D MINUS for TMP

[RobertScorpio]

Well, we reviewed Star Trek The Motion Picture. We being myself, my friend Bill, and my nephew Jed. (My other friend refused to sit through TMP again.)

With a possible 150 pts available, TMP only scored 84 points, which is only 56%...landing a D- as its overall score.

We watched it on Bluray on my friend's 55 inch, 240hz TV. And here were the following conclusions. (This was the original theatric release)

My nephew, Jed, a TREK fan, and twenty-three years old, found the movie utterly boring with terrible acting and direction. His over all score, on a 1-10 scale, was a 3. Very bad. He felt the movie was about as horrible as The Black Hole.

Bill gave it an overall score of 6.2. He felt that the Music and FX were the only saving grace of the film and saved it from a sub 5 score. He felt Shatner/Nimoy/Kelly were okay, but the other actors were a let down, including some of the cast regulars, but chiefly Collins and Persis.

I was the more 'agreeable' reviewer. I ended up giving TMP an overall score of 7. The movie does suffer from pacing and acting issues. The music/FX really do lift this movie from a failing grade. I do like the movie, as a fanboy. But as a movie? It fails to really do anything, other than the music/fx, above average.

Because TMP was such a downer on us, we will not review KHAN for another couple weeks. Instead, we will be watching/reviewing A CLOCKWORK ORANGE. I haven't seen this movie in decades, Jed never has, Mike hasn't for a long time, and Bill (this is his choice) saw it about three years ago.

That review will published in the SCIFI forum. The following week will be, if Jed follows through with his intentions, Terminator Salvation. I am the only one of the four who hasn't see Terminator Salvation.

So...in conclusion; STAR TREK THE MOTION PICTURE did not hold up well. STAR TREK THE WRATH OF KHAN will be reviewed sometime in January


Rob

 

[Penhall99]

I personally find the Director's Edition to be a stronger film. It's Robert Wise's preferred cut of the film, and the one he wanted to release back in Dec. of '79.

So I think you guys should go back and review that one!

And for the record, I've always liked TMP....

 

[RobertScorpio]

I personally find the Director's Edition to be a stronger film. It's Robert Wise's preferred cut of the film, and the one he wanted to release back in Dec. of '79.

So I think you guys should go back and review that one!

And for the record, I've always liked TMP....

But the theatrical version is the one that got released. And, sadly to say, the only movies that we can review are movies that are released in Bluray (my rule by the way). So, until Paramount ponnies up the $$$ to redo the effects again, and this time in HD, TMP's theatric version will have to do.

I am sure Khan and the others will do better; but you never know. The last time we (Bill and I) did this (2003 before Nemesis came out) there were some strange results back then too. But with Mike (not a Trekkie/Trekker like us) and young Jed in the mix, these could be interesting times ahead for the TREK movies. I anticipate some heated debates between the four of us when we get to some of the more 'interesting' Trek movies and their related issues.

Rob

 

[xortex]

The funny thing was Shatner knew it was bad and boring and told them to punch up the antagonist and they didn't. I would like to get a crack at rewriting it. I would have it mind control spock and turn him evil or something like that. Bring back the klingons. Have the alien race, the wan, that v'ger created show up. The possibilities are endless.

 

[RobertScorpio]

The funny thing was Shatner knew it was bad and boring and told them to punch up the antagonist and they didn't. I would like to get a crack at rewriting it. I would have it mind control spock and turn him evil or something like that. Bring back the klingons. Have the alien race, the wan, that v'ger created show up. The possibilities are endless.

I agree. I also think Paramounts demand to keep it a RATED G movie really gutted it too. They should have had those Klingons come back at the end and battle the enterprise. I mean, the only time the Enterprise even fires a weapon is at that damn asteroid in the wormhole.

At the heart of TMP there is a good story, good movie potential. It just doesn't come through the final product.

Rob

 

[Penhall99]

I personally find the Director's Edition to be a stronger film. It's Robert Wise's preferred cut of the film, and the one he wanted to release back in Dec. of '79.

So I think you guys should go back and review that one!

And for the record, I've always liked TMP....

