Rumors of V's return to television are officially put to rest. While some were hoping for a continuation, the decision for a reboot is perhaps the better idea. Like its predecessor, this will debut as a mini series. However, the numbers could lead to a regular show if strong (like the original). At this time there is no word on whether any original cast members will return. To view current actors casted,click here.
MY BRIEF TREKKIE BIO It all began as a small child in the late seventies. My dad and I would catch reruns of Star Trek (TOS) every Saturday evening after dinner. My favorite villian at that time was the Gorn. My favorite hero was of course, Captain James T. Kirk. Then came Star Trek: The Motion Picture. To my delight (and probably my father's sanity), I saw this in the theater no less than 11 times. I'm a Trekkie. My passion is TOS. TNG is fine and the spinoffs, okay, but Star Trek will always be to me the original crew of the USS Enterprise. So...did this Trek purist like the new film?
MY REVIEW OF THE NEW MOVIE You bet! In one word, Star Trek is: AMAZING! The first 12 minutes of this film are epic and emotional. The battle scene is one of the best Trek battle scenes of all time. The death of George Kirk and birth of James Kirk is compelling. To the hardcore Trek fan, this is also a turning point in Trek history as the past, present and future of the Star Trek universe is forever altered.
The common misgnomer of Star Trek XI is it's an origins story of when Kirk met Spock. It is this, but not as we the Trek fan once knew it. In short, a rogue force of future Romulans travel back to the past to right a percieved wrong. This group led by Captain Nero blames Ambassador Spock (Leonard Nimoy) for the destruction of Romulus. To avenge this, his plan is to capture Spock so that he too will witness the destruction of his planet, Vulcan. This, along with the death of George Kirk at the hands of these same Romulans, completely disrupts the timeline of events from the unaired Star Trek pilot: The Cage forward.
Through this we are reintroduced to all the key players: Kirk, Spock, McCoy, Uhura, Scotty, Chekov, Sulu, etc. as they go through starfleet academy and make their way to the Enterprise. In a nice nod to the pilot, Captain Christopher Pike helms the Enterprise at the start of the mission.
The Good:
The Cast: The actors played their roles with great reverence to the original. Karl Urban as McCoy stole the show. It is also worth paying attention to Chris Pine's entrance onto the bridge at the end of the film from the walk to the leg crossing. Give him a cup of coffee and Yeoman Rand at his side and it's the Shat in all his glory!
Special FX: The mix of practical and CGI were seamless
The Uniforms: Kudos and much thanks J.J. You did not fail us here! You gave us the old red, yellow and blue shirts and skirts.
Kirk gets the Green Girl! While any trekkie knows that it is actually Captain Pike who hooks up with the green Orion slave girl in The Cage. However, J.J. plays on the common fallacy of the casual fan by having Kirk kiss Green girl.
The return of both Leonard Nimoy (Spock) and Majel Barrett (Computer). Both actors were there in the original pilot. They spanned all iterations of the Star Trek universe. How appropriate they are there for the kick off Trek's new beginnings.
What People are Whining About:
The relationship between Spock and Uhura. I get it...Spock's not supposed to have feelings. Uhura and Spock have no romantic issues in TOS. I refute those claims by pointing out Spock's half human and also will point out the ongoing subtle feelings between he and Nurse Chapel in the series. Also, the timeline is changed...forget what you knew in TOS and accept it!
The Score: I have to agree. I thought the score was a little weak. While there were echoes of both Alexander Courage and James Horner, I felt it needed more familiar Star Trek themes.
The Ship: As much as I loved those cardboard sets...I'm glad they modernized a few things. The exterior is the familiar NCC-1701. In the interiors, there are some nods to old sets integrated with new ideas. I do have to agree the engine room was a little odd.
The weird Alien that chased Kirk on Delta Vega. Yeah...not sure what that was either. Did someone invite George Lucas to the set?
The Poster: If you read my earlier posthere, I think it is one of the lamest Star Trek movie posters ever.
For those of us diehards that doubted...forgive us Mr. Abrams. Star Trek is in good hands. Now, to quote Kirk: "Buckle Up!" We want more!
An April Fool's Day joke was played recently, proclaiming Sega was relaunching its console division ready to take on Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft. Many of us laughed...and well...kinda wished it were true.
Flash forward one month later and well...it is...sort of...back. According tothis Joystiq article,brand new Dreamcast units are being sold online for the low price of $99.00 and competing head-to-head with the PS2 market...the very system that killed the DC.
Yeah...it's wierd and it's wierd that just 2 months ago I broke mine out of storage and played Crazy Taxi for a week straight. It was ahead of its time offering online gaming and introduced us to some great games like the 2k sports series.
