Star Trek Beyond: First Official Trailer

     The first trailer for Star Trek Beyond has dropped and it looks to be, once again, more about the over the top action sequences and less about the meaningful exploration of the human condition that it rightfully should be.  But, that being said, it still looks like it'll be entertaining as hell, and Leonard "Bones" McCoy steals the trailer with his perfectly placed cynical wit.

     Star Trek Beyond hits theaters July 22nd, 2016.

JJ Abrams and a Star Wars / Star Trek Crossover Film....

     I read earlier today that inside sources with J.J. Abrams' studio that Abrams is attempting to put the two biggest science fiction franchises together on the big screen.  It sounds plausible, I mean he's already sitting in the directors seat for one, and has previously held it for the other.  On top of that he's already snuck R2-D2 into the newer Star Trek films.

     Here's a snippet from the National Report article I read:

     Sources claim that Abrams, who is currently in production on Star Wars, Episode 7, The Force Awakens, has spent the past three weeks jotting down notes and drawing out stick figure storyboards for a film he’s tentatively titling “A New Frontier,” and has recently begun fleshing out the first few scenes of a screenplay. This film, which is little more than theoretical right now, would see the crew of the USS Enterprise crashing on Tatooine, the desert planet that both Anakin and Luke Skywalker had called their home.

     “The idea is that the enterprise crew are trying to outrun some trouble, and end up going through a wormhole. And that lands them in a different time and place… a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away,” says a talent agency employee who claims he overheard Abrams in a meeting with his agent. “So you’d have the Star Trek characters meeting some of the Star Wars characters, and there’d be a whole adventure happening there, while the Enterprise crew tries to repair their ship and get home.” 

     Another employee from the same agency corroborated the story. “He’s been really excited about this for a few days. He really wants to make this picture, where the Star Trek and Star Wars characters meet on Tatooine. Ari [Emanuel, Abrams’ Agent] has been putting in calls to execs at Disney and Paramount to see if they could get a meeting going.”

     Sure, it's a very intriguing idea, but something about it doesn't quite fit for me.  I cannot say that I would wholly be against the idea, but I can't say I'd be 100% for it either.  The two franchises have such a different feel, and as a life-long fan of both it does seem a little odd.
     I mean think about it, Star Wars is a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.  It's loaded with mystery and the Force, while Star Trek is all about the future and quantifying the universe, however strange it seems.  My issue with the mingling of these two distinct things would feel like a slight betrayal to both series' focus of ideals- like Lucas' quantifying of the Force by relegating it to a Midichlorian level- or Star Trek V: The Final Frontier's mangled handling of a god.  It created an awkward mess in both instances, not that they couldn't have been done, but they were done in a way that didn't fit with the rest of their respective series'.

     So, to me, this seems like it could be a massively disastrous decision.  Speaking for myself, I think it is very possible to do this project, the biggest problem is doing it right.  Abrams' Star Trek films are riddled with problems, and we have yet to see how well the next Star Wars film will do.  So if these rumors are true, please, for the fans of these beloved franchises, find the greatest writers possible to make it work properly.

     Source [ National Report ]

The Great and Logical Leonard Nimoy has Died: May Spock Live Long and Prosper Passing into that Final Frontier

     Another great member of the Star Trek's most famous ship, the starship Enterprise has left the bridge today.  Leonard Nimoy has passed away of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) caused by a decades long habit of smoking.

"Live long and Prosper"

     Many mourn this loss of the half-Vulcan Mr. Spock.  Nimoy has left us with an important and lasting message of peace, logic, and beauty through his last Tweet:

A life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memory. LLAP
— Leonard Nimoy (@TheRealNimoy) February 23, 2015

     Full Obituary from the [ NY Times ]

John Carter of Mars: Sequels Logos Revealed by Andrew Stanton

     Aside from the fact this was a great movie done in by mismarketing, among other things, it remains a favorite of mine since it arrived in theaters.  John Carter should've been marketed with the "of Mars" attached and touted as the "Story that started it all!" because in reality, it did.  It heavily influenced all big science fiction stories after it through the last whole century.  From Flash Gordon and Superman to Star Wars- they are all progeny to Edgar Rice Burrough's Princess of Mars series, and that fact might've helped sell it to movie going audiences, because many that didn't know the story really precedes all the the ones people think it copied is kind of important for people to know.

