Comments on: Editorial: James Cawley On The New Star Trek Movie http://trekmovie.com/2008/11/12/editorial-james-cawley-on-the-new-star-trek-movie/ the source for Star Trek news and information Sun, 22 Nov 2009 02:17:41 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8 hourly 1 By: Anton L http://trekmovie.com/2008/11/12/editorial-james-cawley-on-the-new-star-trek-movie/comment-page-10/#comment-1914163 Anton L Mon, 15 Jun 2009 07:58:39 +0000 http://trekmovie.com/2008/11/12/editorial-james-cawley-on-the-new-star-trek-movie/#comment-1914163 Indeed, this new film changes everything. I saw it yesterday and it is, indeed, a fun action film in space but it is not Star Trek. I am not referring to superficial things like the appearance of the ship or the mannerisms of the crew. It is because it alters the timeline so dramatically that it erases all the future: of the original series, of TNG etc. Imagine a federation without a planet Vulcan or a Vulcan high council, etc! Imagine a Spock that is constantly caving into his human emotions and loosing his temper more than his human colleagues. What's worse, contrary to James Cawley's statements, I did not see an attempt to preserve Gene Roddenberry's philosophical ideas in this movie at all. Finally, on the science, the show established a reputation for trying to fit the implausibilities required for a TV show within a framework of solid science. That was especially true in TNG and up to a certain extent in some of the movies (they even got Stephen Hawking to appear in one TNG episode!) although it later degenerated into non-sensical technobabble in Voyager and enterprise. This last movie was the worst of all. In the end the movie had no philosophy, no profound character development, no good science and no misteries from space to expand the human experience. How is this Star Trek? Fortunately Gene Roddenberry never got to see this. What a sad joke! Indeed, this new film changes everything. I saw it yesterday and it is, indeed, a fun action film in space but it is not Star Trek.
I am not referring to superficial things like the appearance of the ship or the mannerisms of the crew. It is because it alters the timeline so dramatically that it erases all the future: of the original series, of TNG etc. Imagine a federation without a planet Vulcan or a Vulcan high council, etc! Imagine a Spock that is constantly caving into his human emotions and loosing his temper more than his human colleagues.
What’s worse, contrary to James Cawley’s statements, I did not see an attempt to preserve Gene Roddenberry’s philosophical ideas in this movie at all. Finally, on the science, the show established a reputation for trying to fit the implausibilities required for a TV show within a framework of solid science. That was especially true in TNG and up to a certain extent in some of the movies (they even got Stephen Hawking to appear in one TNG episode!) although it later degenerated into non-sensical technobabble in Voyager and enterprise. This last movie was the worst of all.
In the end the movie had no philosophy, no profound character development, no good science and no misteries from space to expand the human experience. How is this Star Trek? Fortunately Gene Roddenberry never got to see this. What a sad joke!

]]> By: Joseph http://trekmovie.com/2008/11/12/editorial-james-cawley-on-the-new-star-trek-movie/comment-page-10/#comment-1257182 Joseph Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:38:05 +0000 http://trekmovie.com/2008/11/12/editorial-james-cawley-on-the-new-star-trek-movie/#comment-1257182 Another point I'd like to suggest is this. I suggested above that they could have used a totally new crew. Well, what's wrong with using a totally new ship with it's unique name? This could have been a new Star Ship named, USS Yorktown, Freeman, or something else. Jumping years ahead of Star Trek the Next Generation would have permitted them to think of new things. This would certainly match the increased technology this new Trek appears to have. The best part was that it would not have violated Star Trek canon, and we loyal fans would not be so upset. I just can't bring myself to commit adultery against the cast and crew I grew up with, and watch a less than perfect movie producer like JJ Abrams, screw up everything I've loved since I was 5 years old. I'm 40 years old, and I understand it's time for new adventures, but circumcising old characters to present a new Star Trek image is not good for the franchise. All they did was offer false advertisement. And it shows that they don't care about the ones who have spent BILLIONS of dollars supporting their productions. Did you know that of all the Star Trek models on the market, the original TV series model is the most sought after? But the best design available cost more than a thousand dollars, and who can afford that? To this day, I'd love to get my hands on a highly accurate representation of the 11 foot studio model. But I can't afford something like that. I'm very thankful that James Cawley and the rest of you are continuing to entertain us Trek fans of the Original Series. I will support you and your staff in any way I can. Just let me know how I can support you all. I appreciate everything you're doing, and I can't wait for you to release Star Trek Blood and Fire. Watching the Enterprise burn from a nasty Klingon attack scared me, but it was awesome. Oh, and you know what else I wish would have happened with Star Trek. The Enterprise Refit model was a beautiful design that didn't get to see much screen action. I wish they made a series using the Refit model. I saw a website using a refit model called, "USS LEXINGTON", and it looks pretty Interesting. Between the original design, and the refit design, the refit design looks more glorious (in my personal opinion), but the original design is still my favorite. Does Jamse have plan to use the Refit design of the Motion Picture? Joseph Another point I’d like to suggest is this. I suggested above that they could have used a totally new crew. Well, what’s wrong with using a totally new ship with it’s unique name? This could have been a new Star Ship named, USS Yorktown, Freeman, or something else. Jumping years ahead of Star Trek the Next Generation would have permitted them to think of new things. This would certainly match the increased technology this new Trek appears to have. The best part was that it would not have violated Star Trek canon, and we loyal fans would not be so upset.

