An Interesting Take on the JJ Abrams Films

[martok2112]

Here's a test to tell if something is Star Trek or not:

Good effort, but...

1) Does the product contain the words "Star Trek" in the title?

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1489257/

2) Does the product feature characters or elements from previous Star Trek products?

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0182503/

3) Is the product produced or licensed as a Star Trek product?

OMG, I remember having one of those as a kid. Only got to use it once. A random, strong gust of wind came along and blew it away.

And I got it for being good at the doctor (not bawling out bloody murder for getting a shot.) I bawled worse when I saw my parachuting Mr. Spock being blown away.

Heh... and it at least seemed like Star Trek 2009 got this right too... for there were three sky diving parachutists in that movie.

(Oh, and the product does at least say "official" on it. LOL!)

 

[Mudd]

This is definitely Star Trek.

 

[Franklin]

Here's a test to tell if something is Star Trek or not:

Good effort, but...



http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1489257/



http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0182503/

3) Is the product produced or licensed as a Star Trek product?

OMG, I remember having one of those as a kid. Only got to use it once. A random, strong gust of wind came along and blew it away.

And I got it for being good at the doctor (not bawling out bloody murder for getting a shot.) I bawled worse when I saw my parachuting Mr. Spock being blown away.

Heh... and it at least seemed like Star Trek 2009 got this right too... for there were three sky diving parachutists in that movie.

(Oh, and the product does at least say "official" on it. LOL!)

YOU TOOK IT OUT OF THE PACKAGE?!

 

[Kor]

Now there's an idea.
I have been rather disappointed at the lack of decent (and actually fun) toys to tie in to the NuTrek movies.

Kor

 

[martok2112]

Good effort, but...



http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1489257/



http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0182503/

OMG, I remember having one of those as a kid. Only got to use it once. A random, strong gust of wind came along and blew it away.

And I got it for being good at the doctor (not bawling out bloody murder for getting a shot.) I bawled worse when I saw my parachuting Mr. Spock being blown away.

Heh... and it at least seemed like Star Trek 2009 got this right too... for there were three sky diving parachutists in that movie.

(Oh, and the product does at least say "official" on it. LOL!)

YOU TOOK IT OUT OF THE PACKAGE?!

I know!!!! I was yooouuunnnnngggg!!!! Oh, the folly and lack of foresight that was youth! It was the needle, I tell you! They put something in it!

THE NEEEDLE MAAAAAAADE MEE DOOOOOO IIIIIIITTTTT!!!!!

GaaahhhhhhhhhhH!!!!!!!

 

[Crazy Eddie]

^ I bought the "assault phaser" from TUC when I was about 10. Thought it was really cool, in fact it was my favorite phaser for a long time. Then leant it to my cousin who sat on it and broke it.

Went online trying to get a replacement; It now sells for $300.

 

[Joel_Kirk]

I don't know if Darkush mentioned it but there is also the Happy Meals or Burger King Kids meals. (I don't eat fast food anymore, so I don't know if I would back it as much....even though it would be money. Remember Star Trek III had the Taco Bell glasses that wer modeled on glasses in the pub scene).

Another random thought: It's interesting how JJ Abrams' neck was on the line if Star Wars failed. Based on the reviews online, since I haven't seen it yet, it was evident. Albeit, that wasn't so with Star Trek. You didn't (or don't) see a barrage of articles online speculating about the new films (e.g. 2013 or 2016 films) or the cast everywhere promoting the films, etc.

Trek still seems to be for a niche audience.

Maybe there needs to be a Lawrence Kasdan to write the fourth film? Obviously, these movies are successful, but maybe their needs to be someone like a director and writer (because Damon Lindelof wasn't cutting it) who can ramp things up even more.

 

[DarKush]

I don't know if Darkush mentioned it but there is also the Happy Meals or Burger King Kids meals. (I don't eat fast food anymore, so I don't know if I would back it as much....even though it would be money. Remember Star Trek III had the Taco Bell glasses that wer modeled on glasses in the pub scene).

Another random thought: It's interesting how JJ Abrams' neck was on the line if Star Wars failed. Based on the reviews online, since I haven't seen it yet, it was evident. Albeit, that wasn't so with Star Trek. You didn't (or don't) see a barrage of articles online speculating about the new films (e.g. 2013 or 2016 films) or the cast everywhere promoting the films, etc.

Trek still seems to be for a niche audience.

Maybe there needs to be a Lawrence Kasdan to write the fourth film? Obviously, these movies are successful, but maybe their needs to be someone like a director and writer (because Damon Lindelof wasn't cutting it) who can ramp things up even more.

I didn't think about it Joel, but actually that's a great idea (not a healthy one mind you, but heck I still eat fast food). But in terms of branding and marketing, having Star Trek hook up with a fast food titan is a good way to get the name out. Maybe sell some toys-little Enterprises, action figures, or phasers, what have you.

 

[drt]

.Not too mention, I like how the Youtuber points out the differences between the Kirk and crew movies from the 70s and 80s, and how those particular films slowly diverged from the original television series.