     Anyways, director Andrew Stanton posted a couple neat logo teases had the movie done well.  Perhaps it was done to generate some cult appeal and late sales of the film, either way it's more advertising for the film I adore.

Could have been cool. Had big plans... pic.twitter.com/xtL0KuLyAf
— andrew stanton (@andrewstanton) June 7, 2014

...That would have led to even bigger plans. pic.twitter.com/GCXet6iZ3g
— andrew stanton (@andrewstanton) June 7, 2014

     Sadly, for all of us fans that loved the movie, since Disney has acquired John Carter's progeny, Star Wars, any new hope for the Martian Saga sequels remains far, far away.


     Here's another John Carter post I did professing my enjoyment of the film:
          [ John Carter (of Mars) ]

JJ Abrams: Stop With the Star Wars Episode VII Leaks and Rumors

     Known for making marketing ploys, JJ Abrams has recently expressed his distaste for the leaking of photos and videos from the upcoming Star Wars Episode VII with a nice bit of playful humor.

     This is actually kind of hilarious because it could just be to generate more hype about the pictures that really don't show anything.  There's also the fact that the note is on something that might be from the film, pointing that this is a big joke.  The troll level alert is quite high- as I'm fairly certain that's a Dejarik Table like the one Chewbacca is playing in A New Hope.

     As for the Millennium Falcon not being in the movie... firstly, the Dejarik Table picture above, and should we even mention the fact that there was a whole lot of JJ Abrams saying that Khan wasn't in Star Trek Into Darkness back before that movie came out, and we all know how that turned out.

     Source [ Bad Robot Twitter ]

HBO Wants Damon Lindelof's Leftovers. (And Where Lindelof Gets His Ideas)

     HBO has officially picked up Lindelof's The Leftovers.  After a streak of films meant to ruin our cinema going experience- Prometheus, World War Z, and Star Trek Into Darkness- Lindelof is returning to television to confound our minds with a senseless and contrived mess I'd now refer to as the Gordian Plot.  A reference to the tangled Gordian Knot of lore- sure it looks intricate and well-planned, but in reality it was probably just a cord that got snarled up by accident.

     And if I'm not mistaken, all his ideas are actually pumped out of that DHARMA pneumatic tube dispenser from the Lost episode, "Live Together, Die Alone. Part 1"



I'm reasonably certain this is where Lindelof gets his ideas.

     The first season is 10 episodes about the people after the Rapture that "didn't make the cut."  So in my mind, it'll be Lost, except everyone is stuck in Purgatory and surrounded by dangling plot threads and unanswered questions.  The Leftovers might even refer to all the ideas he couldn't fit into any of the other projects his name has been pasted on.

     As you may have guessed my hopes for this are slim.  Although the other names attached are keeping me slightly, very slightly, intrigued.  Peter Berg is an executive producer that also directed the pilot.  That's the good news.  Justin Theroux, Amy Brenneman, Christopher Eccleston, and Liv Tyler star in it.  That is the other somewhat good news- a decent cast.

Star Trek Into Darkness: The Alice Eve Scream is a Carol Marcus Meme

     I felt that I spent a long time bashing Into Darkness with my last post and wanted to do some good for the movie.  So I whipped up a little Photoshoppery and fixed this picture.  I imagine Carol Marcus' father, the devious Admiral Marcus spoon feeding her to calm her down.  Complete with tiny Enterprise noises. 

"Open the shuttle bay-  ppbbbrbrbrlbelbrrbebrlrrrrrr..."

Star Trek Into Darkness: Orci on Writing: To Boldly Groan

     To Boldly Groan...

     After having the masochistic pleasure of rewatching the abominably written Star Trek Into Darkness I have a few more things to say about it.  This post will also contain many things in relation to Bob Orci's comments from an article written on TrekMovie.com called "Star Trek is broken- Here are ideas on how to fix it."
     This could actually be considered a continuation of the post I wrote about this a couple months back found here.  As well as a rehash of many complaints I had when the movie was first released.  My apologies in advance, this could be a long post.