I just can’t bring myself to commit adultery against the cast and crew I grew up with, and watch a less than perfect movie producer like JJ Abrams, screw up everything I’ve loved since I was 5 years old. I’m 40 years old, and I understand it’s time for new adventures, but circumcising old characters to present a new Star Trek image is not good for the franchise. All they did was offer false advertisement. And it shows that they don’t care about the ones who have spent BILLIONS of dollars supporting their productions. Did you know that of all the Star Trek models on the market, the original TV series model is the most sought after? But the best design available cost more than a thousand dollars, and who can afford that? To this day, I’d love to get my hands on a highly accurate representation of the 11 foot studio model. But I can’t afford something like that.

I’m very thankful that James Cawley and the rest of you are continuing to entertain us Trek fans of the Original Series. I will support you and your staff in any way I can. Just let me know how I can support you all.

I appreciate everything you’re doing, and I can’t wait for you to release Star Trek Blood and Fire. Watching the Enterprise burn from a nasty Klingon attack scared me, but it was awesome.

Oh, and you know what else I wish would have happened with Star Trek. The Enterprise Refit model was a beautiful design that didn’t get to see much screen action. I wish they made a series using the Refit model. I saw a website using a refit model called, “USS LEXINGTON”, and it looks pretty Interesting. Between the original design, and the refit design, the refit design looks more glorious (in my personal opinion), but the original design is still my favorite.

Does Jamse have plan to use the Refit design of the Motion Picture?

Joseph

]]> By: Joseph http://trekmovie.com/2008/11/12/editorial-james-cawley-on-the-new-star-trek-movie/comment-page-10/#comment-1257106 Joseph Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:15:49 +0000 http://trekmovie.com/2008/11/12/editorial-james-cawley-on-the-new-star-trek-movie/#comment-1257106 Anthony, I understand what you mean, and for the most part, I agree with you. However, they didn't have to get so far away from Star Trek Canon to make a great film. That's what bothers me about this entire ordeal. Raping characters from the original series, and rebooting it into a totally different universe, is not a good idea. They would have been better off creating an entirely new Star Trek, with new characters, and new stories. Why did they have to use Kirk and his crew? I feel that we, the true and faithful Trek Fans of a 40 year tradition, are being cheated, and kicked to the curb. The advertisements led us to believe that they were taking us back to the beginning of how the original crew all became the living legends they were. Instead, the only thing they did was use their names. This is insulting to 40 years of Trek history, and killing the faithful fan base. Why not use characters from TNG? Or Enterprise? In my opinion, it's because the characters from the Original Series were the most popular among Trek fans. I could be wrong, but I'd say Star Trek started rolling down the hill after Star Trek First Contact. I personally loved Star Trek Nemesis, but I can understand why others didn't like it. It was full of action, but the graphics were not that good. If Paramount released the amount of funding to create awesome, and realistic graphic scened to the previous Trek movies, I'm sure the reaction would have been pretty damn good. But Trek was always given a much smaller budget, especially when William Shatner filmed Star Trek V. Part of me hopes that JJ Abrams can turn Star Trek around. But the huge part of me is extremely upset with him using historical characters, and completely redefining their personalities. It just isn't right. Then again, we are only talking about fictional characters, so I suppose it's not worth getting bent out of shape. My final thoughts and opinions are this. The new Enterprise is very ugly, and the characters are too dramatic; additionally, they do not match the traditional style of the original crew. Thus, this entire "REBOOT" should not have been conceived. Instead, they could have taken us years ahead of even the Next Generation, and started an entirely new set of Trek legends. But nope, they raped the legends of the Original Series, and used their popularity to change their history. That's bad for us, but good for those who might decide to become trek fans. But I don't think that will happen. I've seen enough action films to know that science fiction is not what interests the younger generation. Sex, mystery, bloody gore, and mindless comedy are what interests this young age. Thus, this new idea for Star Trek is not promoting Gene's idea. In fact, I think it will destroy it. Joe Anthony, I understand what you mean, and for the most part, I agree with you. However, they didn’t have to get so far away from Star Trek Canon to make a great film. That’s what bothers me about this entire ordeal.

