait for them to get out of danger. Kinda takes the edge off.
I think that JJ Abrams will be faithful to the Star Trek universe. God Bless him and the writers, they are taking on a great task indeed.
I have always been more of a fan of Star Trek, than Star Wars. I think mostly because I grew up as a chid on the reruns (only 35 yrs old) and I think Star Trek seems more plausible that Star Wars.
I do hope, even if it seems hard to imagine, that Abrams, Kurtzman, Orci, find a way to include Shatner. I will tell you why.
The fans are who brought a tv series that was only on for a short time (3 years I think) to be a successful movie franchise from 1979 to 1991. I find that incredible, to say the least.
I have went on these sites and read comments back and forth on William Shatner being in/out of this project. By my count, seems more want him in than out. Many who want him in are still angry about his death in “Star Trek Generations” because many feel that it was not a proper send off of Kirk. I agree. Gene Roddenberry had already died prior to “Generations” and I don’t think he would have been pleased with what they did to his Kirk character. I wish Kirk’s involvement with Trek would have stopped with “Undiscovered Country”, which was a proper send off. But that’s not what happened.
I just want everyone to remember why so many love Trek. It’s not just the stories and characters created by Roddenberry. Its the people behind the characters: Shatner, Nimoy, Kelly, Nichols, Doohan, Takei,and Koenig that people also fell in love with and made the parts they played. Some have passed. But honoring these people and including them in ongoing adventures has always worked for Trek.
So, Mr. Abrams, Kurtzman, and Orci, you have taken a big job, which you probably knew would not be easy. But understand, this might be the last time we see (given their ages) Nimoy and possibly Shatner in these roles. You didn’t ask to have to deal with what happened in “Generations”, but if you can find a way….I will be a fan or yours for life.
Gene
178- you should read the post and not bring your assumptions to it.
I could care less that they decided to kill off Kirk. Killing him by dropping him off a cliff is bad story telling. If you don’t know that i cannot help you any further. I would suggest a specialist.
As has been pointed out in an earlier post as soon as TNG went to the screen it was the same actors, same names but different characters. The films were dogs.
The odd bad film one can accept but the entire series except one?
As for Shatners ego i suppose you’ve met the guy or is that another assumption? Perhaps you read it in some magazine.
This new film i expect will be fantastic.
Comanche Moon on tonight we will see.
179. startrekfan said “Also…this is the first time I’ve ever wanted to see McCoy naked. LOL”
I’ll second that!
To those of you who compare STNV with this are really digging deep for something to gripe about.
So did anyone see Comanche Moon tonight?
I thought it was kinda slow. Hope it picks up a bit on Tues. I thought Urban was a fine Woodrow Call.
Peace. Live long and prosper.
The Vulcanista |:-|
#179, 184
Perhaps if the film does well, we could have a parity-in-nudity clause in future contracts for Pine, Quinto and Urban. If one goes naked, the others have to as well!
Just a thought, albeit a *really* good one. ;-)
Peace. Live long and prosper.
The Vulcanista |:-|
Vulcanista…..you naughty, naughty girl! But, hey, I like the way you think! :)
Harry,
Well, one of the writers does visit from time to time, ya know. Just a simple suggestion to improve the franchise. :)
Peace. Live long and prosper.
The Vulcanista |:-|
Shatner is annoying now, I’m glad he was offed in Generations.
#186 -yeah, i watched it. It was rather slow..with commericals every 10 mintues it seemed. Urban was quite un-ineresting and that scowl on his face got old real fast. I hope he doesn’t “wear” it as McCoy. The guy that played Gus was fun to watch though. But the Duval/Tommy Lee Jones chemistry just wasn’t there.
Oh well.
Hopefully tonight’s installment will be better.
Oh, I’m all with The Vulcanista…! ;-) (#187)
So, you two ladies would be fine with us male viewers demanding a nude scene from Ms. Ryder in the upcoming film?
Tit for beefcake…..or something like that! :)
#193, Harry:
In the interests of equality, sure, why not? But out of all the female cast members, why on *earth* would you choose scrawny ol’ Winona? ;-)
Peace. Live long and prosper.
The Vulcanista }:-|
Sorry, I’m a bit late.
#98 Vulcanista and #100 HB
Fireball XL5: That was a great series! Brings back pleasant memories of childhood. Too bad I’m so old I can hardly remember what it was about. (Just saw one a while ago. What a riot!)
How did the song go?
“Marina, (something) Marina,
What are these strange enchantments that start
whenever you’re near…”
The star was in love with a mermaid/chick/thing?
Whew. Better get back to my oxygen tank. All this excitement is wearing me out.
kg :D
Hey, whether it was Fireball XL5, Stingray or Supercar….I loved them ALL as a kid……don’t step on my memories and I won’t step on yours!!!
182 – I agree it was bad storytelling. They sandwiched it in. It was not really a desirable situation either for the writers or the audience. If the cast had retired with dignity after TUC we wouldn’t have this issue.
Still, they did it, so we kinda have to live with it. Nimoy’s comments about Kirk having been mouldering in the grave for a couple of decades rather puts the cap on that storyline.
Plus, we got a spiffy new cinema-worthy Enterprise out of the bargain :)
I do agree with you that TNG characters never really translated well to the screen; every movie ends up being the Picard + Data Show every time out. That’s partly due to logistics: you can’t really give every character equal screen time, but you also can’t do what a regular ensemble film does, which is to introduce the characters at the beginning. The cardboard-thin quality of the supporting characters, combined with wooden acting (Dr Crusher anyone? she makes me cringe every time she has more than technobabble to speak) just don’t have enough presence to carry a film.
Most Trek films either assume you come to the theatre with a ton of backstory and knowledge, or throw out all that backstory in the service of what they think is a good plot. So I agree – the long-built characterizations from the TV show (Picard in particular) seem to go out the window for the sake of a movie.
On top of that, even Patrick Stewart isn’t immune to being a bit stiff and wooden at times. When he’s being a Shakespearean commander and stern etc. he’s great, and he has some good “quiet” moments, but — and I don’t know if this is just bad writing or poor actor choices — he had his own number of out-of-character scenes that were cringeworthy…
I hate to say it, but there’s so much going on in your typical episode of BSG nowadays, in terms of interpersonal dynamics and b-stories, to put entire seasons of Trek to shame. PLUS they have an arc. I haven’t cringed once.
197. TNG was cringeworthy only in its 6th season, how dare you suggest otherwise!
TOS actors never had embarrassing acting moments, give me a f**king break!
#193 Harry, I would even give you the Orion slave girl, if you want. What do I care? ;-)
Mary Jay, since you don’t care, I’ll take two, please! :)
#150,
Yeah, that’s it. It’s about what the changes should be, not to act like there somehow should NOT be any changes at all.
this is going to be so awesome, i am really glad that karl urban will be in this movie too. my favorite actor meets one of my favorite sci-fi series…. i could die!
You know…..Just stop the BS and either watch the movie or not, in perspective or not. It s really simple. Go see it with it in mind that people change, so they have taken that in to consideration. Did anyone catch what he even says about that? And like he says, Leonard Nimoy is endorsing it. Now that in itself is enough. He has acted the part for many years and also directed, not to mention produced some of the movies. I think he knows and can remember how the show should be, I will admite that I am a little surprised to see some of the actors I seen, but makes it all that more exciting to see how well they do. JUST WATCH IT LIKE YOU WOULD THE FIRST MOVIE!
Congratulations to the writers and to Mr. Urban, from a die hard McCoy fan.