     Most my complaints aren't even related to "Trekkie" type things.  I don't care that Chris Pine's Kirk is far more reckless and much more of a rule breaker than Shatner ever was.  I don't care that Quinto's Spock is only emotionless and logical when the scene calls for it.  Into Darkness' failings are in the writing.  It's just a mad dash from one problem to another.  Nothing is given time for growth.  There is no development.
     What I do care about is the fact that the writers barely have cohesion.  You want a Star Trek that will please fans?  Write a good story.  As a fan I want a good story first, then all the extra things tacked on.  A bad movie is a bad movie, regardless of what it's about.

The General Story.

     About Orci's comments:

"310.   boborci - September 2, 2013 I think the article above is akin to a child acting out against his parents. Makes it tough for some to listen, but since I am a loving parent, I read these comments without anger or resentment, no matter how misguided. 

Having said that, two biggest Star Treks in a row with best reviews is hardly a description of “broken.” And frankly, your tone and attidude make it hard for me to listen to what might otherwise be decent notions to pursue in the future. Sorry, Joseph. As I love to say, there is a reason why I get to write the movies, and you don’t.
Respect all opinions, always, nonetheless."

     The reason you got to write the movies certainly wasn't because of merit.  Star Trek Into Darkness is written like a middle schooler's fan-fiction project with Star Trek names pasted over everything.  You can't directly cut-and-paste the most well written, nostalgic moments of the Trek series onto a piece of crap and not expect to be critiqued on how poorly it's done.  The new film is devoid of the meaning that the previous characters developed over decades.  It's plain and simple- this is a great example of terrible writing in film.

"I wish you knew what you were talking about. I listened more than any other person behind the Trek franchise has EVER listened. And guess what? Glad I did becuase it lead to 2 biggest Trek’s ever.

You think action and thinking are mutually exclusive. Ok, then. Pitch me Into Darkness. Pitch me the plot, and let’s comapre it to other pitches. Go ahead. Let’s see if you actually understood the movie. Tell me what happened?

318. boborci - September 2, 2013

STID has infinetly more social commentary than Raiders in every Universe, and I say that with Harrison Ford being a friend. You lose credibility big time when you don’t honestly engage with the FUCKING WRITER OF THE MOVIE ASKING YOU AN HONEST QUESTION. You prove the cliche of shitty fans. And rude in the process. So, as Simon Pegg would say: FUCK OFF!"

     Into Darkness has infinitely (I can at least spell that) more social commentary than Raiders of the Lost Ark?  Is the commentary that all the screen writers these days are crap?  Is it that viewers are more accepting of poor movie standards because Hollywood is pumping out a stream of rehashed garbage at a constant rate?
     I really wonder if Orci took into account the inflation of viewing costs into the "biggest" 2 Trek films.  Not kidding here, one can double the cost to see it in 3d.  Which is a joke for this film.  It wasn't worth the money I paid for such pitiful 3d work.
     If people lost credibility by not engaging with the writers, there would be a lot less critiquing going on.  I have zero access to these writers.  If I tried to contact via email or twitter, I would almost 100% sure to be disregarded, and it would be understandable because I'm a nobody blogger.

     As for his quoting Simon Pegg- That Fuck off! is something I do agree with... from Mr. Pegg.  Because it was about people guessing things in the film and him not "owing" answers.  Which is true for the actors, while Orci does owe answers as a writer.  Which he asks to be asked in the above quotes.

"398. boborci - September 2, 2013

don’ take me too seriously. if you’ve been on this board for the lar 5 years (as I have beeb) you know that twice a year I explode at the morons. today, there seemed to be a congregation, so it seemed like a good time.

you are the most listened to fans ever. That doesn’t mean you will get is to do what you want. just means what I said: I listened. Then we decided, having heard as many opinions as possible. To paraphrase of one of my great and beloved heroes, George W. Bush, 'we’re the deciders….'"

     Sure- quote one of the most notably idiotic people on the planet.  Yeah, you may be the "deciders" now, but that can be changed.  It should be changed to give a chance to others that won't make such elementary storytelling mistakes.  They listened to the fans?  Obviously not- because many fans lamented the lack of real depth in the first film.  And those same fans are pissed because of the massive lack of depth in this one. 

     So writing a movie that is boiled down to - EXPLOSION!  (Insert famous Star Trek movie quote here) Exposition.  EXPLOSION!  Exposition. (Insert famous Star Trek movie quote here)  Repeat x 100 - somehow makes it tolerable?  They should just call it "Explosition."  It is very poor storytelling when the characters have to explain everything.  Oh Khan is bad, however would we know that?  Because Spock Prime said so!  Ludicrous.