Maybe if a bunch of us buy them..just maybe Sega will launch a DC2...stay tuned!
Once again, Reaper finds itself at death's door, hell's gates...the chopping block! Rumors are fueled by news of the show's creators leaving to work on another project. While nothing is official, it's worth noting shows like Smallville continue on without the original creators. Reaper also regularly outperforms other CW shows like Gossip Girl and 90210. It's a fun show. If you've never watched it, I encourage you to check it out. If you're already a fan, checkout the online campaigns to fight for it's survival:
I am a Trekkie. I own the original TOS series on DVD (original Special FX intact). I viewed all, but Nemesis in the theater (including the infamous TMP, 8 times). I attended and witnessed the Shat at a Star Trek Conference. I own memorabilia. I love me the Trek...and have held all judgment (against my better judgment) on the latest J.J. Abrams vision(with the exception of signing a "Bring Shatner Back" petition).
I can be silent no more. This is perhaps the worst Star Trek film poster I've ever seen. I keep waiting for the punch line; the revelation that this is a fanboy's photoshop attempt at Trek art, but alas...this is it. While the days of grand posters and in-theater promotions have given way to the era of big DVD releases and YouTube promotions, it seems a franchise like Star Trek deserves better. All we, the fans can hope for is a better product on screen than the product hanging on the theater wall.
One of my favorite podcasts,Horroretc, landed a coveted interview with Robert "Freddy" Englund himself. If you are a Nightmare on Elm Street, V, or general horror fan, treat yourself to one of horror's true icons.
Has the Scifi Channel jumped the shark? Yes, but that Fonzi jacket and those water skiis were donned years ago. When the channel began airing Z-Grade movies, embarking on Reality Television and wrestling, many of us knew it was over. Now NBC, owner of the cable network is finally "admitting" with the name change, this is no longer a SciFi-only channel. Here are some excerpts from Network president, Dave Howe taken from thefull article found at MSNBC:
“We love being sci-fi, and we’re still embracing that, but we’re more than just space and aliens and the future -- the three things most people think of when they think of ’sci fi.”’
“What this does is hopefully give us the best of both worlds...You keep the heritage, but also open up to a broader range of content.”
“Our core audience will use it an opportunity to question our motives -- they always do...But what we’re embracing is the total sci-fi landscape -- fantasy, paranormal, action-adventure, mystery ... it’s imagination-based entertainment.”
Count me as part of the disappointed "core audience"...and what an opportunity for an investor out there to start up a true scifi channel.
SciFi Wire is reporting the possibility of Glen A. Larson's originalBattlestar Galactica continuingas a theatrical release. Universal has not officially confirmed this nor has there been any word on reprisals of roles by the original cast. Admittedly, my inner 7 year old can't help, but hope this is for real. Stay Tuned!
Kim Manners passed last night in Los Angeles after battling cancer. Famous for his work on the X-Files and most recently with CW's Supernatural, Kim Manners brought a passion and intensity to his work. The above video is a behind the scenes look at the X-Files episode, Humbug he directed. He will be missed.
To read Frank Spotnitz statement, check out hisblog. You can also read Supernatural's Eric Kripke's reaction at theX-Files News.
In 1979, Paramount Pictures reintroduced audiences to the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise. However, it was not until 1982 the Star Trek franchise was truly relaunched by The Wrath of Khan.
TWOK, based off the episode,Space Seed was about a (penal) ship (The Botany Bay) filled with genetically enhanced humans (all exiled/deposed rulers of Earth) launched into space in the year 1999 at the conclusion of the eugenics war. Led by Khan Noonien Singh, it would be Captain Kirk and his crew who would discover who they (the mysterious Botany Bay Crew) were and their hunger for conquest (in this case, The Enterprise). Once contained and controlled, the Enterprise would re-exile Khan, his crew, and ship historian, Marla McGivers to Ceti Alpha V.
Flash forward approximatley 15 years to Khan and his remaining crew who are rediscovered by the U.S.S. Reliant. The ship is quickly taken over and Khan's quest for revenge begins!
TWOK has long been considered the gold standard of Star Trek feature films. More importantly, Montalbán's reprisal and portrayl of Khan was what made this film what it was (and still is). Montalbán's Khan has become the template of the perfect villian within the Star Trek universe. Often imitated, but never surpassed...Khan set out to destroy Kirk, the Enterprise and her crew, but in his quest saved and relaunched a franchise that continues unto this day.
Note to J.J. Abrams: Leave this one alone in your quest to re-imagine Star Trek.
