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I have feelings about Star Trek Into Darkness. ALL OF THE FEELINGS. I have spent the weekend attempting to make them coherant in my brain.
Some things first, though: going to Wood Green in costume is terrifying, but it made the lady at the Vue cinemas night. She actually came over to us to ask if we cosplayed anything else, and it was a beautiful moment of 'Aha, we are in the same tribe here!' Unfortunately, the Wood Green audience including two people who annoyed Fiona most of the night, and the couple next to me who were basically having sex at one point. Look, we all find Star Trek sexy but try and have some perspective, people!
I tried so, so hard to go into this unspoiled, but still had some stuff slip through the cracks. Seriously, I have to say that even if you've clicked this you are still better going in blind.
Don't say I didn't warn you.
So, the first thing we've discovered in this film is that Mickey works for Starfleet now? I have mostly come to the conclusion that Noel Clarke did this film as he had pretty much no lines and probably still got paid enough to fund his next two films. I did like London is this film, though - always good to see that St Pauls has survived, which is at least more plausible than the survival of the Millenium Eye. To be fair, I was drivin through the City yesterday (long story) and as all these massive, shiny glass buildings loomed over me as I zoomed past, I did suddenly see what they were going for.
I loved the opening sequence - I enjoy, sometimes, just a quick 'we go to planets, stuff happens' sequence, even if it does become important as times goes on. The visuals were fab, and the only thing that made me sad was that Uhura had a myseriously skimpy wetsuit compared to everyone else. A shame, really, as I loved seeing the ship underwater apart from that slight problem.
I was a little disappointed at the 'he lost command! he gets command right back!' aspect at the beginning. I, just, er, it seemed like a bit of a re-tread. I think on a rewatch I would enjoy it more, on the basis I wouldn't be freaking out they were repeating the first film. Plus, I was... not sure about the reintroduction of Pike? I understood the need to have Kirk to have something to be venged upon, but it just seemed, weirdly, like a repeat.
Fortunately, that bit passed shortly and we got KLINGONS which literally made me flail with excitement as soon as I heard that Harrison was on Qu'noS. The idea that the Federation aren't quite at war yet with the Klingons is interesting - perhaps the Klingons were drawn backwards too, post-Nero, to be more ready for war? The ships used on the planet were beautiful, almost insectoid, but with the strong look of a Bird of Prey. I also have no issue with how the Klingons themselves looked - at this point they're still going through The Change which means that I am totally cool with redesigns, unlike much else.
I'd worked out by this time that Harrison was, in fact, Khan. This also made me a little sad. I sort of wanted him to be someone else, anyone but Khan. I have some strong feelings on this. Khan Noonien Singh is not a name I would associate with a chap called Benedict Cumberbatch, and I think that's a shame and a missed opportunity. There is also the very real fact that Ricardo Montalban is 428% more attractive than Benedict Cumberbatch. I've talked before about how I think that Wrath of Khan is basically unimprovable and I maintain that view.
That said: they didn't attempt to re-make Wrath of Khan, and I appreciate that. The reasons for Khan being woken up early makes sense, plus the reasons for his rage, and his motivation, remain the same - looking after his crew and anger at their treatment. So, sense! I am not too rage filled!
A bit of Morally Corrupt Federation is always interesting to see, and the mention of Section 31 made me flail in terms of genuine respect for all of the Trek canon. Bet you that Section 31 will still be in the background, and in the future just not let the admirals get involved. I don't know how much I liked that new ship, though?
Leonard Nimoy cameo, now basically Doing A William Hartnell. (Sitting down, via computer link.) Slightly pointless, I must admit, unless it was to deliberately remind us of what was to come? Also, Spock is totally in charge of New Vulcan, being awesome.
I think anyone who had ever seen Wrath of Khan saw Kirk's death coming quite early on, but I actually got a bit teary at the use of the exact dialogue, with the same levels of priority: "Ship? Crew?". I think I'd worked out - like the rest of the audience - that we weren't going to get The Search of Kirk - but I was pleased to see that basically a Tribble saved the day.
