bigbaddaddyvader said:
Dude!! - how about marking your spoilers?! Some people haven't seen it yet.
;-)
ChainsawAsh said:Oh, and Skyjedi, I'm glad you were able to enjoy the new film despite your strong predisposition against it.
I'd like to echo that thought as well. It's refreshing to see people go in even when they expect the worst and then not back down from logging in to post an honest review after.
skyjedi2005 said:I have always been Partial to time travel stories in science fiction and Star Trek in general.
One of my favorites is of course Back to the Future.
Funny you should mention that. I listened to an interview with Robert Orci & Alex Kurtzman earlier today on XM radio and they both said that to them, Back To The Future is the ultimate time travel film.
For those of you that have XM, I imagine the show will repeat (I've already heard it twice in a week). It's very interesting to hear how the whole thing came together, their thoughts on the franchise (they're big fans), and the involvement of Nimoy. It runs on the XM film score channel - 76, Cinemagic.
C3PX said:Yeah, I have to admit. Though I was against it before, once I found myself having to put up with how annoying Kirk is in this film, I loved every second of him getting knocked around by Spock.
To say a few good things about the movie, I really liked the new uniforms. They managed to make them feel more modern, and yet still strongly resemble those from TOS.
Yeah, he's not a terribly likable guy, which I guess is the point. We're not really supposed to like him. He is being somewhat humbled as the film goes on. Particularly where Uhura is concerned. It's an ego blow when he realizes Spock is her guy. I suppose we'll see him grow into the Kirk we know in the next film. I thought it was nice character growth to see him say he would be honored to have Spock on the crew.
And a +1 to the black shirts. Very nice. I also agree on the uniforms being updated as opposed to complete re-dos with no resemblance to the originals - also well done.
Something I wanted to mention here, after seeing it, is how context can greatly affect how a movie clip or trailer is percieved. Several pages back, there was some discussion on two trailer scenes. One where Kirk was smart-mouthing Spock and what appeared to be an unrelated scene later where Spock is attacking Kirk.
There were a few pre-haters that were denouncing the film outright, and they mentioned those two scenes in particular. The tone in their posts was as though Abrams had broken some sort of unspoken law, Abrams is satan, etc, etc. The topic of context came up, but they didn't want to hear it - even though they were quick to lambaste me for doing the same thing (which I did as an example) with some of their sacred scenes from past films.
Those two scenes now make much more sense and in fact, to me, are a very cerebral part of the film - Spock assuring Kirk that he's been emotionally compromised and pushing him into trying to break him so that he admits it. I thought that whole passage, particularly with old Spock, was done very well.
vbangle said:Lens flares inside EVERY ship, lens flares outside, both in space and in multiple planets atmosphere...lens flares every fucking 30 seconds through out the whole dam movie.... FUCKING ANNOYING.
I would agree with that. Too many lens flares took away from their effect.
I also felt it was borderline too shaky & too close in the opening battle. They occasionally took away the geography.
Since this is a hate thread, I'll try to keep this short.
I enjoyed it. Truthfully, more so than I thought I would. I'm fine with the story, the altered universe, the characters, etc, etc. As a selective Star Trek fan - meaning I really love some parts of the franchise (TOS, TNG) and ignored others (DS9, Voyager, Enterprise) - this film is exactly what I was looking for. It's the characters I've known since my childhood, shown with more depth than they've had in a long, long time.
I dug the story, it's seriousness, and the interaction between the characters. I thought all were handled just as they have always been handled - Kirk & Spock as serious leads, Uhura as the voice or reason, Bones as the more passionate voice of reason, Sulu as a potential future leader, Chekov as overly analytical, and Scotty as someone who doesn't sweat the small stuff.
I thought all did a fine job, particularly Spock, Kirk, Uhura, & maybe most of all - Bones. Hats off to Bones' introduction scene & handling of getting Kirk on the ship. Uhura has more depth than she's ever had.
This film felt like Star Trek to me. In fact, it felt very much like Trek to me. The altered universe and the time travel are very much on par with anything that's come before. The franchise is in good hands. Certainly better than it was. I'm a Trek fan that had given up on Trek to the point of not watching three of the TV shows, nearly walking out of the next to the last film, and actually skipping the last film.
This is Star Trek the way I've always wanted it to be - heavy on seriousness & depth, and somewhat light on humor. I'll see it again, and I'll get it on DVD when it comes out.