Raping characters from the original series, and rebooting it into a totally different universe, is not a good idea. They would have been better off creating an entirely new Star Trek, with new characters, and new stories.

Why did they have to use Kirk and his crew?

I feel that we, the true and faithful Trek Fans of a 40 year tradition, are being cheated, and kicked to the curb. The advertisements led us to believe that they were taking us back to the beginning of how the original crew all became the living legends they were. Instead, the only thing they did was use their names. This is insulting to 40 years of Trek history, and killing the faithful fan base.

Why not use characters from TNG? Or Enterprise? In my opinion, it’s because the characters from the Original Series were the most popular among Trek fans. I could be wrong, but I’d say Star Trek started rolling down the hill after Star Trek First Contact. I personally loved Star Trek Nemesis, but I can understand why others didn’t like it. It was full of action, but the graphics were not that good.

If Paramount released the amount of funding to create awesome, and realistic graphic scened to the previous Trek movies, I’m sure the reaction would have been pretty damn good. But Trek was always given a much smaller budget, especially when William Shatner filmed Star Trek V.

Part of me hopes that JJ Abrams can turn Star Trek around. But the huge part of me is extremely upset with him using historical characters, and completely redefining their personalities. It just isn’t right. Then again, we are only talking about fictional characters, so I suppose it’s not worth getting bent out of shape.

My final thoughts and opinions are this. The new Enterprise is very ugly, and the characters are too dramatic; additionally, they do not match the traditional style of the original crew. Thus, this entire “REBOOT” should not have been conceived. Instead, they could have taken us years ahead of even the Next Generation, and started an entirely new set of Trek legends. But nope, they raped the legends of the Original Series, and used their popularity to change their history. That’s bad for us, but good for those who might decide to become trek fans. But I don’t think that will happen. I’ve seen enough action films to know that science fiction is not what interests the younger generation. Sex, mystery, bloody gore, and mindless comedy are what interests this young age. Thus, this new idea for Star Trek is not promoting Gene’s idea. In fact, I think it will destroy it.

Joe

]]> By: Rachel S. http://trekmovie.com/2008/11/12/editorial-james-cawley-on-the-new-star-trek-movie/comment-page-10/#comment-1251835 Rachel S. Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:42:12 +0000 http://trekmovie.com/2008/11/12/editorial-james-cawley-on-the-new-star-trek-movie/#comment-1251835 I said what I wanted to say about the new film in two long posts on Flickr, seen for this picture of the...ship *shudder*, so here's the link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/captainredstorm/3024704908/ I'd welcome any responses here, since Derek closed the photo to future comments. Rachel :) I said what I wanted to say about the new film in two long posts on Flickr, seen for this picture of the…ship *shudder*, so here’s the link:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/captainredstorm/3024704908/

I’d welcome any responses here, since Derek closed the photo to future comments.

Rachel :)

