JJ Abrams Hires Writers For MI4 – Can He Deliver MI4 And Star Trek Sequel For 2011? August 7, 2009
by Anthony Pascale , Filed under: Abrams, Paramount, Star Trek sequel (2012) , trackback
JJ Abrams is ramping things up for another big franchise at Paramount, with news just announced that he has hired writers for a fourth Mission Impossible film, with Abrams on board to co-produce with Tom Cruise. Like the next Star Trek film, Mission: Impossible: IV is aimed for a 2011 release.
Abrams To Produce Two Paramount Franchise Sequels For 2011?
Tonight Variety reported that Abrams hired Josh Applebaum and Andre Nemec to write the screenplay for MI4, based on a story that Abrams developed with the pair. Although not well known, Abrams worked with the writers on his spy show Alias (as he had with Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman, who penned the MI3 script with Abrams). Abrams on board as a co-producer with Tom Cruise, who apparently has ironed out all his issues with Paramount. According to the report, Cruise’s character Ethan Hunt will be "involved in an onscreen capacity" as well, but it isn’t clear if he will be the star.
It does not appear that Abrams will be returning to the director’s for MI4, but he will have much to do as a co-producer. JJ is also the producer for the next Star Trek film, which he may direct as well, depending on other projects. As of now, reports indicate that both films are slated for 2011 (likely summer), but it is not clear if one film will push the other to a later date. Paramount signed writer deals for the Star Trek sequel (with Orci, Kurtzman and Lindelof), back in April, so in theory that project has a head start, with that script due by December.
But if Paramount want JJ Abrams to produce and direct Star Trek Something Something, and produce Mission Impossible 4 (along with all his other film and TV projects), it is hard to imagine both films coming out in the summer of 2011.
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Comments»
We shall see. Yeah, I’m the first.
Live long and prosper
Logan
It’s going to be a long two years!
Can’t wait!
maybe Trek XII will go on with Abrams?
I meant
maybe Trek XIII will go on without Abrams?
I wonder what Abrams thinks as he shuttles back and forth between working with talented actors like Pine, Quinto and Greenwood, then walks across the movie lot to confer with a talentless hack like Cruise?
Bemused? Befuddled? Doesn’t care as he gets even richer?
I would rather see Star Trek die than let it carry on with the direction Abrams gave it.
what if Trek II out May 2011…MI 4 out xmas 2011?
although prob wouldnt make any diff to Abrams work load…
but then again isnt he like an incredible multi tasker?….
wernt Spielberg and Lucas producing and directing stuff at the same time in the 80s?
Harry Ballz, I would hardly call tom cruise a talentless hack, not only has he given some incredible perfomances in recent years in films such as
Collateral,Jerry Maguire,Vanilla Sky, and Mission Impossible and Mission Impossible III(didnt care much for part II) among may others.
and on top of the acting he has been quite succesfull as a producer as well.
he is also one of the best in terms of appreciateing the public and knowing with out us he would not have a career.
one more thing can the powers that be (here) at Trekmovie.com please stop refereing to star trek sequal as star trek something something. It was cute the first time now it just makes peoples eyes roll when its read.
really just call it untitled star trek sequal or star trek 2 or star trek XII anything but startrek : something something
stuff i’d like to see in MI 4:
Nimoy ‘Paris’ cameo
more Lalo Schifrin
cant think of anything else
btw are people aware Shatner appeared in 2 episodes post TOS?
i didnt
it can go on without Abrams
capnjake
it is simply my subjective opinion when I say that Tom Cruise is a lousy actor. He has managed to “package” himself in some good films, but his acting ability is sad to watch. Whenever I watch him on screen I can actually see the man is “acting”, and not in a natural, instinctive way. When I, as a member of the audience, can perceive “the wheels turning” behind an actor’s facial expressions, THAT’S bad acting! I’ve attended high school plays that had much better acting in it!
If YOU think the guy can act, hey, more power to you!
call it Star Trek XII
DO NOT call it Star Trek II
Star Trek II is the name of one of the greastest Sci Fi movies ever, The Wrath of Khan, a film so much better than the new movie
12 – ok my mistake
i meant Trek 2
11 – Harry — Brad Pitt makes Cruise look like Sir Laurence Olivier. Not that I think much of either’s acting chops. IMH(Subjective)O.
