"Without sacrificing the majesty of Gene Roddenberry’s humanitarian ideals or the humour that is Star Trek’s salvation, Abrams’s film is a rollicking space adventure that makes you fall in love with the original series all over again."

http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/film/film_reviews/article6135968.ece


"The result is not only by far the best of the 11 Star Trek movies, it must rank as the outstanding prequel of all time."

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/reviews/article-1172164/Out-world-The-Mails-film-critic-gives-verdict-new-Star-Trek-movie.html


"A lot of the fun for those of us that remember the original TV show is spotting just what’s been changed. For everyone else the fun will consist if watching one of the most unashamedly entertaining science fiction movies in quite some time. Take plenty of popcorn. It’s that kind of film. "

http://timesonline.typepad.com/blockbuster_buzz/2009/04/star-trek-the-blockbuster-buzz-review.html

One of the reviewers said something really interesting . . . "Twenty years on, I predict that we are about to see an explosion of interest in the original series."

There are some who predict the movie will fail because it's not canon.

Now we should consider that, if the movie is a success, it could generate a whole new interest in the original series (and movies) from those who weren't around in the 60's. Seems like the Blu-Ray DVDs arrived just in time.

Jim

I feel bad for those who are so inflexable and closed minded that they can't even give this film a chance.

Looking forward to it myself, even if I don't think the design of the 'E' is the best I've seen.

I have a feeling I'll warm up to it more after I see the film.

My kids (18 & 15) are really looking forward to this. I watched TOS when it originally aired and they grew up on my copies of it. I'm looking forward to it as much as they are because it's something we've been planning on going to see together since we heard about it. I'm not sure about the re-designed E yet, but it's grown on me enough that I'm going in with an open mind.

I have noticed my friends, none of them trek fans, all seemed interested in seeing this new film. Might even go see a midnight showing opening night, something I never ever do.

Sounds better then Nemesis.

Sounds better then Nemesis.


I hated Nemesis so much it caused me to loose all interest in Trek for over five years. I can't understand why Paramount kept letting Rick Berman make one bad trek movie after another.

I'm so greatful those days are gone.

My morning BM was better than Nemesis.

My morning BM was better than Nemesis.

Now that's funny! :woohoo:

And this from the Hollywood Reporter...

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/film-reviews/film-review-star-trek-1003964428.story

We've been cutting TV spots at work, and as the critical sound bites trickle in I can't say I'm too surprised by the overwhelmingly positive response the film seems to be getting. Whether or not Trek XI manages to connect with audiences is still up in the air (overcoming the stigma of a franchise that's been run into the dirt is never an easy task), but judging from the initial critical response I'd say there's at least a slim chance that JJ Abrams has made a Star Trek film people may actually want to see.

Fancy that.

As I've said before, I think there are plenty of things about Trek XI that perhaps don't work as well as they should. On the whole however it's a really fun, clever, exciting, and in some cases breathtaking adventure film.

More than anything else, the movie has a pulse, and I can't remember the last time I felt that way about anything related to Star Trek.

Whether or not Trek XI manages to connect with audiences is still up in the air (overcoming the stigma of a franchise that's been run into the dirt is never an easy task), but judging from the initial critical response I'd say there's at least a slim chance that JJ Abrams has made a Star Trek film people may actually want to see.

Fancy that.

As I've said before, I think there are plenty of things about Trek XI that perhaps don't work as well as they should. On the whole however it's a really fun, clever, exciting, and in some cases breathtaking adventure film.

More than anything else, the movie has a pulse, and I can't remember the last time I felt that way about anything related to Star Trek.

Yeah, dude, but the JJprise sucks. I mean, who cares about plot, character development, direction, adventure or story. OR that the early reviews from professionals and regular audiences have been equally positive. There's only one objective criteria that I base my movie-watching decisions on. If the ship isn't as good as I think it should be, then nothing else matters.





;) :)

You said it, Chewie. I'm already seeing bitter trekkies trying to spin the HR and Variety reviews because they "don't understand what the Trek audience wants to see." Apparently what the Trek audience wants to see is another flat, dull movie with a GREAT starship design sitting there in the middle of it. And honestly I see a lot of industry professionals sounding every bit as bitter and it's clearly because THEY didn't make and/or design the movie. What a world, what a world...

