Pretty BAADASSSSS.

Am I the only one that's worried here?

I was really hoping that this much anticipated new trailer attached to Quantum of Solace would assuage my fears that we're getting a revisionist, "fresh" take on the beloved franchise that would sacrifice some core "Trek" themes and tropes in the name of, well, making more money at the box office.

So far, I'm not so assuaged.

Sure, the film looks very impressive with cutting edge visual effects and eye-popping color...but does it seem like the kitsch factor of the original series' production design combined with more modern, kinetic cinematographic techniques will make the film a bit aesthetically odd? Since when was this franchise about flashy visual trickery anyway? (Yeah, yeah, I know...reinvention and all that jazz.)

And while "Star Trek" has always rounded out their casts with attractive leads that desire to intimately explore both space and the opposite sex, this cast appears less like "Star Trek: The Original Series" and more like "Star Trek: The Orange County."

I've said from the beginning that this reinvention was never necessary to begin with. Once Manny Coto had been given the reins as show runner, Enterprise achieved greatness not seen in TV "Trek" in almost a decade (season 4 was better than Voyager's entire run). Alas, it was all too late and continued low ratings made the ax fall. Yet despite all the critical and fan praise it was garnering, it didn't seem to matter as the big bucks just weren't pouring in. That means it's time for a new direction, right?

It follows then I was troubled by some of the interviews I've read with J.J. Abrams in which he muses about this remake/reboot/reimagining. Sometimes, it seems that he's actually annoyed about having to stay true to a lot of "Trek" canon. Indeed, he admitted early on that he's only been a casual fan of the franchise, but the last time the series received "a pair of fresh eyes" from a guy not steeped in "Trek" lore, we got Nemesis. True, either Alex Kurtzman or Roberto Orci (I can't recall which) has claimed to be a rabid Trekkie, which gave me comfort for awhile...but both of those guys are also responsible for Transformers and The Island. This idea of being faithful to mythology while still being giving us a new interpretation may have worked for the James Bond series in that each film can more or less stand on its own, but over 40 years of intricate continuity commands much more respect.

Granted, I'm not saying that "Trek" has always just been or should just be scenes of Starfleet officers in conference rooms pondering morality and other matters of universal epistemology whilst spewing dense technospeak. It's certainly had it's share of thrilling action, from the Horatio Hornblower flair of The Wrath of Khan to the creepy Aliens-inspired showdowns in First Contact (it's own sense of playing fast and loose with Borg/Picard mythology notwithstanding). I fear a revised form of "Trek" in which we throw more flashy effects and action sequences and sexy heartthrobs at the screen while merely staying "true to the spirit" of the franchise. At the risk of sounding like a bitter fanboy (too late, right?), I just don't want "Trek" taken away from the folks that have made it endure all in the name of fiscal reinvigoration.

There's also talk that, because of the time travel elements in the film, the possible altering of the space/time continuum may then give the new guys the freedom to create their own sort of B-universe film franchise in which they are no longer bound by continuity, sort of like the Marvel Ultimates universe or the D.C. All-Stars series. If that's the case, I then worry that the previous 10 movies and 5 TV series will just become relics in the pop cultural consciousness as the new Gen-X and Gen-Y fans will flock to the flashier stuff.

However, if I now may punch holes in my own argument...

One of the best science fiction dramas of all time, the current incarnation of "Battlestar Galactica," is by definition a reimagining. Some harcore fans of the poppy, Saturday morning-ish original deemed it a betrayal of the innocent adventure they had loved for so long. However, by tying the show to current geopolitical concerns of the real world, what we got--at least in this nerd's opinion--was what the show should have been all along: a harrowing, gritty narrative of survival and of moral, political, and religious ambiguity in a bleak and violent universe.

And, despite all my griping, J.J. Abrams is a really cool guy. MI:3 kicked a lot of ass, and he's one of the creative minds behind "Lost," also one of the best science fiction shows--if not television shows--of all time. Plus, Leonard Nimoy has been behind this film from the get-go, and his presence will be warmly welcomed. He's certainly got a personal stake in how the future of the franchise plays out if not just for his emotional connection to it, so that's definitely gotta count for something.