     I mean really, there are people that defend it saying "you can't keep camparing it to Wrath of Khan!"  Yes, we can.  Want to know why?  Because not only did the writers use Khan, they directly ripped plenty of quotes right out of that script and pasted them in their own.  If someone like Michael Bay were to, oh... I don't know... make a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie, he WILL be judged using the original.  And you know why?  Because he's using those pre-existing characters.

     Some Plot Problems.

     -If the Enterprise had to hide underwater instead of space, how did they get the shuttle into the volcano without IT BEING SEEN?!?!  They had to fly the shuttle DIRECTLY over the inhabitants that were between the volcano and the underwater Enterprise.  Both ways.

     -Once the timeline was changed, why wasn't Khan the same?  He was LONG BEFORE the time of Nero's arrival.  Plus what's with the name cover up?  No one in the Star Trek current time knows who the fuck Khan is- which is why he has to explain his whole story.

     -Khan can beam to Qo'noS (NOT Kronos) from Earth but they can't beam a damn cold fusion (which actually isn't cold) bomb into a volcano?  Why the hell would Khan go there, other than the writers needed someone to go there to instigate Marcus' war plan, instead of directly into Marcus' damn super ship?

     -Kirk's cell phone can reach Scotty across the galaxy?  But calling Spock Prime gives them question?

     -Admiral Marcus beams Carol off the Enterprise through the shields, so why can't Khan just take back his "family?"

     -Exactly where was all the security around the super secret military ship Marcus was building?  Scotty literally just flies right up and boards it.  And on the topic of security, does Earth and Starfleet have NO defenses setup?  Where are all the ships to prevent the "oncoming Klingon threat."

     -Scotty only quits so he can be elsewhere when Kirk needs him to investigate Marcus' project.  An oddly convenient plot device employed many times in the film. 

     -I've mentioned this one plenty of times- why do they need Khan's blood with 72 other super-human, magic-blooded popsicles sitting 10 feet away.

     -Why do the ships fall through space?  Gravity isn't that powerful from that distance.  We couldn't have any satellites at all if it was that strong.

     -All the collateral damage.  Vengeance upon Khan cost how many lives on Earth.  Mass devastation.  (which reminds me, why didn't the transport Spock AHEAD of where Khan was heading on the streets?)

     Out of all 3 writers -Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman, and Damon Lindelof- not a single one of them fixed ANY of the glaring errors and plot holes?  Do none of them know how to edit their work?  There's nearly as many plot holes as Abrams' beloved lens flares.  (Here's a link to a few on IMDB.)  Maybe the flares are there just to try and blind us to how stupid some of the story is.

     I can forgive only so much, only suspend so much disbelief.  Hopefully the rumors of other writers being brought in is true.  We need writers that can handle an actual story, whether new or old- if the story sucks the film sucks.  Why not hire the amazing John Scalzi, whose novel Redshirts shows he knows both how to handle the Trek Universe and tell a coherent story.  Maybe tap old Trek writers- like Ronald D. Moore and Brannon Braga who wrote Star Trek: The Next Generation's finale All Good Things... 
     We need to find people that are not only fans, but good writers.

     And I'm sorry Mr. Abrams, but I know you were always a Star Wars over Star Trek-er, but please, don't do to the new Star Wars what you've helped do to Trek.  It was an optimistic beginning and a swift kick in the genetically enhanced, CG junk.

Source [ Tor Books ]

     Because I have so many negatives in this post, I started a small draft of things Star Trek Into Darkness did right.  It's really short so far, it'll probably be done tomorrow.  In addition I threw together a quick Photoshop job of the Alice Eve scream picture.  I'll post that right after this one is finished.

     Here's a some much better written articles and posts on this subject.  Written by people far more talented than I.  I would highly suggest reading the comments sections as well.  There are some very interesting things brought up in them.  Plenty of others have noticed a bunch of other issues, and there are some good suggestions for the future of Star Trek movies.

