Re: The New Movies Yay or Nay
I will go back and expand a bit on why I am not a fan on NuTrek and go into a bit of my history with Trek (which may explain my opinion towards the NuTrek)
I think what kind of got to me was it WAS an alternate universe which meant JJ Abrams could do what ever he wanted with the series and pass it off as Trek (which was great for creative purposes but at the same time caused a few "bumps" in my opinion) This aspect allowed him to change or expand upon things that I personally thought (note this is personal opinion) were perfect the way they were in the TOS episodes. such things as the romance between Spock and Uhura or how he attained the captains chair, or even the fact that Pike was such a big character in the movies vs the show where he appeared twice. Then there are two sides of a coin one side has actors perfectly portraying the characters, such as the actor who played Bones and the actor who played Chekov. They perfectly captured the essence of the original characters. On the other hand you have the actress who played Uhura and (again in my opinion) the actor who played Kirk. On one hand they are both great actors who brought a fresh face to Trek, but on the other hand I don't see the original characters in them as much as I do in the other characters.
As for a little back story as to maybe why I have this opinion...I did not grow up watching Star Trek, I didn't watch the episodes as they aired or have a childhood revolving around Star Trek in any way. I became a Trek fan very recently, though I dove in head first and have become full on obsessed with the franchise (I collect the comics, toys, costumes, dress up at conventions etc.) I started watching about a year ago in honor of my deceased father who was a huge Trek fan, but since then I have seen every episode, movie, and documentary revolving around Star Trek, and therein may lie why I'm so particular, I'm not viewing it as "a fresh new start" or "keeping the torch burning" because as a young Trek fan (21) I think they are perfect how they were, it's what attracted me to them, I don't feel that connection or passion for the new movies that I feel for the show. I do like that it brought Trek back into the light and helped our community to gain some more followers, but I also see those "new fans" going back to watch the TV series and coming out disappointed or unimpressed with the show THE THING THAT THE MOVIE CAME FROM!
I just feel less than happy with the movies and I honestly can't articulate why I feel this way. The acting was great (for the most part) the effects were phenomenal and the story was good, I just can't get into them and I hate that because I want to like them.
Brie, I really appreciate you taking the time to describe your feelings, and I hope you read this long response.
First of all, I got in to Trek because of my dad but that was when I was 8, watching recorded episodes on VHS tapes. Balance of Terror was my first episode and is still my favorite. Kirk definitely grabbed my attention, especially in his confrontation with Stiles, and Spock's attempt to save the men in the phaser control room also stood out to me. Also, Kirk's attitude towards his Romulan counterpart.
That said, with the new films, there is a sense of adventure that I feel. Not only that, but the characters are different only in their look and experiences. I still see similar leadership qualities in Kirk, the willingness to sacrifice in Spock, and other parts that drew me in in the first place.
I think, for me, the new characters are a little bit more approachable than their TOS counterparts. As a kid, I could kind of identify with Spock (feeling like an outsider) but I wasn't emotionless (quite the opposite). Now, I find myself identifying with nuSpock because there is a struggle of belonging that I find so relatable that it really hits me. Similarly with Kirk, I find him just so interesting to watch him grow as a character, knowing the potential to became James T. Kirk, captain of the Enterprise that I grew up with is just under the surface.
I think, for me, and something I have observed, is the new movies need characters that I can relate to. For me, Spock, Kirk, and Pike are all people I feel a connection with, or sympathize with, something like that. If there is not a connection, it can be difficult to find enjoyment with the film.
At least, that has been my observation. Other people may think I'm crazy