But the theatrical version is the one that got released. And, sadly to say, the only movies that we can review are movies that are released in Bluray (my rule by the way). So, until Paramount ponnies up the $$$ to redo the effects again, and this time in HD, TMP's theatric version will have to do.

I am sure Khan and the others will do better; but you never know. The last time we (Bill and I) did this (2003 before Nemesis came out) there were some strange results back then too. But with Mike (not a Trekkie/Trekker like us) and young Jed in the mix, these could be interesting times ahead for the TREK movies. I anticipate some heated debates between the four of us when we get to some of the more 'interesting' Trek movies and their related issues.

Rob

Yeah, I'm hoping we'll get the extended cuts on blu-ray soon. Probably when the next Trek movie comes out. And I pray Paramount will let Shatner do a Director's Edition for Trek V.

I'm actually curious to see what your results will be with Trek V. I personally really like it, but I know most fans (and non-fans) loathe it.

 

[RobertScorpio]

I personally find the Director's Edition to be a stronger film. It's Robert Wise's preferred cut of the film, and the one he wanted to release back in Dec. of '79.

So I think you guys should go back and review that one!

And for the record, I've always liked TMP....

But the theatrical version is the one that got released. And, sadly to say, the only movies that we can review are movies that are released in Bluray (my rule by the way). So, until Paramount ponnies up the $$$ to redo the effects again, and this time in HD, TMP's theatric version will have to do.

I am sure Khan and the others will do better; but you never know. The last time we (Bill and I) did this (2003 before Nemesis came out) there were some strange results back then too. But with Mike (not a Trekkie/Trekker like us) and young Jed in the mix, these could be interesting times ahead for the TREK movies. I anticipate some heated debates between the four of us when we get to some of the more 'interesting' Trek movies and their related issues.

Rob

Yeah, I'm hoping we'll get the extended cuts on blu-ray soon. Probably when the next Trek movie comes out. And I pray Paramount will let Shatner do a Director's Edition for Trek V.

I'm actually curious to see what your results will be with Trek V. I personally really like it, but I know most fans (and non-fans) loathe it.

Oh Pehall..you don't know the half of it. I too like V, but will take an unbiased approach. Bill hates it and thinks Nemesis is better. After we saw Nemesis, we went to dinner at the Olive Guarden and got kicked out over our argument as to which of those two movies were better.

We both know, havent said anything, but we both know V and Nemesis are going to get reviewed. We are begging Mike (who doesn't like either of them ) not to blow them off because we need his numbers.

I am sure Paramount will release TMP in Bluray in all its different forms. Its easy $$$ for them. I will be first in line to get mine!!!

Rob

 

[Therin of Andor]

After we saw Nemesis, we went to dinner at the Olive Guarden and got kicked out over our argument as to which of those two movies were better.

ST:TMP remains my favourite movie of all time, not just my favourite ST movie. JJ's ST XI is now my second favourite, managing to give me almost the same level of immersion into a film that TMP did in 1979.

 

[RobertScorpio]

After we saw Nemesis, we went to dinner at the Olive Guarden and got kicked out over our argument as to which of those two movies were better.

ST:TMP remains my favourite movie of all time, not just my favourite ST movie. JJ's ST XI is now my second favourite, managing to give me almost the same level of immersion into a film that TMP did in 1979.

Well, I did open this thread and wanted people to review it. NOT just by memory, but by seeing it again fresh. If you would like to review it, and be added to my list of 'sanctioned' reviewers (and have your numbers thrown into the mix) send me a PM and I will send you the very simple review sheet I created and add you to the list of reviewers...which is short so far...(Microsoft Excel by the way)

But alas, as I said, we will be resting TREK until early January when we do KHAN. Next week we will be reviewing A CLOCKWORK ORANGE. If you want to join us you can. If you have XBOX360 I am considering opening a chatline as we watch the movie so as to be sure that those who are reviewing are actually reviewing it and not going by memory only.


RobertScorpio (me)
Bill (Good friend)
Mike (good friend)
Jed (nephew).

 

[Therin of Andor]

I did open this thread and wanted people to review it. NOT just by memory, but by seeing it again fresh.

I see it again fresh quite regularly, thanks.

