Bob Orci & Alex Kurtzman ‘Win’ Razzie For Transformers 2 – Provide TrekMovie With Acceptance Speech | TrekMovie.com
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Bob Orci & Alex Kurtzman ‘Win’ Razzie For Transformers 2 – Provide TrekMovie With Acceptance Speech March 6, 2010

by Anthony Pascale , Filed under: Celebrity, Orci/Kurtzman, Sci-Fi , trackback

This weekend isn’t all about the Oscars. Tonight the Golden Raspberry Award Foundation held their 30th Annual Razzie Awards, which honor the worst in films for the previous year. Amongst the ‘winners’ were Star Trek co-writers Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman for their Transformers Revenge of the Fallen screenplay. They were not able to attend but have sent TrekMovie their acceptance speech.  

 

Transformers 2 Writing Team Acceptance Speech

Transformers: The Revenge of the Fallen was honored with ‘worst screenplay’ of 2009 at the Razzie Awards event held tonight in Hollywood. The writing team of Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman and Ehren Kruger did not attend the Razzie event, apparently no on thought of inviting them. Writer Roberto Orci tells TrekMovie they would have been happy to attend. So TrekMovie has asked the team to provide us with their Razzie acceptance comments, and here they are:

Bob: I’d like to thank my partners Alex and Ehren who really lead the way on this one.

Alex: I wouldn’t be in a position to receive this award without Ehren and Bob. They really deserve most of the credit.

Ehren: As you know, Bob and Alex were the experts on this movie having written the first one, and I was just lucky to be able to be a part of this award winning team.

Transformers Revenge of the Fallen was the big ‘winner’ of the night, also picking up Worst Film of 2009, and Worst Director, for Michael Bay. Of course they are all laughing their way to the bank. The film earned over $836M worldwide, which is about 20% more than their better-reviewed Transformers in 2007. Orci and Kurtzman may also have a unique distinction, as they were nominated for both a Razzie (for Transformers 2) and a WGA Award (for Star Trek) in the same year. Orci and Kurtzman aren’t the only members of Star Trek’s ‘Supreme Court’ to get the notice of the Razzies. In 1999 Star Trek producer/director JJ Abrams got a Razzie nomination as one of the writers of Armageddon.


Orci and Kurtzman, nominees at WGA Awards in February
- now winners of the Razzie

More Razzie Winners – Bullock shows up

Tonight Sandra Bullock picked up two awards for her work in All About Steve (Worst Actress and Worst Couple, shared with Bradley Cooper). Bullock, who is the favorite to pick up an Oscar tomorrow for her performance in The Blind Side, also showed good humor by attending the event. In the six degrees of separation department, Orci and Kurtzman executive produced Bullock in her other Summer movie, The Proposal.

Here is the full list of Razzies:

WORST PICTURE– "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen"

WORST DIRECTOR– Michael Bay, "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen"

WORST ACTOR– All Three Jonas Brothers, "Jonas Brothers: The 3-D Concert Experience"

WORST ACTRESS– Sandra Bullock, "All About Steve"

WORST SUPPORTING ACTOR– Billy Ray Cyrus, "Hannah Montana: The Movie"

WORST SUPPORTING ACTRESS– Sienna Miller, " G.I. Joe"

WORST SCREEN COUPLE– Sandra Bullock and Bradley Cooper, "All About Steve"

WORST REMAKE RIP-OFF SEQUEL– "Land of the Lost"

WORST PICTURE OF THE DECADE– "Battlefield Earth"

WORST ACTOR OF THE DECADE– Eddie Murphy, "Adventures of Pluto Nash," "I Spy," "Imagine That," " Meet Dave," "Norbit," and "Showtime"

WORST ACTRESS OF THE DECADE– Paris Hilton "The Hottie & the Nottie," "House of Wax," and "Repo: The Genetic Opera"


Razzie Award

UPDATE: Video
Here is some local TV news coverage from from the event.

Star Trek at the Razzies – Shatner is no stranger

JJ Abrams Star Trek movie was not nominated for any Razzies, but Trek has represented in the pat. In 1989 Star Trek V dominated the Razzies with six nominations and three wins (Worst Actor and Worst Director for William Shatner, and Worst Film of the year). And in 1995 Shatner was nominated again for Worst Actor for Star Trek Generations, but he was beat out by OJ Simpson for Naked Gun 33 1/3. And in 2000 William Shatner was nominated again for Worst Actor of the Century for his entire Star Trek film career, but he lost out to Sylvester Stallone.