So don't get me wrong. Despite all the jugdemental language I've been using, a lot of which may be unfair, I am imploring myself to keep an open mind here. In a departure from my typical arrogant, stubborn approach to such matters (as evidenced in the above paragraphs ;-) ), I truly hope that Abrams and Co. do "get it" and that the epic visuals are there just to paint the essence of "Trek" on a much broader pallette. And certainly, a 2-minute trailer cannot be expected to prove a film's merit one way or the other. If the soul of "Trek" is still forcefully intact, albiet with more bells and whistles, then there is probably lots of fun to be had.

But, Karl "Pathfinder" Urban as Bones... I just don't know, man.

So...what do you guys think? Is reinvented/reimagined "Trek" better than no "Trek" at all? Is that what the franchise truly needs? With as much as we know at this point, does it appear to be as revisionist as my freaking out presupposes? Obviously, it's way too early to know for sure, but I know I can't be the only devoted Trekkie out there who's sweating this. I am most certainly open to unique approaches...but not at the cost of what made the original material unique itself.

In the words of John Adams from the musical 1776, "Is anybody there? Does anybody care? Does anybody see what I see?" (Melodramatic, no? :-P )

Be seeing you.

My name is James Tiberius Kirk!!

I LOVED the trailer... I hate to say it - but I thought it was 10x better than the new Watchmen trailer... Really, it blew me AWAY it was frickin' intense!! All these crazy scenes... There was even a huge snow monster and all kinds of stuff! Plus Kirk looks like he gets his ass kicked by Spock about 20 times. I really loved it - I am probably more excited for Star Trek now than nearly anything else!! :)

All I've heard is good things about it. Cannot WAIT.

The opening was very "Un-Trek", in that it introduced Jim Kirk as a rebellious child rather than a dedicated officer, who occasionally has to break rules for a greater principle. And I do not care for the aesthetic they are presenting with this film, while I understand that special effects and technology have greatly improved since the 1960's, the redesigned technology looks like it was all designed by Apple. I'm sorry, but the inside of the Enterprise is not an Imac.

Give Blood Today
God Bless!

I totally agree with you Alex.

I went to Quantum of Solace today and didn't see the new Star Trek trailer OR the new Watchmen trailer. :/

Not a Trek fan person but really liked it. Made me want to see it. Didn't know it was a Star Trek trailer at first.

If the trailer is as good as iron man... that damn hollywood pricks will do a 2 hour long movie again!

Thought the trailer was AWESOME. Saw it at a midnight showing of Quantum of Solace and I was ready to go home after the trailer showed.

It was funny, right after the trailer showed everyone in the audience was either dumbstruck or awestruck because everyone just sat there in relative silence...then 10-20 seconds later someone shouted "OKAY! WOO!" and then everyone in the theatre started cheering and applauding. It was strange, but I think this might be how the majority of moviegoers will view Abrams' Trek - with a little bit of apprehension, then overall approval to downright praise. It looks like it will be a lot of fun and judging from Abrams'
comment about making a "good movie" rather than a "good Star Trek movie" I believe we have a lot to look foward to when it premieres next year.

Trek trailer stole the bond movie for me...

Like I knew there's gonna be Trek trailer attached to the movie.. but then after Sin Shitty trailer, BAM no studio logo nothing... just suddenly the desert sequence and I'm telling myself DAMN "what the hell is this... shit is sooo good" while keep thinking what western movie is coming in 2009.. is it T4??? suddenly BAM Paramount / Bad Robot logos...

even after 20 minutes into the movie, I'm still thinking about the desert sequnece!!! Pretty damn good

Alex I totally agree with you...

Wathcmen trailer, as good as the visuals are... it has the worst soundtrack ever!!! and man... the Rorscatch voiceover is just plain horrible

I thought it was pretty damned awesome. So much going on I couldn't even take it all in - can't wait for the online version but I'm glad I saw it on the big screen first.

