JJ Abrams Talks Personal Connection To Trek & Fans + ST09 Editors Talk Kirk December 10, 2009
by Anthony Pascale , Filed under: Abrams, ST09 Creative, Star Trek (2009 film) , trackback
As his Star Trek movie is being talked up for the Awards Season, the Hollywood Reporter checked in with director/producer JJ Abrams to talk about the film, his process and more. JJ had some interesting things to say about how the film was personal, the fans and more. Plus Variety talks to the Star Trek editors. Excerpts of both below.
JJ Abrams on personal Trek, fans and more
excerpts from THR interview with JJ Abrams
The Hollywood Reporter: Was there any part of making "Star Trek" that felt personal?
J.J. Abrams: Quite a bit. It’s a story about family and friendship and loyalty and finding your place and your way and being insecure about any number of things. And that is a universal idea that doesn’t need to take place in space; it can take place anywhere — and that idea feels very personal. I found myself surprisingly connected to a character called James T. Kirk. I found myself loving a character whose name was Spock. And as someone who was never really a "Star Trek" fan and who never really connected with any of the characters, it was the last thing in the world I ever expected.
THR: The movie has been embraced by geek culture. How do you feel about the rise of that?
Abrams: If you look back, there’s always been a certain level of fantasy, science fiction, horror. The only litmus test that I ever have is: Is the thing that we’re working on the thing I want to go see? It’s always just about trying to work on the stuff that you feel like you yourself would go out and go see. If you start trying to anticipate what an audience is going to like and not like, you’re probably in trouble.
THR: How do you see your relationship with fans?
Abrams: I am obviously indebted to them. The great thing about getting a consensus because of the Internet is it allows you to really hear what the audience is feeling. It’s a wonderful tool to understand what’s working and what’s not working. Because I do try and work on the kinds of projects that I want to go see, I don’t feel like my audience is any different from my friends or myself — I feel like I am those
Read the full interview at hollywoodreporter.com.
Abrams project update
In the THR article Abrams said that he still "hoped to direct a movie next year." Abrams has peviously mentioned that he was writing a script for a film to direct next year and tells THR that he is still writing it and it is taking longer than expected. In a separate article, THR reports that Abrams Bad Robot has optioned Colum McCann’s National Book Award-winning novel "Let the Great World Spin". Abrams will produce with McCann adapting the screenplay. "Spin" joins the growing list of projects Abrams has in development at Bad Robot and Paramount. The next release will be the Harrison Ford comedy "Morning Glory" coming out next June. Also likely to go into production next year is Mission: Impossible: IV. No director has been picked for that, but Abrams has stated to that he will only be producing.
The next Star Trek movie is still slated for a Summer 2012 release, with Abrams as producer and possible director. The choice on directing the film will not come until 2010 when the script is completed and the film gets the final green light and budget from Paramount.
Markee talks editing Trek
Another couple of Star Trek movie alums being talked up for awards are the editors Maryann Brandon and Mary Jo Markey. They have a brief profile/interview in today’s Variety.
In the interview, Markey talks about the arc of the film:
The arc is each of them working out their own issues individually and their conflict with one another. The true satisfaction of the movie is seeing them finally come together.
And Brandon talks about how they handled Kirk:
We needed to decide on a character with whom an audience would want to take the journey. Giving him a little charm was the way to go. [recalling shortening a scene where Kirk runs on the Starship Enterprise deck to warn of danger] I had to pare it down so he didn’t come off like a jerk. A little tough goes a longer way than a lot of tough.
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Comments»
I couldn’t connect to any of the lead characters. I found them to be cold and boring. Pike was the exception.
There was so much story to tell – even
at two hours, a lot of character development
was left undeveloped…. (I guess JJ could
have made it a FOUR hour movie…).
P.S.
I still think it was done very well
with the time parameters he had.
So much nitpicking on these sites… it’s beyond me! Why do all these so called fans even watch Trek… Oh Yeah, to criticize it of course! How fun! Some of you negative jerks should just get a life or quit watching something that you do not enjoy! There are shows & movies I’m not crazy about, but I’ll watch anyway to give it a chance to develop, but if after so long I still don’t care for it, then yes I will quit watching it rather than continue to do so just so that I can continue to nitpick & criticize… where’s the enjoyment in that? Oh Yeah, some people get off on criticism and badmouthing just like some get off on gossip! To each their own, some things are just a matter of taste, but if you don’t enjoy it why watch it when you could invest the time in something you do like! I am watching Sanctuary & Stargate Universe and I am not super crazy for either yet, and I continue to watch but if they do not get better in my estimation then I will quit watching just as I have with other shows like Heroes! I’m not going to bitch about them, they maybe just aren’t my cup of tea, so I’ll invest my time in something I enjoy like Fringe, Flashforward or V. There is plenty to choose from to watch, so move on & enjoy yourselves from now on for that’s the point: to be entertained!!! What a concept!! I just wish we didn’t have to wait 3 years before the next movie which I loved. If I hadn’t liked it then I wouldn’t continue to support the Trek movie franchise, I would go see something I liked better! I wish we had a regular Trek TV series rather than some of the Drek on television now! You just can’t beat Trek on tv IMHO! for me nothing is more enjoyable. I like it , I support it! I don’t, I won’t! That simple! I don’t need to nitpick & complain and rag on & on about it to the detriment of those who did appreciate it and lessen their experience. Everyone’s a critic, and everyone could have done it better… Yeah right! B**LSH*T!!!!!
I love it, Character Development was almost Perfect, wish Scotty had a little more time, He made the Characters connect with Audience and made it all feel so real! I hope he keeps up the good pace in the second Movie!
@Devon
Agreed, couldn’t have said it better.
@4-devon
Well said my friend!
@4-devon
A very big amen….
@4 To quote another beloved sci-fi character (not of the Trek universe)…
“Indeed!”
I almost avoid the comments section cuz of all the ranting.
#4 – I started to frequent this site a year ago because there is actually LESS nitpicking going on here. Believe it or not…!
#4 “Star Trek” and “nipicking” are synonomous. Always was and always will be. For the most part nitpicking is fun. Such as pointing out inconsistencies in movies, episodes and comics. Where it gets really annoying is when some fans criticised J.J Abrams for going with a new design (exterior and interior) instead of inch by inch adhering to the original designs from The Original Series.
And finally, J.J Abrams and co. did an outstanding job rebooting the franchise with this movie. I hope he directs the next one(and hopefully several more) with the same writing staff.
Come ON Kids!!!
We waited and waited for this movie.
It came…it was great…now let’s move on to the next one!!!!
The first comment was definitely from a troll.
With this movie the torch has been passed to the next generation.
#4 – To a point, I agree with this. I love Star Trek, but I wasn’t fond of Abrams’s “Star Trek”. I dislike reboots in general, as a concept applied to fictional worlds, and I completely disagree that any such thing was needed for Star Trek. And I’ve spent much less time chatting here in the midst of all the rah-rah for the film, preferring to speak occasionally in the threads on the other parts of Trek which I still love very much.
I’m glad that many people enjoyed the film, and I’d be lying if I said there weren’t parts I liked. I thought the cast were great, and I thought a lot of the direction and VFX were excellent. But the storyline and a lot of individual creative choices made me very unhappy, so just as some folks might have a particular part of Trek that’s not to their taste and which they prefer not to deal with, this will apparently be mine.
I’ll be over reading the novels and watching “Phase II”. :)
… – I had to pare it down so he didn’t come off like a jerk. … -
Bites tongue firmly.
