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This post starts without spoilers. Then there's the spoiler part. So if you haven't seen the movie, don't read past the spoiler warning. The comments/replies may also contain spoilers.
Unspoilery Opinion
Overall, I really liked the movie. It was generally well-paced (though a bit rushed in places... I get the impression there were some things they wanted to explain, but didn't get time to include the scenes).
The casting was excellent. As a big Spock fan, I was pleased they chose a good actor. Having seen a picture of the guy in an interview, I also sympathise about the eyebrows. He's got some majorly bushy eyebrows, and it must have been torture to wax/remove the things for the part. I wince for the eyebrows.
The science was terrible, but I've never really watched Star Trek expecting hard science fiction. Even so, I'd have liked a bit of technobabble for some of the elements.
I'd suggest going to see it if you're a Star Trek fan or a fan of soft science fiction. But if you like your science harder than diamond, it's going to make you cry.
*** Beyond this point, spoilers roam ***
Spoilery Opinion
Though I liked it overall, there were things I didn't like. The biggest was destroying Vulcan. Though a genuine emotional tearjerker for a long-time Star Trek fan with a thing about Vulcan, it leaves me wondering what place Vulcans will have in the future of this film series. Will it just be Spock, or will they introduce plotlines about the new colony?
The science I would have liked a hand-wave for was the black hole. It obviously wasn't a normal black hole, yet they spoke about it as though it was one. It was so unlike a black hole that my usual feeling of dread watching black holes didn't surface. Couldn't they have given it another name? Called it an unknown something-or-other? Another name for the phenomenon would have gone a long way, because it wouldn't make me say "wait a minute... black holes don't do that".
Complaints aside, there were bits I really loved. I do like the fact this is an official alternate timeline. We can still enjoy the original timeline, Vulcan and all (and I may do so when the Star Trek Online game comes out, as that will be set in the original timeline. Guess what race I'd play?). It was fun seeing what bits had changed and what stayed the same.
I liked that they expanded Uhura's role, as I was a fan of her character in the original series. The romance with Spock made sense (she's intelligent, dedicated and generally controlled... a match with a Vulcan/human makes more sense than Kirk). It was also well-handled. In public it was mostly subtle stuff. In private, Spock obviously had issues relaxing and showing affection, despite it being clear they'd been involved for some time. The whole thing was very believable.
The Vulcan bullying was excellent. Along with using 'live long and prosper' like a swear word. You'd got to love the reserved expressions of emotion. And I want one of those learning pod things form the Vulcan school. Imagine playing games on one of those.
For Others
Have you seen the film? If no, the spoiler warnings are tutting at you. If yes, did you like/hate it?
5 ink splashes:
I love the alternate time line thing - it was the perfect solution to the definite problem they had and leads us to whole uncharted regions of space and adventure for the future.
The casting was also excellent.
What about how they handled Kirk's character? Overall, I think Pine did a good job with the material, but don't you think that the, um, reward that he gets at the end of the movie is RATHER generous, given his experience?
Pan Historia, Yep. Anything could have changed elsewhere in the galaxy. We'll have to wait and see what.
Mark Dykeman, Honestly, I'm not a big Kirk fan. I paid less attention to his storyline, other than being glad he didn't get the girl. I thought the actor did well (it's not his fault his character lacks pointy ears after all).
His promotion is rather fast, but I can accept that within the dramatic action/adventure context. It's not a deal-breaker for me.
I loved the movie. Everytime I think about it, I think of all the things that should have made it horrible. (see the review on my blog if you're interested /shameless plug ;) And yet while I'm in the theater I really really enjoy it. So they did something right. I've gone twice, will probably go again at some point. (after I see Up!)
anyway, I love your blog, I've been reading off and on for a while but I thought I'd say hello.
Hello!
Grace, Hello!
I admit I had my doubts before I went, but once there it was good fun.
Enjoy 'Up'. I don't think I'll get a chance to see that one, so it'll probably to a waiting for the DVD movie for me.
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