Shall We Begin? Star Trek Into Darkness Spoiler Review [ Tor ]

The Braver, Better Movie That Star Trek Into Darkness Could Have Been [ Wired ]

Star Trek Into Dumbness [ io9 ]

Into Darkness Review [ Badass Digest ]

Into Darkness Review [ Volokh ]

Star Trek Into Darkness: Another "Bones" McCoy Meme

     While I finish up a another post about the Star Trek Into Darkness film, I made another meme about the greatest Doctor ever- Leonard McCoy.  This is one of the things I mentioned in a post right after I saw the movie in the theater.  Yet another one of the preposterous occurrences that flood the story.  I hope you enjoy the pic. 

     As a Doctor, one would think the scientific method would hold true to laboratory testing even in the future, but Bones goes the extra mile and does something so ridiculous it's quite a wonder that ANY of Into Darkness' 3 writers would've thought this up at all- the "experiment is to inject the single vile of Khan's super blood into a tribble.  A dead tribble to top things off.


I'm a Doctor, not a scientist.

     As a patient care worker that frequents the Cardiac Cath Labs, I see pig valves used in people decently often, and a variety of other cross species uses for medical procedures.  I've even read of sea coral being used as bone replacement.  But what gets me is, what would posses McCoy to put the sample of genetically engineered human blood into a dead wad of fur?  It makes no sense, like most of the rest of the movie in general really.  So much for the scientific method.

Star Trek: Into Darkness: Leonard "Bones" McCoy Meme

     I had a few minutes of time to whip up a small meme of my long time favorite, and quite cantankerous, Star Trek character- Leonard "Bones" McCoy.

     I figure now is a good time because the film is releasing on DVD and Bluray this coming Tuesday, and has been available for about the last two weeks digitally.  It's also worth mentioning that I, and many, MANY others are pissed about the idea of separating all the special features amongst the distributing chains like Best Buy, Target, and iTunes.  Really, I just want the commentaries. 

Benedict Cumberbatch will NOT appear in Star Wars VII

     Despite the circulating rumors of J.J. Abrams casting Benedict Cumberbatch in the next installment of the Star Wars saga, it has been officially denied by a spokesman for Cumberbatch himself:

“There is no truth to the rumour Benedict has been cast in Star Wars,” a spokesperson for the 37-year-old actor told the News. “I think the rumours are circling because JJ and Benedict have just recently had a wonderful time working together on Star Trek.”

     It would seem pretty convenient that timing that Cumberbatch recently withdrew from Guillermo Del Toro's Crimson Peak.  I'm grateful for this news- as wonderful as he is, there's an over saturation of Cumberbatch right now.  It would be even more convenient that it Star Wars: Episode VII will begin filming in his own home in the U.K.

     Cumberbatch himself had previously mentioned loving the Star Wars saga as a kid, and joked about being in talks to play a lightsaber and how much it would cost to make the lightsaber's iconic whirring noises with Total Film.

     Personally, I think this is a very good thing- to keep him from being a big villain in both new series' movies.  Then again, I do recall being assured that he was most definitely NOT playing Khan in Star Trek Into Darkness, but that turned out to be a huge marketing lie.  So hopefully this is true and he won't be boldly going over to The Force.


Source [ NY Daily News ]

Star Trek 3: New Writers and Thoughts

     By the looks of it, according to the rumor mill, Bad Robot has found a new set of writers for Star Trek 3.  The new duo of Ashley Edward Miller and Zack Stentz may be up to the job.  They've previously done Thor, X-Men: First Class, and worked on Fringe, Andromeda, and Terminator: The Sarah Conner Chronicles.  Not too bad, at all.

     By no means is this a done deal, but I suppose Paramount wants it done kind of swiftly to get the next film out in time for the 50th Anniversary of Star Trek in 2016.

     While this could be amazing news, seeing as all my big complaints about the new Star Trek movies are directly related to crappy storytelling, we still need to be wary.  Two of the old writing team (Alex Kurtzman and Bob Orci) are still attached as producers, but they may still have some writing sway.
     Now I don't mean to slam Damon Lindelof, but he really, REALLY needs an editor, and I'm fairly pleased that he's been removed right now.  He's a great idea man, but he fails to keep things cohesive.  Does anyone know what the hell was going on in that giant mess called Lost?  And by god, he ruined far more than he helped with John Spaihts' Prometheus script.  Mystery is not created by simply eliminating parts of a story!

     They started the J.J. Abrams Trek series reboot with a brilliant plan- altering the path of Trek history.  To boldly go in new directions.  Instead we got a ridiculously homage filled slog with Into Darkness.  The homages are nice, but it shouldn't be the focus.  What's the purpose of changing the history if they continually repeat what's been done before?!?