Most nit picking is done cuz fans care-some care too much bout silly stuff but to each their own opinions–i am not bothered by diverse opinions-i luv tos,tng,enterprise, jjs trek,tmp etc–they all have flaws none are perfect–none of us are perfect–i enjoy the many incarnations of gene roddenberrys vision–and the diverse ideas and opinions here fun to read…
Hey guys, saw the new movie 11 times and loved it the more I saw it. Next to TWOK it is my favorite and I still tear up at the opening sequence. If you don’t you are not human. Just love the spirit of the movie. The Blu-Ray is simply amazing! Can’t wait for the next one. 2012 can’t come soon enough.
@4 devon
agreed! But some back and forth is healthy. I sure JJ’s group would look at the finished product and think how could we have made it better. That’s healthy because they will want to learn from any miscues from the first outing. And we can help with that.
For me, I just loved loved loved this film. I can’t even express how much I loved the new spin on an old franchise.
The nitpicking does sometimes get very annoying. It reminds me of Ron Moore’s BSG. I stopped going to the SCIFI board because there were alot of old school BSG fans that hated the reboot. And instead of just giving their two cents and walking away, they continued to blast it every single day. Watching it every week and going to the boards to vomit negatives all over the place. For the most part I think most of the folks are well meaning (most, not all). But what can you do.
See, I guess I will say the unsayable: If certain people say they like the idea of you and how much you were great in the past, but at every turn seem to take every chance to say how much they don’t like the you of today, then are they really a fan of you? How do you know?
I mean, aren’t they really just a fan of the old you — the old you that is not likely to return? And if so, at what point is it probably better for them to say, “You know what, I don’t like who you’ve become, so I won’t bother you anymore?”
Unless they’re your parents, relative, or spouse, it’d be kind of odd they’d hang out telling you how much they don’t like you. Dontcha think?
But on a more on-topic note: I can’t wait until it’s confirmed that JJ will direct again.
I love Star Trek, Star Gate, BSG, Firefly, most things SciFi. And I appreciate them all for their differences. I love all things Star Trek, in all series, there were good episodes, and there were bad, yet you continue watching. As for the Movie, I LOVED it! It was fresh and in all honesty, what is a reboot, if you use old props, ideas and equipment – then its not a reboot, its as remake. Times change, so do ideas, and I welcomed the new Trek! Thank You JJ Abrams and co for renewing my interest in SciFi. most movies lately have seriously disappointed me – Look at The day the earth stood still for instance – boring! And Like i said, I love Scifi….
We all breathed a sigh of relief (amongst the gasps of excitement) when JJ’s Star Trek finally hit the screens, after a wait that felt like aeons!
Thank you JJ and your team – it was a blast!
As for your other projects… (to quote bones from STVI) what is it with you anyway? LOST is by far the best piece of televison in a very very long time and Fringe is shaping up nicely. You are hitting some very fine nails right on the head. Well done! :)
..and for the record.. I suggest Season 7 for LOST.. go on, I dare you.. think of the publicity! ;)
DEVON…. I thank you. Thank you very much. I have been on this website for sometime and I am really very tired of hearing how everyone disliked this or that. Enough!!
I love most of the rest of the comments too, and it is good to see everyone express their appreciation of this movie instead of berate it like some have felt the need to. I too, feel appreciative of having to watch Star Trek make a comeback like never before and greatly anticipate the next movie.
I don’t think the bulk of the praise on the Net is a case of the “rah-rahs,” like, for instance, rabid American football fans insisting (often loudly) in the face of overwhelming adversity that a mediocre team is “#1.”
I think the bulk of the praise is genuine. For most people (obviously not for all, as will never be the case), the movie was an unqualified success in pretty much every department. I don’t personally think anyone could have done a better job with what they had to do.
Story, character, art direction, fx, cinematography, direction, performances, all top notch. Star Trek firmly deserves the attention its getting from both the fans and the press.
Inter dimension beings? Or is this something from the future? Angels and Demons? (Nordics vs Dracos?) Is this Nero?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQi4R040iNA&feature=related
I recall viewing a painting of 15th century-17th century of the same image in the sky except there was thousands of these.
http://dudeman.net/siriusly/ufo/art.html
Fascinating.
Brandon: “I had to pare it down so he didn’t come off like a jerk.”
…..Brandon, I’m sorry, but Kirk was the biggest most unlikable son-of-a-bi*** character that Star Trek has ever had to focus on. There was nothing you could have edited out or put back in to make it otherwise.
- Any kid who destroys a precious car for unknown reasons is a jerk.
- Anyone who sexually harasses a woman and enjoys it is a jerk.
- Anyone who lies, cheats and doesn’t let his own crew in on what he is doing is a jerk.
- If a character disobeys a direct order from his superior officer, verbally assaults him in front of the entire crew and assaults fellow officers for just following orders is a jerk.
- A character who complains about someone else who has violated a protocol when he himself has violated them ten fold is a jerk.
- A character who doesn’t apologize to someone he has taken advantage of just so he could take over his command is a jerk.
- A character who shoots at an enemy ship that is already crippled and has no hope of surviving on it’s own (which this character also knew) is a jerk.
All of this and the movie still tries to convince me that he’s the best of the best. No. I do not accept Kirk as ” a character with whom an audience would want to take the journey.” NO. I do not like Kirk. He’s not just a jerk, he’s an A**HOLE. This is not your fault of course Brandon, but when it comes to Kirk, it takes more than just “paring” down a sequence to make him less of a jerk.
#26
The point was Kirk had to turn from the fatherless “Jerk” who was a punk and evolve into the Kirk we all know and love. The transition is apparent in the film, although it took a few punches to the head and a few victory dances to show us his inner potential. You have to remember this is a alternative reality and Kirk will continue to evolve as the movies come out.
Kirk actually offered assistance to Nero at the end, showing Mercy, trying to go the high road and forge peace with Romulans earlier. Spock objected and before Kirk has a chance to make up his mind, Nero spits in Kirks face and tells him to *uck off, at that point Kirk is like, sure you got it.
Star Trek definitely needs some gay characters……..Bring it on…….
Nitpickicking is good if done right. But there are a few people(You know who you arw) who just like to bash the new movie. For those people. You have the Dvds and now Blurey. Just stay in the past and wath them and the rest of us will go on and enjoy Star Trek.
# 13
Somebody here needs to balance all the fanboys that cry everytime they watch the new movie.
JJ Direct the next one. Please!! Please!! I love what you did with Trek.
JJ calls himself “someone who was never really a “Star Trek” fan and who never really connected with any of the characters”
In my eye, this is more than evident in the ‘09 movie.
Should JJ direct the next one I won’t watch it. Should someone else direct, there’s a 5% chance I’ll watch.
13: Not everyone who disagrees with you is a troll. I’d rather consider your own post somewhat trollish.
It’s been that way since the beginning of Trek on the small screen. There will always be nerd/geek’s aspiring to be GREAT Trek writers, producers and directors…when in actuality, they’re sexless single males living in their parent’s basements wanting to be be lazyboy critics who wish to take apart someone else’s vision of Trek.
Trek fan’s have always felt THEY owned the property and the powers that be should listen to their voice alone, not the mass audience that may watch or buy a ticket.
Then there is the camp that feels after Gene left the orig. tv series, then again passed on during TNG’s run, and his non-involvement w/ the movie after TMP lays the claim, it’s not real trek or Gene’s vision of it.
I got an idea……all those who don’t like Trek any more…..WRITE your own cult phenonmenon, bank roll it, produce and direct it, and show us how YOU will make it a success! Instead of constantly telling the powers that be HOW it SHOULD look!
Let’s see how many BILLIONS $$$$$ you make and how many years you can sustain interest in your property!
34: You like the ‘09 movie because it made a lot of money or because you… well, like it?