Jim Phelps for MI 4!!
oh wait they turned him into a traitor and killed him in MI 1
nice move….kinda like if Spock Prime had turned on the federation and Kirk Pine had killed him in the new film
I wish they’d reboot Mission: Impossible and bring back Jim Phelps!
I’m sure that in the producer role Abrams can comfortably oversee Star Trek 2 and Mission: Impossible 4. I’ll be interested to see whether he directs either. My suspicion is that he’ll be producer on both.
I believe that Star Trek XII could survive without Abrams if he wants to do MI 4
but he could do both if he is just producing both
Do we really need another Mission Impossible movie that glorifies Cruise? Don’t think so.
19
if an MI film captured the ensemble of the TV show then it would be better.
as a big Mission Impossible fan…. I really can’t wait for it !
I agree on the Jim Phelps thing. the “M:I” franchise lost me with the first film since the very first thing they did was take the guy who was the hero in many seasons of TV and turn him bad and kill him off. All so dumb-azz Tom Cruise could do what he wants to. I haven’t liked anything Cruise sinct Top Gun, so I don’t understand why they keep cranking out the M:I movies.
I don’t think Trek as we now know it can go on without Abrams. it was his vision that made the fim successful. A few too many lens flares, yeah, but still a good vision IMO.
JJ could combine STAR TREK and M:I in one Movie…and we´ll have an “Elite Force”-Movie with Cruise as Alexander Munro. :)
summer 2011 is looking a little too crowded, with spiderman 4, thor, capt. america, harry potter 8, cars 2, green lantern, and kung-fu panda 2, i think trek would do better for a christmas 2011 release
For what it’s worth, I have no problem with the working title Star Trek: Something Something. Hell, I’d go the full monty and just refer to it as Star Trek: Something Something Dark Side (ST:SSDS). ;-)
“JJ Abrams Hires Writers For MI4″
Be interesting to see what an MI film would be like with writers.
#22 sez “I don’t think Trek as we now know it can go on without Abrams. it was his vision that made the fim successful.”
True, but somebody else’s vision could make the next one successful. It’s not like there aren’t hundreds of directors that couldn’t bring something new to Trek … and/or imitate the Abrams approach without breaking a sweat. The techniques he employed were a commercial success, absolutely, but they weren’t exactly subtle or elusive …
I don’t get it. Why are there still Star Trek haters on this board?
I look forward to another MI movie. Yes, definitely bring back Paris (with Nimoy). That’s a genius idea… have him be “The Secretary” we’ve always heard was so willing to disavow knowledge of the MI force’s action.
#20 – M:I:III did just that. While Cruise was the star it was still very much a team effort, he didn’t succeed alone. Philip Seymour Hoffman ’s villain was truly a nasty guy. The only complaint I had was the “another traitor in the ranks” subplot.
#27: “I don’t get it. Why are there still Star Trek haters on this board?”
I’ve never seen _any_ of these “haters” people mention. I see regular Star Trek fans, foaming-at-the-mouth Star Trek fans, quiet-ish Star Trek fans, etc … The word “hate” is used almost exclusively in posts by the alarmist-types who’ve invented the “haters.”
My theory is that it’s a mythological being invented to scare children into eating their Brussels sprouts. “Eat all up or the haters will get you!” “Nooo!”
oooh, Star Trek: The Dark Mirror
#19 Jeff- YEAH, really.
I won’t be seeing it.
Abrams has always managed to come through with amazing projects that he produces simultaneously. When he was creating and writing and directing the pilot of LOST, Alias was still in its height. He was creating and writing for Fringe as he was working on Star Trek and working with MI3 while working on season 1 of LOST…
I have no doubt that he can deliver both!
but Star Trek was there before Abrams and will be afterwards, it is not his vision though it is Gene Roddenberry’s
Heck yeah- let’s see a Mission Impossible – Star Trek Crossover film! I’d pay double admission for that.
Abrams did a good job but there will be other people who can do great stuff with Trek.
The only movie that really captured how the old IMF team would mind**** their targets wasn’t a MI film at all; it was the Michael Douglas film, “The Game”.
I never cared for Paris, though. Martin Landau as Roland Hand all the way.
#6….what a miserable, joyless old troll you must be! Is there a point to you and your negativeity? Trek had it’s heyday..1-6..then the first 2 TNG films, then was dying. The reboot, although, I found things not as they formerly were, I did see the film 4 times and liked it. It’s the same vision through a new set of eyes and imagination. Gene long since passed and the reins for Trek need to go on with fresh blood and new inspiration and energy. I’m glad it’s back in production!