     Everyone knows the opening monologue:

"Space.  The final frontier.  These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise.  Her 5 year mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life, and new civilizations.  To boldly go where no man has gone before."

     Where is this wonder and exploration now?  It seems to have been replaced with special effects and rushed, shoddy storytelling.
     Shouldn't they be shooting for something more?  Other Trek writer's knew this.  Think of this amazing quote from the Star Trek: The Next Generation finale "All Good Things."

Capt. Picard: I sincerely hope that this is the last time that I find myself here. 

Q: You just don't get it, do you, Jean-Luc? The trial never ends. We wanted to see if you had the ability to expand your mind and your horizons. And for one brief moment, you did.

Capt. Picard: When I realized the paradox.

Q: Exactly. For that one fraction of a second, you were open to options you had never considered. That is the exploration that awaits you. Not mapping stars and studying nebulae, but charting the unknown possibilities of existence.

     This is what the new writing team should always keep in mind- it's what I believe to be one of the most important quotes in any of the Star Treks.  This is the ideal in storytelling that the new teams should strive for- particularly Q's last statement about possibilities.

     The current writer's have got the characters all nailed down, but they lack something important to the story itself- plot.  The movies feel like a loosely held together series of implausible events that ended up as a sort of Rube Goldberg sci-fi film.  Don't neglect the potential of this untrod path.  Take chances.  Make the stories matter by charting those unknowns.


Source [ Badass Digest ]

Star Trek: Khan Miniseries From IDW Comics

     It appears that IDW Publishing will be expanding the origin story of the great villain Khan Noonien Singh with a 6 issue miniseries this October. 

"Khan will add dimension and depth to this new iteration one of the most classic villains in all of Star Trek lore." -Chris Ryall (IDW's Editor in Chief) 

     That's good because the film Star Trek: Into Darkness gave us so little, that it needs explaining through other mediums.  In fact I wonder if they'll cover the reason why in this alternate universe Khan has been genetically modified to be white.  Perhaps it was Eugenics War induced trauma?

"We're traveling back in time to show Khan's rise to power and give fans their first look at the legendary Eugenics Wars," says Johnson. "As the series unfolds we will see the events that led to Khan leaving Earth aboard the Botany Bay, and then jump forward to witness his awakening in the future by Admiral Marcus."

     There were novels already written about this, so it's not the first look at the Eugenics Wars.  Sure, I sound off putting, but I've bought a bunch of these issues already, and they are mediocre at best.  I was hoping they could do so much better, and honestly- there's only one issue I've thoroughly enjoyed.  It was Leonard "Bones" McCoy's stand alone one-shot issue.  Somehow in IDW's mess of a J.J. Abrams' Star Trek tie-in series, they managed to make a single comic book stand out.

Source [ IDW Comics ]

Star Trek 3: Zachary Quinto: Set to Film 2014 (Next Year)

     During Ireland's Galway Film Festival Lucien from Buzzhub caught an interesting tidbit at a public interview with Zachary "Spock" Quinto:

"Star Trek 3 should be filming, I suppose, next year. It’s going to be made a lot quicker than the last one. That’s the plan, although nothing is confirmed yet."

     That's awfully damn quick to start shooting the next installment.  He also mentioned that Abrams would still like to direct.  It seems odd because J.J. Abrams is also directing Star Wars Episode VII.  Mr. Quinto apparently also noted that he will not be appearing in Star Wars, but would like to show up on The Big Bang Theory.

     This seems a bit rushed, but I suppose they want to keep the momentum of Star Trek Into Darkness, as it's already made almost $450 million.

     Personally, while I enjoyed Into Darkness, I also was very displeased with it.  Mostly with the poor scripting.  It took 3 writers, and NONE of them caught some of the absurdities?  Where are the "no men" to tell them something doesn't work?  To say, "NO! This is poor writing."  Look what happened to the Star Wars prequels.  George Lucas had no one to tell him no, and the movies suffered for it.