@InspectorSkins

I'm not going to read a 14 paragraph tome, but whatever gave you the idea this WOULDN'T be a "revisionist, 'fresh take on the beloved franchise"? JJ and Co. have made clear from day one that's what this would be.


Vic (long time Trekkie whose favorite version is TOS)

where was the TERMINATOR SALVATION trailer or the WATCHMEN trailer, i didnt get either i was so pissed

Wow, InspectorSkins

Go make your own blog or something, you shouldn't waste that much time writing something in a comments section that people are barely going to read.

BTW, my quantum of solace came Star Trekless and Watchmenless.

@InspectorSkins so did you actually see the trailer? I saw how long your post was and only read the first line. And how did you "type" something so long and indepth in only 3 minutes lol

Impressive trailer. Unfortunately there was no Watchmen trailer attached to my Quantum.

Hendo:

He didn't. He's some goon from a star trek forum who simply copy and pasted his forum post here. Like anyone is going to read it.

can't wait to see the trailer.

I saw the trailer last night and it was...different. I liked the way it started, with robocop and his spacebike, but after that everything was flashing up on the screen so fast you had no idea was going on. You got explosions, spaceships zipping around, a chick taking her shirt off, giant alien monster, and more explosions. All in like 60 seconds. I look forward to watching it online Monday so I can figure what on earth was going on. The crowd I was with was all talking during the trailers until the star trek trailer started, then everybody just got quiet. A few guys whooped but it seemed nobody knew what to make of it. Oh and Quantum of Solace sucked btw.

Asa casual fan of Star Trek, I thought it was great. I loved that Kirk seems to be more of a total bad ass as opposed to a dedicated officer (like mentioned above). Now, I'm off to watch Wrath of Kahn, Search for Spock, and the Voyage Home.

PS Did anyone else think that Kirk's scars looked pretty fucking sweet. Gave him instant street cred.

Yeah I really liked the trailer! Im convinced now that Zachary Quinto was not a miscast, I liked him when he was originally picked but I thought he looked corny in the photos they released. Overall I liked the trailer a lot.

Also I thought there was suppose to be a T4 trailer?

Oh and shouldn't this topic be "What did you think of Quantum of Solace" ?

I mean, Quantum of Solace is more important than a trailer, come on.

BTW, I was completely underwhelmed by QoS, an empty movie with incomprehensible action sequences.

neither of the trailers were attatched to my print in boston ;(

I didn't get it with my QoS screening. Not even Watchmen either.

I was so disappointed. :(

I saw it at a Movie Tavern (where they sell food during the film) so everyone was drunk and talking through the trailers. I knew what the first part would be like (someone online described it as 'the beginning of a road movie' before I forced myself to stop reading) and so when it started I got chills.

The kid stands up, faces down the cop and says, "My name is James Tiberius Kirk!"

I have never, in my life, heard an audience fall into dead silence before. It was one of the most unnerving things I've ever experienced, listening to people stop to behold something different. Quite a few people had died down by the time they saw the cop, and the airspeeder, but the line delivered captured everyone.

I heard Urban deliver a line. It didn't sound like Kelley to me, but then it was only one line and in passing. I halfway expected Spock to telekenetically open Jim's head. I don't think I'll be able to get over that by May. :(

I don't think I like the retooled 'prise. But seriously, if this movie is anywhere near as good as FC's quieter moments... Yeah.

We'll see.

I was today in Rome where Abrams presented the trailer and the four clips. It looks good but I'm not really excited about this movie. Chris Pine looks inconsistent to me as Kirk, and even if Quinto seems to be a quite convincing young Spock, to see him raging agianst Kirk or panicking because his parents are on Vulcan under attack doesn't make sense.

@TommyTricker

"BTW, I was completely underwhelmed by QoS, an empty movie with incomprehensible action sequences."

I think you just answered your own question, lol.

