Tuesday, April 07, 2009

Kirk! Kirk, you're still alive, my old friend.


As a fan of Shatner era Star Trek and someone who is excited to see the pending remake by J.J. Abrams and someone who dreams of owning a franchise of the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema I have to say I'm jealous as hell at what happened last night in Austin.

Fans were invited to a screening of what many consider to be the best Trek film- "Star Trek II The Wrath of Khan." They were told they would also get to see ten minutes of the new film.

Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman who wrote the new movie get up to introduce Khan and the movie starts. About 10 minutes in while Kirk is waxing poetic about getting old, scratches start to appear in the image, the image burns through and the house lights come up.

A guy in trench coat and hat walks up on stage and it turns out to be Leonard Nimoy in disguise. He introduces the new movie on the unsuspecting fans, who then get to see the whole damned things. Lucky bastards.

For the record- reaction to the film seems to be almost universally positive. I can't wait to see this thing.

12 comments:

Arkonbey said...

Well, that is pretty darn cool, I must admit, but I would still have preferred WoK.

WoK is the best ST film ever (I would argue that the franchise should have stopped there. It would have made the film's message of friendship, loss and the passing of years a lot more poignant).

Based on the trailer, I'm not going to see this new film (see my many other rants on this subject for more information).

Lockwood said...

I probably won't watch it in the theatre, but I'll catch it eventually. Much as I loved TOS, and learned to really enjoy TNG, I kind of feel like they're just milking the franchise. On the other hand, I'm pretty burned out on ALL entertainment media, so the issue may be with me rather than with the quality of the productions themselves.

Anonymous said...

.. i just hope they don't turn it into "Starship Troopers".

Don Snabulus said...

I got a rock.

Arkonbey said...

@HST2: *shiver*
@snab: ?

Randal Graves said...

How come something cool like that never happens in Cleveland? We're just as hip and edgy as Austin and all their rednecks in indie disguise.

Westcoast Walker said...

Hey Dean (it's been a while)

I share your pre-Trek excitement - my inner geek can hardly contain himself. I am not a Trek purist by any stretch so I don't mind the franchise getting a little jolt of caffeine (or perhaps Red Bull if the trailer is accurate).

For every great Trek moment (ROK, First Contact) there are also some real stinkers (Undiscovered Country, Insurrection) so if this breaths new life into it I am all for it.

Now excuse me while I brush up on my Klingon before the film premier.

Don Snabulus said...

Ark,

That was a Peanuts Halloween special reference...they get a Star Trek premiere, I get a rock.

(Lame, I know)

Dean Wormer said...

arkonbey-

I loved Khan but also Star Trek IV just because it was so character-centered.

I've been hesitant about the new film but now may have to go to and see a midnight showing. Those were old-school Trek fans at that Austin premiere and they're raving.

Lockwood-

Fair enough. :)

HarrySTruman2-

I dunno. Starship Troopers had a memorable shower scene in particular, so it wouldn't be ALL bad.

don-

Blockhead.

randal-

That's what I hear. Cleveland is as hip as it gets.

Westcoast-

Speaking of Klingons I hope they don't have ridges on their heads. I like the old-school, retro Klingons.

Mauigirl said...

What a great switch! Much as I like the old Trek movies I would have been thrilled to see a sneak preview of the new one. We'll probably be going on the opening night at whatever theater near us is showing it.

We've even been watching the fan-made episodes on the computer (like Star Trek: New Voyages). They're really pretty good! All the characters are young versions of the original cast, which I gather the new Trek movie will be as well.

I always liked TOS the best and if they can bring back that spirit it will be great.

enigma4ever said...

wow....I would have given anything to been there...damnit....wow they were sooooo lucky....

Dr. Zaius said...

"Star Trek II The Wrath of Khan" certainly had the best Shatner toupee, that's for sure.