With the X-Files sequel completed and ground swell beginning for XF3...the Time is Now to return to the world of Frank Black and Millennium. A campaign is underway over at: http://www.backtofrankblack.com/. The best part: Lance Henrickson, in arecent interviewwith the campaign expressed an interest in reprising the role of Frank Black. This campaign has also caught the attention of Frank Spotnitz who along with Carter have expressed in revisiting Millennium. What can you do? Start by visiting the website itself! There is contact information and other campaign ideas. Something else I always suggest is visiting Message Boards and other Blogs and leaving a link to the campaign.
Will Frank Black be back? Let's just say I want to believe....
For those of you who have been hiding in a wormhole or trapped in the V'Ger cloud, J.J. Abrams will be unveiling his vision of TOS in theaters in 2009....here's what Shatner has to say about it:
As reported by Moviehole.netand confirmed by Frank Spotnitz, X-Files 3 is not only a possibility, but Fox Chairman, Tom Rothman stated that it is up Chris Carter and the gang if they want to continue the quest of Mulder, Scully and all things X.
Both FTF and IWTB are slated for release this month. IWTB will hold the distinction of being Fox's first endeavor into Blu-Ray.
I had a chance to catch X-Files: IWTB on opening day in a fairly packed movie theater. With the mixed critical reviews, I was of course wondering what I might be in for. Admittedly from the opening scene of nightfall, the classic X-Files logo and Mark Snow's trademark theme, I was immediately drawn in. The last time we saw Mulder and Scully, Mulder was a fugitive running from the military, FBI and Super Soldiers. Flash forward, six years later we find Mulder hiding out, still wanted and living with Dr. Scully who has returned to a full time career in medicine. Scully, approached by an FBI agent, played by Amanda Peet is seeking Mulder and has promised Mulder's exoneration if he helps them on a case that has (to quote Mulder) a certain paranormal bouquet. Mulder agrees as this is a case involving a disgraced priest, psychically connected to a series of abduction of women, the latest being that of a missing FBI agent and how and why he is connected.
The Good:
It is hard to believe Duchovny and Anderson have been away for six years as these characters. The chemistry between these two is undeniable.
The story. I admit for a MOTW, standalone episode, I would have loved to have seen a "Tooms" type character. However, if you watched the show (and I believe many of the critics did not), many of the episodes were either creepy, psychological thrillers or character studies. IWTB is very much a "Clyde Bruckman" meets "Paper Hearts".
The music. Mark Snow is the only person that could truly score this.
Atmosphere. The snowy backdrop, quickcut editing and the jump scares really built on each other.
Skinner's cameo. This was just awesome!
The Bad:
It does feel like a very good, two part episode and can agree with critics that it does not have the same cinematic feel as FTF
This was billed as a film to bring in the uninitiated and for those who enjoy more of a psychological thriller without prior knowledge to this show will enjoy it. However, those who are expecting alien invasions and massive CGI explosions will be disappointed.
FOX's marketing and release. I feel that a Fall (Halloween?) release date, not a release date following TDK and better marketing would have been much more beneficial to this film.
My Verdict is this: IWTB is a very enjoyable and rich film. I am very excited to for it's release to DVD and count myself as one of those hoping for an XF3. Throughout the week all parties involved in the making of this film have all expressed the same interest. If you count yourself an X-Files fan, I highly recommend it!
A little over a year ago I purchased my first IPOD. Soon thereafter, I discovered the wonderful world of podcasting. One podcast that I enjoy is theB-Movie Cast, hosted by Vince Rotolo. It was here that I first heard of "Public Domain Movies". In short, public domain films, are films that are no longer owned or controlled by anyone, making them free and accessible for download by the public. A couple of sites that I have discovered are: www.archive.organd http://www.publicdomaintorrents.com/. I am a sucker for a good (bad) Sci-fi/horror flavored b-flick and these sites have helped me discover such lost "gems" such as:Teenagers from Outer Spaceand Teenage Zombies! Check them out...you won't be disappointed!
The title and date is set! X Files: I Want to Believe will be coming to a theater near you, July 25, 2008. As mentioned, this is a stand-alone, monster of the week adventure with the promise of being scary. While this film has been shrouded in secrecy, Chris Carter and company have made their intentions clear that this a relaunch of the franchise with more films and a continuation of the mythos.
Here is one more reality to those of us who have waited. The official poster has been revealed and the official X-Files website is up and running at:http://www.xfiles.com/. July 25, 2008 is the still the target date for release and has been shooting up in Vancouver B.C. where seasons 1-4 were shot!
The truth is out there! This past weekend at WonderCon in San Francisco, Duchovny, Anderson, Carter, and Spotnitz made an appearance with a first glimpse of the long anticipated X-Files 2 film. To read more, check out this article atSciFi.com.
