The fourth and final scene shown was part of the final battle where Kirk and Sulu (and an unfortunate Red Shirt) battle the Romulans. Again, some great lines during this sequence, especially Spock’s line about pranks. The scale for what was shown was really epic!
John Cho as Sulu in the new Star Trek movie
Diehard fans might notice that the Enterprise computer voice is NOT Majel Rodenberry’s this time. The angle shown of the Enterprise as the shuttles launch from the rear of the ship was very impressive. As for Anton Yelchin as Chekov? At one point, I could have sworn he said “Quirk” instead of Kirk. And when he ran through the ship, his body language was very reminiscent of Walter Koening’s Chekov. Not sure if that was intentional or not, but I had no doubt after that that he is Chekov! John Cho didn’t have as many scenes featured during these twenty minutes as the other characters. This is no slight against Cho. While he did fence and sword-fight in the final scene, I’m looking forward to the full movie to see what he can do. His scenes were more action-oriented than dramatic, and there’s only so much you can see in twenty minutes. As for the Red Shirt? He dies pretty spectacularly. Nice to see that tradition continue!
There are many reasons why the Classic Star Trek stories still endure, chief among them is due to the actors who played the roles. From Deforest Kelly’s professionally mischievous Dr McCoy, to George Takei’s stalwart Mr. Sulu, to James Doohan’s Scotty (the frequently exasperated ship’s engineer), the actors playing these roles are forever locked in the hearts and minds of the fans. But no two people are more synonymous with Star Trek than William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy. Shatner, as the legendary James T. Kirk, and Nimoy, as the ever-logical Mr. Spock, went on to establish Star Trek as a world-wide phenomenon.
Throughout Cinema history, iconic roles have frequently been recast. James Bond, Dracula, Robin Hood, Superman, and Batman, for example, have all featured different actors playing these roles. But for over an unprecedented 28 years, from his 1966 debut to his big-screen final curtain in 1994’s Star Trek Generations, only one man had ever portrayed Captain Kirk. Likewise for Mr. Spock, who was ably portrayed by Nimoy for 25 years until 1991’s Star Trek VI: Undiscovered Country ( if you don’t count the four actors who Leonard Nimoy himself chose to play the roles of the aging Genesis Planet Spock in Star Trek III The Search For Spock). For the May 8, 2009 release of Star Trek, the entire original seven cast members have been recast. In this production, the featured roles of Kirk and Spock are played by Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto, respectively, and are the only two over whom the original actors, Shatner and Nimoy, had “final approval” in regards to their casting.
So overall how did I feel about the footage? I believed that Chris Pine was James T. Kirk! Zachary Quinto is Mr. Spock! I’m dying to see how all of these relationships play out when this movie comes out next year. I firmly believe that this will positively re-establish the Star Trek franchise. My hopes are for a continuing storyline in the inevitable sequels to come. What I saw tonight had a real sense of drama, pathos, comedy, tension, and urgency to it. This may upset a few of you out there, but I’m anticipating this movie more than Watchmen! This movie comes out 2 days after my birthday, and J.J. Abrams now has me looking forward to turning another year older! While this may not quite be your father’s Star Trek, it is the most logical progression of the franchise. Star Trek as a concept should not stay dormant forever. Many fans have cried out that Trek should “take a break” for a while after the last disappointing TV series before returning. And now, like a powerful phoenix, this universe is about to rise again from its ashes, in what I believe will be the most powerful form we’ve seen in over a decade. To any of the fans who doubted Abrams’ dedication to bringing you the best Star Trek, you have nothing to fear!
The Enterprise from the new Star Trek movie
And now as a bonus here are my very brief interviews with a couple of the cast members who will be taking on those iconic roles as modern day replacements. Please Note: This was not a formal interview setting. These are the results of brief handshakes and quick conversations. There were plenty of executives all angling to talk to the stars, and I didn’t see any press types talking to them before I left. I didn’t even see J.J. Abrams after the screening, so no questions from me. They were all fantastic and everyone I spoke to was gracious enough to sign an autograph for me. I won’t bore everyone with the exchange of pleasantries, but John, if you’re reading this, my girlfriend was thrilled I brought home your personalized autograph to her. Thanks!
First, Zachary Quinto, the new Mr. Spock:
Screen Rant: How do you feel about the release date being pushed back to May of next year?
Zachary Quinto: It means another six months to wait but it’s definitely worth it.
SR: It looks like the studio is positioning this to be their summer blockbuster. Are you signed up to do more?
Quinto: We’ll have to wait to see how well this one does.
SR: How does it feel to be taking on the role of Spock?
Quinto: Good.
SR: Great work! I can’t wait to see this film.
And then I moved on to speak with Chris Pine, the new James T. Kirk:
SR: So what did you think of the new footage?
Chris Pine: I’m still shaking. That [footage] was fantastic! Those special effects look great!
SR: do you think they’ll keep the music that was just used?
Chris Pine: I hope so. It was pretty good, wasn’t it?
SR: How does it feel to take on the role of Kirk?
Chris Pine: Challenging.
SR: So are you signed up for more?
Chris Pine: It’s a standard three picture deal. But it depends on how well this one does, if there’ll be more.
