I had the opportunity to see the new Star Trek movie this weekend as I'm sure many pregames did.
First, let me give you some information about me, although when it comes to reviewing popular films, your opinion is as valid as mine. By trade, I am a writer. Most of the time I write technical stuff, tour guides, iphone apps and contract work, but I've also written half a dozen screenplays with two of them being optioned by well known Hollywood producers. Does this qualify me to pass judgement? Maybe on some levels, but you, the movie goer and the box office is the final authorities.
Did like the film? Yes, but I like Sci-Fi and I'm always looking for movies that suggest or show alternative realities.
First impressions: Loud, too many special effects, too many outlandish stunts, lack of interpersonal conflict, lack of character development and did I say too LOUD?
Initial rating: 3.5 out of 5 - maybe 4 out of 5.
So what did I like and what didn't work? With all of the comic book heroes being exploited in every other summer movie, it's hard to stand out from the crowd. Star Trek, Into the Darkness, chose to come out prior to these big tent-pole movies and probably for good reason. I won't go into details about the plot so as not to spoil it for you, but my biggest complaint was the writers actually wrote a good story, albeit a mediocre continuation of the Kirk-Spock conflict, but it was squashed by the over-the-top special effects.
The first "New" Star Trek was successful because the writer and director agreed to focus on the backstory or early days of Kirk and Spock, and by seeing their development and eventual success, we accepted them and gave them free reign to fight evil. But in "Into the Darkness" we're given the opportunity to see them grow up, express emotion, and even disagree, but all of this is diminished by the special effects and unbelievable villains. Had the producers opted for a believable villain and kept the special world or unique physical dynamics within reason, this film could have easily become an instant classic. But they left the steak at the door and went for the sizzle.
Don't get me wrong. This movie is fun, it's exciting, it's funny, and there's even a few tear-jerking moments, but on the whole, the director sacrificed the story for the spectacle.
There are some really classic one-liners as well as some great visuals. One that pregamers will appreciate is a scene where Kirk and his exploration party are confronted by a group of Klingons. I couldn't help but think these guys look like Oakland Raider fans dressed in Detroit Lions fan couture. (That's code for LOSER)
Anyway, this is a fun movie, but don't expect too much. It's definitely worth the money and 3D can only amplify the experience, so please post your review after you seen it.