Of Gods And Men *POSSIBLE SPOILERS*

[Danny99]

I wasn't exactly sure where to place this thread, so Mods move it if it needs to be! This is also a very long post, so be ready for a novel!

As I flipped through random videos on YouTube, I came across "Star Trek: Of Gods and Men," a three episode movie. I expected it to be a fan wank with some of our more "active" fans taking part. I was glad to see I was very mistaken.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0835378/plotsummary (for the plot summary)

There are some actors who really shine here and there are some who are just dreadful:

Walter Koenig is especially great as her mirror counterpart, a bitter man who loses his family. Having never seen him as an evil character on Babylon 5 (or at least I think he was evil), it was weird to see him in such a role, but he excelled.

Alan Ruck put in a strong performance as Harriman. In Generations, he was written as a weak useless character for the service of the story. But in "Of Gods and Men" he has several good scenes that balance out any bad ones.

Kudos must also go out to Gary Graham, Chase Masterson, and J.G. Hertzler, who always put in great performances in any Trek role they are given.

Unfortunately, Nichelle Nichols is painfully bad. It was like taking the character straight out of the 60's and plopping it down into this. She had no definition and no character. It was just painful.

Garrett Wang...why? Could they have not found a Trek alumni with acting ability?

The production values made it obvious it was a low budget, but I for one was able to overlook that and enjoy the piece for what the artists intended: a homage to Trek and to Gene Roddenberry.

Comments? Thoughts?

 

[urolles]

For a variety of reasons this particular production really does resonate very well with my personal preferences concerning storytelling within the TOS portion of the Star Trek franchise.
So much so in fact, that I did post the following review/letter of appreciation as a feedback-note to the filmmakers´ forum a couple of months ago:


" As I keep coming back, again and again, to watch this production, more frequently actually than many other of the "official" entries into the STAR TREK universe, I do feel a growing need to publicly express my appreciation for your endeavor, and to explain why this film works so well for me as a viewer.

In my case, it comes down to mainly two components of the production, first and foremost the script, and secondly the performances of the actors.

With regard to the script, I marvel at how accurately it captures the trademark STAR TREK balance between elements of (pop-cultural) social commentary, moments of character exploration and silly, but fun swashbuckling space adventure. Not only do I find all those elements present, but combined in such a manner, as to keep a very apt pacing of the overall plot. The characters do get enough room to breath (one of several elements that I find missing from the Abrams version of TREK), yet the dialog does not drag on too long, and even the space battles (mostly) know when to end before they get tiring.

And, with regard to the specific issues addressed, the riffs on the -freedom vs. security- theme, as well as the -the ends justify (or not) the means- issue, both certainly do fit in very well with other topics tackled previously on STAR TREK. The exploration of these issues works even better here as the opposing positions are embodied by alternative versions of our protagonists, rather than by some outside force. This choice further heightens the narrative tension quite effectively.

Another element of the story that works equally well for me as a viewer, is the continued exploration of some of the more personal issues the main characters all have wrestled with over the course of their long and ongoing careers in STAR FLEET.
Either by design, or by a delightful coincidence STOGAM continues and completes one ongoing theme in particular that has been dealt with previously, not only in many of the later TOS movies, but in some ST NEW VOYAGES episodes as well.

TWOK, TSFS, and TFF, as well as TSAMD and WEAT, all present us with some insight into how the various TOS protagonists tackle the consequences of their respective decisions to sacrifice private family life for an ongoing professional career. All these different sources combined help us develop an increasingly more complete picture of each character´s specific attitudes, coping mechanisms and reactions to second chances (or lack thereof) in life.
And now it is STOGAM, which finally renders us the one last missing piece of information, namely Uhura´s stance with regard to all of this.

