Looking for Trek Tuesday?

Today is the day I said I'd post about the new Star Trek film but I couldn't wait to share so my Star Trek review is already up here. I will be posting more Trek goodness soon counting down my faves from the Countdown to Star Trek Marathon - from both before and after rewatching all the original films.

Get more of a Trek fix right away in audio form by heading over to Gmanreviews for a spoiler filled edition of The Unnamed Movie Podcast where I join Andrew and Douglas along with Dave from Screen Geeks in a fun filled conversation all about the new Star Trek film. Just to reiterate, the podcast *does* have spoilers so I recommend listening to it only after you've seen the film.

Star Trek

Dir: J.J. Abrams (Mission: Impossible III)
Cast: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Karl Urban, Zoe Saldana, John Cho, Anton Yelchin, Simon Pegg
Additional Cast: Bruce Greenwood, Eric Bana, Ben Cross, Winona Ryder, Chris Hemsworth, Rachel Nichols, Jennifer Morrison
USA/Germany, 2009

Seen: May 7, 2009 at the AMC (Screen 6 - woohoo!)

Reason to see: It's Trek. Of course I'll see it. I watched every single Star Trek film to in preparation to see this film.

I was so thrilled to finally see Star Trek, after avoiding spoilers or any information on the film beyond basic casting for over a year. All I had seen was the teaser trailer way back with Cloverfield in Jan'08.

And boy, I'm glad I did.

The film knows its audience and plays to one of the favourite strengths of Trek, the characters and their relationships. Chris Pine delivers as James T. Kirk, Simon Pegg is excellent as expected as Scotty and Bruce Greenwood is a stand out as a part of the supporting cast. But who won me over was Karl Urban as McCoy, up until then I still had a microscopic sceptic in me wondering if this was all going to work out but when he appeared that was gone for good and I was hooked. I knew that the film was going to work and settled in to enjoy the ride.

It is more action oriented than adventure, which I can imagine was a concious choice to attract new fans as well as a safe bet consider the most successful Trek films were more action oriented (Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country and Star Trek: First Contact). Although I did miss the adventure and exploration side of Trek, that isn't to say my mind wasn't occupied. It certainly was. This is a very clever film.

I was surprized and disappointed to see a little gender crap thrown in the film. Star Trek never had this and I hope they do away with it later.

What was achieved here is a feat I couldn't have anticipated. Not only does it satisfy the fans of The Original Series and films but it appears that it will reign in a whole new slew of fans. Whether or not both will stay happy is a question that will only be answered over the test of time.

An enjoyable film and a successful reboot all in one.

Shannon's Overall View:
I enjoyed it
I'll watch it again and buy it as well
I'd recommend it to SciFi fans, action fans and of course Star Trek fans

The preshow actually started 4 minutes early which was rather surprizing. However they did fill that time with 15 minutes of preshow with 3 commercials and 6 previews: G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, Land of the Lost, Year One, Up, Terminator Salvation and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

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© Shannon Ridler, 2009


At the AMC about 45 minutes before show time. It was the first time I've lined up outside a theatre in a long time. I had my iPod playing really loud to not year anything as people left, but I was warmed by their smiling faces.


AMC posters craziness.

Star Trek: Nemesis

Dir: Stuart Baird (U.S. Marshals, Executive Decision)
Regular Cast: Patrick Stuart, Jonathan Frakes, Brent Spiner, LeVar Burton, Michael Dorn, Gates McFadden, Marina Sirtis
Additional Cast: Tom Hardy, Ron Perlman, Shannon Cochran, Dina Meyer
USA, 2002

Originally Seen: At the Kingsway rep theatre after it's theatrical release

Revisited: April 26, 2009

Reason to Revisit: For the Countdown to Star Trek Movie Marathon

Out of all the Star Trek films, Nemesis is the one I'd seen the least, only one time I had in fact and speaking honestly I fell asleep when I saw this in the theatre. My opinion of it wasn't very high and after revisiting hasn't changed at all.

In terms of calender time line, it comes after Voyager Series concluded so I was surprized it was so dark. For me, it went too dark. The premise, location, and dreary and it even casts a dark light onto regular characters so we question them which is risky business considering that for fans doing so is questioning characters that the viewer could have been have spent 15 years of getting to know through the shows regluar season then afterwards in syndication and throguh films. As a fan, I wasn't buying the ideas that were presented that felt as if they contradicted what had been built up after so long. Also, there was a lof of putting the characters through harsh things which felt unnecessary but beyond that many of the conflicts or ideas that were presented as morale connundrums were already explored in "The Next Generation".