William Shatner directing Star Trek V – The Razzies took notice

Comments»

1. The Riddler - March 6, 2010

I guess it doesn’t matter how bad you are as long as you make money.
But Michael Bay had no doubt put his imput into this script so we got to give him credit more so. Sorry Alex and Bob.

2. CaptainDonovin - March 6, 2010

Boy, this guy is taking a big chance dissing the Jonas Brothers. Gonna be some angry tweens out there.

3. I am not Herbert - March 6, 2010

I KNEW they’d win! …but Megan Fox got snubbed!!

…what a rip-off; if they’re going to give them a Razzie, they should invite them too…

4. Philip Dunlop - March 6, 2010

Fair dues to Sandra Bullock for showing up. She’s not a bad actress, and I’ve heard reports that she’s not the typical, precious Hollywood tantrum-throwing type. But holy cannoli, she does pick some stinking roles. I guess you gotta pay the rent some way. She’s managed to win herself some accolades in the past as well. More of the acting club could take a leaf from her book in being fairly classy about the whole thing.

5. Will_H - March 6, 2010

Yeah gotta say that Transformers 2 was by far the worst film I saw last year. I still can’t believe that Bob and Alex could be involved with something as great as Trek and at the same time as failtastic as Transformers 2. I do think, though, that a good deal of the blame for that should fall to Michael Bay. There’s a guy that can make the most horribly acted/written/directed movies make a ton of money and make a good deal of people think they’ve seen a quality movie. Michael Bay, please stop making movies, please.

6. Hugh Hoyland - March 6, 2010

Oh come on, it might be fun, but a razzie for one of the biggest box office smashes in history, Im sorry, but enjoy the JOKE, cause thats all it is lol

7. Hugh Hoyland - March 6, 2010

I would be happy to have Bob write the script to my up coming Star Trek story….but dont let Alex touch it!

Much love JJ

8. Buzz Cagney - March 6, 2010

Congratulations on the trophy boys! I’d like to say its richly deserved, but I, against expectations, enjoyed T2RotF!

As Michael Caine says about Jaws4- it may not have been a great film, but it certainly bought me a great house!

9. Anthony Thompson - March 6, 2010

Congrats Bob! But I think one Razzie is enough for your entire career; let’s not aim for a second nod for the Trek sequel, OK? : D

10. Andrew - March 6, 2010

I for one loved Transformers 2. I thought it was better than the first Transformers. In the first one, once they found the Spark Cube they didn’t seem to know what to do with it. Keep it away from the Decepticons; hide it in Los Angeles. At least Transformers 2 had a somewhat linear story, a whole lot of action, and was exciting. I was on the edge of my seat with my adrenaline pumping for the last 30 minutes of the movie. Who knows, maybe I liked it more than others because it was made for someone like me, a 21 year old guy.

11. Philip Dunlop - March 7, 2010

I was 25 (at the time of seeing Transformers 2) and I was arse-numbingly bored. My girlfriend fell asleep. Says a lot.

12. Jeyl - March 7, 2010

You killed Arcee, the ONLY female Transformer in the whole movie franchise. Her near non-existance in the movie was more interesting and more welcoming than Mudflap and Skids, characters who you unfortunately thought we were going to like.

But I digress. I should be relieved knowing that Uhura, who also happens to be the only female character in the new Star Trek franchise is left in your capable hands. You’re off to a good start with her by having everyone on the bridge do her job as communications officer for her.

13. philpot - March 7, 2010

didnt Star Trek V pick up a few Razzies?

14. DHG - March 7, 2010

I’d love to see a TF script from Orci and Kurtzman that hadn’t had notes from any number of producers and a director. I bet it would have been much better.

15. Zebonka - March 7, 2010

I must be literally the only person on Earth who thinks Shatner can act. I don’t for a minute pretend his entire output is gold – it isn’t – but he had some really good moments. It’s too bad that people can’t look past the ham and cheese to see that there’s real substance in there…

16. Meee - March 7, 2010

Yes Philpot…. It eves says so and explains in the article above your question…

17. Magic - March 7, 2010

Star Trek V was one of the best movies in my opinion. Shame on anyone for saying it was bad!

18. Robert H. - March 7, 2010

He he, all part of their master plan. I wonder if they intended for Transformers to be lousy?

19. C.S. Lewis - March 7, 2010

Popular has never been a synonym for “well done”. When feeding the masses, it’s better to think “beer and pizza” than aged prime and Bordeaux, don’t you think? So going forward, please PTB, do not think of Star Trek as food for the masses.