Three picture deal, baby.
So what do you think? Does this make you feel better about the film or are you a Trek fan who doesn’t want to see any deviation from Star Trek “canon?”
Star Trek opens on May 8, 2009.
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29 Comments
Very nice Brian, and thank you Vic. That seems to solve the question about Kirk wearing the black tee-shirt.
but he does consistently refer to Kirk as “Jim”
Hmmm. I don’t mind this but in TOS, Scotty only referred to him as “Jim” only once, I think (Mirror, Mirror). No problem though, if the movie is as good as Brian says it is.
The Romulans are all bald? I hope that is just Nero and his minions. I also hope Kirk and Spock don’t see Nero and crew because in TOS, they don’t know what Romulans look like.
BTW, WHERE IS THAT GUY WITH THE TIME MACHINE, SO I CAN TIMEWARP TO NEXT YEAR????!!!!
thanks brian this is really cool
@Kahless
Brian was referring to Spock calling Kirk “Jim,” not Scotty.
Vic
The Romulans I feel are the weakest part of the reboot. They feel like Shinzon and the… “Remans”(?) from Star Trek: Nemesis, and that’s not a good thing.
I still have my fingers crossed for that shot of a space elevator in the background, hauling up pieces of ships into space though. That’ll justify the movie for me.
I don’t think it’s possible for me to get more excited about this movie. Thanks for the extra info!! WOOHOO!!
Bear in mind that I am excited about this film, but i cant seem to wrap my mind around what the Bridge and wht the ship look like. I don’t know if this is the original Enterprise, but if it is, shouldnt resemble what was in the original. Or is it a different ship altogether. I am somewhat confused.
Though I do see Quinto as Spock, he looks and I am assuming , sound like Spock, but part of me keeps thinking that at somepoint in the movie, Sylar is going to bust out and start cutting open skulls. Does anyone else feel that way?? Or is it just me?
As someone who has never been a Star Trek fan, I’m actually excited for this movie. From the trailer, it looks like Abrams did a great job bringing this nerd fantasy to a mainstream audience
Nice semi spoiler free report Brian,,,
I saw the clips as well, and while I liked the pace and effects, I had some probs with Pegg, Cho, and Yetchen,,,
(IMO) all three are mis-cast for the roles, Especially Pegg… I don’t remember Scotty being a hyper crazy engineer.
Also the scene where Kirks hands swell up to Mickey Mouse proportions was incredibly lame and reminded me of the re-emagined “Lost in Space” movie…
After watching the clips anyone can tell that the movie WILL pack the theaters, but I don’t think it will be the highest grossing film of next year…
Also Star Trek canon is really abandoned in this new Trek. After watching the clips I can see why Romulans are the villains but its going to be a tough pill for hardcore fans to swallow. (Flamestrike)
Nero’s timetravel actions practically rewrite TOS as you know it,,,
I’m indifferent at this point, I won’t be standing in line opening weekend and that’s ok…
The movie definitely looks cool. As long as they don’t pretend this Enterprise is the same as the one built in 2245 and later captained by Kirk, I do not foresee any serious objections.
~ RF
The one thing that has me concerned is what sounds like a really stupid scene – the one 790 referred to with the hands and tongue of Kirk swelling up. That’s the first “Transformers-ish” thing (inject stupid comedy just for laffs) that I’ve heard about the film.
Here’s hoping beyond hope this somehow turns out to be great.
Oh, and Rachel, it IS supposed to be the same ship.
Vic
The only one that i really have an issue with in regards to Casting, is John Cho, O really don’t think he resemble Sulu in any way besides John Cho will always Be Harold and the MILF dude from American Pie, i am afraid i just cant take him seriously as an actor, but who knows maybe the role of Sulu may change that. I think that Simon Pegg Will be Great as Scotty, He has reportadly putin a lot of reaserach and time learning the role, and I hope he blows everyone away, and proves all his crtters wrong
sorry that is suposed to say Critics not Critterss
Brian did you see the scene with. (Nimoy’s) Spock?
The scene when (Nimoy’s) Spock shows up is kinda cool, but it does seem kinda like a gimmick in a way…
@790,
Who cares if Nimoy showing up as Spock is a gimmick? It’ll STILL be awesome to see Nimoy on the big screen as Spock in another Trek movie. How many of us ever thought that was going to happen??
Great point. Nimoy in the movie as Spock is probably worth the price of admission I suppose.
I just hate that they’re making us swallow so many change pills. The Enterprise should have been much closer to the original (I am liking the Kelvin era ships though). But the bridge and corridors…oh my goodness. Seriously feel that those are the worst science fiction interiors I have ever seen.
With all the changes we must go through (actors) it would have been a great moment the see something we are familiar with that has not change much: The Enterprise. Imagine the goosebumps we could have had.
I had no idea seeing Nimoy was such a big deal. Ghessh
:
@Metallicat79, Pegg is a great actor but his performance as Scotty was awful.
Even if you close your eyes its bad…
Oh, sorry about that. I guess I had a senior moment (but I’m only 45).
Thanks for correcting me, Vic.