Overall, I found it too sinister. Star Trek has a great history of showing a hopeful, ideal oriented world so when it lets in the shadows I become less interested. That isn't why I watch and love Star Trek. I always felt that Nemesis was an odd way to end the series of films, being so dark and unlike the majority of the series that came before it.

Even after this viewing, I had no idea that Viceroy Vkruk was Ron Perlman. None.

Shannons's Overayll View:
I didn't love it
I'll rarely watch it again
I'd recommend it for those that like the darker side of Trek

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© Shannon Ridler, 2009

Star Trek: Insurrection

Dir: Jonathan Frakes (Star Trek: First Contact)
Regular Cast: Patrick Stuart, Jonathan Frakes, Brent Spiner, LeVar Burton, Michael Dorn, Gates McFadden, Marina Sirtis
Additional Cast: Donna Murphy, F. Murray Abraham, Anthony Zerbe, Daniel Hugh Kelly, Gregg Henry, Michael Welch
USA, 1998

Originally Seen: Like Star Trek: First Contact, this one I first saw from rented it on VHS. 1998 was just before I started getting back into film again, so I wasn't at the theatre much.

Revisited: April 19, 2009

Reason to Revisit: For the Countdown to Star Trek Movie Marathon

I went into revisiting Star Trek: Insurrection thinking it's one of the better films and that I enjoyed it. Then from scene to scene I realized I knew almost every line, every joke, every ditty and every catch phrase. And there are a lot of them. It's strange, as I know I have it kicking around on tape somewhere but I don't remember watching it all that often. It's possible that since it came out when I was an adult that the memories are clearer that that of films like The Wrath of Khan and The Undiscovered Country which I first saw as a kid. It made for an odd, but definitely fond, re-watching experience.

The time line that Star Trek: Insurrection is set in is a darker period of the Star Trek universe, one that is inferred to but creatively offset in Star Trek: First Contact, and in Insurrection they have a brilliant way of incorporating the light along with the dark. Although the film certainly has a fair share of action, adventure and cool effects it also works in bringing ideas and ideals to light in a time of conflict which in turn presents a moral struggle. For me, this was a perfect blend of bringing together many different aspects of the Star Trek world together from the action, comedy and camaraderie but also a question to ponder - all in one film sized portion. The crew certainly gets a chance to be a bit more jovial then we usually see in the films, which sometimes works better than others but is an huge improvement over Generations and a nice return from the darker side of First Contact. Donna Murphy is a lovely addition to the film as a part of the supporting cast playing the wise and calm Anij. All in all, it was a lot of fun and I look forward to putting Insurrection back in the regular rotation of films to enjoy over and over again.

Worf, again, steals any scene he is in no matter how briefly. How does he do it? It's a Klingon mystery.

Post film freak out moment: Artim, the kid that befriends Data, is played by Michael Welch whose recent film credits include playing Mike Newton in Twilight. I try not to think about how Insurrection was released when I was in college (the first time).

Shannon's Overall View:
I enjoyed it, a lot
I'll watch it again
I recommend it to Star Trek fans from casual to die-hard

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© Shannon Ridler, 2009

Star Trek: First Contact

Dir: Jonathan Frakes (Star Trek: Insurrection)
Regular Cast: Patrick Stuart, Jonathan Frakes, Brent Spiner, LeVar Burton, Michael Dorn, Gates McFadden, Marina Sirtis
Additional Cast: Alfre Woodard, James Cromwell, Alice Krige, Neal McDonough, Dwight Schultz
USA, 1996

Originally Seen: Wow, I'm not entirely sure the first time I saw this. Looking at the release date in 1996 that was a time I wasn't going to the theatre a lot and since I was disappointed with Star Trek: Generations I likely waited to rent it on VHS.