Stinky-Dinkins said:Anchorhead broke the thread. SOUND THE ALARM MOTHERFUCKERS STINKY DINKINS CAN NOT READ THIS THREAD.
Last edited on May 8, 2009 at 6:44 PM by Moth3r (Reason: Removed crap posted from MS Office that was breaking thread display on MSIE)
Thank you
ChainsawAsh said:
A friend of mine, who had never seen any "Star Trek," who is a die-hard "Star Wars" fan, who detests the very idea of "Star Trek," walked out of the movie with me saying, "That was really good. Do you have the old TV show? I'm actually kinda interested now."
A similar situation has happened with me. There's a girl at work who bears an uncanny resemblance to Zoe Saldana. In passing the other day, I nerdily joked “are hailing frequencies open, Uhura?” – the look on her face should have been accompanied by the sound of crickets. She had absolutely no idea what I was talking about.
I explained I was just goofing on how she looks like Saldana - to which she replied “someone walked up to me on the street a few days ago and said the same thing”. She knew of Saldana, but not anything about Star Trek. As I was walking away, I said “see you later Uhura”. I was floored by her next reply – “oh, is that the character’s name?” Apparently, when she said she didn’t know anything about Trek – she really meant it.
Since then, I occasionally send her a blurb or two about Trek or make unnecessarily nerdy comments, knowing she has no idea what I’m talking about. She takes it in stride and seems amused at the silliness. A few days ago, I sent her an email with two pictures. One of Nichols as Uhura, with the ear communicator - and one of Saldana with the same ear piece. I mentioned that I dug the nod to the original. This is a quote from an email she sent me a few moments later;
I should really get into the show. How do I get into it??
She wants to start with the original show and also wants a couple of recommendations on the 80s films, so that she understands what’s going on in the new film.
I’m with Chainsaw on this one. The new film seems to be getting people interested in the original show - the universe of Star Trek. The original show is where those themes of exploration and discovery were born - and from the sound of Chainsaw’s review (and a few others), it appears they will be prevalent in the next film. To me, that’s a very positive aspect of this new film. New fans will be looking forward to “Boldly going where no one has gone before” – and that’s really where Trek lives.
Well, it's about time for me to put my money where my mouth is and go see this thing. I'm concerned that it may be a shaky camera fest with no depth. However, like I said before, I'll go in with an open mind and see what they came up with. Other than Generations, none of the previous Trek films have ever really moved me, so I don't have the emotional investment in this that some people do. That makes it ten times easier for me to go in.
I am going to wait a few days though. I don't want to go in with a bunch of nerds that pick every scene apart. Plus it's showing on multiple screens at the Edwards theater near my house and there's already long lines camped outside.
Sluggo said:Anchorhead, like the Bespin Ice Cream man, is one of a kind.
;-)
AxiaEuxine said:You havent seen empire in 12 years?!?! Im not trying to be rude here, honest but why exactly are you on these boards then?
Since you seem to be new around here;
I stumbled onto these boards several years ago while trying to find a way to transfer a Laserdisc of Star Wars onto DVD. I had\have no interest in the SEs (never have seen them) or the prequels (saw only Phantom). Little did I know, I wasn't alone in my quest for Star Wars77 unaltered - in fact, far from it.
After getting settled in here, I also learned about audio-grabbing software and sound-editing programs that I had been in search of. I also dig the wit and insight around here. There's real passion here for the originals and that's very refreshing in our disposable society these days.
My Star Wars universe was also expanded considerably after joining these boards. Through the suggestion of one of the members, I was put back in touch with the NPR radio version of Star Wars, as well as a few EU novels. A tip of the hat to C3PX and a few others for that.
This board is also where I learned about the book The Secret History Of Star Wars - a very interesting read. As someone who was present for the birth of the franchise, I found it nice to see that my memory of the articles & interviews - of what Star Wars was in 1977 - were not just my imagination. In fact, the book should be required reading for any fan.
Oh, and for the record - I don't dislike Empire, I just don't watch it terribly often. It's when Lucas started shrinking the Star Wars universe, and I decided not to follow him. It does, however, have some fantastic moments. I think the scene where Luke is dangling below Cloud City - the atmosphere, the lighting, the tension, the overall feel - is one of the finest Star Wars moments there is. And the asteroid field chase - brilliant in its idea and execution. I'll end up getting a copy eventually.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to get back to reading your posts about how the ships in the prequels have better cockpit controls than the ships in the original films.