@34:
Simon Pegg had a small role in Mission Impossible III as a computer expert named Benji. I thought he did a pretty good job. I hope the writers bring his character back in Mission Impossible 4.
Jonathan Frakes to Star Trek XII ,,,yessssss
I enjoyed the new movie and saw it five times I just dont think its the best one. I would probably put it in fifth or sixth place.
I did rate it 8 out of 10.
Dont hate it but it did feel a tad dumbed down. And I never will agree wit hAbrams choice for using a brewery as Engineering. God that was an interesting idea that was poorly realised.
So I loved the new film but the equipment was redesigned for the worst in my opinion.
It is what Star Trek needed but at the same time I wish Trek had not needed to go into this direction.
@39 – That would be interesting! I might like that.
Is Abrams now the “Supreme Court” of Mission Impossible, too? *sigh*
As far as the question goes, “can he deliver both?”. . .this last go around with Star Trek also included producing Fringe and Cloverfield among others, so yes is the answer.
Anbody else think that if Abrams turns down the director’s chair on ST:12 that it should be Nimoy at the helm? Or Frakes? Or maybe even… (gasp!) Shatner? That would be a trip; huh?
Nimoy or Frakes at the helm defintely
Frakes is an excellent director.
If Abrams does direct the next one a word of advice, NO bloody Lens Flares!
42
Unfortunately it looks like it.
Abrams is not the sole guy with a vision of Star Trek, many directors have added their visions such as Nicholas meyer, it is a whole universe, it is more than one man with a love affair with lens flares. LOL
that is why I say it will go on with another director
43 – Abrams is PRODUCING M:I:4, not DIRECTING it, so he’ll be there to advise and make some behind-the-scenes decisions, but unlike TV series, the Director is the point person on the projet.
It will likely take up JJs time during development, but once it starts Pre-Production, the Director will likely take the Center Seat.
Star Trek XII, if Abrams directing, would likely get his full attention during the shooting.
He knows how to produce multiple things at once, and how to delegate to the right talent, as evidenced by Lost, where he directed the Pilot, helped create and shape the show, then took a back seat to Damon Lindelof.
Although he directs very well, JJ’s Career has been primarily that of a Producer.
They killed off Jim Phelps in MI 1 so they could “bury” the series and make “Ethan Hunt” the face of MI. Hmmmm… sounds kinda like what Mr.Berman tried to do in ST Generations with Kirk. Nice job Rick.
Bring back Paris and Roland…love to see Marty Landau..in that SPACE 1999 movie we never got…
I agree…no TREK haters on this website…what is your point anyway…
Abrams, in some capacity, is here to stay..get over it!!!
You want Shat to direct TREK 12..?
If not JJ, how bout Nimoy himself..or Frakes wouldn’t be a horrible choice?!?…
Crossovers: TREK-XMEN crossover like from the comics…!!!
As an interesting side effect of their own plot Abrams, Orci & Kurtzman have made themselves potentially superfluous. Once the Many Worlds cat is out of the bag( and it’s name is Schroedinger, of course), it’s awfully hard to stuff it back in. You don’t particularly need them any more. Hell, let’s have a new universe every film and let everybody and their grandmother take a stab at their own version of Trek. At this point, I wouldn’t particularly care because my emotional investment in their universe is about nil. It was an enjoyable summer movie, but it wasn’t particularly thoughtful and it wasn’t particularly moving and the differences mean that I’ll never care about it as much as the Prime Time Line. Bring on a carousel of creative talent and let the multi-verse sort it all out!
Star Trek is very much on a “tentpole” schedule now, much like Transformers and iron Man. I can’t see it being delayed for MI4. Also, getting Cruise’s character out of the way allows Abrams to pluck more quality smaller actors out of the independents, hell, maybe even the same ones. A lot cheaper than Cruise.
I think there probably are people out there who could do something interesting or even good with Star Trek (besides Abrams, Orci and Kurtzman, who I think did great. And I loved the lens flares.)
Unfortunately, the vast majority of working directors out there don’t get science fiction, and particularly don’t get Star Trek. I really don’t want ST in new hands yet. I’d rather see where the current team can go now that the set up is established (and out of the way.)