Revisited: April 12 & 13, 2009

Reason to Revisit: For the Countdown to Star Trek Movie Marathon

Star Trek: First Contact marks an awesome return to the Star Trek film world after not so exciting Star Trek: Generations. First Contact is directed by Jonathan Frakes who also directed a number of The Next Generations episodes as well as Insurrection, the follow up to First Contact. I enjoy his direction as it often shows a great combination of action and humour but also always has an emotional element that is truthful and tender. This is certainly the case with First Contact which really brings the films back to the action/adventure genre with a big enemy to face and numerous problems to solve along the way.

The true charm of the film lies in the relationships. But, a new spin is taken on this as the focus is not between the relationships of the main crew members but with the fantastic supporting cast played by Alfre Woodard, James Cromwell, Alice Krige and Neal McDonough. New and historical elements are featured and all fall into place perfectly. There are even moments of pure whimsy contrasted by characters being challenged in such a way that out of context would be hard to believe.

The beauty is, we get all that humour and character depth along with the adventure and action elements. Kudos to the cohesiveness of the film, which is impressive given the fact that at times there are three distinct plot and timelines being followed. First Contact really has it all, including one of the most cunning action sequences in the history of Trek.

Bonus: The big A-ha!
Now I know why I recognize Neal McDonough in every film I see him in (The Guardian, Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li, Walking Tall, Minority Report, for starters). In First Contact he plays Lieutenant Hawk.

Shannon's Overall View:
I loved it
It is a repeat watcher
I'd recommend it to anyone familiar with the Star Trek universe

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© Shannon Ridler, 2009

Star Trek: Generations

Dir: David Carson
The Next Generation Cast: Patrick Stuart, Jonathan Frakes, Brent Spiner, LeVar Burton, Michael Dorn, Gates McFadden, Marina Sirtis, Whoopi Goldberg
The Original Series Cast: William Shatner, James Doohan, Walter Koenig
Additional Cast: Malcolm McDowell, Alan Ruck, Barbara March, Gwynyth Walsh
USA, 1994

Originally Seen: At the legendary Uptown in Toronto, on Opening Night 1994 with a gaggle of friends.

Revisited: March 28, 2009

Reason to Revisit: For the Countdown to Star Trek Movie Marathon

Oddly, this instalment of Star Trek is one of the few films that is injected with a fair amount of sad memories. I went on opening night at the glorious uptown theatre and convinced all of my friends to go. I picked up the tickets on my lunch and swore to them that we *had* to see it there. I didn't even think to go early for seats so we ended up in the 2nd last row because we needed something like 13 seats - they were not impressed with me. Also, someone used their cell phone during the film! This was 1994 - back when cell phones were only often seen in the hands of Doctors and other high paying jobs but certainly not for regular theatre goers. I can still hear them shouting on the phone "I'm watching Star Trek at the moment".

My second set of memories for this film were from when I was going through a very strong bout of insomnia. Sadly, Star Trek: Generations was the cure. I was out like a light within minutes. Possibly before any dialogue was spoken.

Third set of memories begins now with this countdown. After revisiting Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country I became acutely aware of the fact it must have known it was the last film with the original full cast & crew. This realization led to some embarrassing sniffling moments and being on the brink of tears. Funny, few films get to me like this but the thought of not hearing Chekov's one liners, Scotty's feats against the clock or the camaraderie between the Trek trio of Kirk, Bones and Spock got me all emotional.

I think it was pretty clear the intention of the film was a way to ease the fans from the Original Cast to that of The Next Generation. I am a fan of The Next Generation series. Initially a reluctant fan, but it wormed its way to my heart and I've seen every episode and can identify them in seconds. They often have nick names like "The Bags of Mostly Water One", "The Binars" or "The One Where They Run" and of course it brought us the fabulous conversation starter question of "If you were to de-evolve, what creature would you become?".

Is Star Trek: Generations successful in bridging the two series? Yes, but you can feel that it's more of a set up for The Next Generation cast than a stand alone film. Add to the fact that it was released only months after the series ended, we didn't have enough time to miss the crew yet. The sections dedicated to The Next Generation cast felt a lot like a regular episode but punched up with things that you can't get away with on TV like huge special effects and 'bad' language. Those moments did get cheers in the theatre, but over time it feels pretty gimmicky.

Sidenote: Worf ROCKS. Everything should have more Worf. Even things that have nothing to do with Star Trek, should have more Worf.

Funny insight: Use of the handheld flashlights of TNG folks made me realize on The Original Series they never landed anywhere dark.

