Is Star Trek 2009 Beyond Criticism?

[Overgeeked]

"[Reviewing this movie is] a daunting task because the producers and Internet reviewers have set up a scenario in which the movie is beyond criticism. If you don't simply accept everything the film presents then you are branded a "nit-picker" who can't see past his strict adherence to canon..."

From here.

I have definitely seen this attitude across this board, even in my short time here.

Why is it so hard to accept that intelligent people can disagree about the aesthetics of a movie? Disagreeing with someone doesn't make them retarded, stupid, lifeless, etc.

This new movie is Star Trek (because it's labeled as such), whether you like the movie or not.

It is canon (because it's on screen), whether you like it or not.

But, that doesn't preclude having discussions about whether people liked the movie. Nor does it preclude people from pointing out the internal flaws of this film. Nor does it preclude discussing the themes, philosophy, moral, etc of this film when compared to the rest of the franchise.

We're all Trek fans here, leave the bashing and bullshit for the rest of the internets.

And quoting things like Nimoy's appearance on SNL is just ridiculous. "If you don't like this you're a dickhead," is about as juvenile as you can get. Grow up.

 

[scottydog]

I have no problem handling dissenting views. I happen to think the new movie is wonderful, but as you said, reasonable people can disagree. I'm absolutely thrilled that the vast majority of people love this movie, and I feel sorry for people who don't.

 

[Overgeeked]

Wow. Thanks for proving my point.

"I feel sorry for people who don't [love this movie]."

 

[Stone_Cold_Sisko]

It's difficult to grasp because 90% of the negative comments always come back to some uber-trekkie canon worst-trek-fan-stereotype.

I saw a negative thread of the movie that was actually sanely written and not about the usual trekkie blather and it blew me away. Sanity!!!

 

[CommanderRaytas]

Of course you can criticise it, you can hate it for all I care. We should just all hold our horses and not accuse people of being dumb for whatever it is they believe in, think, you catch the drift.

To me, nitpicking is saying you, e.g., didn't like the film because the colour of the phaser pulse projectile was wrong (I'm not saying anyone said that, it just came to my mind). Imo, these are things that don't matter. The quality of a film depends on other things, more relevant things like dialogue, and characterisation.

I for one love it and love the fact that it's, apparently, a hit, and that critics like it. Yet I do not doubt my intelligence.

 

[Rii]

I've bitched about a lot of things regarding the film, both before and after release, nobody's insulted me or insinuated that I'm unintelligent because of it. No more than usual, that is. 'Course, I also think it's a good film, all things considered.

 

[scottydog]

Wow. Thanks for proving my point.

"I feel sorry for people who don't [love this movie]."

Feeling sorry for people isn't bashing them. It's just sorrow, plain and simple.

 

[Jeri]

Ho, boy; is the topic question a troll?

Because of course, the movie is not beyond criticism. Everybody has some criticism, even those of us who loved it.

 

[superdeluxe]

But, that doesn't preclude having discussions about whether people liked the movie. Nor does it preclude people from pointing out the internal flaws of this film. Nor does it preclude discussing the themes, philosophy, moral, etc of this film when compared to the rest of the franchise.

Nope, I don't mind people who are critical of the movie. What does grate is when people state that it destroys star trek canon, which has happened many times.

Many of the issues people are complaining about are not just plot holes, sound etc etc. They are issues with contiunity (which should not matter, as both writers, JJ abrams, and even in the movie it is clearly stated this is a alternate universe). Vulcan destroyed WHAT? Spock and Uhura kissed eww!. Nothing has been erased, nothing has been destroyed, its just a new universe.

 

[DiSiLLUSiON]

I have definitely seen this attitude across this board, even in my short time here.

Can you please provide some examples to us?

Because I haven't seen this attitude at all. Yes, the "purists" are being ignored or pretty much drowned in their own arguments, but that's because they can't see beyond their own nose.

If you don't like the movie, fine. I do. And, we can even have a civilized discussion about parts you didn't like, why you didn't like them, why I did like them and we can see through each other's viewpoints to understand our own better.

That doesn't make Star Trek beyond criticism. It had it's flaws, just like every Star Trek movie, episode or book.

 

[CommanderRaytas]

Wow. Thanks for proving my point.