*edit*
Also worth pointing out, Axia;
The way the members here don't berate me for my narrow focus is the most important reason for my being here. On every other board I've seen, I'd have been hung out to dry for my views.
C3PX said:It is a movie, a work of fiction. It is filled with props and sets, actors and puppets. None of it is real. So what, the prop guys used a cassette player to add flare to the cockpit. Why should that bother you or distract you in anyway while watching the film?
The best purpose it serves is to make the SW universe look like it is taking massive leaps backwards in science and technology, when twenty years ago the standard were holo display screens, and in the future they are knobs and lights.
....but it just doesn't feel like a Star Wars ship to me.
Finally - the voice of reason.
And I agree, the "technology" in the prequel trilogy doesn't fit at all with the original trilogy. It's one of several things that make it impossible (for me) to buy the story. The two universes - Original & prequel - don't feel even remotely connected.
Back on topic; I haven't seen Empire in about 12 years, but in the scene where everyone is evacuating the cloud city, is there someone running with an ice cream maker? A friend of mine always tried to point it out, but I never got a good look at it.
Gaffer Tape said:Luke knew the deck had a small thermal exhaust port that would start a chain reaction....
;-)
Sorry I missed this before. Damn, and YouTube is blocked at work.
TheBoost said:It seems a flawed sort of reasoning to create a term to express your distaste of a scene in a movie, and then turn around and use that same term to justify your distaste for the forementioned film.
I agree, Boost. But remember - all's fair in hate and trolling. For many of those guys, belching hate as often as possible is all that matters, so using a derogatory term as often as possible is preferred - no matter how hypocritical or out of context.
My extreme dislike of Lucas' treatment of Star Wars is well-documented, but it doesn't transcend everything he's ever done. For me, he's dropped the ball once - but he's also knocked it out of the park several times.
[back on topic]
For the record - the prequel gushers at TFN need their heads examined - or at the very least, they need to occasionally go outdoors. When they're about 30 years older, all of the OOT upset will make much more sense to them. They'll finally understand that art should be left alone. If they don't, then the art was lost on them all along.
C3PX said:I am quite confident we will never see a proper restoration of the OOT as long as George is alive. Even if there are future releases of the original trilogy, I am certain there will always be some excuse for them to be subpar to the quality standard of the day.
That's exactly how I feel. Honestly, I never give it any thought anymore. I got what I came for - a DVD of the 1977 theatrical release of Star Wars.
I don't dislike the guy for it at all. I do, however, find his attitude very interesting from a psychological standpoint. His desire to try to erase the past is fascinating, particularly considering the fact that it's impossible - especially with something as landmark as Star Wars77.
When I see him in interviews, or read interviews, or see photos of him on the set of Indiana Jones - he comes across to me as someone who is very uncomfortable in a social atmosphere. On some of the extras on the Kingdom DVD, he's occasionally asked questions and can't seem to answer coherently.
Spielberg, Ford, Allen, Ray, & Shia all give normal, interesting answers, as do the crew members. George, on the other hand, kind of nervously laughs and says something mildly related to the questions. To me, it's borderline uncomfortable to watch.
He has a very possessive obsession with Star Wars. I don't mean that to sound flip. I mean he seems not to be clear in his thinking anymore. He's pushed people away and let it cloud his judgment. It also seems to have gotten worse with age.
In previous interviews, I've heard him mention the future and how Star Wars is remembered. It sounds as though it's something that's on his mind a lot. He must realize by now that there is no way he can control that. The moment he's gone, someone will start working on a proper restoration\release of Star Wars77 - just as they have with many other films from the past.
Considering I watch Star Wars once every two years or so, compared to listening to the NPR version 5 or 6 times a year, plus the occasional reading of the script - I don't really have a horse in the race. Like I said in my previous post, if there's ever a proper release, I'll get it. If not, that's fine too.
DocLathropBrown said:The Blade Runner final cut disc from last year is the definition of what to give the fans. It has ALL 5 cuts of the film, and although I am not a fan of the film, I can only sing Scott's praises for doing what George should with SW.
I agree. The Blade Runner release seems like it would be the yardstick for all video releases - all possible versions for all possible fans. I don't understand George's continual manhandling of his Star Wars fan base. Instead of fighting your fan base, doesn't it make much better business sense to appeal to all possible revenue streams?