I'd put that partly down to the age of the actors, it's hard to have a crazy action-packed space romp when you're afraid someone will break a hip. But I'd say the major factor was Roddenberry's burgeoning guru-dom - if TMP had been more like the original show, the trajectory in the 80s would have been completely different.

 

[Joel_Kirk]

I didn't think about it Joel, but actually that's a great idea (not a healthy one mind you, but heck I still eat fast food). But in terms of branding and marketing, having Star Trek hook up with a fast food titan is a good way to get the name out. Maybe sell some toys-little Enterprises, action figures, or phasers, what have you.

Or even a Star Trek cereal:

Spock-O's?

Star Wars had 'C-3PO's' as well as shortbread cookies when Return of the Jedi rolled out.

.Not too mention, I like how the Youtuber points out the differences between the Kirk and crew movies from the 70s and 80s, and how those particular films slowly diverged from the original television series.

I'd put that partly down to the age of the actors, it's hard to have a crazy action-packed space romp when you're afraid someone will break a hip. But I'd say the major factor was Roddenberry's burgeoning guru-dom - if TMP had been more like the original show, the trajectory in the 80s would have been completely different.

I agree with you, drt....but I did find it kind of amusing that Shatner (and members of the production) really wanted to ramp up the action in Star Trek V as well as Star Trek VI. Particularly movie V, which was Shatner's baby.

Now, with that said, older guys have been bringing it (e.g. Denzel Washington in "The Equalizer" and Liam Neeson in "Taken" and its clones, Sylvester Stallone in the "Expendables" and its sequels, even Michelle Yeoh, Jet Li, Donnie Yen) but Shatner and crew weren't exactly in shape.

 

[suarezguy]

The take seemed pretty trivial and unconvincing to me. The new films obviously included some direct homages to the series and more broadly tried to emulate some of the story and visual elements (sure bright colors, adventures and animals on creepy planets, titillation) but that hardly means it is overall "shockingly similar." That the classic movies used different uniforms and Kirk in a different stage in his life (that they were follow-ups rather than remakes doesn't mean they didn't acknowledge the series took place) doesn't mean the reboot films are closer to the series.

I thought 09 was at least OK while ID was terrible. There's not a lot that's outright wrong and untrue to the series but I think Kirk and Spock are pretty changed and for the worse.
Most of new Kirk's actions seem like he should command and be cheered for by the audience because he's right and he's the star rather than because, like Picard, he does deliberate with his crew and himself about what is the right thing to do (he might have learned something from the end of ID).
That Spock sort of flirted with Uhura twice early on in the series seems outweighed that almost throughout the rest of the series he was so reserved; I didn't dislike his romance with Uhura in 09 but the bickering in ID seemed to only undermine the characters; that he fought with Kirk while he was drug-uninhibited & had been called a traitor and circus freak and with new Kirk after he had challenged his command decisions seem much more different than similar.

I feel that the original series was a mix of action-adventure and drama, with a bit more of the former overall, while TNG was primarily drama with some action-adventure, different but not tremendously different, and I do generally like both.

 

[wulfio]

That's the problem, it's not that JJ didn't do his homework about Star Trek, it's that these JJ films are nothing but winks to the audience. It's just one homage after another linked by action sequences. The movie spent so much time showing us that it was Star Trek, that it forget to tell us a unique, and thought provoking story.

And though I loved the new Star Wars movie, among its flaws was that it showed too much reverence to the source material at the expense of story telling. It's JJ Abrams calling card. He is a bad story teller; whether it's tv or film. You'll find all kinds of clever references, but not so much in the way of compelling narratives.

Write a good story and an interesting antagonist, don't wank me off for 2 hours with fan service.

 

[Amaris]

Here's a test to tell if something is Star Trek or not:

1) Does the product contain the words "Star Trek" in the title?
If Yes, it is Star Trek
If No, see question #2

2) Does the product feature characters or elements from previous Star Trek products?
If Yes, it is Star Trek
If No, see question #3

3) Is the product produced or licensed as a Star Trek product?
If Yes, it is Star Trek
If No, it probably isn't. I guess.

I don't follow.

No, I kid, I kid. I agree. I also agree that people should feel free to love the Trek they love, without others tearing them down for it. That said, there really are episodes of Trek I can't stand for one reason or another, but Trek as a whole? I still love it, and I can't wait for the 3rd Abrams film, well, nuTrek film since he's not helming it this time around.

There's so much richness in the Star Trek universe, and lots more stories to tell. Someone liking the new films isn't the death of Star Trek, or a hateful letter to classic Trek (or any other Trek), or any other kind of silliness. It's just one more iteration of the Star Trek universe.

 

[Joel_Kirk]

That's the problem, it's not that JJ didn't do his homework about Star Trek, it's that these JJ films are nothing but winks to the audience. It's just one homage after another linked by action sequences. The movie spent so much time showing us that it was Star Trek, that it forget to tell us a unique, and thought provoking story.

And though I loved the new Star Wars movie, among its flaws was that it showed too much reverence to the source material at the expense of story telling. It's JJ Abrams calling card. He is a bad story teller; whether it's tv or film. You'll find all kinds of clever references, but not so much in the way of compelling narratives.