It has also been recently reported byxfilesnews.comthat Annabeth Gish and Robert Patrick will not be in the sequeal, but there are talks of an X-Files 3 and a continuation of the mythos/plot that played out in the 9 seasons and first movie. According to Gish, a 3rd film will be contigent on the success of the 2nd. Stay tuned...
2008 appears to be a year of great promise when it comes to entertainment. The USS Enterprise 1701 will be boldly returning on it's first of a five year mission. Harrison Ford will be redonning the famous fedora and whip in search of crystal skulls. Mulder and Scully will return to continue in pursuit of truth...and best of all, sportsnation will not have a 19-0 Patriots team. Yes, karma exists and cheaters do not prosper (just like mom used to tell us as children). - Please excuse my overzealous inner-sports geek. Besides scifi, b-flix, and computers, I am an enormous NFL/CFL fan. I am not a Giants fan. Prior to this season, I had no real opinion of the Patriots and have always considered myself a Packer fan living in Seahawk country. However, like much of the country located outside of the Northeast, I was rooting for the G-Men (despite beating my Packers the week prior). Furious when indisputable evidence had been acquired and destroyed by NFL on the Patriot practice of filming other teams, I watched and waited for someone...anyone to defeat the team and the coach that had employed such tactics. The Patriots, a team that ran scores up in inferior opponents, a team that had come close to losing on 4 seperate occasions, always finding a way win and their opponent, always finding a way to let them. This Sunday was proof that Karma does exist, cheaters do not prosper and that Justice was served. Congratulations Giants on a season and superbowl victory nobody expected...thank you for not allowing 19-0*.
I admit it! Star Trek: The Motion Picture is not just my favorite Star Trek film, but one of my favorite films of all time. A film that owes much of its vision to 2001: A Space Odyssey, it is visually stunning from beginning to end with arguably one of film's greatest soundtracks. Much like the original (unaired) Star Trek pilot episode, The Cage, this is a far more cerebral adventure, offering viewers more of a "space mystery" as opposed to its then counterpart, Star Wars which was more of a "space shoot 'em up". In many ways this film is a throwback to the old sci-fi films such asThe Day the Earth Stood Still and Journey to the Center of the Earth. The adventure was in the journey to the final destination. In this case, what is V'Ger, what does V'Ger want, and what does the crew do with V'Ger once they arrive? Film Notables: The Special FX: When viewed, consider this is pre-CG, film. The exteriors of V'Ger and the opening sequence with the Klingon Battle Cruisers are nothing short of amazing. The effort and attention to detail are a lesson for so many of today's lesser efforts The Soundtrack: Even the most ardent critics of this film admit that this is one of the film's greatest strengths. Perhaps one of Goldsmith's finest scores, much of this music has found itself into later Star Trek projects, most notably in ST: TNG. The Camaraderie: For both cast and fans alike, it was wonderful to see everyone return after a 10 year absence of the series. This is something that I think has been lost on today’s torchbearers of the franchise. The Uniforms: These were the one mistake, but for me, they are easy to overlook.
Let me start by saying I am enormous TOS fan and if it weren't for the recent "reimaging" of The Wizard of Oz, I might say that this is the most ill-advised remake of all time. It's ironic that a franchise that once looked to the future is hopelessly stuck in it's past. To imagine anyone, but Shatner in the Captain's chair or Doohan in engineering just feels wrong, but I'd be lying to say that I won't be at the cineplex, popcorn and Hot Tamales in hand when the credits roll.
As for the uniforms...let's hope that this image floating around cyberspace is hoax...
1. The New American Gladiators Just how unprepared were the networks for the writers’ strike? 2. Baby Borrowers Swapping wives is questionable enough, but babies?! 3. My Dad is Better Than Your Dad Nothing says: “We’re all out ideas…” more than a show about fathers and children competing in all the same tired stunts we have seen countless times on Nickelodeon. 4. Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew Catch up with all the same washed-up, celebrity retreads you’ve seen on half-a-dozen other reality shows…detoxing?! 5. Clash of the Choirs Sure, this is slated to be a short-run holiday miniseries…but I have a bad feeling enough people will watch this to justify its continued existence and bump something half way creative.
In an unexpected move, NBC's Journeyman may never finish the Journey. Low-ratings and an ongoing writers' strike may end one of the year's more creative shows. Ironically, Journeyman continues it's strong web ratings and television ratings are going up.
I am disappointed, but not surprised. When NBC delayed announcing the show's full season pickup, I figured the show was on it's way to cancellation. Interested in saving it? Go to: http://savejourneyman.funurl.com/and sign the petition. Now if Caveman survives and this doesn't...grrrr!