@4 – Agreed. Well said.
@26 and 27 – Well argued points, and to add to it some, the car Kirk destroyed was his father’s not his stepfather’s. The latter had planned on selling it, and it seemed to me that he ran it into the quarry more on accident while running from the cop than delibrately crashing it just to prove a point/be reckless. Also, we are to gather that Kirk had to grow up with that jerk step-father for a role model, and thus became one himself before Pike straightened him out a bit.
and did anyone notice how JJ was impacted bt Star Trek asa whole? Didn’t we all have that similar experience somewhere in out lives? Sure, we didn’t get to work with the charactes on a big budget movie, but the fact that someone who wasn’t a Trek fan became one BECAUSE of this movie, speaks to the goal he had in mind all along: re-introduce the concepts and characters to the wider audience. And the numbers don’t lie. He pulled it off.
28. The Six Million Dollar Man – December 11, 2009
Star Trek definitely needs some gay characters……..Bring it on…….
Where the heck did that come from???
Anyway, I am one of those “fanboys” who didn’t like JJA’s “revision” of Star Trek. As a generic sci-fi/action/adventure/time travel summer blockbuster popcorn flick, it was fantastic. As a Star Trek movie, not so much. I didn’t feel that it evoked any of the charm or ambience of TOS at all. It certainly didn’t evoke Gene Roddenberry’s vision of 23rd century Earth as a utopian society free of war, crime, famine, disease, hunger, and all that. I got the feeling that Earth in the Abramsverse was a pretty $hitty place to be, and that the only way to get away from it would be to join Starfleet and work in space. That’s not Star Trek to me. I had no reason to care about these characters either. They are not the characters I know. They are alternate reality versions of the original crew. I could care less about their “origins”. I would prefer to know how the Kirk, Spock, Bones, etc from the “real” or “prime” Star Trek universe met. That’s the story I want to see. Not only that, but the total and complete redesign of the Star Trek universe also irritated me tremendously. I didn’t care for the design direction that was taken in this movie. I absolutely LOATHE the Abramsprise, the iBridge, and the Titanic’s boiler room…er…Engineering.
“11. ryanhuyton – December 10, 2009
#4 “Star Trek” and “nipicking” are synonomous. Always was and always will be. For the most part nitpicking is fun. Such as pointing out inconsistencies in movies, episodes and comics. Where it gets really annoying is when some fans criticised J.J Abrams for going with a new design (exterior and interior) instead of inch by inch adhering to the original designs from The Original Series.”
Just to be clear, I have never heard a single person on any of the discussion bosrds I’ve visited say that they wanted “exact” duplicates of the original ships and sets right down to the gumdrop buttons and blinky christmas lights. Never. Nobody wanted that. It would have looked stupid on the big screen. What some of us did want, however, were ship and set designs that bore at least some resemblance to the TOS versions upon which they were based. Instead of the efficient, colorful, inviting TOS bridge we got the iBridge. Which looks like a cross between an apple store and the jewelry department at Belk. Instead of the clean, simple, well proportioned, elegant Matt Jeffries designed Enterprise, we get the Abramsprise. Which looks like a bloated, disproportionate kitbash of the TMP saucer with the alien ship of the week secondary section and Dolly Parton nacelles. Instead of the simple, clean, efficient, elegant, and very futuristic TOS style engineering section, we get the boiler room from the Titanic. The Abramsprise engineering section looks like it belongs in a 19th century steam ship. It would have been very simple to update the ship and sets to look modern without completely redesigning everything. The reason this was done was so that JJA could make good on the ad slogan “This isn’t your father’s Star Trek”. And it sure isn’t. That’s why I prefer “my” Star Trek. I don’t consider the Abramsverse to be true Star Trek and I never will.
#27 “Kirk actually offered assistance to Nero at the end, showing Mercy, trying to go the high road and forge peace with Romulans earlier.”
Why would Kirk all of a sudden be interested in peace with Romulans? There was nothing in the movie that indicated that the Federation was in quarrel with the Romulans, Kirk never talked about or overheard anything regarding the status between the Federaiton and Romulas. And even the mind meld between Kirk and Spock didn’t indicate that there was a conflict between the Federation and Romulas at the time. There is nothing in the film that justifies or even hints at a desire to make peace with Romulas, let alone anyone.
And let’s not forget the real problem with that scene. Kirk orders all of his weapons to be fired on the Narada. Why? The ship is DOOMED. He said it himself.
“Your ship is COMPROMISED. Too close to the singularity to SURVIVE without assistance”
If Kirk was going to give into Nero’s wish to die in agony, all he had to do was turn the Enterprise around and let the Black Hole do it’s thing. If you watch the film again, you can see the Narada literally being torn apart by the black hole BEFORE the Enterprise even fires on it. And it isn’t just tiny pieces either. You can see the Narada when Nero is on the screen with it’s big knife like tentacles being torn from the hull. There was no need to fire on the Narada. The fact that Kirk fired on the Narada and waited for what was already going to happen regardless of what he did happens, the black hole gets a grab on the Enterprise and puts the whole ship and crew in danger. He puts his entire crew in danger because he just wanted to shoot the bad guy when he was already being destroyed.
“38. Jeyl – December 11, 2009
#27 “Kirk actually offered assistance to Nero at the end, showing Mercy, trying to go the high road and forge peace with Romulans earlier.”
Why would Kirk all of a sudden be interested in peace with Romulans? There was nothing in the movie that indicated that the Federation was in quarrel with the Romulans, Kirk never talked about or overheard anything regarding the status between the Federaiton and Romulas. And even the mind meld between Kirk and Spock didn’t indicate that there was a conflict between the Federation and Romulas at the time. There is nothing in the film that justifies or even hints at a desire to make peace with Romulas, let alone anyone.
And let’s not forget the real problem with that scene. Kirk orders all of his weapons to be fired on the Narada. Why? The ship is DOOMED. He said it himself.
“Your ship is COMPROMISED. Too close to the singularity to SURVIVE without assistance”
If Kirk was going to give into Nero’s wish to die in agony, all he had to do was turn the Enterprise around and let the Black Hole do it’s thing. If you watch the film again, you can see the Narada literally being torn apart by the black hole BEFORE the Enterprise even fires on it. And it isn’t just tiny pieces either. You can see the Narada when Nero is on the screen with it’s big knife like tentacles being torn from the hull. There was no need to fire on the Narada. The fact that Kirk fired on the Narada and waited for what was already going to happen regardless of what he did happens, the black hole gets a grab on the Enterprise and puts the whole ship and crew in danger. He puts his entire crew in danger because he just wanted to shoot the bad guy when he was already being destroyed.”
Totally gotta agree with this! That was one of the stupidest scenes in the entire movie.
#4-Yay, brother and AMEN!
#26-Kirk seems like most of today’s society, that’s why many could identify with him. Frankly, I think he was very likeable at the end. What do I know, though, I actually liked the movie. That automatically disqualifies my opinion, right?
#32-How is this evident? Because he changed the ship inside and out? Because he wrote the characters in a different yet familiar way? Because he made it a thrill ride instead of constant talky technobabble? Because he returned to the root of what Star Trek really is, the iconic characters of Kirk, Spock, and company? Was it that blasphemus music that was used instead of “the old music”? Was it because of the shaky camera and lens flares? Was it because of the brewery engineering or the IMAC bridge? Surely there are tons more reasons? He destroyed the entire franchise and raped our childhoods, right? Just sayin’………….
Yep. Absolutely.
