Weekend Actuals are In: A&D:46.5, ST:43 million

I'm still confused by this. In Star Trek canon, isn't a "flop" a place to sleep? I mean really why do all the boo birds keep calling this a comfortable pad to lay one's feet?!?

Spoiler: See:

The City on the Edge of Forever

 

I agree, and my overall reaction to the movie is positive (going back for my third viewing this weekend ). I thought as a reboot of the franchise and a re-introduction to the characters the movie worked very, very well.

My point regarding the origin story and connection to Spock Prime was more that these things do clutter up the story a bit and require a lot of attention so it is perhaps not too surprising that the film doesn't explore a central idea or theme to the fullest.

Also, I think there is every reason to believe the next movie will be stronger and more unified thematically. The connection to the "prime universe" was especially messy and contrived, so I'm looking forward to a movie that does not have to spend time on that.

 

Totally agree.

 

As far as this Trek's themes are concerned, I feel like this movie wants to be about dealing with loss. There is that unforgettable opening sequence. Then there is Nero, who is driven mad by loss. And Spock, who tries to repress his grief. And finally James T. Kirk who as a young man runs from the loss of his father, but later learns to face it and overcome it.

As much as I enjoyed the movie, I feel a tad frustrated by it, too, partly because I feel the potential for greatness was there, but that this movie falls short of greatness (while remaining an exciting film and an effective reboot).

The reason for this shortcoming is, I believe, the fact the the theme of dealing with loss is never explored to the fullest extent. Nero is not given enough screen time to be involved in the development of the theme. The destruction of Vulcan does not match the opening sequence in emotional depth and grandeur. The series of glaring coincidences on Delta Vega interrupt the flow of the plot. And the theme of loss recedes into the background in the final confrontation of the film.

That said, if the next movie improves from here, we could most definitely be looking at greatness in the next film. I feel like current Trek is on the cusp but not truly there yet.