Write a good story and an interesting antagonist, don't wank me off for 2 hours with fan service.

I think Abrams succeeded with Star Wars since he had Kasdan as screenwriter. And yes, Abrams isn't a very good screenwriter (e.g. his proposed script for Superman Returns/Superman 5; Super 8....) but he definitely has a visual eye. And no, I don't mind the lens flares!

It's going to be interesting to see the differences as 'different' directors and screenwriters come in to take over the next Star Wars and Star Trek films.

 

[wulfio]

That's the problem, it's not that JJ didn't do his homework about Star Trek, it's that these JJ films are nothing but winks to the audience. It's just one homage after another linked by action sequences. The movie spent so much time showing us that it was Star Trek, that it forget to tell us a unique, and thought provoking story.

And though I loved the new Star Wars movie, among its flaws was that it showed too much reverence to the source material at the expense of story telling. It's JJ Abrams calling card. He is a bad story teller; whether it's tv or film. You'll find all kinds of clever references, but not so much in the way of compelling narratives.

Write a good story and an interesting antagonist, don't wank me off for 2 hours with fan service.

I think Abrams succeeded with Star Wars since he had Kasdan as screenwriter. And yes, Abrams isn't a very good screenwriter (e.g. his proposed script for Superman Returns/Superman 5; Super 8....) but he definitely has a visual eye. And no, I don't mind the lens flares!

It's going to be interesting to see the differences as 'different' directors and screenwriters come in to take over the next Star Wars and Star Trek films.

Agreed. Abrams is great visually. And he is really good at tone and atmosphere. I believe with this world he has re-established, the Star Wars movies will only get better.

I have no idea what to think about Star Trek. But considering Pegg was irritated with how this trailer was cut, I am actually hopeful I will enjoy this one, unlike the previous two. Although, despite the marketing possibly being inaccurate of the tone of the film, I did see an unfortunate number of action comedy tropes in one tiny trailer.

 

[Yminale]

My criticism about the Abramverse.

1. Captain Kirk was "the youngest captain in starfleet" AT 30 years old. Even so, he was given command because of his MATURITY that was beyond his year. Captain Jerk we see in abramverse is a CARICATURE. He's basically a list of Kirk meme's that's been collecting over the years. Kirk is a romantic and a gentleman not a Man-whore. He rarely disobeys orders and he most often out thinks his enemies than fist smack them. Kirk reprogramming the "Kobayashi Maru" scenario was about basic fairness THAT EVERYBODY AGREED WITH.

2. Spock exploration of humanity was much more subtle (except when he was mind controlled). He's not the I'm banging Uhura jerk we seen in the Abram's movie.

3. And where the heck is the brotherhood between Kirk and Spock that was the core of TOS. They can barely stand each other in the movies.

4. Mcoy is a non-entity in the film. In TOS he was the moral center.

5. Finally the Abramprise is crap. The Enterprise refit is beautiful and the original wasn't half bad.

 

[Yminale]

I have no idea what to think about Star Trek. But considering Pegg was irritated with how this trailer was cut, I am actually hopeful I will enjoy this one, unlike the previous two. Although, despite the marketing possibly being inaccurate of the tone of the film, I did see an unfortunate number of action comedy tropes in one tiny trailer.

Good Star Trek is a balance between pulp scifi and exploration of the human condition. The new trailer doesn't show either. The new Captain America movie is more Star Trek than Star Trek. I don't think Pegg get's it even if he's a fan.

 

[drt]

Captain Kirk was "the youngest captain in starfleet" AT 30 years old. Even so, he was given command because of his MATURITY that was beyond his year. Captain Jerk we see in abramverse is a CARICATURE. He's basically a list of Kirk meme's that's been collecting over the years. Kirk is a romantic and a gentleman not a Man-whore. He rarely disobeys orders and he most often out thinks his enemies than fist smack them. Kirk reprogramming the "Kobayashi Maru" scenario was about basic fairness THAT EVERYBODY AGREED WITH.

nuKirk is basically Meyer movieKirk + popculturemisperceptionKirk neither of which was much like the original.

 

[Overgeeked]

I'd imagine that I'm far more knowledgeable about its collective contents than you are.

Don't make it personal.

Indeed.

It really is just absurd at this point, isn't it.

The guy in the video makes some good points about the references, I'll give him that. But bloody hell, he does not know the definition of the word reboot.

 

[M'Sharak]

I'd imagine that I'm far more knowledgeable about its collective contents than you are.

Don't make it personal.

Indeed.

It really is just absurd at this point, isn't it.

You've been asked more than once not to do in-thread callouts. The prescribed method for registering a complaint or comment on a moderator action has been explained to you, also more than once.

That you're again doing an in-thread callout out here indicates to me that A) you're intentionally trying to disrupt the thread, and B) you're putting your virtual hand up and saying "Hey! I demand a warning!" (Not the first time that's happened, either, come to think of it.)

So very well - here's your warning. All comments concerning this action are to be conducted via PM.

Back to topic, please.