#38-How was there any way to know he wouldn’t have an escape pod and would get away, thereby causing more trouble in the future. Heck, there are still some fans who try to pretend Nero lived through the whole thing anyway. Even some of the producers (or was it Nimoy) brought this point up a while back. In addition, it was Kirk’s first command while he was actually an ensign, perhaps he (OH MY GOD) made a few bad decisions???? Overall, though, the results turned out correctly. Oh well, why not bitch, it’s so much easier to be nagative than happy.
#41-Was that a response to my previous post? If so, it proves you never wanted to give this a chance. You were prepared to rip it for being different. I guess you actually do want the candy “grumdrop buttons” and so on. Pretty sad, but at least you have your dvd’s to cherish, just as I do. I’m just happy I can cherish ALL that has Kirk & company.
43. JimJ – December 11, 2009
#41-Was that a response to my previous post? If so, it proves you never wanted to give this a chance. You were prepared to rip it for being different. I guess you actually do want the candy “grumdrop buttons” and so on. Pretty sad, but at least you have your dvd’s to cherish, just as I do. I’m just happy I can cherish ALL that has Kirk & company.
Did you even read the post your were responding to? I think I made myself perfectly clear. I wanted Star Trek. Not popTrek.
Yeah, I responded to #32 “HOLGER”, but maybe you are the same person posting under different names?
HOLGER???
45. JimJ – December 11, 2009
Yeah, I responded to #32 “HOLGER”, but maybe you are the same person posting under different names?
I have no idea who “HOLGER” is. I don’t post on trekmovie.com very often. Only when I feel I need to make a point. This was one of those times.
#4 – Yeah, toe the line or get off the bus, am I right? You can’t be a fan unless you love everything about Trek! It’s all or nothing! And definitely don’t watch a movie you’re not going to like. Use your psychic ability and figure out what you’re not going to like BEFORE you go see it. That’s what normal people do, anyway. Way to weed out the non believers my man. Live long and prosper!
#4: “We should all grovel at JJ’s feet, no matter how worthless his movie was, because it technically counts as new Star Trek material perpetuating our beloved franchise.”
I didn’t even take the time to read the entirety of your post, but still felt enough pity to shorten it from 376 words to 27 for you. You’re welcome.
I stated my opinion. I also gave examples of why I feel the way I do. That’s more than most people do. I have no problem with those who like the Abramsverse. I just don’t understand why any TOS fan would actually enjoy seeing the original version of Star Trek completely redesigned and rewritten to the point that it shares nothing more than the names with its former self. If you like AbramsTrek, more power to ya. I don’t.
#49: Couldn’t have said it better myself.
#42: “How was there any way to know he wouldn’t have an escape pod and would get away, thereby causing more trouble in the future.”
So you think Nero had an escape pod…. That could somehow escape the grasps of a black hole where the Enterprise couldn’t from a much farther distance and at maximum warp?
#42: “Kirk’s first command while he was actually an ensign, perhaps he (OH MY GOD) made a few bad decisions?”
He was a Cadet acting first officer/captain. If he did make a few bad decisions, the film sure didn’t care enough to emphasize any of them, which is also a fundamental problem I have with his character. His bad decision making is not looked at as something that needs to be worked on, but something that should be done regardless of how stupid it sounds.
The whole point of Kirk cheating the Kobayashi Maru test from Trek 2 was to give Kirk a flaw that wasn’t apparent at first. This film takes his cheating aspect and glorifies it as a strong trait rather than a flawed one.
#50-So exactly why did you think Earth wasn’t a pleasant place to be…why did people want to get away by joining starfleet? I think that Earth looked like a great place to be but that the military was there for people who needed direction in their lives (like Kirk & McCoy). That’s not unlike today. Many of my students who need some discipline or direction in their lives end up in the military.
I was born the same year Star Trek premiered, 1966. I have watched it, my parents say, since I was a toddler. Frankly, I guess we come from a different perspective. I LOVED this movie. It was so great to have Kirk, Spock, and company back. I didn’t mind anything that was redisigned. Was it different and eye opening? Sure…but it needs to appeal to today’s younger generation if we want Star Trek to continue. NOT OUR STAR TREK, obviously, it will be different.
But, I have watched Batman evolve twice or more. I loved the campy old TV show, then had to see it evolve into the Tim Burton movies…fall into disarray with the J. Shumacher (however you spell his name) days, and then evolve into the Chris Nolan Batman. Do I like Nolan’s Batmobile, etc.? Not as well as some of the others, but the movies are still a great redention of Batman. I guess that is my point.
I appreciate where you are coming from, but to say that it is Pop Trek and not Star Trek attacks those of us who did accept and enjoy it. It’s not like I’m attacking what the show used to be. I LOVE what the show used to be.
Many Kudos to JJ and Company;
IT’S NOT ABOUT THE DESTINATION; IT’S ALL ABOUT THE JOURNEY, RIGHT?
Right…thanks guys, we both look to or through the “mirror” brightly, eh?
Hi 5
52-They had no idea that they couldn’t get away using maximum warp until they tried, so why wouldn’t they wonder if Nero could escape? But, you’ll criticize if you are looking to criticize, and I’ll legitimize if I want to defend it, so this is probably a waste of time.
I think Kirk has plenty of flaws and I think Spock is there to give him a different perspective on things. That is part of Kirk’s strength as a captain, having Spock as his right hand man, voice of reason. Think of how many times Spock changed the direction that Kirk was headed in the original series (starting with Gary Mitchell). I think he’ll be there to help Kirk and I have a hunch Pike will be watching closely, too.
Frankly, I think Star Trek 2 glorifies Kirk’s cheating on the Kobayashi Maru as well. It tries to put him in his place with Spock’s death, but then it glorifies the cheating (even of death) by letting Kirk rescue a resurrected Spock in Star Trek 3. So, from my perspective, it glorifies his cheating and that he can cheat even death. I guess we just have 2 different perspectives and will have to agree to disagree. ;-)
I supposed, from a hard-core “Trekker’s” perspective, the only thing which has constantly chapped my butt about Star Trek, and I haven’t seen or heard of anyone who has noticed this other than myself IS:
The buttons, switches, panels sound effects: For the first and maybe 1/2 of the second season, the audio effects were classic TREK, then for the last half, they changed them to some other (I never liked the revised audio effects in the latter half of TOS,) much like when Pike or Kirk in ST09 presses a button on the command chair…THOSE EFFECTS…there is a distinction and somehow every director since has lopped them all together…and used them all together.
I know I am dangerously close to being very GEEKY pointing this out, but it has been something I have always noticed…Have you?
CHEATING, when the situation is grim and the stakes are too high, IS a legitimate use of INNOVATION to affect an outcome which is desirable.
HE CHEATED, yes some individuals are permitted this and from an outside perspective, is frowned upon, but IF your life or lives are spared due to an “INNOVATIVE USE” of imagination, wouldn’t you agree – LET THEM CHEAT!
LOL
MEMORANDUM:
OFFICER COMMENDATION: J.J. ABRAMS AND CREW OF NX-ST09
I HEREBY GIVE YOU STARFLEET’S FINEST COMMENDATION FOR ORIGINAL THINKING, CONGRATULATIONS CAPTAIN ABRAMS!
YOU SAVED THE GALAXY ONCE AGAIN!
ADMIRAL T.C. JONES
STARFLEET COMMAND OPERATIONS
ADMIRALTY BOARD
#52
Quote: “The whole point of Kirk cheating the Kobayashi Maru test from Trek 2 was to give Kirk a flaw that wasn’t apparent at first. This film takes his cheating aspect and glorifies it as a strong trait rather than a flawed one.”
Is it a flaw, or a flaw of perspective? But debates on this issue IS what is so memorable and endearing…I suppose it depends on the situation?
And the debate continues…
@58 Yeah? well not in this universe…
I would die from an awesome overdose if the bad guy in Mission Impossible 4 turned to be Khan.