Shannon's Overall View:
I didn't love it, but it has its moments
I own it and it is an insomnia cure
I'd recommend it for Next Generation fans (although you've all seen it!)

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© Shannon Ridler, 2009

Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country

Dir: Nicholas Meyer (Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan)
Regular Cast: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, James Doohan, Nichelle Nichols, George Takei, Walter Koenig,
Additional Cast: Kim Cattrall, Christopher Plummer, Brock Peters, David Warner, Rosanna DeSoto, Iman, Michael Dorn
USA, 1991

Originally Seen: In the theatre, likely Towne & Country which was renamed it to something else but that is how I always remember it.

Revisited: March 15, 2009

Reason to Revisit: For the Countdown to Star Trek Movie Marathon

I remember loving this film in the theatre, and I'm sure a large part of that is from being previously disappointed in Star Trek V: The Final Frontier. When I started this marathon it was hard not to skip ahead to the fun ride that is Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, but I am glad I waited and it sure lived up to the memories.

All the themes of the film speak to how times are changing. Considering the film came out in 1991, which is well into the popularity of the show Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-1994) they embraced rather than ignored that the direction and focus of the films would soon fall to new cast.

Although I didn't know this, it shouldn't be a surprize that this film which is very dear to my Star Trek heart is directed by Nicholas Meyer who also directed Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. Similar to Wrath of Khan, it focuses on a thread of the Star Trek universe that involves both the movie and TV series. This time we follow an arc of the relationship between the Klingons and the Federation which lends itself beautifully to themes of change, resistance and various 'isms'.

Considering one end is near, it would have been so easy for the film to fall to into sentimentality but it doesn't. A strong plot surrounded in mystery along with great and innovative action sequences keep us engaged throughout. Fantastic supporting cast flesh out the ranks including Kim Cattrall as a Vulcan and Christopher Plummer as the formidable Klingon General Chang.

It is clearly one of the strongest films of the series, and it was a great joy to watch it again.

Shannon's Overall View:
I loved it
I'll watch it again, and again, and again
I'd highly recommend it

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© Shannon Ridler, 2009

Star Trek V: The Final Frontier

Dir: William Shatner
Regular Cast: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, James Doohan, Nichelle Nichols, George Takei, Walter Koenig
Additional Cast: Laurence Luckinbill, Todd Bryant, Spice Williams, Cynthia Gouw, Charles Cooper, David Warner
USA, 1989

Originally Seen: Although I don't have a strong memory of first time viewing, it must have been in the theatre

Revisited: February 23, 2009

Reason to Revisit: For the Countdown to Star Trek Movie Marathon

Star Trek V: The Final Frontier is one of the films I was most looking forward to during the Star Trek Countdown. Not because it's one of my faves, but for the direct opposite reason: I've always insisted I didn't like it very much which is the general sense I get from people with this lone Shatner directed instalment of the Star Trek Films. But like fans of Timothy Dalton as Bond, there are some diehard fans out there for The Final Frontier.

After seeing it again I enjoyed it much more than I did the first time, although I could see flaws as well. I enjoyed the camaraderie of the crew which continues strongly from Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, with jests, jokes and just enough goofiness to temper the seriousness of the overall plot. This leads me to realize and understand why the film has such a split vote of fans as the themes that were chosen to highlight are that of faith. Not faith in ourselves, the universe or fate but actual religious faith. That is a crowd splitter, first to believers and non-believers, and then split again with the believers if they believe what you are preaching. Although I don’t think you have to believe to enjoy the film, but it can build barriers and rustle feathers. It also poses many questions not only about belief but also empathy, leadership and how far people will go to achieve their goals. Even taking that with a grain of salt and enjoying the philosophical questions as well as the adventure there are some here and there moments left unresolved which I find surprizing for any Trek tale.

The film does intensify the ever highlighted relationship trio between Kirk, Spock and McCoy as well as introduces a fantastic new character, Sybok who definitely shakes things up. We don't see a heck of a lot of Sulu, Chekov and Uhura or Scotty but they do have some beautiful moments.

Overall, upon re-watching I've changed my opinion from this being a 'I've seen it enough' to a 'I'd watch it again' which is good news.

Fun Trek Trivia:
First Trek film to be released after the 'Star Trek: The Next Generation' TV Series
IMDb lists the languages of the film as such: English / Klingon. That rocks.

