Sunday, May 10, 2009

It would be highly illogical to dislike this movie

We're back from "Star Trek." I'm still trying to get a handle on it, and process it. As I wrote on Facebook, I loved it so much I want to marry it.

If you're planning on seeing the movie, feel free to skip this entry (maybe you'll come back after you've seen it) so I don't color your opinion. I tried to hear as little about it as possible, other than just hearing that people liked it (and I have yet to hear anyone say they didn't like it). I'm weird that way...I prefer not to hear any plot details about a movie I'm really excited about seeing, so I'd hate it if I spoiled it for anyone else. So just consider this entire entry...

One Big Spoiler

Star Trek cast Probably the strongest plus in this movie is the cast. They did such a great job picking these young actors to play iconic characters, and Zachary Quinto as the young Spock was especially dead on. Chris Pine also did a great job as Kirk, and it was interesting to see him develop more of the Kirk swagger. (Also cool to see the actual Kobayashi Maru test.) I really can't fault a single one of them, though, as they all did a wonderful job. It was fun to be introduced to each of these characters and to quickly realize who they were: the beautiful young Uhura in the bar, the gruff Bones on the transport shuttle, Sulu screwing up trying to get the Enterprise to warp speed when coming out of space dock (but quickly redeeming himself by saving Jim's life in a cool sword fight with a Romulan), the good-natured but ready-for-a-fight Scotty, and a very young Pavel Chekov talking about "Planet Wulcan." Speaking of Vulcans, everyone's favorite makes a significant appearance in this movie, which results in some very nifty interaction with the crew.

Nancy Crater(This “motivational” poster made me laugh.) They struck a nice balance between trying to show the characters' development and staying true to some of their more well-known phrases and mannerisms. We got to hear a "Fascinating" from Spock, and an "I'm a doctor not an [insert other occupation here]" from Bones.

One of the best concepts in all science fiction is that of time travel and the possible paradoxes that could result. I think we all indulge in a little of that in our own lives, when we ask questions like, "What if I had done that differently?" Well, what if you had? Would your life have worked out the same? Or would it have changed significantly? Would it be worth taking a chance to change things, if you had no idea if they'd turn out better...or worse? This movie utilizes that concept and paradox fully and well, and with some surprising (at least for me) results. For example, early on I was certain that someone wouldn't die, because they survived into the later years of the characters. I was wrong, and that established that history had already been altered, so anything can happen. Nothing can be assumed.

At some point, I'm sure I've written here about my love of Star Trek. For me, it is about the joy of discovery...it's fascinating enough to discover new adventures in the here and now. What would it be like to travel to distant planets and galaxies and discover new species and new civilizations? That was their job. Then there's the fine line between diplomacy and encountering a hostile species that doesn't want to talk, they just want to kill you. Fun stuff. The original Star Trek series has always been my favorite because I loved the interaction between the crew, and I loved the characters. It was wonderful to see them revisited.

I'm sure that those who have already passed on (DeForest Kelley and James Doohan) would be pleased that their characters live on in movie franchise history. As Spock would say, "I have been and always shall be your friend."

Captain Kirk Star Trek inspirational posters courtesy of The Great Geek Manual.

17 comments:

  1. Did not read your entry, but will come back after I've seen it!! Anyway, I'm glad that you liked it. I'm not a big Star Trek fan, but I'll most likely check it out anyway!!

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  2. Awesome, a movie I look forward to seeing again Detroit :o)

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  3. Oh yeah ... when ARE you and Ken coming? I still haven't seen the exhibit yet myself!!

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  4. so glad you saw a movie you really liked! XO

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  5. I've been a Star Trek fan since the original was originally on. yes, I am that old! I could watch the reruns from any of the series over and over again, kind of like watching M.A.S.H. so much I can recite many of the punchlines.

    I saw some clips and interviews on one of the news channels yesterday, and decided that I'll definitely watch this movie-I may even go to the theater to see it, which is something I haven't done in years(like 25).

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  6. I'm a very marginal Star Trek fan. I watched the TV show occasionally but probably won't see the movie. I am a huge George Takei fan, but if I'm not mistaken, he wasn't even asked to do a cameo in the new film. So, not being a science fiction fan in any way, shape, or form, I doubt I'll catch the new Star Trek, although it's a bit tempting because then I could at least hold my own in a conversation about a movie that's going to be wildly popular. I'm glad you liked it.

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  7. I'm glad that you liked the movie!

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  8. While I am a Purist, I am willing to ateast researve judgement until I see the movie. And that will wait until Mark comes home on leave.
    Hugs, Laini

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  9. We saw it and loved it too.
    And especially, like you, when the trademark quips came up. I was beginning to wonder if Spock was every going to say "it" and then....Fascinating.
    Loved it.
    Didn't hurt that I developed a wee crush on Chris Pine....going so far as to say that since he played Kirk, who was from Iowa, I would wirte Chris and ask him to meet me there so we can marry.
    Okay. Too much. I know.

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  10. I gotta see this movie ...

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  11. Consider me convinced. The wife and I will go see it!

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  12. I have never been a big Star Trek fan but just never was around when it was.. Have a greaT day, Beth

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  13. Beth, you are a hoot.."I loved it so much i want to marry it!" sounds like something i would say!!!

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  14. Harold from Harold and Kumar! I dig him.

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  15. Star Trek is AWESOME. I did skip over the rest of the entry after you said it would spoil..so I wouldnt know, but I know it will be awesome. :)

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  16. I want to marry it too. I thought the sharpest casting was the young "Bones" And your gallery has a Uhura with a wig that chose not to use at all in the movie. That makes you "Innaccura"

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  17. I'll read it later because I'm planning to see the movie. I'm glad you wrote about it and loved it. So did my son and daughter-in-law. I kept their son Saturday night so they could go.

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I'm funny how, I mean funny like I'm a clown, I amuse you?