In terms of the characters: it was lovely to see Sulu get to be in charge of the ship. We all know that Captain Sulu is officially awesome, and that was a treat to see. Chekov was surprisingly good in charge of engineering - competent, but at the same time showing us how awesome Scotty is. I would have liked to see Scotty on the ship more, but I understand why we don't get to see that. Plot, etc. Uhura speaking Klingon was frankly AMAZING and made me flail a bit. Kirk and Spock were, well, Kirk and Spock. Bones remains basically my favourite. And I'm utterly delighted that Spock got the 'KHAAAAAAAAAN!' line.
A side note on the stuff I was a bit unhappy with: not too impressed with Carol Marcus. Sorry. No need for the odd underwear shot at all. Plus the actress failed to convince - unless we're meant to think that eventually she'll turn away from weapons deliberately to create life? Also, only a day to get from Earth to Qu'noS and then we're meant to think that the Klingons won't notice two bloody great ships in their space? Urgh, no. That really jarred.
Finally, one marvellous thin. I have yet to discover a name for this crew member, but I was unable to draw my eyes away from Chekov's replacement at the helm. She strode on there, navigated the ship like a badass, maintained fabulous make-up throughout, and in terms of body shape looked just like I do in my Star Trek dress - same colour of dress, not a beanpole, slightly wobbly legs and yet completely BADASS. It was just nice seeing a woman in Star Trek who isn't, well, thin. Which there's nothing wrong with being! At all! Justsome diversity is good, too. I want to write fanfiction about her rise through the ranks as a crack pilot and navigator. Hell, I want to read it. APPEASE ME, INTERNET.
I have even longer thoughts about Star Trek, but these are the first ones I've processed. One thing is definite: I totally, totally need to see it again.
I had a very busy week, outside of Trek. On Thursday we had a Company Event Evening, which was some boring talks and then a lot of drinks at the venue, so a lot of sore heads in work the next day, not least mine. I ended up really enjoying it, though, because I talked to more people than I normally do, and quite a lot about geeky stuff. The weekend was more socialising, too. This week I'm going to try and keep my head down and catch up on sleep, because this weekend we have visitors and next week is Collectormania and I have yet to finalise my Thor costume. Have I mentioned this before? I now have all of the components of the costume, but I need to, ah, upgrade the cape for the final look of the thing. It will hopefully be awesome, but we'll see.
Some things first, though: going to Wood Green in costume is terrifying, but it made the lady at the Vue cinemas night. She actually came over to us to ask if we cosplayed anything else, and it was a beautiful moment of 'Aha, we are in the same tribe here!' Unfortunately, the Wood Green audience including two people who annoyed Fiona most of the night, and the couple next to me who were basically having sex at one point. Look, we all find Star Trek sexy but try and have some perspective, people!
I tried so, so hard to go into this unspoiled, but still had some stuff slip through the cracks. Seriously, I have to say that even if you've clicked this you are still better going in blind.
Don't say I didn't warn you.
So, the first thing we've discovered in this film is that Mickey works for Starfleet now? I have mostly come to the conclusion that Noel Clarke did this film as he had pretty much no lines and probably still got paid enough to fund his next two films. I did like London is this film, though - always good to see that St Pauls has survived, which is at least more plausible than the survival of the Millenium Eye. To be fair, I was drivin through the City yesterday (long story) and as all these massive, shiny glass buildings loomed over me as I zoomed past, I did suddenly see what they were going for.
I loved the opening sequence - I enjoy, sometimes, just a quick 'we go to planets, stuff happens' sequence, even if it does become important as times goes on. The visuals were fab, and the only thing that made me sad was that Uhura had a myseriously skimpy wetsuit compared to everyone else. A shame, really, as I loved seeing the ship underwater apart from that slight problem.
I was a little disappointed at the 'he lost command! he gets command right back!' aspect at the beginning. I, just, er, it seemed like a bit of a re-tread. I think on a rewatch I would enjoy it more, on the basis I wouldn't be freaking out they were repeating the first film. Plus, I was... not sure about the reintroduction of Pike? I understood the need to have Kirk to have something to be venged upon, but it just seemed, weirdly, like a repeat.