Shannon's Overall View:
I enjoyed it more than the first time
I'd watch it again
I'd recommend it as nostalgic Trek

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© Shannon Ridler, 2009

Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home

Dir: Leonard Nimoy (Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, 3 Men and a Baby)
Regular Cast: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, James Doohan, Nichelle Nichols, George Takei, Walter Koenig
Additional Cast: Catherine Hicks, Majel Barrett, Mark Lenard, Robin Curtis, Brock Peters
USA, 1986

Originally Seen: I definitely saw this one in the theatre when it came out

Revisited: February 15, 2009

Reason to Revisit: For the Countdown to Star Trek Movie Marathon

Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home came out in 1986 which means we are getting to films where I strongly remember seeing them during their theatrical release and this one I certainly saw in the theatre. Upon re-visiting it was wild to see that I only remembered in parts of the film. In fact, if I saw the beginning section out of context I wouldn't be able to tell which Trek movie it was, especially as aesthetically it had a lot of similarities to the Star Wars universe with numerous aliens and a strong military and/or court settings shown. But, that really is just the set up as the majority of the film is set in San Francisco in what translates to 'current day' for 1986.

I've never been a huge fan of when they go 'historically similar to earth' planets on The Original Series, but this one charmed me over. There is a lot of goofy humour with misunderstanding current culture as well as with Spock's re-education and overly literal translations, both of which are rather charming. There is great chemistry between the cast although the focus is strongly honed in on Spock and Kirk.

It stands up on its own as a film, but in terms of the Star Trek universe it seems to have 'forgotten' about The Prime Directive of not interfering with the development of a culture, perhaps it was overlooked as it was a past Earth as opposed to another culture. This concept is used heavily in Star Trek: The Next Generation and beyond, however it was used a part of The Original Series in the episode The Omega Glory.

They didn't tackle that concept but there are numerous other issues that were brought into the larger picture including environmentalism, conservation (save the whales) and reinforcing the idea of medicine being vastly improved in the future. All of these can leave the viewer feeling like the the world was pretty messed up at the time, but the beauty of Star Trek is that it leaves us with a glimmer of an optimistic future.


Shannon's Overall View:
I enjoyed it more than expected
I'd watch it again
I'd recommend it as fun film

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© Shannon Ridler, 2009

Star Trek III: The Search for Spock

Dir: Leonard Nimoy (Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, 3 Men and a Baby)
Regular Cast: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, James Doohan, Nichelle Nichols, George Takei, Walter Koenig
Additional Cast: Christopher Lloyd, Merritt Butrick, Robin Curtis, Mark Lenard, Robert Hooks, Joe W. Davis, Stephen Manley, Vadia Potenza, Carl Steven
USA, 1984

Originally Seen: I can't imagine not seeing this in the theatre but my memory of seeing it was at home, sitting on that cold blue floor again!

Revisited: January 28, 2009

Reason to Revisit: For the Countdown to Star Trek Movie Marathon

Star Trek III: The Search for Spock is a bit of an odd film in the Star Trek series. It's heavily plot driven and at the same time is rather sentimental. Both of these factors lead to it being not a huge re-watcher for me, even though it does have charming moments and humour. An apt description of the film I heard on an episode of the Movies You Should See podcast which classified it as a great hangover movie, because you know what will happen and therefore can watch it with contentment. I think that is a very fair assessment.

Beside not being a re-watcher, the only thing that really didn't work for me was continual use of referencing Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. They replay some of the most powerful scenes of the film visually or verbal to the point where it drains the emotional impact of the scenes when I think they were trying to heighten the impact.

There are some great moments in the film, like the inclusion of the character Sarek (Spock's father) by Mark Lenard, reprising the role from The Original Series. I enjoyed the humour of both Bones as well as Uhura throughout the film. We also have an actor change with Robin Curtis replacing Kirstie Alley in the role of Lieutenant Saavik, something that does not often happen with human characters in the Star Trek Universe. But, the most interesting pull to the film I find to be the insight into Vulcan spirituality which can be a carefully guarded area. I often ponder the paradox of a highly logical yet highly spiritual society, not because they can't go hand in hand but because it just seems so odd. I also enjoyed the sense of unity among the crew who are willing to go against the odds for their beliefs and loyalty, which is a very honourable intention.