You said it, Chewie. I'm already seeing bitter trekkies trying to spin the HR and Variety reviews because they "don't understand what the Trek audience wants to see." Apparently what the Trek audience wants to see is another flat, dull movie with a GREAT starship design sitting there in the middle of it. And honestly I see a lot of industry professionals sounding every bit as bitter and it's clearly because THEY didn't make and/or design the movie. What a world, what a world...

And this suprises you why?:rolleyes:

I'm already seeing bitter trekkies trying to spin the HR and Variety reviews because they "don't understand what the Trek audience wants to see."

Speaking only for myself, I hope Trek fans will like the film, but if even if they don't that's okay. I have a certain respect for any person who has the decency to actually see a film before suggesting I'm an idiot for liking it.

What is not okay is being told I don't understand what made TOS great by those pompous, arrogant, self-proclaimed arbiters of Trek-worthiness who have taken it upon themselves to explain to the rest of us feeble-minded philistines why liking the new film is akin to Trekkie treason. As if we were somehow defiling the memory of Gene Roddenberry and profaning his "vision" for stooping to enjoy a film that dares to do away with Burke chairs and knee-high, cuban-heeled Beatle boots (which I did miss, BTW).

Ah, well. Soon most of us will have seen Trek XI, and will be taking solace in the fact that, like it or hate it, it's only a movie.

Well, like I said, I may like the movie just fine, but nothing is gonna make me like the way they made the ship look. Ugly is ugly.

Ugly is ugly.

I couldn't agree more.

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa304/CarsonDyle/attachment.jpg

;)

Speaking only for myself, I hope Trek fans will like the film, but if even if they don't that's okay. I have a certain respect for any person who has the decency to actually see a film before suggesting I'm an idiot for liking it.

What is not okay is being told I don't understand what made TOS great by those pompous, arrogant, self-proclaimed arbiters of Trek-worthiness who have taken it upon themselves to explain to the rest of us feeble-minded philistines why liking the new film is akin to Trekkie treason. As if we were somehow defiling the memory of Gene Roddenberry and profaning his "vision" for stooping to enjoy a film that dares to do away with Burke chairs and knee-high, cuban-heeled Beatle boots (which I did miss, BTW).

Ah, well. Soon most of us will have seen Trek XI, and will be taking solace in the fact that, like it or hate it, it's only a movie.

That was a good statement and I entirely agree. Besides, there's no reason not to like the new as well as the old.

I have been looking forward to the new film for a while. I have no issues with the general concept and I even like the ship (though I've liked ALL the ships -- I appreciate that they're all variations on a theme). My only problem is that every time I see the cast, I feel like I'm watching a high school production based on the real thing. :/

You said it, Chewie. I'm already seeing bitter trekkies trying to spin the HR and Variety reviews because they "don't understand what the Trek audience wants to see." Apparently what the Trek audience wants to see is another flat, dull movie with a GREAT starship design sitting there in the middle of it. And honestly I see a lot of industry professionals sounding every bit as bitter and it's clearly because THEY didn't make and/or design the movie. What a world, what a world...

I was just told by one of those bitter Trekkies, or as I call them, Trekkers (or Bitties, I dunno) ;) that the reason this film is getting all of these great reviews is because they are all under the studios control because "invited to see the film and review it." So Paramount is forcing these guys to write these reviews and don't want them to write a bad thing about their $150 Million movie. Of course, tell that those same critics who slammed Paramount's $60 Million "Nemesis"...

Variety is under Paramount's thumb too? Maybe they are
Paramount after all ;)

I was just told by one of those bitter Trekkies, or as I call them, Trekkers (or Bitties, I dunno) ;) that the reason this film is getting all of these great reviews is because they are all under the studios control because "invited to see the film and review it." So Paramount is forcing these guys to write these reviews and don't want them to write a bad thing about their $150 Million movie. Of course, tell that those same critics who slammed Paramount's $60 Million "Nemesis"...

The hostility to this movie in some quarters is the craziest thing I have seen in the 50 years I've been a science fiction fan. It's not just, 'well, I wish they'd done something else', or 'it might be good, but I'm not hoping for much because I don't want to be disappointed'. No, it's like Janinie Garofalo on MSNBC talking about the tea party protesters.

In light of how spectacular the trailer was and the amazing word of mouth from EVERYONE who has seen it (up to and including Leonard Nimoy, Kevin Smith, Gene Rodenberry's son, etc) this is just too bizarre for words. And make no mistake, I'm sick of it. SICK OF IT.