I’m an old time fan – I watched the original series in it’s first network airing (and cried at the third season cancellation even though the writing and production was obviously losing quality) and have been waiting for this movie ever since – a movie that brought the fun, the characters and the excitement back, but with a budget the series never had.
I enjoyed the original cast movies, although I felt some of them could have been so much better. (I always thought those Nimoy helped create were by far the best.) So many missed chances with the beloved original cast, But we can’t get them all back and these guys are very enjoyable to watch in the roles they made iconic.
I don’t think it’s as easy as many people think to come up with a really good scifi script. Even the original series only managed great stories a few times. The cast were just awfully good at making lesser scripts fun.
46,47 – In theory it could, but Abrams could refine the product, and establish the style for a single adventure beyond the origin so that there is a definable tone for the new Star Trek.
He also directed the new movie with a great deal of success, and I think he’s the right guy to direct the next one.
I suspect that Abrams may be planning on getting Mission: Impossible to move away from Cruise to more of a team, with a new cast of characters.
This way, the franchise could go back to the team/mission based roots, and possibly be moved back to TV eventually.
I love both series, I hope both sequels are as good as MI3 and ST
keep up the great work JJ
42
I know…sigh
Ok, many of you who responded are correct….JJ isn’t the only guy with a potentially successful “vision” for Star Trek. I agree.
I never watched “Babylon 5″, but perhaps they should give that Straczynski guy a shot.
58. I never watched “Babylon 5″, but perhaps they should give that Straczynski guy a shot
_____
Interesting idea! I’m a huge B5 fan. But only if they give Straczynski a co-writer to polish up the dialogue because the stuff he wrote sometimes reeked!
He’s brilliant with the big picture, but he sometimes let the small details slide.
You know, I own the whole series on DVD. You just put me in the mood to watch some of it. Thanks!
Wasn’t very impressed with M:I3…JJ may be sticking plenty of irons in the fire with this one…What ever happened to Cloverfield followup?
59 – Maybe George Lucas could help him with the dialogue! ;D
#34 – you guessed it. Star Trek: MIssion Impossible. Abrams can’t deliver both at once, so he’s going to combine them. This helps Paramount with their poor Trek international box office by casting Tom Cruise in Star Trek, since MI:III beat Trek at the box office by over $60M.
It’s so obvious: Ethan Hunt is frozen in suspended animation as the only agent smart enough to defeat Khan if he ever returns from Space (a la Demolition Man). When Kirk and crew discover the empty Botany Bay floating in space with the bodies of some dead Klingons onboard, they revive Ethan Hunt who leads them on a mission impossible across the Neutral Zone, deep into Klingon Territory, for which the UFP will deny any knowledge if caught. Of course Nimoy Spock will provide the details leading to Hunt’s revival and the importance of stopping Khan.
This gives Abrams the opportunity to open the movie in the 21st century to “ground” the film for audiences before he blasts off into space with them. By pulling both Trek and MI audiences together with Tom cruise, it will be the first of both movies to gross over 1 Billion dollars worldwide.
Genius JJ, Genius!
Besides, if JJ has to pick, a smart director would go with the franchise that will make the most money for him. Since Mission Impossible grosses so much more than Trek and Paramount has already resigned themselves to low foreign box office and are used to the franchise’s typically low domestic profits, all of which to be made up on the back-end … Trek will continue even if it does not exceed or match this years box office.
…let someone else direct it. Wouldn’t bother me a bit. NOT Bay.
My suggestion (and prediction):
Star Trek XII premieres Wednesday, May 23, 2012 (the Wednesday before Memorial Day weekend that year).
That gets Star Trek out of the way of the crowded Summer 2011 season, gives Paramount almost three years to milk the anticipation, gives JJ time to attend to MI4 and ST-XII, and gives Orci and co. time to think of a storyline that’s not a total fanboy wank.
You’re welcome.
@29: On the other hand, we’ve seen alleged “fans” slam an article written by a 12-year-old. If that’s not “hater”-ish, it’s at least extreme dickish-ness.
How’s this for an MI4 story? The IMF team has to infiltrate the secretive terrorist organisation led by the ruthless and enigmatic leader known only as…
KHAN. (dun-dun-DUN!)
It could end with Tom Cruise and Javier Bardem having a fistfight on the rocket gantry of the Botany Bay. Cruise gets kicked off the gantry, falls 20 stories, and gets incinerated by the Botany’s rockets. We get a MI:5 with no Tom Cruise, and Khan escapes for his date with the Enterprise in “Space Seed”. Everybody wins.