Shannon's Overall View:
It was as I remembered it
I'd watch it again
I'd recommend it as a relaxed Star Trek film

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© Shannon Ridler, 2009

Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan

Dir: Nicholas Meyer (Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, Time After Time)
Regular Cast: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, James Doohan, Nichelle Nichols, George Takei, Walter Koenig, Majel Barrett
Additional Cast: Ricardo Montalban, Kirstie Alley, Bibi Besch, Merritt Butrick, Paul Winfield
USA, 1982

Originally Seen: Memory is hazy, but logic would dictate that first viewing would be during the theatrical release

Revisited: January 17, 2009

Reason to Revisit: For the Countdown to Star Trek Movie Marathon

This film rocks. All the things I didn't enjoy about Star Trek: The Motion Picture can be forgiven with the return to what makes Star Trek work. Revived is the great chemistry of the Trek Trio of Kirk, Spock and McCoy. Humour returns with some rockin' one liners as well as a more jovial air amidst the darker tone of the film and a plot are filled vengeance. Those are the opinions of a dedicated Trekkie, but speaking from more of an arms length, what really makes the film so strong is the content. Oh my, I don't think I've ever said that before! I liked the plot? Weird. Anyway, it works. The brilliance is in resurrecting a plot thread from The Original Series (TOS) episode Space Seed, which introduces us to the character of Khan one of, if not the greatest, villain of the Star Trek Universe. Khan is intelligent, cunning and charismatic which puts him as a great adversary to Kirk. Viewing of the film is enhanced by familiarity of the episode and character but by no means is it necessary.

Watching it for the first time in a long time with a very focused attention, I noticed so much more about the film then you get from a superficial viewing. Sure, I squirmed, cheered, laughed and got emotional at the same parts I always do. But this time I noticed the foreshadowing, the irony and the greater message of the film as a whole. That is one of the reasons that makes the majority of Star Trek so rewatchable. Upon every viewing there is something new to discover.

Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan is in the running to be my favourite of the series. I'm thrilled that I picked up the film collection as the remastered version is beautiful with clear sounds and rich colours. A huge improvement from seeing it on TV or from an ancient VHS tape.

It is with a sad heart to share that Ricardo Montalban, who played the brilliant villain Khan, passed away last week. He will be missed.

Shannon's Overall View:
I love this film
I watch it repeatedly
I highly recommend it, to Trek and non Trek fans alike

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© Shannon Ridler, 2009

Star Trek: The Motion Picture

Dir: Robert Wise (The Day the Earth Stood Still <1951>, The Sounds of Music, The Andromeda Strain <1971>)
Regular Cast: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, James Doohan, Nichelle Nichols, George Takei, Walter Koenig, Majel Barrett
Additional Cast: Persis Khambatta, Stephen Collins
USA, 1979

Originally Seen: I think it was for the 25th or 30th anniversary of Trek, which would place it in the 80's and it was a family event to watch it along with a special that was on before or after the film. In all honestly, I mostly remember the feel of sitting on the cold blue floor downstairs.

Revisited: December 25 & 26, 2008

Reason to Revisit: For the Countdown to Star Trek Movie Marathon

Star Trek: The Motion Picture, as part of a film series, is a bit of an oddity. Coming in 10 years after the beloved TV series ended, it is one of the few films that is the first in the series that went on to many other successful films but isn't highly regarded on its own. I knew this coming into watching the film, along with my own memories of the it being so scant that all I could say was remembering it being slow, long and they showed the ship. A lot.

And it is. But that isn't all. It also barely feels like Trek. It has the cast of characters, the Enterprise, jokes about 'getting her ready in x amount of time' and a situation/anomaly to deal with but it leaves out some of the key things that bring Trek to life. What are these key things? Well for starters... we need some comic relief! Mild arguments between the crew, raised voices or even some hand to hand combat could have livened things up. But no, it's very evenly paced. It's also quite serious and scientifically oriented which leads to another missing link. Often 'Star Trek: The Original Series' used serious situations to convey a crafty social commentary message, which gave the viewer a picture of the future that was advanced not only technically but also morally in terms of equality. There isn't anything in the film that enhances that characteristic of the world. Nothing counters is, but nothing adds to it either.