I know this is a bit off-topic, but I was reading through the Art of Star Trek book, and I really hope JJ dips into the piggy bank and shells out for a really fabulous Engineering set, like the amazing paintings in the book.
(What happens to the sets between Trek films, anyways? They must take up a lot of studio space. Do they come apart? Do they put them in storage?)
@60: Be patient. We’re obviously dealing with a lifeform with no knowledge of lower-case letters…
JJ’s movie was not embraced by all and he DID NOT connect with this fan.
Quite the opposite, actually.
Oh Bill, shush. Stop whining. You’ll go see the next one and you know it.
On a side note a sad moment has occurred. Star Trek has been pushed from the top 5 in domestic box. And everyone sit down…it was pushed out by The Twilight Melodrama: Puke Moon Face!
How can such a pile of sh*t beat out such a great film? I mean, I expected AVATAR to knock Trek out of the top 5, but that’s AVATAR, James Cameron. Being pushed out by him is almost an honor. But Twilight?
The viewing public often times baffles me.
CE
Oh and the Bill I was referring to was Bill Lutz of the previous post.
#55 “They had no idea that they couldn’t get away using maximum warp until they tried, so why wouldn’t they wonder if Nero could escape?”
Because Kirk said “Too close to the singularity to survive”, which is kind of an understatement since the Black Hole emerged in the freaking middle of the Narada.
#55 “Frankly, I think Star Trek 2 glorifies Kirk’s cheating on the Kobayashi Maru as well. It tries to put him in his place with Spock’s death, but then it glorifies the cheating (even of death) by letting Kirk rescue a resurrected Spock in Star Trek 3.”
Uh, no. I’m talking about Star Trek 2, not 3. Kirk admits to himself and to his son that what he believed in when he handled the Kobayashi Maru was meaningless and ended up making him worse off. You may think that his trait at ignoring regulations is cool, but if he had paid attention to them like Lt. Saavik suggested, things would have been different.
43
JimJ, don’t listen to them. Those guys are nothing but trolls who spend their days in their mommy and daddies basements posting on internet message boards critiquing the fact that Kirk’s eyes are now blue and that Zachary Quinto should have never played Spock because he has a pronounced underbite. They have their collected heads up the a** of minutia that they can’t just sit down an enjoy a good film. We shouldn’t feel angry at them. We should feel sad for them because they don’t have the ability to enjoy life. I bet if a hot girl walked up to them and asked them out, they would decline because she had a scuff on her shoe or something. They’re such losers that they would critique her that much.
#24 – I agree 100%.
Yes there are things that could have been better. Things that I would have liked to have seen get explored more, but I understand you can’t make a 3 hour Star Trek movie and have people sit through that. There is a limit to people’s attention span, and 2 hours is about it.
Probably why the last 30 minutes of Transformers 2 was such a torture for me. If not for my kids, I would have left. I was thinking “Wow I wish the robot would just step on him and this would end already!!!”
So, I’m sure JJ and the crew have alot of things they wanted to do that they just didn’t have time or money for. And I’m sure there are things they would have liked to have done differently. That is what gives me hope for the sequel being even better.
If they can just come up with a good story, then I’m confident the technical execution will be just as superb as it was in this one.
67: It’s post like yours I was referring to. Your 67 wasn’t there when I was writing my 68, but anyway, thanks for the nice illustration of what I meant.
#32 – Well I guess there is one in every crowd. I think the overwhelming response shows you to be on the wrong side of this one.
Seems the vast majority of the movie going audiences that saw this movie think JJ and crew did an oustanding job with this movie.
And from all the Star Trek fans I personally know, it’s almost univeral that they loved what he did with this film too.
Obviously you missed the point of that quote. Abrams is talking about in the past, as a kid growing up, he liked Star Trek, but was never really into it that much. Wasn’t a huge fan.
There is nothing negative about that. He is stating that as a way to show how far he’s come in that respect. To show how much of a statement it is now for him to say he feels personally connected to these characters now after this process. That’s a huge thing that Star Trek fans should rejoice in, not criticize.
Alas they will criticize anything.
I’m so glad that Abrams did this film and not someone that was a die hard Trekkie. Otherwise it wouldn’t have been nearly as fun, entertaining, and amazingly inovative. It would have just been a rehashing of things done before for nostalgia sake.
#67 – lol…. i hear ya.
Some people seem to think that Kirk’s eyes, or the shape of Spock’s ears, or the bridge looking exactly a certain way, is what Star Trek is.
These people completely miss the boat of what is really Star Trek.
If you “can’t watch” ST:09 because they changed the Enterprise a little, then you aren’t really a fan of Star Trek the franchise, you are just a fan of a particular tv series or movie because the Enterprise looked a certain way that you expect. There is a big difference.
True fans of what Star Trek means, are not going to hate this movie because the ship has a different look.
By the way I LOVE the new Enterprise. It still looks very much like the original, but with enough “modernizing” that it is more sleak, aggressive and exciting looking.
#67 – lol…. i hear ya.
Some people seem to think that Kirk’s eyes, or the shape of Spock’s ears, or the bridge looking exactly a certain way, is what Star Trek is.
These people completely miss the boat of what is really Star Trek.
If you “can’t watch” ST:09 because they changed the Enterprise a little, then you aren’t really a fan of Star Trek the franchise, you are just a fan of a particular tv series or movie because the Enterprise looked a certain way that you expect. There is a big difference.
True fans of what Star Trek means, are not going to hate this movie because the ship has a different look.
By the way I LOVE the new Enterprise. It still looks very much like the original, but with enough “modernizing” that it is more sleak, aggressive and exciting looking.
69
And thanks for proving my point. Plus, it’s hard to be a troll when you’ve been posting here since the site started.
70: In my 32 I wrote “in my eye”. And now you say I’m on “the wrong side” because of a majority vote. What?! So the majority can decree that my view is *wrong* if I don’t like ST09? Sorry man, no offense, but I find this is a weird point of view you have.
And may I assume you deem yourself on the “right” side because you reflect the majority opinion?
And you say about JJ his statement shows “he feels personally connected to these characters now after this process. That’s a huge thing that Star Trek fans should rejoice in, not criticize.” So criticism is taboo and we should all rejoice?! Read again what you write and then you tell me how this sounds!
When I wrote about “devoted worshippers” of JJ this was intended as a sarcastic exaggeration, but gee… what do you know!
72: And your definition of a “true” fan is…?
74: I can only judge you by what you post. And your 67 is here for everyone to read and to consider how it reflects on you.
#4. Now boys, it’s been a great ride and our beloved Star Trek is back and winning critical acclaim. Star Trek has always been about debate and discussion. Bring on the nitpicking and debate! I’m also a Grateful Dead fan and oy vey, the nitpicking that used to go on in the 80″s and still does. In all my years being a Trekkie, in an electronic world, “it’s exciting”! Rock on! Happy Hanukkah!
How it reflects on me? Dude, I could have two craps about what people on the internet think about me. Maybe that’s your aim in life. But I’m sure the people who have been here long enough know my true stance on things. I’ll care about what my friends and family think about it me…you know….those people who don’t live in a computer.
79: Yet in your 67 you write a lot about your views about other people, people you yourself know only through the net, who are not your family or friends, and you pretend to know their psychological profile and that “we” (whoever is included) should pity these people.
For someone who cares so little about other people’s views you seem pretty concerned with their psychology. At least that’s in your post.
Sorry, that’s Re:78 of course!
79
You done or should I wait on you to finish your TOS DVDs and let you finish your thoughts about why the new movie sucks compared to this?