Sincerely,
C.S. Lewis

20. Robert H. - March 7, 2010

But I can’t help it their worst screenplay was in part of director Micheal Bay?

21. C.S. Lewis - March 7, 2010

^17 Magic

Yes, Star Trek V had much to recommend it, but not for the whiz-bang masses that demand spectacle to alleviate the tedium of their lives. Star Trek V dealt in ideas and ancient questions. While far from perfectly executed, it was, to borrow from my own post above, food for thought in the best tradition of Star Trek. It gave us several moments of poignancy and beauty and made good on the price of admission.

Sincerely,
C.S. Lewis

22. Pragmaticus - March 7, 2010

Bob, it was really Michael Bay who deserved the Razzie, but still, shame on you for the Minstrel Twins.

23. Schultz - March 7, 2010

Hey, Bob/Alex/Ehren knew *exactly* what they were getting into with the Transformers 1/2 screenplays.

On STV: I actually liked the film a lot. There were some flaws and idle, but it’s still better and more logical and more Trekish than all TNG movies combined.

24. philpot - March 7, 2010

16 – not when i posted it didnt

25. Greg2600 - March 7, 2010

My apologies to Alex and Bob, but that was a much deserved win on Transformers 2! Michael Bay = Loser

26. spb - March 7, 2010

TRANSFORMERS 1 was putrid and juvenile… can’t even imagine how bad PART 2 must be. After being subjected to ARMAGEDDON, PEARL HARBOR and T1, I will no longer watch another Michael Bay film EVER again. The way he panders to the lowest common denominator is beyond insulting.

But K&O deserve props for being good sports about the Razzies.

27. VeratheGun - March 7, 2010

The first Transformers was great summer fun.

The second? Whoa. I mean, it was just unbelieveably bad.

How could it be written by the same guys as ST09?

28. P Technobabble - March 7, 2010

Everyone who keeps on writing and creating is entitled to a few hits, and a few misses, just as everyone who keeps flying is entitled to some pleasant trips and some bumpy ones. Don’t look back, don’t dwell on the past, just keep plugging along, looking toward the future…

29. Jeyl - March 7, 2010

@26. “After being subjected to ARMAGEDDON- I will no longer watch another Michael Bay film EVER again”

You know, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree in this case. JJ Abrams wrote part of the screenplay for Armageddon, and Trek09 has quite a few similarities.

My favorite? Proud russian man pushes aside a non-russian woman and ends up saving the day even though she was professionally trained for that position. JJ’s universal rule for movies? Russian men > non-Russian women.

Oh, is that the Asteroid that’s going to fall into Earth, or the Narada? They do look similar and I have no doubt the asteroid shares the same IQ with Nero.

Random gratuitous rappelling in places that should never use rappelling. When and where did Starfleet Officers ever wear rappelling harnesses while inside a starship, and why the heck would oil rig workers do the same?

Random camera shaking in shots that aren’t action oriented? Oh, how I miss the justification of when camera shakes were used because “we didn’t want it to look like Star Trek”, now they’re bringing it into Star Trek!

And of course, the labeling of characters solely based on what their role is. i.e. Scotty is comic relief. No more, no less.

30. jas_montreal - March 7, 2010

lol. I actually love these awards. Incred-ible !

31. Charla - March 7, 2010

#28 agree with you on that- no one is perfect and Bob and Alex got it right where it counted, on Star Trek 09! :D

32. Hat Rick - March 7, 2010

I just want to say that Sandra Bullock is awesome.

That is all.

Well, that’s actually not all. Bullock is a straight-shooter in the tradition of Katherine Hepburn — she speaks her mind. She is direct, assertive, and appears to brook no bullcrap.

She’s also been very generous with her money toward causes that everyone can support.

And as far as the other stuff is concerned — what is it they say? Nearly all publicity is good publicity. ;-)

33. skyjedi2005 - March 7, 2010

Well at least the Razzie is not for Star Trek, because i know certain people on those forums and some old school trek fans who hated the new movie wanted that to happen.

I was ready to hate the new movie too. Then i saw it and thought to myself this is not the epic disaster people thought. I think Bob Orci took Trek far more seriously being a fan, than Transformers which was basically a cartoon to sell toys. While Trek was the best sci fi tv show of all time, and arguably the second best film series of all time after star wars.

To me without Peter Cullen and some nice cgi those films are failures of epic scale. But of course i have always been more a fan of the comics continuity created by Simon Furman.