It could be a wise decission for the Star Trek brand, if STar Trek XII will be directed by another director. New movie, new director. That seems to work good for the Bond-franchise.
No JJ
No Frakes
No Nimoy…
Perhaps George Lucas!
After all that JJ & Co did, what could he do worse?
Or Michael Bay!
Orci and Kurtzman worked allready very, very sucessfull with this subtile and talented director. ;)
I see where this is going: it’ll be a MI:4/ST:XII crossover!! You read it here first!!
@65. “On the other hand, we’ve seen alleged “fans” slam an article written by a 12-year-old. If that’s not “hater”-ish, it’s at least extreme dickish-ness.”
Couldn’t agree with you more. The sad part is that those pathetic losers were probably patting themselves on the back. I only hope that it doesn’t ruin his enthusiasm and (ahem) enterprise.
#65. CarlG, take your premise as a Kelvin-esque prologue for my proposal at #62 – your Ethan Hunt is injured so badly that modern science cannot save him so he is cryogenically frozen until he can be saved. He is forgotten until notable 20th century historian Marla McGivers discovers him and unthaws him just in time to deal with Khan’s discovery in 2259.
#68 – Yup! Box Office GOLD!
So crazy it just might work: Tom Cruise as Khan.
@ 66 “Perhaps George Lucas!”
There couldn’t be a worse choice. The only good SW movie GL directed himself was SWIV.
Like he did with V and VI he also should have included other directors for I-III, maybe it would have been better then.
I see a big problem for Star Trek atm.
With the alternate timeline they brought a huge danger to the Star Trek universe. Maybe they produce a STXII and STXIII, but then they leave Star Trek behind and it will be hard to find a good director/producer who wants to continue a devided Star Trek universe.
Probably they will have to make a second reboot after JJ left.
I can’t wait for this old, bitchy generation of Trek fans to die so these comments sections will look less like an angry mid-life crisis.
#63 you are right, most directors do not understand sci fi-especially trek.
Just look at a talented director who was given a stab at a trek film, stuart baird (who has worked on some excellent films in his day) just did not understand what makes trek work. but just cause you understand trek doesnt mean you will make a good movie,
While Star Trek Generations director David Carson might have known and understood Trek haveing been a TNG series director durring the course of its 7 year run He didnt understand the differences between film and televison.
(for the record though i happen to really like generations, but can see why so many people did not care for it)
It can be a good thing to have different people bring there take of trek to the table, just as long as they stick the core of the series which is the relationships between kirk, spock and McCoy.
69 – ” I only hope that it doesn’t ruin his enthusiasm and (ahem) enterprise.”
I doubt it will. I think young James is too bright and mature to be bothered by the uninformed opinions his intellectual and emotional inferiors.
@70: I ilke it! We just have to ,ake sure that Ethan’s injuries are bad enough that he needs “facial reconstruction” (aka re-casting).
I get my schadenfreude at Tom Cruise, and your plot still works. ;)
@76. Brett Campbell – August 7, 2009
Good point. Hopefully he will continue to boldy go… :-)
#77 And of course, he would now be portrayed by James Cromwell? ;)
Overall, if anyone can, JJ can.
Good choice of writers for M:I:IV. I just wish they could retcon Jim Phelps as a succession of agency directors who *assumed* the name of the original M:I operative portrayed by Peter Graves. Frankly, get something filmed with Peter Graves while they can and “save” his Jim Phelps before it’s too late. Perhaps it’s Ethan Hunt’s turn to become a “Jim Phelps”. Sort of a protection a la Spartacus, where many aged operatives all stand up and introduce themselves to Ethan… imagine Nimoy’s Paris standing up saying “I too, am Jim Phelps.”
74
Wow…that’s a little hateful. Sorry but don’t plan to accommodate you any time soon. As I’ve pointed out before – critical thinking, or having an opinion of one’s own -isn’t always necessarily hateful or “bitchy”, despite what some current thoughts processes have filtered into society.
and they ruined the MI franchise with the first one making Mr Phelps a bad guy. Did anyone ever see the series? So let them do what they may with it.
74. zhi
Brutal, but I guess plenty of us deserve that remark from time to time!
By the the forum will look like this:
I h8 StR Trek.