I don’t get the “Star Trek needs gay characters” thing. Even if you’re gay, what is to be gained by specifically having a gay character? Will it help the story? Will it further the Star Trek mythos? I don’t see how.
81: You can do or write whatever you like, and the same applies to me. Please recognize that it’s you who gets personal and insulting all the time. Just go over your posts and mine and compare!
83
Blah….blah……blah……now you’re just boring me.
84: It’s never been my intention to entertain you. And for your information, I’m signing off now. So you won’t have to insult people who are not hearing you.
I am just amazed how we all can’t seem to handle if someone disagrees with our views. All I ever ask for is real reasons why someone didn’t like it, whether is be remastered Star Trek or the new movie. Saying that it’s Pop Trek or IMAC bridge, or whatever doesn’t really say what is wrong with the movie…unless of course, all these little things are more important than the characters.
Also, KIrk didn’t REALLY learn anything in Star Trek 2, because what did he do in 3 and beyond? He kept cheating. I love Kirk, he’s been my hero since childhood, but some of you really aren’t seeing what really happened in those old movies and the classic series.
I think what gets to some people is the fact that an outsider came in and made a great Trek (in most people’s opinions). Trek fans usually hate outsiders (Stuart Baird ring a bell?) and eat them alive because they got some kind of fan-boy fact wrong…or whatever.
My point is that this is one movie and no one can see the big picture yet. Kinda like Wrath of Khan…if you ended it all there, Kirk learned his lesson. But, there is MORE to the story. There will be more to this story now that the movie has cleaned up in the box office and dvd sales.
For those that don’t like it, I guess you won’t be along for the ride (like I wasn’t along for the ride on Voyager). It makes me feel as badly for you as I felt for me when I didn’t like Voyager, but life goes on. Thankfully there ARE new fans to take your place, unlike what had been happening over the past 15-20 years or so…a declining fan base.
What the heck did those silly bar code scanners do?
I loved the movie! Hated the engine room and bridge design. The Enterprise looked ok at certain angels.
The fact is, if it wasn’t for a “reboot” just like the one we had, with some flash and style then there wouldnt BE a franchise, at least not one that our kids will know anything about when their our age. Star trek grew out of the orange and lime green plastic sets of the original series into polished silver and chrome during the movies and into acryllic and leather with the New Generation and it kept the franchise going.
JJ did exactly what NEEDED to be done to keep this wonderful thing going and thank god he did it just right.
One more thing, to all those complaining about the engineering sections looking too much like factories and the “water turbines” HELLO! we use water turbines in nuclear reactors because guess what…they work! Sometimes good ideas are kept because they are the best ideas. I LOVED the realism shown in those scenes.
yes the nit-picking is fun ,to a point. i’d like to see a directors cut of the film,but jj doesn’t like directors cuts,so i dubt that will happen.
WOW. Abbandoned ship at post 30 something…. after that It became to irritating to read.
Cant we just all get along????
#4 here again… In response to #48, I cannot predict what I am going to like or dislike in advance (I am not Vulcan, Betazoid, or any other telepathic species!) as you appear to suggest, however I can venture a guess based on my personal tastes as to whether or not I will probably enjoy something familiar such as another movie or series in a long running franchise like Trek, Galactica, Stargate, etc.. Only after watching it can I then decide whether or not I liked it or not or whether it merits further investigation to decide whether it appeals to me overall. Such is the case with Stargate : I enjoyed SG-1, preferred Atlantis, and haven’t determined my stance yet on Universe. Should I decide that I like it I will continue to watch it, if not, then it’s goodbye SGU! I won’t feel the need to diss it if I decide I don’t like it, I will simply move on to other things rather than waste my time! As for Star Trek 2009, I knew I was dealing with a familiar concept which I had enjoyed for 35 years (I am 38 years old), with characters that I already knew & loved, saw publicity photos & articles prior to its release which allowed me to determine that there would be a high likelihood that I would in fact love this movie, and guess what… I did! Had I not liked it , I would accept that, move on , and allow others to enjoy this version of Trek! Much like Transformers, I loved the 1st movie, so I expected to enjoy the 2nd one as well, but guess what, I didn’t, but I don’t feel the need to bash it or those involved in its creation. I may simply not see any more Transformers movies from now on, or I may accept that it wasn’t great but still give the next installment a chance to redeem itself. Just as there have been great Trek movies and not so great ones, as well as episodes. In response to #48 & #49, nothing is all -or-nothing as you say… and I am not going to support something just to perpetuate a franchise, and neither are others as witnessed by the cancellation of Enterprise! DS9 was anything but black or white, it was grey, and is the reason I loved it and supported it! I liked J.J., Alec, and Roberto’s Trek and will support it as of now, but if it goes the route of Transformers ROTF then I may have to reconsider my support. However, I try to keep in mind that Transformers is essentially a Kid’s production, whereas Trek is an adult or family oriented property and deserves much more respect in terms of storytelling ideas! To each their own, but hey if you guys want to bitch, bitch ,bitch… then hey it’s your time to waste, and if you enjoy nitpicking & find the passtime entertaining then I guess it isn’t wasted time for you, so enjoy yourselves doing whatever you wish to do, and I will enjoy watching Trek old & new in spite of your comments to the negative!
Oh, and #49, I don’t need you to play EDITOR as well as CRITIC, and if you didn’t read it fully, how can you summarize it properly or accurately??
I wish I could edit your misinformed response, but I wouldn’t waste my time, I’ll simply accept it & move on!!!!
can I ask why every negative comment must be a troll?
I love the new movie but IT IS NOT THE BEST ONE.
I have my gripes with the film over some of the changes. Despite not being a fan m and never becoming oa fan of JJ Abrams I will admit he did a good film.
But please there has been better Trek before this film, please remember before you all jettison 40 years of Trek.
As much as I love the new movie I dont want people to forget all the great stuff that came before.
JimJ, hyperbole much? ;-)
This site is something else. You boys have fun!
Life is too short for this crap. I’m going dancing!
89
Well Star Trek is a director’s cut though because I think he had final cut.
93
Because they are.
Post #93
I must agree with you. I did not like this film. As a matter of fact, I walked out on it and demanded a refund, which I got. Even the inclusion of Leonard Nimoy as Spock Prime didn’t help make this film any less of a stinker. It was just an ill-conceived attempt at “refreshing” something that had come before. Something that had already been done better in the beginning. JJ Abrams is not much of a director anyway. Other than a few ventures into directing episodic television, ST09 was only second theatrical feature he has directed.
The cinematography was horrible. The story was full of plotholes big enough to fly the Narada through. Kirk was a very unlikeable character and don’t even get me started on those damned annoying lensflares in EVERY scene!
It’s quite evident that JJ Abrams was not a Star Trek fan. He tried to make his own version of Star Wars using Gene Roddenberries creations.
For me, this was NOT Star Trek. It was a bad sci-fi film which contained elements of Star Trek.
That’s where the similarities end.
97
“I must agree with you. I did not like this film. As a matter of fact, I walked out on it and demanded a refund, which I got.”
ROFL!!!!! Sure you did. When that happened, I went to Minute Maid Park and demanded that I play second base and bat third, which I got.
I’ll keep this short & simple.
I liked STXI.
Screw you haters.
Good night everybody!
Post # 98: SChaos1701:
Perhaps you should adjust your panties. Sounds like you’ve got them all “bunched up.”