Thanks for the compliments guys.
@790, yes I mentioned the Nimoy footage I saw. It was the scene where Nimoy introduces Scotty to Cadet Kirk. You have to remember this is a younger version of Scotty, and I’m sure the director’s intent is for his characters to grow into the ones we all know. And as for Kirk’s Elephantitis scene in Medbay, I briefly mentioned it to avoid too many spoilers. I really didn’t care for the delivery of the “numb tongue” gag as I mentioned, but the initial symptoms, of what was shown, was pretty brief. As a result I wasn’t too bothered overall. It’s not as if McCoy tried to smuggle Kirk onboard inside of a lead-lined refridgerator
As for Simon Pegg And Anton Yelchin, sorry, but I liked what I saw. I think they try to make the characters their own while being respectful to their predecessors. I would have been saddened to see them simply try to mimic someone else, and I’m glad they brought something new to the table.
Is it me or does this plot seem way too thin? Whatcha ya Want to bet it has a cliff hanger ending? From Brian’s report, very nicely done by the way, It’s no stretch to say that the movie has plenty of built in quality. An added cliff hanger would certainly give it a momentum almost impossible to resist sequalizing.
Without it, it could be no more popular than “The Voyage Home” or “Undiscovered Country.” Two sequels that had compelling story aspects that drew in non-Trek attendances, but nothing compared to a “Dark Knight” type audience grabber. I realize that’s a very high goal, but if you set out to really make a success of something you don’t hold back or pull any punches.
Would you believe, compelling incomplete plot threads, as opposed to a cliffhanger?
Well…we’re still quite a ways from the release date. Perhaps the feed back from these3 screenings will help the “mickey hands / pillow” tongue bit wind up on the editing room floor…
“Lib log un prosthper…” lol
If it is the same ship, then this is just an Abram’s movie using Star Trek imagery, not a Star Trek movie.
~ RF
Rachel,
There is no indication that this is anything else but a “Star Trek” movie. This is a new vision, no less Star Trek. You certainly didn’t expect them to create a cheezy, boxy, ridiculous, 1960s set design, did you? This enterprise more resembles what it should have looked like in the many years preceeding the motion picture. You may judge it before it can play out, and deny in your mind that it is “Star Trek” (and many have misjudged Voyager and Enterprise), but is IS STAR TREK. CBS nor Paramount would never have given the go-ahead (nor would Nimoy have appeared) if it wasn’t.
I’m 40, have viewed EVERY EPISODE of trek, including the disrespected series’ that I felt simply weren’t given their fair shake for their combined 11-year runs, and I am ready for a “reboot.” It’s about bloody time.
Give it a chance, and i think you will be just as big a fan. I really do, RF. I look forward to you really loving it.
GWCS
Boone, North Carolina
ok, guys, I have seen the trailer. The ‘hanger bay.? that is a earth based hanger for shuttles, or it is on the space station – it ISNT the hanger deck – it is TOO SMALL. The original enterprise could hold 6 shuttlecraft squeezed in, so the new Enterprise isnt that much bigger…
Brian;
Very nice review. I especially appreciate the spoiler warnings (”the first scene… etc.). My intention is too avoid all spoilers the best I can before the films release. Ignorance is bliss I’ve heard.
It seems to me that this “reboot” or “re-imagining” of Star Trek can be compared to a new band doing a cover of some popular classic song with three possible outcomes:
1) It can be done as close to the original as possible so it’s hard to tell the difference.
2) It can get the new bands personal touches so that it’s obvious and has a fresh and enjoyable updated feel.
3) It can be so different that it takes several times before you realize it’s the same song.
Outcome #1 Would be a box office flop! If it was modeled after TOS it would be seen as a retro tribute good for one pass, and TNG would be the same old hammer nailing the coffin closed.
Outcome #3 would have incurred the wrath of Trek fans en masse and the studio would close the doors forever (or for another 40 years
).
I’m betting we’ll get outcome #2 (um… duh!). And even though I’ve been a Trekkie for 30+ years I’m looking forward to new actors bringing there individual touches to characters I grew up with. If they were talentless civic theater wannabes I’d be afraid to see it. But they are talented people and I for one am going to give them a chance.
I’ve got my salt and ketchup ready though. In case I have to eat my words
.
David….I think JJ’s giving us more of a 2.5 where I would have wanted a 1.5.
I like most about it except the ship and the bridge. They fall under the “change for change’s sake” category. Could have designed them much closer to the original. It’s science fiction.
IMHO, believe the the New Kirk would be a great fit for Steve Rogers/Captian America…
Sorry, how to get that out of the way. On the suject at hand, the film looks very promising and fresh. Looking forward to seeing how honorable the film is to the orginial.
Sounds very Promising.
Thanks Brian.
One day I’ll be able to take the time to dialog the level of “Treker” that I am but I’ll save that for another commentary track. The BIG question I ask is this:
What are YOUR thoughts on the recast of – THE ENTERPRISE?
Of the “complaints” I get – the interior of the ship is the one I see that is the most regular and one that everyone from lowly “stick-on Spock” fan, to the likes of a television and movie production designer call “not right.”
Thoughts?
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