Aside from the already mentioned narrative contributions to the larger STAR TREK universe, I also especially value STOGAMS´s role in the continuation and the strengthening of the one approach to storytelling and character development that in the context of US TV and movie narratives is quite unique to STAR TREK.
Over the course of the last more than 40 years the TOS protagonists have been allowed not only to grow and mature, but to truly age as well. Yet, they manage to remain at the center of the narrative rather than to morph into restrained, advise-dispensing mentor figures, revered but marginalized.

STOGAM combines astute script writing that captures and broadens the previously established voices of the characters, the actual physical presence of Nichelle Nichols and Walter Koenig and the duo´s particular acting choices, gifting us thereby with believable, dignified and moving protagonists.
Both, the characters and the actors carry the story effortlessly, without ever having to pretend that they still are and forever will be 35 year-olds in disguise.

Add to that the equally effective writing, as well as the convincing portrayal of almost all of the other major characters, and I find that even the more lightweight, fun but fan-ish plot elements, such as the -who would win in a fight between two iconic characters- story motive, do not damage the overall script quality at all.

Certainly, I would not call STOGAM perfect on every level of execution. But, any quibbles I might have about some of the choices made with regard to costuming, cinematography, editing or SFX realization pale in comparison to the considerable charm of this production. Therefore, these few criticisms of mine do not detract in any way from my enjoyment of watching the story unfold.

So, in conclusion, let me once again thank everyone involved, cast and crew, professionals and amateurs, for their determination, skill and persistence (and in Paramount`s/ CBS´s case for their willingness to cast a blind eye) in the realization of this project.
Be assured that I will be coming back for many more repeat viewings of the little gem, that is STOGAM. "

 

[Misfit Toy]

Moving this to the Fan Productions forum...

 

[Barbreader]

Just FYI. This is their website, where you can download higher quality video than on You Tube: http://startrekofgodsandmen.com/main/

This is my review: http://startrekreviewed.blogspot.com/2009/06/24.html

 

[Tom]

Thanks Barb, and thanks Canadaboy and Urolles for your review of our film. It's been almost 2 years since we released this and it's nice to know were still catching some new viewers. Hopefully any future productions will be even better, until such time, I would encourage everyone to watch all of Phase2's episodes and appreciate the further exploits in the TOS (prime) universe.

 

[stonester1]

I picked this up on DVD and very much enjoyed it as well.

I hope more Star Trek fan releases actually make it out on DVD, as that is my preferred viewing medium when it comes to film.

I got the free copy when I bought Inalienable, btw. If any of you haven't seen it, I also recommend it.

 

[Tom]

We have Starz (Ancor Bay) distributing Inalienable. It will be available on January 26th. You can order it it from Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/InAlienable-Erick-Avari/dp/B002M2Z3TC

Unfortunatly we can not do this with STOGAM since CBS own the rights to Star Trek.

 

[Admiral Buzzkill]

I picked this up on DVD and very much enjoyed it as well.

I hope more Star Trek fan releases actually make it out on DVD, as that is my preferred viewing medium when it comes to film.

I got the free copy when I bought Inalienable, btw. If any of you haven't seen it, I also recommend it.

Yeah, if you're on the email list they'll sell you a copy of OGAM for $19.95. It comes with an autographed picture of the cast.

 

[buckeyenation]

watched this the other day, and i have to say, it didn't totally suck. it's not going to win any awards, mind you, but a nice effort none the less. it does help, however, if you keep your expectations low before viewing it.

 

[Bill Morris]

I've watched a few times and do appreciate the efforts of all involved.

 

[wjaspers]

watched this the other day, and i have to say, it didn't totally suck. it's not going to win any awards, mind you, but a nice effort none the less. it does help, however, if you keep your expectations low before viewing it.

http://startrekofgodsandmen.com/mai...oduction-award&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=147

 

[Tom]

watched this the other day, and i have to say, it didn't totally suck. it's not going to win any awards, mind you, but a nice effort none the less. it does help, however, if you keep your expectations low before viewing it.

http://startrekofgodsandmen.com/mai...oduction-award&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=147

This is the link to watch it:

http://startrekofgodsandmen.com/main/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=127

You know, the movie is not for everyone, (like Enterprise is not for everyone lol). It was made for free and took a long time in post-production (getting the vfx done). so it is what it is, some like it, some do not, like anything else in this world.