There was a very good moderator comment in a Stargate forum that people should rein in the nasty comments about the new show before they've seen it. 'This is a place for people who enjoy Stargate, not for people to enjoy hating it - please let's not spoil other peoples enjoyment with extremely negative comments about a show no one has even seen yet'.

That's a nice sentiment. I wish people here would keep that thought in mind before I go ballistic and get kicked off this board, because believe me, I've had it with the negativity.

Pretty much my sentiments as well. As Harlan Ellison once said "People are NOT entitled to their opinion. They are entitled to their INFORMED opinion."

Carson Dyle has written some of the most thoughtful posts on this topic. I cannot improve on what he's said. And all from someone who's SEEN the film. Go figure.

Dave,

Now did you pay for the rights to use Harlan's golden words in your post?...

you know how testy he can be:p

It'll be good to see the adventure, excitement and swashbuckling element back in Trek, as well as a grandeur they've to this date never lived up to in the films. I, for one, am looking very much forward to this film and have been for some time. Trek has needed a swift boot in the arse to break that plank that's been wedged in there for some time now.

What is not okay is being told I don't understand what made TOS great by those pompous, arrogant, self-proclaimed arbiters of Trek-worthiness who have taken it upon themselves to explain to the rest of us feeble-minded philistines why liking the new film is akin to Trekkie treason.

Hey, look, I'm just trying to help. Now get off my lawn...

Dave,

Now did you pay for the rights to use Harlan's golden words in your post?...

you know how testy he can be:p

:lol::lol::lol:

Well regardless how I feel about the direction the makers took the film, I'm supporting whole heartedly, even if there are some aesthetic inconsistencies, which there are.

But if its a good movie in general, I'm all for it...:thumbsup:

I'm still having a hard time understanding why the Enterprise is being built on Earth and in Iowa of all places.

I'm still having a hard time understanding why the Enterprise is being built on Earth and in Iowa of all places.

There's a lot of room in Iowa.

I'm still having a hard time understanding why the Enterprise is being built on Earth and in Iowa of all places.

Why not on Earth? And what makes you think it's Iowa? In the trailer Kirk was riding a vehicle, not looking out his mom's kitchen window. I've seen the Grand Canyon; doesn't mean I live in Arizona.

I'm still having a hard time understanding why the Enterprise is being built on Earth and in Iowa of all places.

Hell, it's big and flat enough to plop the seaQuest DSV down there!:freak:

I'm still having a hard time understanding why the Enterprise is being built on Earth and in Iowa of all places.
You can sometimes lose a sense of scale with yet another space shot. Besides, it's cool from a dramatic standpoint having Kirk ride up on a motorcycle and stop and take in the vista of this massive vessel being built. Another drydock shot? Sure it makes sense, but been there, done that and I think these guys are trying to get us deprogrammed from what we've come to expect-or put up with-from Trek.

I couldn't agree more.

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa304/CarsonDyle/attachment.jpg

;)

Bad example.

;)

Have you also noticed a trend that has been set by Star Wars. How many Sci-Fi movies trilogies or more are tracing back to their origins after the initial release? You look at Star Wars with the New Beginning. And what has followed:- Underworld the Rise of the Lychans, Wolverine- Xmen origins and now we have the tracing back of the commencement of Spock and Kirk in the new Star Trek release. Does anyone want to have a bet on what could be next? :confused:

I was telling the guys at work that I WASN'T going to see this movie, but I'm beginning to waver. I STILL don't like the design of the U.S.S. Abrams, but if they did well by the characters (more important)...to the 'Magnificent 7'...it might be worth seeing.

The inevitable model (Please, 1/1000 and possibly 1/700) might not be bad as long as I can get OS Era decals and pennants to label it the U.S.S. Arizona or some other starship.
I'm waiting to see how long it is before resin 'fix' parts become available for the Abrams, though...

Be well, all.

Greg:wave:

I've seen the movie and believe me, they did well by the characters. And I have the toy now and I quite like the design, particularly from lower angles. When you look at the basic shapes without nitpicking all the details it's remarkable how much it captures the lines of the original with just a bit more streamlining.

Why not on Earth? And what makes you think it's Iowa? In the trailer Kirk was riding a vehicle, not looking out his mom's kitchen window. I've seen the Grand Canyon; doesn't mean I live in Arizona.


It's already been established that the ship is being built in Iowa.


http://trekmovie.com/2008/11/19/trekmovie-star-trek-trailer-analysis/

I've seen the movie and believe me, they did well by the characters.