Post # 99: Ceti Alpha 5: “I liked STXI.” That’s no accounting for taste.
i am sad to see so many losing the ability to be civil, on all sides
I am 26 years old and have been a fan of star trek all my life. I know that everyone has there own opinion and perspective on star trek and I respect them all because star trek means something to us all. Let me say this, jj abrams star trek is the movie I have been waiting my whole life for. Though the other ten movies where great in their own right I found them to be at times slow and too talky don’t get me wrong I love each and every one of them in their own unique way. Maybe its because I am a product of the MTV generations but I was hooked on the new star trek from start to finish. I love the use of the lens flares and shaky camera it made star trek feel real to me. I thought the character development was phenomenal and felt really connected with all the characters. I know people will probably disagree with what I am saying but that’s ok because everyone is entitled to their own opinion and I can truly respect that as star trek means something different to all of us. Personally for me jj abrams star trek is one of my favorites if not the favorite of the movies though star trek 2 was really good. Thank you jj and co for an incredible ride and thrilling adventure. I am so looking forward to the next one. Please again understand I mean no disrespect to those who see star trek in a different light and prefer the star trek of their childhood. I love the original as well. I kind of think of it as my first crush . Although the original will always hold a special place in my heart I have moved on from that and have fallen in love with this new one.That’s just my opinion. Live long and prosper.
and Guardian, changing your name from Ravenwood doesnt mean your previous warning doesn’t count against you. Consider this your second and final warning
#97-You sure know a lot about the movie for having walked out on it with a refund.
#100-Personal attacks and attacks of the movie with no reasons/facts as to why. You are showing exactly the behavior I mentioned in post #86.
#99-I agree with your entire post except for the screw you haters, part. I respect their opinions, I just don’t agree with them or the personal attacks they have been using.
Sad that the movie that brings in the most money (by far) of any Trek could cause such blind hatred in some fans. Blind hatred of Star Trek 5 or 10 I could learn to understand, but, yeah………
#101-As the world turns, isn’t it? I just don’t understand all the this personal attack stuff. Disliking the movie is fine, but ripping people for their lack of taste or putting them down for liking it…..it’s just sad.
Wait a tick! The Guardian is Ravenwood. Well never mind. He’s been a troll from the beginning.
Sorry for it getting so heated Anthony. It just hard having to read this blind hate all the time.
Post # 103: JimJ:
Perhaps you didn’t read my post all the way through. I stated that I walked out on this movie, (Didn’t state at what point, so don’t make assumptions!) because I simply thought it was a bad movie, therefore a waste of my time. And no, it doesn’t take an act of Congress to get a refund from a theatre if you simply talk to the manager in a civil tone. Ever tried that? Very simple.
I saw enough of this crap fest known as Star Trek XI to know that I did not like the film from a movie goers point of view. I had high hopes for this film. I’ve been a Star Trek fan since September 8th, 1966! But, as I sat there watching STXI, I realized how contrived this story was. And I detest watching movies that have a camera man who obviously has an epileptic condition or a director who I know is “experimenting” with this herky, jerky technique just to try and make it “slick” looking. As I said in my earlier post, the stupid lensflares were annoying and unnecessary. Ive read enough to know how the film ends. I’ve done my research.
Star Trek Xi might have brought in the most money of any single ST film yet, but big box office still doesn’t make it a good movie.
Hollywood does really well when the economy is in the toilet. Even bad movies. That’s a proven fact from the era of the Great Depression.
Fact is, this was not a good movie. People just like mindless entertainment when everything else around them is going to hell.
It’s called “escapism.”
Anthony: I’m being civil. I just don’t appreciate unprovoked attacks by people who don’t pay attention. All I’ve done is try to explain why I did not care for this movie.
Thank you and have a great weekend!
See, I’m not going to lie to try to make myself look good.
I must be adament and say that I liked the film, I just don’t think this is the best movie.
Even though I hated a lot of the changes that Abrams made to Trek I still loved the movie.
But this is not the movie I have been waiting all my life to see. I am sorry but there were times that this new movie played more like a Star Wars film.
But despite these gripes I do like the film
I never said it was the BEST movie of the series, I simply stated that I liked it.
#107-Being civil? This is civil? “I saw enough of this crap fest known as Star Trek XI…” AND “Hollywood does really well when the economy is in the toilet. Even bad movies.” AND “People just like mindless entertainment when everything else around them is going to hell.” AND “unprovoked attacks by people who don’t pay attention.” AND “Perhaps you should adjust your panties. Sounds like you’ve got them all ‘bunched up.’” CIVIL???
I sure hope you aren’t saying I attacked you, because I did not. All I asked was how you knew so much about the movie and story if you walked out. I don’t quite get the point of sitting through 75% of it and then walking out. We walked out about 15-20 minutes into the Batman & Robin movie, so I know it’s possible to get refunds. Why would you even imply that I can’t talk to a theater manager in a civil tone? Oh, and you’ll notice that in regards to post #99 that I did not agree with the “screw you haters” comment.
Frankly, it’s not about people disliking the movie, it’s about people being rude towards others. I’ve never had a reason to change my name on the website; exactly why did you feel the need to?
#106 – “It just hard having to read this blind hate all the time.”
Would you concede that it’s possible to dislike some or all of this film without being blind? That one can simply have an opinion about that differs from others?
For myself, it matters not that I’m in a minority with how I feel about it. So be it. I’m in the minority that likes TNG least of all the series, and I’m in the minority that enjoyed “Enterprise” from the beginning, and thinks its final season is the best of Berman-era Trek.
I’m also in the apparent minority that thinks that if one takes an established property and has to make it all different to do something with it, then one has already failed.
Again, so be it.
The refusal of many to be open to differences of opinion, to take extremist positions of absolute love or absolute hate (neither of which ST09 really deserves), is what *makes* me less willing to engage on this site than I used to be.
Back to lurking again for a while.
#38
You have to remember Nero killed Kirks father, destroyed Vulcan included billions of lives and Spocks Mom, no different than going after Hitler who killed many people during his time. Kirk wanted to ensure all the bases were covered and tried to save the Narada to help forge peace with Romulus (you should review trek canon and the Romulan wars of 2160).
Kirk only fired everything they got onto Narada after Spock disagreed with Kirks logic and succomed to emotion and also Nero spitting in Kirks face/offer. The next sequence of ensuring the finality of Nero’s death is only logical, would you allow a mad man like Hitler to be alive? If you have the chance you finish them off.
Kirk did what anyone would have done if a mad man had killed his father, and genocide of a peaceful race/planet, including a future friends human mother.
You expect Kirk to throw Nero in jail so he can escape again like he did with the Klingons? Feed him and clothe him and keep him warm while he plots his revenge for the sequel?
I applaud Kirk for showing mercy and not killing Nero when he had the chance and instead offered to help despite Spocks objection and the villainy of Nero. Kirk knew Nero could not be reasoned with and had no other choice, perhaps killing Nero via phasers/photon torpedoes you can say is a act of kindness. Allowing Nero to be killed by weapons instead of being torn apart by the black hole, a humane killing if you ask me.
#38
You also have to remember the writers/director was trying to showcase Kirk as a risk taker and someone who gets out of trouble, allowing for maximum suspense and climax.
Ie. Corvette chase scene/nearly falling to his death is symbolic to how the Enterprise nearly fell into the gravity well of the black hole, he got up, dusted himself off and escaped near death.
This theme was repeated throughout the entire movie with the hanging of the cliff scene, the space jump/saving Sulu scene, the removal of the henchman Ayel and of course getting the Enterprise out of danger as he did growing up and during the course of the film.
Also firing everything onto the Narada ensures the Narada does not enter another reality intact/regenerate and brings forth a total finality to the villain.
#111
I am glad you disagree with the mass and you have your valued opinions as to what is good and what is not, too bad the majority disagrees with you. If you did not enjoy TNG or ST09 it’s really your loss and Enterprise was not really good until the 3rd-4th season.