]]> By: anthony http://trekmovie.com/2008/11/12/editorial-james-cawley-on-the-new-star-trek-movie/comment-page-10/#comment-1247819 anthony Tue, 18 Nov 2008 19:23:27 +0000 http://trekmovie.com/2008/11/12/editorial-james-cawley-on-the-new-star-trek-movie/#comment-1247819 Guys, I understand the frustration with the new movie... The discontinuity with the canon is a bit annoying... But over the years this has been true in many trek moments... in TNG when Scotty was found in a transporter buffer believing initially Kirk had come to find him... But in Generations Scotty was there for his presumed death... It has been 40 years since TOS... almost 20 since TNG... and 10 Since DS9 and Voyager... Enterprise was a nice go but failed to compare to the others... Which is sad because I loved the concept and the characters... But even in all these none were 100% to canon... The books are full of canon errors... The last great Trek Movie was First Contact... There is a whole new generation of Trekkies waiting to get back into the Roddenberry Vision... This reboot or better termed reformation will inspire and invigorate both schools in the trek universe. And with that we can continue to grow... Gene's vision was for all peoples to live, work, and respect each other... If we can't even do that over a movie then we all have lost his real vision... Give the movie a chance and enjoy it for the story it wants to tell... Guys, I understand the frustration with the new movie… The discontinuity with the canon is a bit annoying… But over the years this has been true in many trek moments… in TNG when Scotty was found in a transporter buffer believing initially Kirk had come to find him… But in Generations Scotty was there for his presumed death… It has been 40 years since TOS… almost 20 since TNG… and 10 Since DS9 and Voyager… Enterprise was a nice go but failed to compare to the others… Which is sad because I loved the concept and the characters… But even in all these none were 100% to canon… The books are full of canon errors… The last great Trek Movie was First Contact… There is a whole new generation of Trekkies waiting to get back into the Roddenberry Vision… This reboot or better termed reformation will inspire and invigorate both schools in the trek universe. And with that we can continue to grow… Gene’s vision was for all peoples to live, work, and respect each other… If we can’t even do that over a movie then we all have lost his real vision… Give the movie a chance and enjoy it for the story it wants to tell…

]]> By: Trek XI: The final affront? | Marc Perton http://trekmovie.com/2008/11/12/editorial-james-cawley-on-the-new-star-trek-movie/comment-page-10/#comment-1245045 Trek XI: The final affront? | Marc Perton Tue, 18 Nov 2008 04:40:25 +0000 http://trekmovie.com/2008/11/12/editorial-james-cawley-on-the-new-star-trek-movie/#comment-1245045 [...] of dross over the years, and in the end, I’m willing to cut the new Trek a lot of slack. As TOS purist James Cawley [...] [...] of dross over the years, and in the end, I’m willing to cut the new Trek a lot of slack. As TOS purist James Cawley [...]

]]> By: Falvoant http://trekmovie.com/2008/11/12/editorial-james-cawley-on-the-new-star-trek-movie/comment-page-10/#comment-1244828 Falvoant Tue, 18 Nov 2008 03:41:51 +0000 http://trekmovie.com/2008/11/12/editorial-james-cawley-on-the-new-star-trek-movie/#comment-1244828 James is rather busy these days trying to get Blood and Fire out the door in a timely manor...so Im not sure if he will have time to come back here But I wanted to say ...THANK YOU>>>from all of us at Phase 2.. We will do our best to continue the ORIGINAL VERSION for us old geezers who are so uncool we still remember it.... Tony Phase 2 Engineering Div James is rather busy these days trying to get Blood and Fire out the door in a timely manor…so Im not sure if he will have time to come back here
But I wanted to say …THANK YOU>>>from all of us at Phase 2..
We will do our best to continue the ORIGINAL VERSION for us old geezers who are so uncool we
still remember it….

Tony
Phase 2
Engineering Div

]]> By: Joseph http://trekmovie.com/2008/11/12/editorial-james-cawley-on-the-new-star-trek-movie/comment-page-10/#comment-1244057 Joseph Mon, 17 Nov 2008 23:50:02 +0000 http://trekmovie.com/2008/11/12/editorial-james-cawley-on-the-new-star-trek-movie/#comment-1244057 I'll say it again.. THIS IS NOT STAR TREK. It is a complete REBOOTING of Star Trek, using legionary names to establish a new Trek Canon. 40 years of Trek history and Canon are being buried a thousand feet under. My fellow Trek Fans, faithful to Trek Canon, we are being pushed to the curb. We can either continue to support James Cawley, and enjoy the original series stories, or we can abandon 40 years of Trek to engage in this new aged version of Trek. I think the movie will be great, but it has absolutely little to do with Star Trek tradition, Canon, and spirit. Joe I’ll say it again..

THIS IS NOT STAR TREK. It is a complete REBOOTING of Star Trek, using legionary names to establish a new Trek Canon. 40 years of Trek history and Canon are being buried a thousand feet under.

My fellow Trek Fans, faithful to Trek Canon, we are being pushed to the curb. We can either continue to support James Cawley, and enjoy the original series stories, or we can abandon 40 years of Trek to engage in this new aged version of Trek. I think the movie will be great, but it has absolutely little to do with Star Trek tradition, Canon, and spirit.

