All the good reviews so far are just making me even more stoked to see this tomorrow.
I don’t know if Wrath of Khan or this one is better, maybe this one. Scotty is Simon Pegg from Shawn of the Dead, listen for the tribble in the background when he meets Kirk.
Very enjoyable movie, I think I’ll see it again tomorrow.
Absolutely outstanding.
I’d seen a review in an online version of some British magazine or newspaper where the writer said that this didn’t have to be considered in the light of “for a Star Trek film,” or even for a science-fiction film, but just flat out was the best prequel ever made.
Which is not what you expect to see in a review by a non-Trekker.
And frankly no Star Trek film before has ever had any chance of being called one of the best movies ever, even in a subcategory such as prequels, let alone the best ever in that category. Those were strong words, and surprising to see.
The movie lives up to it. A very fine movie period, no qualifications needed. I can see where a person who had never seen Star Trek probably would not have thought too much of any of the other Star Trek films, though Wrath of Khan probably seemed pretty good to general audiences, and “Save the Whales” was probably moderately likable to people in general. But this seems where flat anybody would think this is a really good movie.
Great choice of actors. All were fine to great in the roles. I can’t imagine better choices could have been made. I’m surprised it was possible to do so well in that regard.
Great decision to omit various worn-out nostalgic elements. Actually the only way I can see the movie being better yet is if they’d omitted a couple of ones that there were, but that’s really nitpicking.
Saw it today and I must say I was kind of disappointed.
SPOILERS!!!
How come it seemed like every 15 minutes kirk was getting his ass kicked?
How are they calling this a prequel or reboot when its an alternate universe, I get it they didn’t want to piss off the fanboys but they should have stated that not saying it was a reboot.
I give this movie 3/5 stars. It a good fun action movie but if your going into it to see Kirk whoop some ass get the girl and everything else that the show was then this is not the film for you.
Spoilers
[quote]John S. wrote:
Saw it today and I must say I was kind of disappointed.
SPOILERS!!!
How come it seemed like every 15 minutes kirk was getting his ass kicked?
How are they calling this a prequel or reboot when its an alternate universe, I get it they didn’t want to piss off the fanboys but they should have stated that not saying it was a reboot.
I give this movie 3/5 stars. It a good fun action movie but if your going into it to see Kirk whoop some ass get the girl and everything else that the show was then this is not the film for you.[/quote]
An alternate universe is still a reboot of the franchise. What the hell else would you call using the same characters but coming up with a different story line? It is the perfect way to bring this franchise into the present especially since the original cast is over the age of 65 now. That show was started in the 60’s. The story line would be different anyway if it were written for the first time in this era because of changes in our society since then, especially since social issues are what Star Trek specialized in preaching against.
You are entitled to your opinion, but the very definition of CHEESY is having the main character somehow supernaturally invincible. Kirk got punched around quite a bit on the tv show as well…and those were some of the WORST fight scenes in tv history as far as realism. The same can’t be said for this movie. They went from “nerdy” to “cool” in one movie release.
I personally do not want to see a movie where the “hero” somehow can’t get hurt unless he is an X-Man. I was never a Trekkie and don’t even remember “Wrath of Kahn”…but this movie made me a fan.
…i fully concur with the positive sentiments this most excellent movie gets. It pays homage in a sincere way, adds depth to existing relationships, it’s fastpaced but not hurried, thankfully not overly sentimental and all in all a very enjoyable movie…
I watched the movie yesterday. I love everything, EVERYTHING! It’s damn good, so new, shiny, so fresh, and yet, you can still feel the trek feeling if you know what I mean 
The main villain is a little bland… (still, Eric Bana delivers the role like only he can ;))
Movie is definetly worth watching!
[quote]Professor X wrote:
An alternate universe is still a reboot of the franchise. What the hell else would you call using the same characters but coming up with a different story line? It is the perfect way to bring this franchise into the present especially since the original cast is over the age of 65 now. That show was started in the 60’s. The story line would be different anyway if it were written for the first time in this era because of changes in our society since then, especially since social issues are what Star Trek specialized in preaching against.
You are entitled to your opinion, but the very definition of CHEESY is having the main character somehow supernaturally invincible. Kirk got punched around quite a bit on the tv show as well…and those were some of the WORST fight scenes in tv history as far as realism. The same can’t be said for this movie. They went from “nerdy” to “cool” in one movie release.