34. Captain Jack Bauer - March 7, 2010

I still feel it is unfair to blame the writers for TF2. Production was rushed through the writers’ strike with filming based on the outline and actors improving lines. Michael Bay had far too much control over the plot.

35. kesseljunkie - March 7, 2010

@15 – you’re not the only one. In the right role and with the right director (Meyer, Nimoy) The Shat is pretty darn good.

36. Hugh Hoyland - March 7, 2010

Ok am I the only Trek fan here who actually liked Star Trek 5? I’ll answer that YES. But what most folks dont know is that the Shat had a great initial idea, but by the time the studeo, Harve B, and many other factors including mother nature were done, the movie had HAD it. Great concept though Mr Shat, (Ive read the original script, which included Satan, Demons and rock creatures) sorry that it appeared to many obsticals flew up, time and time again to make a film the way you wanted it.

37. Alexandros - March 7, 2010

Well, I have to say that they completely deserve this award. Transformers 2 was an awful movie and I really hope that they’ll shape up for Star Trek (1)2. Remember guys, we expect a lot out of the next movie. And try to keep the comedy (if it can be called that, judging from Tf2) to a minimum.

38. Paulaner - March 7, 2010

I liked Transformers 2. A good action movie. I wasn’t expecting another 2001.

39. OneBuckFilms - March 7, 2010

Their responses were priceless !!!

Congratulations (?) to Bob, Alex and Michael Bay !!!

40. Dr. Cheis - March 7, 2010

Now I’m never going to be able to convince my friends to watch Star Trek -_-
“It was written by the same guys as Transformers!”
“The first one or the second one?”
“…the first one.”

41. Dan - March 7, 2010

Congratulations Bob, Alex and Ehren you all three deserve this award!

42. Robert H. - March 7, 2010

Maybe it was the Ehren Kruger and the Micheal Bay that screwed it up. Conspiracy theories abound!!!

43. Jeyl - March 7, 2010

@42: “Maybe it was the Ehren Kruger and the Micheal Bay that screwed it up. Conspiracy theories abound!!!”

Meh, I don’t think so. Bob and Alex took part in the commentary track to the bloody film, and that’s more than what they did for the first movie.

44. boborci - March 7, 2010

43. Jeyl – March 7, 2010

We were not invited to comment on first movie.

45. Norman - March 7, 2010

Congrats. Well deserved.

46. Bobby - March 7, 2010

Maybe if JJ is busy we can get Michael Bay to direct the next Star Trek.

47. S. John Ross - March 7, 2010

I’m just hoping we get a Paris Hilton/Eddie Murphy buddy cop movie out of this.

48. William Kirk - March 7, 2010

@36 You are not the only one. I love Star Trek V – it is my favourite Star Trek and always will be. There is everything I need from a movie (or Trek): adventure, fun, friendship and a bit of philosophy. I hope the movie will get new visual effects.

49. Jeyl - March 7, 2010

@44: “We were not invited to comment on first movie.”

Come on Bob! You’re a cool guy. What exactly is stopping you from doing it anyways? Darren Aronofsky, the director of the 2006 film “The Fountain” recorded a commentary track for the movie and posted it on his own personal website. Anyone can record a commentary track for a movie nowadays.

Now, if it’s for sallary issues, I can understand. No one should have to do something for nothing, and a good commentary track that is informative, entertaining and not too self-congradulatory (*nudge*) is a tough thing to pull off.

Personally, I would much rather listen to your comments (and Alex if he wanted to) alone than having it edited alongside Michael Bay. I’m still recovering from his Armageddon commentary track. The guy goes into like a 15 minute profanity laced Jerry Springer episode about Space Helmets. . . Space helmets!

50. Dayton Ward - March 7, 2010

I know Star Trek V got the “Worst Picture of the Year” Razzie back in ‘89, but that’s only because whoever made that pick hadn’t seen Critters II.

Just sayin’.

51. dmduncan - March 7, 2010

LOL at the acceptance comments. You guys are great.

52. capatain_neill - March 7, 2010

Yes I am so happy that they won worst screenplay.

Terrible writing deserves a terrible reward.

Feel sorry that these guys are the writers of Trek at the moment. But so happy they got this razzie win.

However it was unfair about Shatner getting nominated for all Trek movies. Shatner is a better actor than people give him credit for.

53. Dan - March 7, 2010

Lets hope this award shows Hollywood that these two can’t write, and they are never hired again!