"I feel sorry for people who don't [love this movie]."

Feeling sorry for people isn't bashing them. It's just sorrow, plain and simple.

I think he meant he's sorry people can't enjoy this film as much as many others (like me) can. Not that he finds those who dislike it pitiful.

 

[Gepard]

It's difficult to grasp because 90% of the negative comments always come back to some uber-trekkie canon worst-trek-fan-stereotype.

This. Discussion of this movie is so polarized because the film's critics are their own worst enemies.

 

[urbandk]

Watch out for the Trekkie Gestapo. They're everywhere!

Damn it, I can hear them coming for me!

No, no, it wasn't me, officer! I promise I didn't complain about the size of the nacelles!

 

[Sky]

Wow. Thanks for proving my point.

"I feel sorry for people who don't [love this movie]."

Feeling sorry for people isn't bashing them. It's just sorrow, plain and simple.

It's still quite pretentious and patronizing.

 

[superdeluxe]

Wow. Thanks for proving my point.

"I feel sorry for people who don't [love this movie]."

Whats your point? You call that a bash?

 

[Squiggy]

Wow. Thanks for proving my point.

"I feel sorry for people who don't [love this movie]."

I have a feeling that you're not going to enjoy your time here.

 

[erebus]

i don't think any opinons are being stifled here: everyone has been free to say what they think and even the makers of the film have invited comment in order to make better ones in future.

And any arguments etc are but borne of welcome passion and concientious opinion and on the whole people have accepted this and gone with it.

I think it just looks like there's repression of criticism because of the balance of opinions are actually on the good side, and most people are happy with the film despite all the highlighted shortcomings because in view of the daunting challenge of what the makers and crew had to overcome, they prioritised and succeeded with guts, verve and professional skill.

It really is a masterpiece and its flaws only increases its charm for me and reflects the challenge that was met honourably.

 

[Cakes488]

"[Reviewing this movie is] a daunting task because the producers and Internet reviewers have set up a scenario in which the movie is beyond criticism. If you don't simply accept everything the film presents then you are branded a "nit-picker" who can't see past his strict adherence to canon..."

From here.

I have definitely seen this attitude across this board, even in my short time here.

Why is it so hard to accept that intelligent people can disagree about the aesthetics of a movie? Disagreeing with someone doesn't make them retarded, stupid, lifeless, etc.

This new movie is Star Trek (because it's labeled as such), whether you like the movie or not.

And quoting things like Nimoy's appearance on SNL is ridiculous. "Like it or you're a dickhead," is about as juvenile as you can get. Grow up.

And quoting things like Nimoy's SNL appearance is practically abuse. "Like it or you're a dickhead," is about as juvenile as you can get.

It is canon (because it's on screen), whether you like it or not.

But, that doesn't preclude having discussions about whether people liked the movie. Nor does it preclude people from pointing out the internal flaws of this film. Nor does it preclude discussing the themes, philosophy, moral, etc of this film when compared to the rest of the franchise.

We're all Trek fans here, leave the bashing and bullshit for the rest of the internets.

And quoting things like Nimoy's appearance on SNL is just ridiculous. "If you don't like this you're a dickhead," is about as juvenile as you can get. Grow up.

Yeah quoting that from Nimoy (3 times) is just plain old immature!! Come on people....let's grow up here!!

So instead I'm going to quote you quoting Nimoy to call people dickheads...see that little workaround I came up with!

 

[Cdr MacDuff]

I think most people take the movie for what it is. A good summer blockbuster action movie without much depth but with a lot of fun factor. Its low on the drama, exploration and/or social commentaries side, but high on action and humor.

I think many people agreed its what Star Trek needed at this moment to keep Star Trek alive. Other future movie or TV shows will possibly have better storylines and drama.

 

[Qonos]

As long as your points are well thought out and not a blatant swipe at the movie because

"DARHUH IT'S NOT STAR TREK"

It's fair game.

You didn't like the lens Flare? Fair game
You didn't feel Pegg worked as Scotty? Fair game.
You thought it was rediculous that Delta Vega was right next to Vulcan? Fair game

But put your thoughts out there honestly and without malice..

And stick to your guns, give your honest first impression and don't re-think it. That's called waffling, and it makes you look like a fool.