“Boldly go” to your Cinema and see Star Trek NOW!

Anyone who knows me, and now for those who do not, I am a HUGE fan of Star Trek, and the Star Trek Universe. 

When I heard they were making a new Star Trek movie I was both excited and concerned, especially when I heard it was to be a re-boot of The Original Series (TOS) characters. But after seeing the movie 2 times now, I must say that any worries I may have had have been erased. This is one incredible and fresh re-boot of the Star Trek franchise!

Chris Pine did a superb job as Jim Kirk, and Zachary Quinto did a truly amazing job as Spock, but one of my favorite characters by far was “Bones” played brilliantly by Karl Urban. Karl summoned the spirit of DeForest Kelly (TOS Bones) probably better than anyone else in the film. However I am glad that not every actor did not try to pull of an exact replica of the original character.

I loved the way the Enterprise looked both inside and out, and the special effects were stunning. This is a movie you want to see in a large theatre with superior sound as the sound effects were great. The new warp sound is something that you will feel in your seats… so hold on tight cadets!

My son asked me after the movie what my favorite part of the movie was… and it is really hard to say. But quite possibly my favorite moment was the opening sequence when we first see the U.S.S Kelvin, and Kirks father George Kirk (played heroically by Chris Hemsworth) take his 12 minute command of the ship, given to him by Captain Robau (played by Faran Tahir), while attempting to save as many crew members, including his pregnant wife Winona Kirk (played by Jennifer Morrison from TV’s House) from the Romulan we come to know as Nero (played by Eric Bana). The battle sequence with Jim Kirk being born, crew escaping, and collision course set by George Kirk all backed with an incredible musical score was just fantastic, dramatic and moving.

I had many other favorite moments, too many to list here, and I do not want to give anything else away. But I will say I really enjoyed Simon Pegg as Scotty, Bruce Greenwood was awesome as Captain Christoper Pike, Zoe Saldana brought a very sexy presence to the role of Uhura, and John Cho (of Harold and Kumar fame) brought a nice kick ass presence to Hikaru Sulu!

But what kind of Star Trek fan would I be if I did not mention the return of the Original Spock, Leonard Nimoy? How awesome was it to see Leonard reprise his role in this film. I was worried it may turn out a bit hokey, but was I ever wrong. Having Nimoy in this film made it just that much better.

What I found amazing, and really did not think would happen, was the instant chemistry between the new faces of the characters we have grown to love over the years. Granted, it is a prequel, and the development of the cast and characters they play will only get better in time, I was thrilled to have the feeling of slipping into a familiar place, and see the interaction between the cast. Star Trek, while very exciting and gritty, still made room for some of our favorite comedic moments. J.J. Abrams did a great job sprinkling in these humorous tidbits all while keeping the flow of the movie moving in the right direction.

The Enterprise itself is as much of a Character in the movie as anyone else… and J.J. Abrams did a great job with the new look of the Flagship of the fleet! Some fans are complaining a bit about a few parts of the ship, with the biggest issue  being the engine room. For me, I love the new engine room, and I loved the entire design of the ship. A couple of other aspects I enjoyed in regards to the Enterprise were seeing the docking bay for all the shuttle craft, as well as seeing the new turret guns that are affixed to the saucer section of the Enterprise. Very cool if you ask me!

If I had any complaints, or at least pondering moments of concern they would be the following:

- How the hell do they get the Enterprise off of Earth and to space dock? (silly I know) but I want to know dammit!

- The 2+ hour movie seemed rushed and went by amazingly fast! I would have loved to see another 30 minutes or so giving a bit more screen time for some additional back story. Here’s to hoping for some additional scenes on the DVD.

- I am was a little bummed at how the alternate universe timeline has taken shape. Allow me to elaborate…

As a fan of Star Trek, and looking back at the “History of the Future” as we have all become to know it – it has all now been changed. The first time I walked out of the movie, (while still thoroughly enjoying it with a huge smile on my face mind you), I felt a little miffed that J.J. Abrams did this. But after seeing it again I said to myself… “Who Cares? This movie ROCKED!”

While most alternate timeline episodes of the TV Shows eventually came back to the appropriate timeline, this time it is not going to happen folks, and I am OK with that and you should be too! The Star Trek franchise needed this reboot, and now all future movies can have a fresh take on story lines… and who knows, maybe a new television series as well?

Personally, I can not wait for the next Star Trek movie… and I hope it comes out soon! From what I hear there are going to be at least 2 of them!

So, until the next movie arrives, I will be seeing this in the theatre a few more times… especially excited to see Star Trek in IMAX. 

I am giving Star Trek 4 out of 4 stars!

What is your take on the new Star Trek movie? Did you like it? Did you find the hidden Tribble? 

Leave your comments below, I would love to hear back from you!

Catchy title eh? Honestly I can not say I thought I would ever use Porno in a title of a blog, but hey, I could not resist.

Anyway, you do not have to Just Say No To Porno as the decision has been made for us, at least by my favorite Utah movie theatre chain.

Today it was announced that the local 70 screen, 5 location theater chain Megaplex Theaters, owned by Larry H. Miller (who also happens to be the owner of Utah’s largest chain of auto dealerships and the owner of the Utah Jazz NBA franchise) will not be showing the move “Zack and Miri Make a Porno” that opens nationwide this Friday. Apparently the Megaplex Theaters is the only chain to turn down the movie.

In May of 2006 Miller did this same thing by not showing the movie “Brokeback Mountain” with Heath Ledger… you remember the gay sheep herder cowboy flick? Back then Miller decided that he did not want to show the movie, and the Theater has now decided to do it again with “Zack & Mira Make a Porno”. If I recall I think this announcement back in 2006 received some national press, and was the butt of a few jokes on late night TV.

I see both sides of the coin here… it is his theater to operate how he sees fit, but there seems to be a bit of a double standard. This theater chain just opened the over bloody “Saw V” (I saw and liked) and the comedy “Sex Drive” (I want to see). Why would horror movies, and other films that depict a ton of violence be shown, but not the now banned “Zach and Mira Make a Porno”?

This news story caused a bit of a fuss this morning on local radio station 101.9 the end. On the Chunga Show listeners kept calling in to vent frustration over the hypocrisy of the Megaplex Theathers and the decision to not show the movie. Most of the conversation was pointing out that all this does is make Utah look bad, if not worse, in the eyes of folks in other states who already have a negative perception about our state.

I am not as upset about this as so many of those callers, but I do see their point. Utah gets enough of a hard time as it is. As for the movie… I am not sure if I will see it, but I do know I am a big enough boy to make my own decision as to if I will pay my $8.00 and get my tub o’ popcorn and beverage. Unfortunately if I do want to see it, Miller and the Megaplex will not be getting my cash.

Finally, I will say this… The Megaplex Theatres is by far my favorite place to see movies. Great digital projection and sound as well as good food. I have gone there so much over the years that I could own stock in the place for how many movies I have seen and treats purchased. So this decision will not affect me at all because I am a movie geek that wants the best movie experience… period.

For more information, go check out a more detailed article in the Salt lake Tribune article here.

(look for another post on the MegaPlex and “Sex Drive” soon)

Until next post…

- Doc