If it weren’t for TNG you would not have Crappy DS9, Voyager or Enterprise.
Star Trek: The Next Generation won 18 Emmy Awards and, in its seventh season, became the first syndicated television show to be nominated for the Emmy for Best Dramatic Series. It was nominated for three Hugo Awards and won two. The first-season episode “The Big Goodbye” also won the Peabody Award for excellence in television programming. The series formed the basis of the seventh through to the tenth Star Trek films.
I would be happy to disagree with your delusional act of minority to be cool, your a fool to think TNG was the least best series.
Wow, the personal attacks just keep on happening. No one is a fool for their opinion, even if it differs from mine, I think.
#115
Anyone can be a fool for their opinion if it is deemed idiotic.
Example, “I’m in the minority that likes TNG least of all the series.”
Anyone can conclude that is a foolish statement, considering TNG won so many accolades and was the first syndicated tv show to be nominated for the Emmy for Best Dramatic Series, when other series has not been.
A foolish person can also claim the Earth revolves around the Sun and the Earth is flat and the sky is green.
1. a silly or stupid person; a person who lacks judgment or sense.
2. a weak-minded or idiotic person.
*Sun revolves around the earth
see how foolish that was? ;)
“And as someone who was never really a “Star Trek” fan and who never really connected with any of the characters . . . .
“Nuff said.
32. Holger – December 11, 2009
I despised this tripe so much I will NEVER spend another dime on anything with the words STAR TREK attached to it.
#120 Then why don’t you do us all a favor and stay off this site. I suspect that you and a few others who feel that you should be entitled to your version of “Star Trek” are insecure sore losers who have nothing nice to say. A LOT of people including myself enjoyed this movie and have gladly spent good money on stuff with “Star Trek” on it. Man, people like you really piss me off.
#114 – “If you did not enjoy TNG or ST09 it’s really your loss and Enterprise was not really good until the 3rd-4th season.”
I didn’t say I didn’t enjoy TNG. I said I enjoyed it less than the other series. Important distinction there. ;) You are not required to agree with me, but your further comments on that opinion merely underscore my previous points.
As for ST09, I’ve already said my piece on that. No need to belabor the point.
“If it weren’t for TNG you would not have Crappy DS9, Voyager or Enterprise.”
Remove the word “crappy”, and we stand in agreement.
#120 – “I despised this tripe so much I will NEVER spend another dime on anything with the words STAR TREK attached to it.”
This seems an overreaction. If you enjoyed other Star Trek, why withdraw your support from that because you weren’t fond of one movie? Why not support those aspects of Trek that you feel are worthy and valuable to you? That’s what I plan to do, at least.
120
Who needs you….freakin’ troll. I just rather you not be a Trek fan anyway if you’re going to act like that.
I guess JJ saying it was personal made a bunch of us “get personal”. Sad to see all these attacks. In conclusion for me: I loved the new movie, I love TOS, I enjoy all of the Star Trek movies, just some much more than others. TNG started weak, got very strong, ended a tad weak. DS9 started weak and did nothing but get stronger. Voyager wasn’t for me, but I can appreciate the idea and some of the characters (like the holo-doc and 7 of 9 and her “assets”…ahem, acting abilities). Enterprise started kinda weak, crashed in season 2, started to pick up in season 3, and was fantastic in season 4 (minus one episode, of course).
These are all just MY opinions and I’ll be hard pressed to find someone who totally agrees with me on each and every show and season and/or movie. Are they jerks, trolls, or others for disagreeing? Of course not. But, it is sad when they get “personal” and start spewing names at me or others because we like somthing that they didn’t. Same way as when they put down what we like-saying you don’t like it and explaining why is one thing. Calling it garbage or a hot steaming pile of **** is something else. Same likewise to those that personally attack people who dislike something and think they should like it.
Kirk out!
I miss the Galaxy Class Starships that was out to explore everything from each other to strange new worlds and sci fi ideas.
Seems each variation of the show, the ships and ideas got smaller and smaller. Enterprise D, DS9/Defiant, Voyager, Enterprise E, NX-0X. At least the new movie is going in the right direction with epic sized ships and back to exploring character/drama and weird sci fi.
I bet if the fan backlash was so great for ST09, the sequel they would have used the Guardian to fix everything :) and then just use the new crew to create new stories before TMP storyline.
*NX-01
#120
So you will watch the next movie if it is called 2259: Shadows of the Empire.
See you there!
Has anyone calculated yet the average number of posts following a post remotely critical of JJ or his, well, recent production before the inevitable basement-dwelling-nerd garbage is brought up by someone?
121: It’s Anthony’s prerogative to tell people to stay off this site.
Ah….the troll speaks….again. Please, just go away.
The death of Kirk was a monumental screwup. Not just in trek movies but for any movie ever made.
On the other end of the scale the birth of Kirk was one of the grandest moments in trek and movie history.
The introduction of a major character into the world, er universe, could not have been done in a more honoring and emotionally powerful way.
Even if the rest of the film were not made after that opening sequence the fans of Star Trek are forever indebted to JJ Abrams and his team for honoring the character of James T Kirk is the opening sequence of Star Trek.
I wonder how many heads that moment has gone right over. Seems many of the new fans get it more than some of the old.
The movie “Star Trek Generations” dishonored Kirk by killing him off like any other Red Shirt. To paraphrase Octavian in Cleopatra “The great Captain Kirk getting is dead from falling off a bridge into a ditch. Kirk is dead? You say that as if it were a everyday occurrence. The soup is hot, the soup is cold. Kirk is alive, Kirk is dead. The Captain did not die well. Not befitting that last of so many noble Captains.”
Thank you J.J. Abram for bringing honor back to James Kirk with his birth scene. This did much to ease the shameful ending and dishonor that the “Generations” gang did to him.
#131
I just see it as Kirk died saving the Enterprise B and 100s of people from a space anomaly.
Kirk was born in space in this new reality and he died in space in the prime reality.
If only they hadn’t done Yesterday’s Enterprise and saved that idea for the Generations movie, that would have rocked. Pity they had some silly script about a energy ribbon and a stupid scientist trying to live forever behind hooked to the nexus drug.
“You can go anywhere, anytime”
“I want to go right at the moment the nexus comes so I can save the day just barely, instead of to the point in time when I first met Soran in 10 forward him lecturing me about time and burning”
“Riker/Data/Worf failing to modulate shield frequency and fire everything they got into a 75 year bird of prey” which was retired from service, lol
Can you say PLOT HOLE?
Guinan inside the Nexus but not really her, Guinan knowing Kirk is in the Ribbon although never knowing the Enterprise B had come to rescue them and Kirk/Picard and Soran have a punch out at the mountain, yikes no wonder it sucked.
I would have rather seen a movie version of Yesterdays Enterprise or something along the lines of All Good Things where Q sends the Enterprise D folks into the TOS/TMP era.
We do know, glorified versions of episodes do work, ie. TWOK based on space seed aftermath, First Contact based on best of both worlds.
If only they did a movie version of Yesterdays Enterprise, gawd what a missed opportunity. Instead we got a few silly movies like a race that doesn’t like technology that looks 99% human living in some low budget set village and some flat looking space ships, then we got a silly director like Stuart Bird who did not know how to make a great sci movie with a decent script. I don’t know how you can ruin such a great TV show in TNG into what happened in those 4 movies, I guess batting .250 isn’t bad with First Contact being good.
129 SChaos1702: “Please, just go away.”
No, I won’t. But here’s something I’m gonna do: I’m not reading any of your posts anymore. I suggest you do likewise if you dislike my posts as much as I dislike yours. Have a nice life!
133
If you post something stupid, it’s going to get reacted to. Especially with trolling such as yours.