54. Dennis Bailey - March 7, 2010

The Razzies punted on “Worst Actress of The Decade” – they should have showed some balls and honored a major performer rather than picking a celebrity name out of the hat of bad ingenues and starlets.

Nicole Kidman would be a contender – “Bewitched,” “The Stepford Wives” and others come to mind. Jennifer Lopez? Again, it would have taken a little imagination and some guts.

55. SciFiMetalGirl - March 7, 2010

Sandra Bullock is a class act!

56. boborci - March 7, 2010

49. I don’t have a personal website.

57. "Check the Circuit!" - March 7, 2010

Leave it to Jeyl to turn any thread into a Star Trek ‘09 bashing.

Well…I don’t think I saw a post from her on the Happy Birthday Jolene Blalock article. That would have been tough. “Happy B-day Jo…..you may be turning 35 but at least you weren’t in Star Trek ‘09.”

58. Jeyl - March 7, 2010

@57: “Leave it to Jeyl to turn any thread into a Star Trek ‘09 bashing.”

You can bash me if you want. I don’t mind. Just remember, I’ve supported Trek for 22 of my 25 years, and I’m going to continue to demand more from this new Trek team. Giving them a positive review and being passive on all of the new film’s faults will just tell them to do more of the same (i.e. Transformers 2). Not gona happen from me!

59. Auto Content Cash Sneak Preview – Part2 | BJ Auto Content Cash. Com - March 7, 2010

[...] Bob Orci & Alex Kurtzman ‘Win’ Razzie For Transformers 2 – Provide TrekMovie W… [...]

60. captainedd - March 7, 2010

“I don’t know whether to congratulate you or not.”

“I wouldn’t”

61. ryanhuyton - March 7, 2010

Michael Bay instructed Bob and Alex to write what he wanted to see in “Transformers 2″. I suspect it wasn’t really up to them. They may have been locked in a room at gun point. :-)

62. VZX - March 7, 2010

Can someone explain how Transformers 2 made so much money? Why did so many people see it? Or even see it multiple times?

63. ryanhuyton - March 7, 2010

#62 Its simple. More kids went to see “Transformers” (1 and 2) than “Star Trek”. And sadly, more adults went as well, unfortunately. I don’t think we’ll ever see a Trek film reach the numbers “Transformers 2″ got. “Transformers” is a more accessible franchise than “Star Trek” is.

64. boborci - March 7, 2010

61

not exactly. Wait for my book;

65. ryanhuyton - March 7, 2010

Bob, what’s the book called?

A View From The iBridge? :-)

66. Daoud - March 7, 2010

@56 Sure you do, Bob, it’s called trekmovie.com ;)

Seriously though, best acceptance speech ever. Short, and sweet… and much more exciting than tonight’s Oscar bits. :)

67. "Check the Circuit!" - March 7, 2010

@ Jeyl,

I’m not bashing you. I’m bashing your bashing. We are painfully aware you didn’t like Star Trek. Views are freely expressed here…there’s been great debate and I’m sure Star Trek 2.0 will be even better for it.

But enough already. It’s pushing a year since the movie came out and it’ll be two more before the next movie. Can you just lay off a bit or stick to the subject at hand? It’ll be a little more pleasant for the rest of us.

68. dmduncan - March 7, 2010

Bay seems like a jerk, as if everything that’s screwed up about Hollywood has been instantiated in a single person.

I can’t imagine it’s a satisfying experience working for the man.

69. robowarrior - March 7, 2010

Transformers is full of plot holes and isn’t exactly Oscar material. But I love it I love it!!

70. DJ Neelix - March 8, 2010

I haven’t seen Transformers 2, but the first one was as boring as watching grass grow so if the second is supposed to be worse than I guess the Razzies were well deserved.

71. DJ Neelix - March 8, 2010

Btw, has Michael Bay ever made a film that DOESN’T feature the US military? If so, I haven’t seen it. I wonder if he gets paid or if he’s just an avid fan of war.

Maybe Bobby can give us some insights?

72. Hugh Hoyland - March 8, 2010

when I think of Transformers 2, an Oscar doesnt come to be honest, but like somebody said above, its fun! And just sit back and enjoy it I say. If you want “deep” movies get 2001 ASO

73. Darkowski - March 8, 2010

@48:
I concur!

Star Trek V – One of my favorite Star Trek movies. Very fun movie and the only one that emphasises on the Trinity Kirk-Spock-McCoy.