I’d bet that the same folks who have been slamming JJ here for ages are secretly hoping he’ll direct SomethingSomething. Because, in their heart of hearts, they KNOW he’s the best man to deliver a great sequel.
78. earthclanbootstrap:
“Hopefully he will continue to boldy go… :-)”
I’m sure he will. I look forward to witnessing his journey.
#72 “Tom Cruise as Khan”
Nah, apparently the producers want to go with someone who at least gives off a hint of a masculine vibe!
If Cruise wants to slap on a blonde wig and play Rand, well now we’re talkin’!!
86. Harry Ballz – August 7, 2009 – “If Cruise wants to slap on a blonde wig and play Rand, well now we’re talkin’!!”
Good One!
“Captain Kirk… you complete me!”
You had me at….”come here, Janice!”
#79. Daoud wrote: I just wish they could retcon Jim Phelps as a succession of agency directors who *assumed* the name of the original M:I operative portrayed by Peter Graves.
The mistake they made was not simply doing a reboot. I think they assumed incorrectly that the franchise would need the original fans and had to kill Jim Phelps who would always be associated with Graves (in much the same way TNG felt the need to kill Kirk/Shatner), to get him out of the way and let a new character take over.
Unfortunately, nobody cared (the sequel grossed even more), and those that did care were appalled that Phelps was killed. Cruise was a big enough star that they could have simply rebooted the franchise in the present, like Bond films, and Cruise could have simply taken over the phelps role.
Then again this was the same Paramount that produced Generations.
63
Defintely not Bay. If Michael Bay got his hands on Star Trek then it would be a dark day indeed
I am excited that two friends nare now enjoying Trek as a result of the new movie, one friend is starting TNG after having watched all TOS and first 6 movies and m other friend wants to watch it all.
I thank JJ for this because it has been getting peoplewatching the good stuff as well. I hate it when the new fans wont bother watching the old stuff, but this is the same for Doctor Who.
Who?
when I say good stuff, I mean wanting to watch more than just the film.
I know a few kids who love new Doctor Who but have not bothered watching the classic Doctor Who, but at a con it ffels cool when the kids at that con are watching the classic Doctor Whos, they are embracing its history.
I hope like my friends the new fans will become fans of all Trek.
I have just started rewatching DS9 for the first time in a few years, a great show, sure many new fans will love it.
88. Harry Ballz – August 7, 2009
You had me at….”come here, Janice!”
“Operation Valkyrie is in effect… John Gill must die!”
I hate some of the changes Abrams made but thank god he aint like bay
#94
If we’re talking Cruise, wouldn’t that be Operation Butterfly?
flutter, flutter, mince…….
80: Go be grumpy and old somewhere else – maybe where folks actually care that you cry yourself to sleep at night over a movie.
Wow, Zhi. You’re a hateful little fool, ain’t ya? I’m guessing you were born in the late 80’s.
Wishing death on ‘older’ Trek fans? Really?
What a tool.
That would make him a hateful little tool fool!
98: I’m not wishing death, its coming regardless.
99: *pets the troll*
You’re so adorable.
Aw, c’mon, group hug!!
Perhaps Shat can play the villain bent on destroying the world!!
I think “Valkyrie” was MI0
97
Hmmm, somebody has issues. And I’m the one who’s grumpy. You’ll be old yourself someday…..if you’re lucky.
#65: “@29: On the other hand, we’ve seen alleged “fans” slam an article written by a 12-year-old. If that’s not “hater”-ish, it’s at least extreme dickish-ness.”
It is dickishness on an almost superhuman level, yes (and geez, I make my living as a writer and I couldn’t write that well when I was 12, yikes).
But no, it doesn’t make them “Star Trek haters.” Despite the many eyewitness reports, blurry photographs, plaster casts of footprints and a colorful tradition of folklore, the “Star Trek hater” remains an elusive and possibly mythological beast. Of course, it’s possible that what people believe to be “haters” are actually pleisiosaur, or coelocanth, or just large apes displaced from their native habitat.
That said, we’re waiting on DNA tests for zhi.
97: Ooo threats, that’s mature. Where’s that age old Trek enlightenment and wisdom? Oh right, it was more about boyhood fantasies for you than deep meanings or messages on human understanding.
Why not rant about the “Great Star Trek Tragedy of 2009″ to your grandkids?
I’m sure they’ll be absolutely riveted.