Blade Runner has a niche audience and Warner still went to the trouble. The profit would be considerably higher with a film as broad-reaching as Star wars. Never mind some sort of uber-saga-gargantuaset, just go with a common theme style of packaging of multi-versions for each of the 6 films. Leave no potential sale unavailable. The technology of today makes that approach easier than ever before. You want as much money as possible? - Give everyone what they want.
AxiaEuxine said:So lets say that the GOUT is released in perfect anamorphic, unmolested, non-raping your childhoods, blu-ray perfection, OK? Its sitting on your shelf and you like to curl up with it when you go to bed each night. OK? You are happy.
Then George releases a new 6 disk set that does have changes to the OT. Are there any that you would like? These can be both already existing and theoritical. Thoughts?
Not interested in any changes. I'm there for the film's story, in the form it's always been in - in the form I've been viewing it in for 32 years. Any change I notice, whether it's an SE change or a good change, takes me out of the journey. That's the reason there's probably only one more Star Wars purchase in my lifetime (anamorphic original).
It's also one of the reasons I'm not on here raging against Lucas all the time. I only care about what I want - the original theatrical release of Star Wars. I have absolutely zero interest in the prequels, the Clone cartoons, or the SEs - so, I don't give a fuck if there are fifty versions of each.
I already have a DVD of Star Wars that I enjoy watching. If it has to last me forever, that's fine. If an anamorphic version becomes available, I'll buy it. However, shit-mouthing Lucas isn't going to make one magically show up at my house or become available at the Target near my home.
Besides, I prefer the NPR version anyway.
*obligatory tip of the cap to C3PX*
skyjedi2005 said:Don't tell me you think ..... Indiana Jones IV (was a) decent film...?
I did, but I'm not going to get in a fucking dick-size contest about it, particularly on this board. It's so anti-Lucas here that there is no point in even attempting a civil conversation. Besides, this is the internet - no one is ever wrong. They just re-state their insults continuously until they wear down people who have differing opinions.
In the case of Kingdom, the Star Wars prequel hate & haters just found a new outlet. Nowhere near worth the headache. I don't like 5 of the 6 Star Wars films, but that dislike doesn't transcend everything Lucas is involved in. I have no need to shit-mouth the guy at every opportunity.
Kingdom very much keeps to the spirit & style of the previous films. To me, it is a very worthy addition to the story. Not the least of reasons is because Spielberg and Ford were involved. Although, truth is, Lucas kept Spielberg from getting too silly. But that's more reading than the average troll\baiter wants to put into a topic.
This will be the only time I address the subject.
Hunter6 said:
TrekMovie.com Review of JJ Abrams’ ‘Star Trek’
http://trekmovie.com/2009/04/12/trekmoviecom-review-of-jj-abrams-star-trek/#comment-1719880
Too bad the guy didn't go into a little more detail. 
Interesting review.
This quote worries me;
"The camera is constantly in motion... the editing is rapid-fire...."
The only thing I can say for sure I will have a problem with (and it's been alluded to before with Trek09) is the current trend for two-images-a-second editing and shaky-cam. I hate that shit. It's the reason Bourne 2 & 3 were once-only viewings, as was Quantum Of Solace. It's also the reason I don't own DVDs of those films either. Interesting stories, but entirely too much work to watch them.
I'm not part of the short-attention-span generation. Hold the fucking camera still if you want me to give a damn about the story, go see it more than once, or buy the DVD. Leave the documentary style camera work to actual documentaries.
I won't chase the image all over the screen or attempt to refocus on it every second. As I did with Bourne 2 & 3, as well as Quantum - if it gets ridiculously shaky, I'll spend a few moments looking at the exit signs, surround speakers, or the carpet on the walls - but I won't work for the product I already paid for.
Because Abrams has a history of using this style of cinematography, I have to say - I've been very concerned that this will also be a once-only viewing for me.
See, and you guys thought I couldn't have a pre-viewing go-off.
Hunter6 said:...jumping doing flips is not real.
Neither are 99% of the things that have taken place in all things Star Trek over the last 43 years.
It's science fiction.
Hunter6 said:(The thing is Sulu does not have powers like an jedi)
Correct.
Worth pointing out, by the way, is the fact that the trailer doesn't show Sulu having Jedi powers.
Hunter6 said:
How about having Sulu do jumping around sword-fighting....
Yeah, that feels completely out of charac.......
oh...wait a minute
Hunter6 said:Anchorhead have you seen a Ed Wood film?
No