I admit I think it took some guts to take the series into a different direction, but it wasn't one I would have picked. For those interested in the art direction of the universe, there are numerous shots of the ship, internally and externally. In detail and from afar. From many angles but almost all at one speed: slow.

I think it's only fair to place some context in terms of the pacing and effects. Although the pacing feels similar to 2001: A Space Odyssey, which predates it by a good ten years, Star Trek: The Motion Picture was released 2 years after Star Wars which featured a lot more high flying with ships, weapons and creatures. Those are two extreme of the genre, perhaps it fairer to note Star Trek: The Motion Picture was released the same year as Alien which also had a slower, albeit tenser, pace.

Don't worry - it's gets better from here on in. One of the good things about the structure of this marathon is that I can get this film out of the way quickly & swiftly, I didn't remember it very well and wasn't overly eager to watch it again. But now I get to move on to Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. Khan!!!!

Shannon's Overall View:
I was as I remembered it: slow and long
I'll likely watch it again
I'd recommend it for science-y sci-fi fans

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© Shannon Ridler, 2009

Countdown to Star Trek Movie Marathon

2009 has a great many films scheduled for release that we are waiting for with baited breath. One of the films at the top of my list is Star Trek. It's been 7 years since the last Star Trek film, Nemesis, came out in 2002 but the new one was a different take. We are going old school back to the days of Kirk, Spock, Bones, Scotty, Uhura, Sulu and Chekov and at the helm of this project is director J.J. Abrams. I've had a look at some of the casting, but beyond that I'm avoiding spoilers, trailers, images and any information on the film. I don't need them, I know I will see the film. It's Star Trek, which is all I need to know.

So the challenge is, that is a long time to avoid Trek news... what shall I do to fill the void? No anomaly nor rift in the space time continuum is needed, but a Star Trek Movie Marathon to countdown to the May 8, 2009 release date sounds perfect! I recently purchased the complete set so I'm ready to go. I'll be writing about each and every film here at Movie Moxie. As always the reviews will be spoiler free.

Sound like fun? Don't worry - you can play along! You can write about as many or as few of the films as you like, just note the schedule below for when to check in for the posts. They are all Tuesdays, so let's call them Trek Tuesdays! It's bi-weekly until right before the May release date and then it goes weekly. You can post your links in the comments here or on the film specific link. I'll compile the links and have them listed here as we go along.

One more thing, I've seen all the films but am curious to if I'll change my mind on any of the films after revisiting. I've written a list and ordered the films from 1 to 10 by favourites, and sealed it up. After watching all ten films, I'll do this again and compare and share! Feel free to join in on that as well!

Countdown to Star Trek Movie Marathon
Star Trek: The Motion Picture - Tuesday January 6, 2009
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan - Tuesday January 20, 2009
Star Trek III: The Search for Spock - Tuesday February 3, 2009
Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home - Tuesday February 17, 2009
Star Trek V: The Final Frontier - Tuesday March 3, 2009
Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country - Tuesday March 17, 2009
Star Trek: Generations - Tuesday March 31, 2009
Star Trek: First Contact - Tuesday April 14, 2009
Star Trek: Insurrection - Tuesday April 28, 2009
Star Trek: Nemesis - Tuesday May 5, 2009

Friday May 8, 2009 Star Trek released
Star Trek - Tuesday May 12, 2009

Need the box set? Click here for Amazon.ca or Amazon.com link for the DVD version.
I didn't see a version available on the UK site - sorry UK fans!

Reviews:
Star Trek: The Motion Picture: Movie Moxie, Jennerosity Land
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan: Movie Moxie, Jennerosity Land
Star Trek III: The Search for Spock: Movie Moxie, Jennerosity Land
Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home: Movie Moxie, Jennerosity Land
Star Trek V: The Final Frontier: Movie Moxie, Jennerosity Land
Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country: Movie Moxie, Jennerosity Land
Star Trek: Generations: Movie Moxie, Jennerosity Land
Star Trek: First Contact: Movie Moxie, Jennerosity Land
Star Trek: Insurrection: Movie Moxie, Jennerosity Land
Star Trek: Nemesis: Movie Moxie, Jennerosity Land
Star Trek (2009): Movie Moxie

Vlog it to ya! My fave Star Trek Films pre and post re-watching Vlog!