If only they could fix the visual effects…

74. Dac - March 8, 2010

Transformers 2’s biggest problem was not the Lackluster story (although it had one), not the annoying characters (they were), it was the simple fact they were in one side of the country at one point, and by WALKING OUT A DOOR they were on the other side of the freaking country! No technobabble gimmickry, just, one moment theyre in a building surrounded by rolling green hills, the next – they walk through a door and their in a desert.

75. William Kirk - March 8, 2010

No Razzie for Trek 09? I think Star Trek is really being overlooked :-)

76. Rocket Scientist - March 8, 2010

58. Jeyl

Well, I’ve supported Trek for 40 of my 47 years, so maybe I have more experience dealing with the occasional disappointing production. Yes, I take issue with a number of things in the new Trek franchise. But it’s not something that eats away at my well being. It’s pitiable that you let it happen to you. You have my sympathy.

77. The Disinvited - March 8, 2010

#75. William Kirk

I think the word du jour is “snubbed”. ;-)

78. Mark J - March 8, 2010

Sandra Bullock seems classy and she won Best Actress!
I liked Transformers 2. Sorry but I watched it in the theater and bought it on blu-ray.

79. Jeyl - March 8, 2010

@76: “But it’s not something that eats away at my well being. It’s pitiable that you let it happen to you. You have my sympathy.”

Thank you, but you don’t have to give me any sympathy. Pretty much everyone here agrees that I never had a state of ‘well being’ to begin with and that’s ok. And rest assured, I don’t let this one movie eat away at me every hour of every day. What’s the point? I don’t chat about my distaste with Trek09 with my boss because he care much about Star Trek, and I don’t chat about it with my family because they like me too much to argue endlessly over silly things. I’m glad I can do it here though, cause it sure isn’t a time waster. I feel good dissing Trek09 and all it stands for. Why? Because I love Star Trek too darn much that I don’t want what I generally liked about it to fade away into some ’summer action flick’. It can be better than that.

:)

80. capatain_neill - March 8, 2010

79

well said. I do feel that the film dumbed our Trek down but I am fed up arguing about it. Its the direction our fav show is going in, Its for the mainstream now and not the fans.

I did like the new Trek movie but I treat it it as a a separate entity from the rest of Trek.

81. W. Joseph Thomas - March 8, 2010

Last year, while I was writing my (mostly positive) review of Star Trek for noriega.biz last year (click my name at the top of this post to see the review), I noticed that the same screenwriters who were responsible for what I considered one of Trek’s strongest screenplays ever were also responsible for Transformers I, which was one of the worst screenplays I have ever suffered through. I believe I used the words “suprassingly dumb” — a stark contrast to Trek’s fairly sophisticated characters and understanding of the source material. Ever since then, I have wondered whether there’s a story behind the surprising differences in the writing.

Are Mr. Orci and Mr. Kurtzman proud of their work on Transformers? Was their script badly mangled somewhere in the production process (perhaps by Mr. Bay) and ended up as rubbish through no fault of their own? Or is it the case that they were heavily rewritten for Star Trek, and in fact Transformers is more reflective of their true capabilities? (Having followed this site very closely since its launch, I consider this possibility very unlikely.) Or is it simply one of those things that happens with writers, where one month they’re striking gold and the next they’re striking septic tanks? Or, indeed, do Mr. Orci and Mr. Kurtzman actually think that their Transformers screenplay was a pretty good piece of writing? There is, after all, no accounting for taste.

These are, of course, the sorts of questions that no classy filmmaker can answer, because the answers would tend to publicly criticize their friends and colleagues, and that would be terribly impolite. And I know that Mr. Orci and Mr. Kurtzman are delightfully classy people, so, even though Mr. Orci is right here in this comment thread, I hardly expect these questions answered today (or ever).

But it does make me awfully curious.

82. VZX - March 8, 2010

I really think that Transformers 2 is one of the worst movies ever made. Which is ironic since I think that Star Trek is one of my favorite movies of all time. These two movies were written by the same people.

Strange….

83. Rocket Scientist - March 8, 2010

79. Jeyl

I am in agreement with a number of your points about the movie, but this bizarre need of yours to obsess over them and vomit them ad nauseum is an embarrassment. I don’t wish to be associated with this lack of class. You accomplish nothing for this thing you purport to “love” by carrying on like this.

Irrespective of what you want, you have my pity.

84. Lincoln - March 8, 2010

@71 — The Island, Bad Boys 1 & 2.