But the movie brings me pleasure in ways it obviously doesn't do for you and your friends, so traumatized by the experience you must now cleanse your minds with... "A Clockwork Orange"?

That's fine, and nothing I say about TMP, after all this time, will change your own recent experiences watching it.

And look out for that young Soran getting up to mischief!

 

[RobertScorpio]

I did open this thread and wanted people to review it. NOT just by memory, but by seeing it again fresh.

I see it again fresh quite regularly, thanks.

But the movie brings me pleasure in ways it obviously doesn't do for you and your friends, so traumatized by the experience you must now cleanse your minds with... "A Clockwork Orange"?

That's fine, and nothing I say about TMP, after all this time, will change your own recent experiences watching it.

And look out for that young Soran getting up to mischief!

It will be fun to see young Soran in his prime.

The overall grading of TMP is being dampened by Jed's harsh numbers. We grade on five aspects. (Acting--Directing--Story--FX and Music). If you want to raise up that number, then you should review it. Be honest in your reviewing of it, but if you want to join the 'sanctioned' reviewers, let me know via PM, and I'll scoot you over the review sheet I have, you email back your numbers, and you might help get that D- up.

Rob

 

[Hober Mallow]

The funny thing was Shatner knew it was bad and boring and told them to punch up the antagonist and they didn't. I would like to get a crack at rewriting it. I would have it mind control spock and turn him evil or something like that. Bring back the klingons. Have the alien race, the wan, that v'ger created show up. The possibilities are endless.

You could also have the crew do an Irish jig on the saucer, but would any of those things underscore or support the theme of the film?

 

[Chrisisall]

TMP remains my favourite movie of all time, not just my favourite ST movie.

Interesting. It's in my top 10, and no other single Trek film is. But 2, 3 & 4, taken as a single story, would be my favourite Trek AND overall film of all time. Maybe.

 

[Hober Mallow]

I don't see how 2, 3, and 4 can be taken as a "trilogy." TSFS contradicts the theme of the prior film, and TVH is a pretty stand-alone story.

 

[Chrisisall]

I don't see how 2, 3, and 4 can be taken as a "trilogy." TSFS contradicts the theme of the prior film, and TVH is a pretty stand-alone story.

Sorry, not much time for foolish nonsense here- the fact that Kirk indicated his feeling of youth in no way negates his longing for his friend. The latter point is pointless.

 

[Nerys Myk]

The funny thing was Shatner knew it was bad and boring and told them to punch up the antagonist and they didn't. I would like to get a crack at rewriting it. I would have it mind control spock and turn him evil or something like that. Bring back the klingons. Have the alien race, the wan, that v'ger created show up. The possibilities are endless.

Who or what is stopping you?

 

[Too Much Fun]

Slightly off-topic, but I'd just like to say I thought "The Black Hole" was pretty damn good. Not brilliant or anything, but very enjoyable and visually wonderful. I especially liked the big reveals towards the end. I borrowed it from a friend not knowing anything about it and was throughly entertained, much more than I was when watching "Star Trek: The Motion Picture".

 

[Therin of Andor]

I don't see how 2, 3, and 4 can be taken as a "trilogy."

A few years ago, the three Vonda McIntyre novelizations came out as a trade-sized reprint omnibus with the title, "Duty, Honor, Redemption". Essentially one big story.

When taken as a trilogy of movies, Spock dies, rises again, and is transformed into a higher level of being than he was before, more than the sum of all his parts. Sounds like the stuff a trilogy is made of to me.

 

[KirkSpockTOSFan]

I didn't think TMP was as good movie as all the others. The others seemed to go along with the tv show some bit, but it was still exciting and intresting. TMP to me didnt even seem like Star Trek at all, it was like watching something else, witch was boring. And the mood of the charcters just didnt fit our meomable favorite charcters that we see in the tv show and other movies. Not to metion the special effects and costumes were terriable. Thats my oppion of course.

 

[Jeyl]

But the theatrical version is the one that got released. And, sadly to say, the only movies that we can review are movies that are released in Bluray (my rule by the way).

That's a pretty silly and dumb rule. What's wrong with DVDs?