     In Into Darkness there was too much focus on homage to the old stuff and not enough new stuff.  Wasn't the point of rebooting the series to make a new path?  New chances and stories, not rehashing all the same old stuff.  They could've altered Khan's story in so many other ways.  All the possibilities they had, and in my opinion, they dropped the ball.
     And another thing about Khan- the fact everyone guessed it form the trailers, but the film makers insisted it wasn't Khan.  That is really annoying.  I mean when he reveals himself as "Khan," I was expecting there to be an awkward silence, followed by Spock asking him if they were supposed to have heard the name previously.  In this film it didn't matter who he was.  There was nothing to make it meaningful in the film.  I've got more to say on this in another draft post.  In the mean time, someone hire a couple better writers and editors to help the current Star Trek crew out.

Source [ BuzzHub ]

Star Trek: Gratuitous Benedict Cumberbatch Shower Scene?

     There has been some talk of sexual objectification in the new Star Trek.  Specifically of Dr. Carol Marcus (Alice Eve).  Although I do understand her underwear scene was kind of abrupt and unnecessary, the same could be argued of Kirk's scenes.  If they were removed from the film, NOTHING would change, so why isn't there a problem with Kirk's semi-nudity?

Behold!  (By that I mean avert your pervy eyes)

     In defense of the scene, Kirk is someone that would try to sneak a peak while she was changing.  And wasn't there some useless reason for Zoe Saldana's Uhura in the first film?  These topics are so ridiculous.  Granted, the scenes are unnecessary, but if memory serves, the original Star Trek series had plenty of gratuitous moments.
     Here's a deleted scene pic (video below) of Benedict Cumberbatch as John Harrison (Khan) showing how much better he is than everyone by taking a shower.  Naked.  And posing awkwardly.

Khan is better at taking showers than you.

     Truly, if there is a problem it's that the leading ladies are completely underutilized.  Give them a larger more meaningful role- that is an issue I have with the new Trek films.

     And for what it's worth, Lindelof is a writer I really think is overrated in the first place, but at least he admits and takes full responsibility for the scenes on Twitter.

     Then J.J. Abrams himself on Conan O'Brien posted this gem in a sort of response:

Star Trek Into Darkness: Not Quite a Review.

     Ok, first off, I fully enjoyed the movie, despite the vast amount of absurdities.  Things like the Enterprise losing the warp core power and immediately it "falls" through space towards the nearest celestial body.  Really!?!?  Come ON!!!

  ---SPOILER WARNING---

"My name rhymes with JOOOOOOOHHHHNNN!"  -Khan

     It wasn't too hard to see that the main villain was Khan.  A flimsy cover up maintained after many had guessed long before the movie arrived on screen.  I get that they wanted people to "discover the story" as the main characters did, but seriously, stop covering it up! 

     Anyways, I'm glad Scotty gets a good chunk of things to do in this one.  Spock and Uhura get a small bit of relationship continuing.  Kirk is learning about consequences.  Bones is amazing and cantankerously quippy as ever.  Sulu gets a taste of being Captain, Chekov shifts to engineering, and there may be a precursor to Data on the bridge.

     We also finally get to see the new Klingon design, which I think is pretty awesome.  They also have a sensor cloaking ability on their ships.  That'll probably come in handy for the next film.

    Now- Khan.  He is played up perfectly as the superior being he was made to be.  Unfortunately the writers make plenty of stupid moves with him.  (Squashing heads?  Sure it shows his immense strength, but leaves out the tactical genius and battle swiftness he WOULD ACTUALLY BE USING, particularly in the fight with Spock.)  Khan's mythic presence has been rushed.  Being a tactical military super soldier, he should've been far smarter.  Seriously, why take out all that hate on all of Starfleet and not just focus on exposing and/or assassinating Admiral Marcus?  It would've been simple, smart, and highly effective.

     The movie is riddled with lazy writing and moments when the writers have sacrificed plausibility for something they hope to be moving- things that are so highly coincidental just to make the story fit a mold- that it is working against itself.  The trade off here is we are getting a meaningless and predictable rush through incoherent story without the depth of real emotion.  It feels like we are forced to endure a long series of escalating distractions, a constant barrage of action instead of the tension building that should be happening.  We need time to reflect and digest along side the character's growth- this process is extremely important in creating a lasting story, and Into Darkness is neglecting it.

     Where are the strange new worlds of the final frontier we were promised?  I don't know why the creators are trying to stuff references in every 5 minutes, but I would much appreciate it if we could go somewhere that means something.  In order for the series to grow, Star Trek needs to stop looking back, and start looking towards where they should be boldly going.