I personally do not want to see a movie where the “hero” somehow can’t get hurt unless he is an X-Man. I was never a Trekkie and don’t even remember “Wrath of Kahn”…but this movie made me a fan.[/quote]
I disagree with an alternate universe being a reboot. A reboot states that they are going to completely scrap the current direction the films/shows/books are taking and alternate universe simply states that hey wouldn’t it be cool if this happened but in the end the real story line is what will be viewed as cannon.
Kirk did get punched around in the t.v. show but he won his fights. In the movie he lost every single fight. Hell in this movie he couldn’t even stop the main bad guy Spock had to run a ship into it with a black whole device to stop him. Then right as they are all about to die they get transported to safety and you want to say that Kirk whooping some ass is CHEESY?
Like I said before its a good action movie. But if you are getting pumped up for a Star Trek movie then you will go and be disappointed.
saw it last night at imax, had to wait 40 minutes before going into the cinema just to get decent seats, was a sold out show…not a fan of most star trek movies but was of this a solid 4/5…been some great movies released lately i.e. boy in the striped pyjamas and defiance, this only adds to it…I cant wait too see what the rest of the year has to offer
[quote]John S. wrote:
Like I said before its a good action movie. But if you are getting pumped up for a Star Trek movie then you will go and be disappointed.[/quote]
I’ve seen other “Star Trek” movies. NONE of them were like this. If this is the outcome of avoiding that previous formula, I am all for it.
SPOILER*******
I thought it was damn well done. The cameos weren’t taken for granted (if that makes sense) and famous lines were incorporated well.
Best of all, the PACING of the film was great. Not once did I take my eyes off the screen thinking I “won’t miss anything.” That, to me, is a key indicator of good action-flow.
This movie was as good as Wolverine was disappointing.
I was there opening night. I’m a mild Star Trek fan at best, but that movie absolutely blew me away. 9 out of 10. The casting was excellent, the effects were incredible, the story was well-written and the fights were believable.
SPOILER
If I had to be nit-picky and explain one thing I didn’t like about it as much, it would be the enemies. They had a cool ship and looked physically imposing, but it was like the casting director recruited a bunch of random Manchester soccer hooligans for the roles. I would have liked to see more hand-to-hand combat with Nero, particularly against Spock.
Loved this movie, wish I saw it in IMAX because the camera angles and the deep space battles really showed the scale and speed of everything. I really enjoyed the homage to Kirks cadence in the beginning it was hilarious. As far as him getting his ass kicked …
SPOILERS
He got in some really good punches in the bar fight he took out at least two of the four guys he fought and then he got worked over. 2/4 when its just you isn’t bad. Then he fought Romulans who are way stronger than humans he didn’t have a weapon like Sulu so he was at a disadvantage. So come on dude relax.
/SPOILERS
I love this movie and I am a fan of Star Trek all the way up to Deep Space Nine (which I feel is the best series) so I did miss the philosophical discussions and the heavy helpings of morals. I hope people who are curious about Star Trek series know and understand that your gonna have a heaping dose of reality if you decide to start watching the series now. It is no where as action packed as this movie. Maybe the later episodes of Deep Space Nine when they are fighting the Dominion but that’s not even close to the level of action in this flick.
So to wrap it up, after the CRAP that was Wolverine this movie has resparked my excitement about the summer movies. Anyone who is a fan of action go see this you will not be disappointed.
Side note: There was a shit load of camera glare/particle effect in this movie. It made everything feel shiny and new but after a while I was like “damn how fucking shiny is this ship?” Just an observation.
Im not an original fan of star trek, but since I have been going out with my gf; I have slowly introduced to it.I watched the film and have never watched any of the original series and I thought it was fucking ace. Makes me want to go and buy all the series’s and get clued up,…I dont have to though as the misses has them all.
In regards to Kirk getting his ass kicked. He was clearly overmatched in every fight, but the biggest point is he was much younger then in the series, I liked it because you are seeing him growing into his potential. Few people are born a badass, but you can see the raw potential.
Edit: The movie was awesome, and hearing the fanboys laugh at random moments was great, too.
I’m a what you would call a Trek fan but not a Trekkie…as I don’t dress up or own every single movie/series. I loved TNG, DS9 and the original series, not as big a fan of Voyager and I HATE Enterprise. I thought this was a GREAT movie.