85. Hugh Hoyland - March 8, 2010

#48 William Kirk

you know new visual effects could easly be put into the film with the tech available now, very interesting idea. It would be great to see the film visually the way WS wanted it to be. Wouldnt it be cool to have the climatic scene with K/S/M chased by demons and rock creatures instead if Santa Clause! (I know, I know In human culture God is often shown as a silver haired and bearded elder, but it still didnt come off quite right IMO). It could be done. And I also agree, it has all the elements a good story usually does.

86. boborci - March 8, 2010

81. W. Joseph Thomas – March 8, 2010

I can shed some light on your curiosity.

Yes, we were proud of the first Transformers movie as a whole, despite recognizing it left much to be desired.

As for Star Trek, no rewrites were possible as a result of the writer’s strike occurring during the entirety of shooting.

Transformers 2 was filmed after the strike had ended.

87. Ian B - March 8, 2010

Well I dunno, I liked Transformers 2. Big giant fighting robots, and awesome boobies. What’s not to love?

It wasn’t Shakespeare, but then quite a lot of Shakespeare isn’t either. Anyone who’s had to sit through some of his so-called comedy will realise that. And not one of his plays has big giant fighting robots in it, not one.

88. Ian B - March 8, 2010

I mean, I just think that people complaining about insufficient depth in a movie about toy robots called things like Megatron are really just not getting the point.

89. ryanhuyton - March 8, 2010

“Transformers” was the first movie where I had trouble staying awake.
Sorry, Bob!

But “Star Trek” was a different story. I saw the film 5 times at the theatre and 6(so far, I plan on more viewings) more times on Blu Ray.

That should be some consolation. :-)

90. boborci - March 8, 2010

I require no consolation, but thanks nonetheless!

91. Jeyl - March 9, 2010

#83. “You accomplish nothing for this thing you purport to “love” by carrying on like this. Irrespective of what you want, you have my pity.”

Trust me. I don’t need pity. I’m a Mac user and we’re getting Valve games! That means I’ll finally be able to play Portal, Half-Life, Team Fortress 2 and Left 4 Dead! What that has to do with Star Trek, I have no idea, but it makes me happy. If I need pity in anything, it’s that I haven’t watched all of the TOS episodes in BluRay yet.

#86. boborci: “As for Star Trek, no rewrites were possible as a result of the writer’s strike occurring during the entirety of shooting.”

Here’s hoping you’ll be free of that this next time around.

92. Steamblade - March 9, 2010

Jeyl I completely concur and feel that it was wretched. I have never been so overwhelming moved to loathe a movie as I did with the poor excuse that came out last May. Although, on the plus side I did like Simon Pegg, but not much else.

There is a great website that breaks down the inane film minute by minute.

93. Andrew - March 9, 2010

I’m Happy Star Trek wasn’t on the Razzie’s noms, because it was a great movie, and better than the new Star Wars Films. and if it was on the razzie’s noms list, i’d be screaming “Khaaaaaaaaaaaaan!”. LOL

94. Dom - March 9, 2010

For me the problem with Transformers 2 was its length. For an action film, the writing and direction were absolutely fine. Had it been about 90-100 minutes long, it would have been a lot of fun. But after two and a half hours, it was like being beaten over the head with a chainsaw!

I miss the days of 80-90 minute popcorn movies.

95. boborci - March 9, 2010

94. Dom – March 9, 2010

I miss the days of 80-90 minute popcorn movies.

—————————————————————–

Agree.

96. Lauren - March 9, 2010

Mr Orci how is the development progressing on Trek XII or is there no news to tell on it’s progress.

97. Jake - March 9, 2010

71
I’m not a fan of Michael Bay by any stretch of the imagination, but maybe he just appreciates the US military. I don’t see why that makes him a fan of war itself – although war does have built-in drama and is therefore often a subject for films.

98. Jake - March 9, 2010

Oh, by the way Mr. Orci – on the subject of the military. Do you interpret Starfleet as a military organization? Roddenberry was always leery of it (hence the pastel pajamas in TMP!), but Nicholas Meyer went for the Naval theme much more with Wrath of Khan etc…

99. W. Joseph Thomas - March 9, 2010

#86 boborci: Thank you, sir. That’s been niggling at me for a year, and I never expected to get an answer. ’specially not in a public comment thread.

“As for Star Trek, no rewrites were possible as a result of the writer’s strike occurring during the entirety of shooting.”

So you and Mr. Kurtzman are just naturally that good. Excellent.

I feel awfully silly now; I should have remembered the bloody strike. Leaving aside how it blew up the world two years ago, I watched Commentary: The Musical (which has a wonderful song about the strike) just yesterday!