     Here's a bunch of miscellaneous thoughts:

• Khan and the Botany Bay should've been found by the Klingons. They are a war focussed culture, Khan is bred for that lifestyle. It gives a reason for him to be a great leader and cause turmoil in their society, then spread it to Starfleet later. Think of the following he could've had- the backing of at least some Klingons that give high honor and respect to the best warriors.
• Bones, instead of scientifically breaking down Khan's magic blood, injects it into a dead Tribble. Who thought of this? Lets test this questionable blood on a hairy chicken nugget. Then much, much later- the Tribble is brought back to life (I personally thought it would be the start of a "Trouble with Tribbles" subplot) and of course, it would be used to revive someone later even though it was shown earlier in the film that the blood has healing properties.
• Starfleet security is shit. Their meeting room has tons of windows, and no flying patrols?
• Parking their ship NEXT to the tribe the crew is trying to save instead of remaining IN ORBIT and OUT OF SIGHT.
• Isn't saving those people ALSO a violation of the Prime Directive?
• Why not beam the bomb into the volcano?
• Kirk's useless death. (see the magic blood) Someone should STAY dead.
• Bones made sythesized Khan blood, now NO injuries will be of threat ever again. 
• Spock, when enraged, should've displayed his struggle to contain the anger, and barely audibly whispered, "Khan."
• The transporters can snag people from anywhere, but can only send from the one teleporter bay.
• Chekov could beam 2 falling people, but now he has lost that ability?

Star Command Launch Trailer

     FINALLY releases this Friday! ...sort of. Star Command releases on iOS on May 2, and about a month later for Android. I am super excited for this game and it is soooooo close to release.

Star Command: Soon.

     It's been quite a long time since I first read about a kickstarter for a game called Star Command.  While I am not much of a computer or phone gamer, I am definitely going to be getting this one for sure.  With a Star Trek spoof universe look and the amazing T-shirt design (see below) they've guaranteed my support. 

     With the release date coming soon and every new video and review, it makes me crazy to know I'll be waiting even longer to play it, as Android phones will be getting it about a month after iOS.
     Oh well, it looks like it'll be worth the wait.

Best. Shirt. Ever.

     Check it out at:  http://www.starcommandgame.com

Star Trek Into Darkness: International Poster

     Well here is the international poster featuring Benedict Cumberbatch in a very Khan like coat. (Note: I did crop the pic a little bit)  If he actually ends up being Khan I may be little pissed.  I figure, it would be more rehashing of the same old thing.  Try something new.
     How annoying would it be if everyone guessed who he was and all the creators maintained he wasn't for the last whole year?  It would be a huge let down.  I want to be wowed in NEW ways.

     Then again, I have yet to be disappointed by J.J. Abrams.  Although Lindelof has been a thorn in my side for a while.  He gets too much hype for essentially stuffing "mystery" where it doesn't need to be.  So I hope Abrams evened out Lindelof's absurd and generally nonsensical script.

     I foresee Karl Urban being the awesomest awesome that ever awesomed as Dr. "Bones" McCoy in this new film.  And despite my hangups on Khan being potentially the villain again, I will probably love the film anyway.

Star Trek Into Darkness: New International Trailer

     With the release of this new trailer we get our first glimpse of Peter "Robocop" Weller, a bunch of snippets loaded with action, and a dash of new story info.

Dr. Marcus, a Redshirt, Bones(!), and Sherlock.

     I did see that there's an inexplicably scantily clad Dr. Carol Marcus.  Maybe all those explosions blew her clothes completely off?  No complaints here, she's a fit looking doctor.  Also- did anyone else notice the signifigant lack of Chekov?  Seriously, where's he been?  We are in need of more Pavel Chekov.

     I read that there's a hidden URL to an unused poster: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimB8zASQ85lqfA_YsFP9QC3LzDvGlDdOVJvLFcjJIbCIBtxSGXP0xF0yW1T5Yb3eTOo_wesQLpfqZElPsotZftzK2YL1oytpGkZbjyx0fOGu8CNUk89azn5ShqTe2t-mcm4zKyyDERtl8/s1600/trekhidden.jpg
As well as a shuttle named "Takai."  No pic unfortunately.

Here's a link in case the embed function doesn't work:
http://youtu.be/NztelRacqY8