Hmmm,
Was going to let this one go. After all, 17 yrs of teaching junior high kids teaches you not to resort to arguing with them. But thought about it as I was on the treadmill this morning (we old and infirm still need to exercise) and even though I really don’ t think your problem is with me. I just think you’re looking for a fight. Because I’ve said way less inciteful things on this thread. Although there’s some I agree with on here.
However, I will quote from Spider-Man 136 which is one of the first comics I ever bought…waaaay back in the 70’s. It deals with an exchange between Spider-Man and the Punisher (it was the Punisher’s third appearance in a comic – yeah, I was there from the beginning on that one – and I liked him better back then too). A conversation and way of thinking I’ve since lived by in one form or other. This is after he’s beat up a bad guy and kind of preached to him as he was doing it. You know, typical comic book, Spider-Man, wrapping up the story stuff. And the Punisher overhears all this.
Punisher: “You’re not really that idealistic are you Wall Crawler?!”
Spider-Man: “Yeah, I am idealistic. And I’ll stay idealistic until something better comes along.” (love that Gerry Conway dialogue. I learned that concept and that word from him. Thanks Gerry.)
And in my opinion, something better has not come along…if we’re talking about the new movie.
Andy, no need to worry…..zhi is just your typical troll/flamer who likes to stir up trouble. The only problem for him, it’s not going to work!
Ah well. They can’t all be nice like you. It’s okay anyway…it was Spider-Man 135 now that I think about it.
I’m 54 and grew up reading Spidey! I vaguely remember the issue and text you cited! Good stuff! :>)
108: So you picked up your urge to issue death threats to people younger than you from teaching Junior High? No wonder you’re not allowed within several miles of a school anymore.
Oh wait, you love old Spider-MAn comics. Isn’t that cute. I guess that makes up for all those kids you threatened.
Andy, there seems to be some strange buzzing noise on this thread. Must be a pesky mosquito! Best to ignore it!
I try to avoid projects with any of the L. Ron Hubbard crowd [Travolta and Cruise in particular], though that taint is most everywhere these days. I’d guess it would be difficult to find a project anywhere without someone on staff who hasn’t had their liver or spleen audited.
It makes my skin crawl that these otherwise intelligent people support such a lifestyle.
#114: “It makes my skin crawl that these otherwise intelligent people support such a lifestyle.”
Lots of otherwise intelligent people are Christian, Hindu, Muslim, Jewish etc … religion isn’t about intellect one way or the other; it never has been. It’s about society (tradition, cultural inertia) and emotional need, and we all have our perceived place in society, and we all have our emotional needs. For some of us, that adds up to believing in Santa Claus or God or Magic Space Bombers and E-Meters and stuff. Same-same. Understanding leads to tolerance.
#115 – Well said, sir!!
Many, if not most, of the great films of the past 100 years have been made by people who’s “lifestyle” would make your skin crawl. Hollywood has many “closets”. Why focus on religion?
Now, back to the original topic……
I agree with some previous posters. JJ’s strength seems to be as producer/project manager. While his direction of ST09 was good, it could have been, visually, a better film. If he decides to direct the sequel, I’ll be fine with that. I have faith he’d do a good job. But with so much on his plate, I’d almost rather see him pass the reigns. The idea of Nimoy or Frakes is growing on me……..
As an added bonus, Nimoy as director would send The (”still haven’t seen the movie”) Shat over the edge!
(Sorry, I couldn’t resist…..LOL!)
#117: “I agree with some previous posters. JJ’s strength seems to be as producer/project manager. While his direction of ST09 was good, it could have been, visually, a better film.”
Definitely. My main hope is that if they’re sticking with the same writers, it’s critical that the next director understands the same thing JJ Abrams clearly does: when the script makes no sense, run the story at double speed so nobody can catch their breath long enough to notice.
S. John Ross
your suggestion has left me breathless!
“summer 2011 is looking a little too crowded, with spiderman 4, thor, capt. america, harry potter 8, cars 2, green lantern, and kung-fu panda 2, i think trek would do better for a christmas 2011 release”
Oh well another bucket load of brainless crap then.
112 & 108
Andy Patterson is right about everything whether you like it or not, zhi. And I was one of those junior high kids only a few years ago so don’t call me grandpa. Go pick a fight with someone of your own level of intelligence – like maybe on a Brittany Spears thread.