Joe

]]> By: Joseph http://trekmovie.com/2008/11/12/editorial-james-cawley-on-the-new-star-trek-movie/comment-page-10/#comment-1244035 Joseph Mon, 17 Nov 2008 23:46:58 +0000 http://trekmovie.com/2008/11/12/editorial-james-cawley-on-the-new-star-trek-movie/#comment-1244035 I meant to say, "Kirk loved horses, AND NOT horse power...." in #5. Sorry for the typo error. I meant to say, “Kirk loved horses, AND NOT horse power….” in #5.

Sorry for the typo error.

]]> By: Joseph http://trekmovie.com/2008/11/12/editorial-james-cawley-on-the-new-star-trek-movie/comment-page-10/#comment-1244018 Joseph Mon, 17 Nov 2008 23:44:36 +0000 http://trekmovie.com/2008/11/12/editorial-james-cawley-on-the-new-star-trek-movie/#comment-1244018 I just saw the new trailer, and it's a great movie. I believe many of us will believe that this new movie by JJ Abrams (Notice that I didn't say Star Trek) might be a great action film, combined with a brief sex scene. But, just in the short trailer, I noticed 5 errors with Star Trek Canon. 1. Enterprise built on earth - FALSE! It was built in space dock. The same dock the Refit Enterprise last visited before her final voyage unto her death, was her birth place, according to some Trek sites. 2. Captain Kirk's first to command the Enterprise - False! Captain April was the first captain, and Christopher Pike was the 2nd. Kirk would succeed Pike after he was severely burned. 3. Spock's first captain - Captain Christopher Pike was Spock's first captain. Yet this movie seems to depict the entire TOS crew were the first to board the Enterprise. Sulu and Spock both worked under Christopher Pike's command, but Sulu didn't work the helm; he was a mathematics science officer. 4. Design of the Enterprise - this new design doesn't even come close to the original. This is a totally new star-ship design, with very few elements of the original, and mostly of the Refit, but only in the Primary Hull section; the rest is reinvented. 5. Kirk driving a 1960's Vette - That's false! Cars didn't exist during his day. He didn't even know what eye-glasses were in Star Trek the wrath of Kahn. Plus, Kirk loved horses, and horse power. 6. Spock's anger - Spock served aboard the Enterprise long before Kirk did, yet Spock showed very little emotion even remotely close to JJ's version of Trek I'm sure others could point out more errors, especially the ever thinner Lt. Uhura, who does appear in a Bra scene, and is engaged sexually I think with Kirk. That must be an added twist to bring in more fans. Let's go watch Star Trek to see a little nipple. *Laughs* I suppose there's nothing wrong with that. What can I conclude with all this from just a short three minute trailer? THIS IS A GREAT MOVIE, BUT IT'S NOT STAR TREK! Joe I just saw the new trailer, and it’s a great movie. I believe many of us will believe that this new movie by JJ Abrams (Notice that I didn’t say Star Trek) might be a great action film, combined with a brief sex scene. But, just in the short trailer, I noticed 5 errors with Star Trek Canon.

1. Enterprise built on earth – FALSE! It was built in space dock. The same dock the Refit Enterprise last visited before her final voyage unto her death, was her birth place, according to some Trek sites.

2. Captain Kirk’s first to command the Enterprise – False! Captain April was the first captain, and Christopher Pike was the 2nd. Kirk would succeed Pike after he was severely burned.

3. Spock’s first captain – Captain Christopher Pike was Spock’s first captain. Yet this movie seems to depict the entire TOS crew were the first to board the Enterprise. Sulu and Spock both worked under Christopher Pike’s command, but Sulu didn’t work the helm; he was a mathematics science officer.

4. Design of the Enterprise – this new design doesn’t even come close to the original. This is a totally new star-ship design, with very few elements of the original, and mostly of the Refit, but only in the Primary Hull section; the rest is reinvented.

5. Kirk driving a 1960’s Vette – That’s false! Cars didn’t exist during his day. He didn’t even know what eye-glasses were in Star Trek the wrath of Kahn. Plus, Kirk loved horses, and horse power.

6. Spock’s anger – Spock served aboard the Enterprise long before Kirk did, yet Spock showed very little emotion even remotely close to JJ’s version of Trek

I’m sure others could point out more errors, especially the ever thinner Lt. Uhura, who does appear in a Bra scene, and is engaged sexually I think with Kirk. That must be an added twist to bring in more fans. Let’s go watch Star Trek to see a little nipple. *Laughs* I suppose there’s nothing wrong with that.

What can I conclude with all this from just a short three minute trailer? THIS IS A GREAT MOVIE, BUT IT’S NOT STAR TREK!

Joe

]]>