 

[Tom]

I picked this up on DVD and very much enjoyed it as well.

I hope more Star Trek fan releases actually make it out on DVD, as that is my preferred viewing medium when it comes to film.

I got the free copy when I bought Inalienable, btw. If any of you haven't seen it, I also recommend it.

Yeah, if you're on the email list they'll sell you a copy of OGAM for $19.95. It comes with an autographed picture of the cast.

Technically, the autographed picture of the cast is 19.95 and the DVD is a free gift.

 

[stonester1]

I picked this up on DVD and very much enjoyed it as well.

I hope more Star Trek fan releases actually make it out on DVD, as that is my preferred viewing medium when it comes to film.

I got the free copy when I bought Inalienable, btw. If any of you haven't seen it, I also recommend it.

Yeah, if you're on the email list they'll sell you a copy of OGAM for $19.95. It comes with an autographed picture of the cast.

Technically, the autographed picture of the cast is 19.95 and the DVD is a free gift.

Exactly. Or the OGAM DVD with Inalienable. Me, I would have just bought Inalienable without such an incentive, as I love supporting indie film/scifi. Getting OGAM was just a bonus.

BTW, pick up Inalienable, y'all. Saw the new cover art on Amazon, btw, like it better than the previous.

 

[Admiral Buzzkill]

"Technically," that's a fig leaf that wouldn't stand up legally for an instant. The email ads constitute offers to sell the DVD. Liking the product doesn't make it legal.

The actual fan films, like Farragut and New Voyages, play with good intent by the admittedly fuzzy rules. OGAM doesn't. There are some good people working on it, I'm sure, but the producers run it dishonestly. After receiving about a dozen of these wink-wink-nudge-nudge email come-ons I've really lost my patience with them. It's become a "how stupid do you think people are?" situation.

 

[MikeH92467]

I admire the work of the people behind fan films, but OGAM really didn't amount to much IMHO. Leaving aside any of the issues Dennis raised, I watched the first part and wasn't interested in watching the rest. That's just one opinion and YMMV.

 

[Captain Randy Hall]

I admire the work of the people behind fan films, but OGAM really didn't amount to much IMHO. Leaving aside any of the issues Dennis raised, I watched the first part and wasn't interested in watching the rest. That's just one opinion and YMMV.

FWIW, I found the destruction of Vulcan (years before Abrams did it) pretty "fascinating." I also enjoyed following the missile trajectory rather than looking at it from the ship or the planet.

 

[Tom]

Again, it is what it is. Personally I have no issue with Renegade Studios giving the Stogam dvd with either the buying of inalienable or the signed cast pic. If I go to any Star Trek convention a signed pic can be up to, and over 20 bucks and the Inalienable DVD alone is 19.95. So if i'm buying those products at normal market value and then getting a Stogam DVD thrown where is the profit being made? Now, if they wanted 40 bucks or something, than I can see there being an issue. If CBS/Paramount had an issue with this then they would have sent us a C&D that we would abide by.

As for newsletters we send out one every month (no more, no less). There are items promoted for sale, but whats wrong with that? Last I checked, capitalism was alive and well. The newsletter has an unsubscribe link on the bottom if you don't want them anymore. And emails can be easily ignored.

Keep in mind that the so called 'dishonest producers' did bring over 15 professional actors from previous Trek series together to to make a film that tons (I'm not saying everyone, mind you) of people have enjoyed.

 

[jamesmc]

Sorry Tom, But Dennis is right. I voiced my objections to "The Producers" and I made my position clear. No matter how you try and disguise it, this is wrong.

 

[Admiral Buzzkill]

Sorry Tom, But Dennis is right. I voiced my objections to "The Producers" and I made my position clear. No matter how you try and disguise it, this is wrong.

Exactly.