Yeah, I had a hunch you'd feel that way. It's the reason the film works as well as it does (in spite of its flaws).

I can't wait to see it with a paying audience.

I'm looking forward to seeing it again. It certainly has flaws--the science, tech and chain of command issues will have people arguing until the next one comes out (you can almost argue that some of the "coincidence" in the plot is a direct result of what's happening but some of it still makes you groan). But I definitely had some moments where I was quite moved by it and felt like I was watching some of the best moments from the original series--the amazing thing is Quinto's Spock, who I think a lot of people had doubts about (me included) turned out to be the strongest thing about the movie as far as I'm concerned.

I remember reading some first initial reactions that Quinto was simply awful as Spock. I found it hard to believe then, and am glad to hear it was entirely unfounded and obviously based on negative bias.

I thought Quinto would be a good Spock. He's pretty much emotionless as Silar anyway.

Just looked at four clips from the film posted on Facebook. A shot of a shuttle leaving the Enterprise(and they did show inside the bay) taking the crew to the drilling rig freefall. Another with Kirk trying to hit on Uhura at a bar, another with a Starfleet officer being questioned by one of Nero's crew and one more with Pike urging Kirk to enlist telling him he could be a captain in eight years time.

What I saw looked great and had a fantastic feel to it. It seemed much more fluid and down to earth with the characters than the stiff, posturing we've come to expect from previous shows and Trek films. It felt like a real film and not just spaceship/geek porn. One that people, and not just Trekkies, will enjoy. And from what I saw, I really don't think long time fans will be disappointed either unless they are just too hard wired. Can't wait to see the film in it's entirety. personally, I think this is what I've been waiting for from Star Trek. And if it took a few redesigns and some radical changes to shake the stagnant funk off...so be it.

I think the next one will be even better. This has a few artifacts that I think can be traced to the writer's strike--a few plot holes unfilled, science that doesn't make sense, etc. But it's by far the most enjoyable Trek movie in years.

Scientific fidelity was never TOS' strong suit. :)

I think the next one will be even better.

Agreed.

Trek XI sets the stage in an extremely entertaining fashion; expectations are very high for the follow-up, which IMO has the potential of being the best Trek movie in the history of the franchise.

Damn, I'm getting ahead of myself.

BTW, with regard to Quinto's performance, it was amazing to watch it come together in the editing. I've seen multiple cuts of this picture, and what began as a pretty weak turn as Spock was gradually shaped into what I consider to be a very satisfying performance. The editors really earned their keep with that one.

I think the next one will be even better. This has a few artifacts that I think can be traced to the writer's strike--a few plot holes unfilled, science that doesn't make sense, etc. But it's by far the most enjoyable Trek movie in years.

About attributing the WGA strike to any perceived flaws in the film, I would have to say not so much. I remember at the time of the strike, Abrams said that he had a completed script and that the majority of principal photgraphy had been completed by then. The film had an original 12/25/09 release date, but when the strike was over, Abrams requested additional time to complete the film. That pretty much says to me that he needed the additional time to complete any rewrites that were found to be necessary during production.

When people make statements about dodgy science, or plot holes, that's the nature of Trek and Science Fiction in general. Some put more effort to address it, but others don't. In this case, I'd say that Abrams made compromises in terms of story flow and dramatic license, which is normal for any filmmaker.

Bryan

I am actually beginning to get excited about this film, despite the obvious lack of continuity. Hell, at least it's not a remake or reboot.

I'm looking forward to seeing it again. It certainly has flaws--the science, tech and chain of command issues...

Not to give too much away, but do they ADEQUATELY explain how Cadet Jim Kirk gets to be CAPTAIN by the end of the film? That radical promotion seems SO unlikely that its NOT funny...

Greg

Yes. At the beginning of the film they explain that in order to be Captain of the Enterprise you have to score at least a 97 out of 100 on a Standard Starship Commander Aptitude Test. After the action of the film is resolved, Kirk sits down and takes the test, scoring a 96. All seems lost, when suddenly the Star Trek Reset Button is pressed by Spock, all the events of the film are erased, and when history refocuses we see that Kirk has in fact scored 98 on the test. Temporal policemen are consulted and all agree that 98 was Kirk's original score on the test before the timeline was altered, and he is therefore granted command of the Enterprise and a year's subscription to Nacelles Monthly.

It has been established that Kirk cheats ...