I wonder whether Roger will let me add another footnote to my review a year after its publication. More importantly, I wonder whether I can get him to pay me for it… Hm….

Anyhow, congratulations on your Razzie, Mr. Orci. They are but a stepping-stone on the road to Oscar glory.

100. Yammer - March 9, 2010

@86

Ha ha! Very clever sir to almost but definitely not say it!

I liked Transformers 1. I thought 2 had real pacing problems. It’s not the length; an extra hour is a bonus, if it is entertaining. Trans2 suffered from the longeurs with which Bay indulged his worship of the military, at the expense of developing the main villain, the Fallen.

I hope Transformers 3 takes the mythology in a circle, by critically injuring Witwicki and making him into a Transformer — even a new Prime. I believe this happened in the original series at some point. It would make the most dramatic sense and provide a punchy conclusion to the trilogy.

As for nuTrek2, keep on readin’ those Diane Duane books…since you have name-checked Spock’s World, I hope you see the next ‘logical’ villain. And you have created the political situation (loss of homeland) to facilitate a really interesting, edgy context.

101. greenappleman7 - March 10, 2010

Awesome! That must’ve been fun making the script. I can imagine:
“now write BAMMMM(-icon)!!!! again” *hahaha*
Optimus Prime boomed a Decepticon. BAMMM!

I doubt they actually tried. I’m pretty sure it was like, we can draw like a two-year-old all over a piece of paper and get 10 million dollars? Sure.

102. Rastaman - March 10, 2010

Shatner in Generations wasn’t bad enough for a Razzie Nomination! Protest over Captain Kirk’s premature death perhaps?

At any rate, Transformers 2 was the worst film I’ve seen for as long as I can remember. Congrats!

103. dmduncan - March 10, 2010

I enjoy ROTF just fine on the TV/Blueray, but all those transforming robots on a giant screen late at night made my eyes lose focus somewhere in hour 2, and I “transformed” from viewer to napper.

104. nx-2000 - March 10, 2010

Okay, guys, I know this has nothing to do with the Razzie, but I don’t know where else to post this because we haven’t seen a TrekMovie post about STXI concept art in a while.

It also seems difficult to contact a lot of these people through their agents – I have to wonder if anything ever gets through. Please forgive me for what is probably going to seem like a random, tangential comment.

But I do know that Alex and Bob read all of our comments on TrekMovie.com, and #100 up there did mention “nuTrek2.” So, although I’m sure this request has been done to death before, here goes:

Bob, Alex, I’d like to humbly request that you try to take that awesome Enterprise Engineering concept art that Ryan Church did and convince the rest of the Supreme Court to actually do that set – and find a way to explain it – in the next movie instead of just resorting to the brewery.

I understand your desire to show the “guts” – the internal nuts, bolts, pipes, and mechanisms – behind the starship’s systems, like coolant pipes, the pipes and wiring used by the life support systems, etc. – but the brewery just didn’t look consistent with the history of Starfleet’s technology as we know it.

Ryan Church’s art did have a “nuts/bolts/pipes/guts” feel to it, but at the same time it was simultaneously very evocative of the “feel” of Treknology, yet fresh and different. I have seen folks like the Finnish fans who made “Star Wreck: in the Pirkinning” create entire digital sets, so I’m sure it would be possible to bring those drawings to life.

The two of you did such a good job helping to create “Star Trek XI” and reinvent the look & feel of the mid-23rd century. We’re expecting you to raise the bar on the next one!

105. nx-2000 - March 10, 2010

#88 – as a hardcore, lifelong Transformers fan and collector, I do appreciate the mythology that sprouted up from it, but I do agree with you. I would never think it’s Shakespeare, or that it should ever have to be Shakespeare.

106. boborci - March 10, 2010

104

noted

107. Hugh Hoyland - March 10, 2010

106 Boborci

Come on over to the chat sometime when you get a chance. Could be fun

108. Boris - March 11, 2010

This is clearly off-topic, but since a couple of people have gone off-topic already and I can’t find a better venue, I’ll chance it and post an unrelated question as well: could you clarify how stardates 2233.04 (Robau’s last words) and 2230.06 (Spock’s birth) were intended to fit with your explanation here at TrekMovie that the decimal ranges from .1 to .365?

I’m not sure that these were meant to be identical to 2233.4 and 2230.6 as many fans have concluded, because if the zero is only a placeholder, the fact that a year has 365/366 days would imply .004 and .006 (two placeholders, not one).

Perhaps you intended to use fractions of a year originally?


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