Fortunately, that bit passed shortly and we got KLINGONS which literally made me flail with excitement as soon as I heard that Harrison was on Qu'noS. The idea that the Federation aren't quite at war yet with the Klingons is interesting - perhaps the Klingons were drawn backwards too, post-Nero, to be more ready for war? The ships used on the planet were beautiful, almost insectoid, but with the strong look of a Bird of Prey. I also have no issue with how the Klingons themselves looked - at this point they're still going through The Change which means that I am totally cool with redesigns, unlike much else.
I'd worked out by this time that Harrison was, in fact, Khan. This also made me a little sad. I sort of wanted him to be someone else, anyone but Khan. I have some strong feelings on this. Khan Noonien Singh is not a name I would associate with a chap called Benedict Cumberbatch, and I think that's a shame and a missed opportunity. There is also the very real fact that Ricardo Montalban is 428% more attractive than Benedict Cumberbatch. I've talked before about how I think that Wrath of Khan is basically unimprovable and I maintain that view.
That said: they didn't attempt to re-make Wrath of Khan, and I appreciate that. The reasons for Khan being woken up early makes sense, plus the reasons for his rage, and his motivation, remain the same - looking after his crew and anger at their treatment. So, sense! I am not too rage filled!
A bit of Morally Corrupt Federation is always interesting to see, and the mention of Section 31 made me flail in terms of genuine respect for all of the Trek canon. Bet you that Section 31 will still be in the background, and in the future just not let the admirals get involved. I don't know how much I liked that new ship, though?
Leonard Nimoy cameo, now basically Doing A William Hartnell. (Sitting down, via computer link.) Slightly pointless, I must admit, unless it was to deliberately remind us of what was to come? Also, Spock is totally in charge of New Vulcan, being awesome.
I think anyone who had ever seen Wrath of Khan saw Kirk's death coming quite early on, but I actually got a bit teary at the use of the exact dialogue, with the same levels of priority: "Ship? Crew?". I think I'd worked out - like the rest of the audience - that we weren't going to get The Search of Kirk - but I was pleased to see that basically a Tribble saved the day.
In terms of the characters: it was lovely to see Sulu get to be in charge of the ship. We all know that Captain Sulu is officially awesome, and that was a treat to see. Chekov was surprisingly good in charge of engineering - competent, but at the same time showing us how awesome Scotty is. I would have liked to see Scotty on the ship more, but I understand why we don't get to see that. Plot, etc. Uhura speaking Klingon was frankly AMAZING and made me flail a bit. Kirk and Spock were, well, Kirk and Spock. Bones remains basically my favourite. And I'm utterly delighted that Spock got the 'KHAAAAAAAAAN!' line.
A side note on the stuff I was a bit unhappy with: not too impressed with Carol Marcus. Sorry. No need for the odd underwear shot at all. Plus the actress failed to convince - unless we're meant to think that eventually she'll turn away from weapons deliberately to create life? Also, only a day to get from Earth to Qu'noS and then we're meant to think that the Klingons won't notice two bloody great ships in their space? Urgh, no. That really jarred.
Finally, one marvellous thin. I have yet to discover a name for this crew member, but I was unable to draw my eyes away from Chekov's replacement at the helm. She strode on there, navigated the ship like a badass, maintained fabulous make-up throughout, and in terms of body shape looked just like I do in my Star Trek dress - same colour of dress, not a beanpole, slightly wobbly legs and yet completely BADASS. It was just nice seeing a woman in Star Trek who isn't, well, thin. Which there's nothing wrong with being! At all! Justsome diversity is good, too. I want to write fanfiction about her rise through the ranks as a crack pilot and navigator. Hell, I want to read it. APPEASE ME, INTERNET.
I have even longer thoughts about Star Trek, but these are the first ones I've processed. One thing is definite: I totally, totally need to see it again.
I had a very busy week, outside of Trek. On Thursday we had a Company Event Evening, which was some boring talks and then a lot of drinks at the venue, so a lot of sore heads in work the next day, not least mine. I ended up really enjoying it, though, because I talked to more people than I normally do, and quite a lot about geeky stuff. The weekend was more socialising, too. This week I'm going to try and keep my head down and catch up on sleep, because this weekend we have visitors and next week is Collectormania and I have yet to finalise my Thor costume. Have I mentioned this before? I now have all of the components of the costume, but I need to, ah, upgrade the cape for the final look of the thing. It will hopefully be awesome, but we'll see.