Vic

Bad or good, it's still the most important thing this weekend that everyone is going to bitch about or defend,.

The trailer is now available online in bootleg form:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sfstreetlight/3030...

this one doesn't cut off http://www.trailerspy.com/trailer/1329/Star-Tre...

This gives me a real old school sci-fi vibe. Maybe we've finally reached the point where good storys won't be overshadowed by amazing fx? Once can hope.

*stories, but you knew that....

wasn't attached to mine. nor was watchmen or harry potter :(

the trailer music is.. average..

dn: Music is not from the Michael Giacchino score, but edited by Giacchino from Brian Tyler’s score for Children of Dune

The trailer was awesome. I loved the beginning scene especially, the cop looked and sounded really cool, like a Ghost from Starcraft. I don't know how to classify myself as a Star Trek fan, I have watched all the television series, seen all the movies, but wouldn't consider going to a con dressed as anyone. That has relevance because I, for one, love what they're doing with this reboot/reinvention. I know we've only gotten a taste, but from what I can see it still has the Trek feel, with a more modern, broad appeal to it. I think this will get a lot of people into Star Trek.

I think right now, I'm just dying to see some good space opera/fantasic science fiction again.

I really think Star Wars was the monopoly for sci-fi movies for the longest time. And while I love Children of Men, there's a lack of movies that go beyond our 'reality'. For example, it may not be a perfect movie, I adore 'The Fifth Element' and it's quite a looker.

I want more movies like 'Blade Runner' or 'City of Lost Children'. There isn't enough fantastical sci-fi movies anymore, and thank God for this new Star Trek movie. I want to see different worlds, futuristic cities, and such. I miss that. I don't want to see a movie like Nic Cage's 'Next'. I want pure escapism!!

I just saw QoS and I didn't get to see the new trailer. What a bummer

I want it to be good, I really do, but it looks as if it's not going to be. The trailer was kind of weak and didn't really have any points of "Wow!". We'll see though.

I thought it was amazing. Everyone was silent for the trailer, but I don't know how many actually liked it. There was a group of assholes there who kept asking where Yoda was. I also honestly dont get why everyone hates the so called 'apple' bridge. Do you honestly think that in the future everything will, and should look like what TOS thought it might look like back in the 60's? You cant seriously be that clouded, can you?

I thought it was awesome, though I've never watched an episode / movie of Star Trek.

What about here: http://www.vimeo.com/2246656

Or here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDhBMbX7a8c

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0WNPb8R-40

Dont' know how long this will last, but it's a very decent cam capture of the trailer. BTW, I like it.

Seriously, to all you Star Trek Hardcore fanboys, just leave the franchise to a new generation. Your time has come and passed.

Just don't hate every damn think about the movie, and I agree that the future should be very sleek, including the iBridge, since the future isn't gonna look like your beloved TOS bridge.

Swallow that.

@ Shora

it's Rorschach

pronounced Rorshock.

and terrible soundtrack?

i guess it's a matter of opinion.

and Rorschach's voice is just as it's described in the GN.

His speech bubbles were always fuzzy around the edges and kinda gritty looking and his voice was described as different and it gave laurie the creeps.

but if there's enough fan hate over it, they could always re-record it.

But i think JEH is doing a great job as rorschach.

So I went to see QOS in Evansville, Indiana and was excited about seeing the new Watchmen and Star Trek previews and got hosed. WE DIDN'T SEE THEM! Instead we got Austraila & Yes Man...take about lame...even my somewhat faint interest in Baz Luhrman's epic didn't console my disappointment!

WTF, it was attached to QOS here outside of Philly.

meh, doesn't look very Star Treky to me...hope all that action is just one bit. I did enjoy the crew banter though, seemed right.
Better have a cool story or interesting premise because that's what made the original show, certainly wasn't the effects or the action (remember the submarine-esque first battle with Romulans?) it was the stories and the premise.
If this movie is all whiny Kirk/Spock and ships blowing up it might be cool but not "Star Trek" in my books. Not sure Gene would be impressed.