SPOILERS
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What made the movie great for me was the way the crew got together and the way even that Kirk and Spock started out and the way things were by the end of the show. I think the line where Kirk says “by the way traveling back in time is cheating.” and Spock(Nimoy) says “I learned form the best.” (?can’t recall it exactly).
I think the alternate reality thing was plausible and gives way to another few movies that will not need to do anything remotely similar to the old Trek. I heard reports that all the actors have signed on for 2 more movies. This almost reminds me of alternate realities in comic books where it doesn’t matter how much has changed it’s the CORE that stays the same. Like Nimoy was shocked that Scotty was on that outpost, and likewise confused about Kirk not being Captain. BUT Bones, Spock, Kirk, Uhura, Sulu, Scotty and Chekov were still there even if a bit muddled on the circumstances of them getting there.
I thought the Kobiyashi Maru simulation was great, I’d always been curious how that would have looked since you hear about it here and there in Star Trek “history”.
Sulu being a fencer made me snicker as well until he pulled out that awesome unfolding sword!!! That was freaking sweet.
About Kirk getting his ass kicked…well in the bar it was 5+ against 1. Then it was against Romulans who are distinctly stronger than humans. Then it was against a Vulcan who he had just pissed off, on purpose. Then against Romulans again. I’m glad the movie was done the way it was done and avoided the “Kirk will win at all times” He won the war which is more important.
I thought it was cool that they put Captain Pike in a wheelchair in keeping with somethings from old Star Trek.
Great movie. I’d see it again.
[quote]John S. wrote:
Professor X wrote:
An alternate universe is still a reboot of the franchise. What the hell else would you call using the same characters but coming up with a different story line? It is the perfect way to bring this franchise into the present especially since the original cast is over the age of 65 now. That show was started in the 60’s. The story line would be different anyway if it were written for the first time in this era because of changes in our society since then, especially since social issues are what Star Trek specialized in preaching against.
You are entitled to your opinion, but the very definition of CHEESY is having the main character somehow supernaturally invincible. Kirk got punched around quite a bit on the tv show as well…and those were some of the WORST fight scenes in tv history as far as realism. The same can’t be said for this movie. They went from “nerdy” to “cool” in one movie release.
I personally do not want to see a movie where the “hero” somehow can’t get hurt unless he is an X-Man. I was never a Trekkie and don’t even remember “Wrath of Kahn”…but this movie made me a fan.
I disagree with an alternate universe being a reboot. A reboot states that they are going to completely scrap the current direction the films/shows/books are taking and alternate universe simply states that hey wouldn’t it be cool if this happened but in the end the real story line is what will be viewed as cannon.
Kirk did get punched around in the t.v. show but he won his fights. In the movie he lost every single fight. Hell in this movie he couldn’t even stop the main bad guy Spock had to run a ship into it with a black whole device to stop him. Then right as they are all about to die they get transported to safety and you want to say that Kirk whooping some ass is CHEESY?
Like I said before its a good action movie. But if you are getting pumped up for a Star Trek movie then you will go and be disappointed.[/quote]
This puts you in the minority…probably 1%. This was a Star Trek movie…not Star Trek Origins: Captain Kirk. You’re entitled to your opinion…but at least make a case that’s not laughable.
So, out of curiosity how many hardcore Trekkies showed up on opening day at your local theater? I’m talking full uniforms.
I had about 5 adults in TNG Starfleet-style outfits and a very adorable but confused looking little girl dressed up as a Vulcan
Fantastic movie. The casting was superb, lots of people you know in the sense that you see one on screen and go “Hey that’s the dude from <insert show/movie here>,” but not mega stars with big name recognition. I didn’t notice any cheesy effects a la Wolverine’s toy claws, the scale they showed was very impressive, especially with the Romulan ship, and the story line flowed well with no parts where you had time to think when does it pick back up. I’m not a Trekkie by any means but I knew enough to enjoy the throwback lines/quirks, which actually fit in pretty good for the most part, not awkward moments.
I didn’t look down on Wolverine as much as a lot here did, but this was FAR better regardless. Here’s hoping Terminator and Transformers keep it up.
SPOILERS
Any one find it weird that the Romulans looked so different from how they look in the series? It looks like they had a much more savage look to them. Also can you imagine how powerful a Romulan War ship would be if that was only a mining vessel? That was at the back of my mind for most of the movie.