Here’s part 1 (oddly beginning at #11) of what should put an end to the end of the year/decade posts … Now, what has Alex come up with this time? Let’s find out:

11) Up – I can’t reveal anything new by saying how amazing this feature was: a children’s film about an elderly man. The Pixar formula works, with talking dogs and exotic environments. However Pixar also falls back upon that formula, making a film that has many already done elements, including extended montages (Toy Story 2), talking animals (pick one), and cartoonish action (dogs flying airplanes).

10) Avatar – James Cameron’s space epic delivers on all of the anticipation. With a cliché story and stock characters, he managed to build a film about environment, emotion, and atmosphere with lush three-dimensional worlds. The realism of Pandora is astounding and I promise that it will be a few years before you see anything at this level again. Cameron can reclaim his crown as King of the World, even if that world is completely imaginary.

9) Zombieland/ Star Trek – Sure ties are cheats, but these two films gave me the most fun in theaters this year. Star Trek reengineered a geeky franchise into a crowd-pleasing blockbuster. It was everything anyone should want for a summer blockbuster: a well conceived plot, great action, and lens flares galore. Zombieland came after summer but it had all of the comedy and blockbuster aspects to carry on the fun. I don’t know if it was floating titles and rules on screen, Woody Harrelson, or the great cameo that made the film so funny, but everything worked for this must see Zombie movie.

8) Where the Wild Things Are – Not many children movies are made specifically for adults, but here is what might be the most mature kid’s movie of the decade. Expanding upon the source material, Spike Jonze directed this enlightening work that should teach adults how to handle child psychology. The environment and wild things are gorgeously shot that perfectly brings the classic children’s book to life.

7) The Brothers Bloom – Rian Johnson’s second film builds quite a bit upon “Brick.” “Bloom” is smart, witty, and such a fun con movie. Comparable to the charms of “The Sting” this little film may never gain household attention, but it is a step above mindless summer flicks, trading in brains and comedy for action and nonsense.

6) (500) Days of Summer – If romance is the staple of romantic comedies, then this little film ripped that out. The heartbreak and depression of breakups never came through as clear as in this film, as we witness the highs and lows of a relationship several times throughout this self proclaimed ‘romantic comedy for guys.’ Joseph Gordon Levitt might be the next big actor for the new generation after this and “Brick,” due to his charm and likeability. Look out for him, as well as director Mark Webb in the future.

Part 2 – coming tomorrow. What will come out on top? Stay tuned.

Here are my top 10 films of the summer of 2009 on this week in “Scene Selection.”

10) ‘Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince‘ was an impressive spectacle with the effects and camera work to wow, but ultimately the plot lacked something to make it truly great. It did deliver on great characters, and the angst of a teenager. It is one of the best in the series, ranking second to “Prisoner in Azkaban” in my opinion. Look out for “The Deathly Hallows” next year.

9) ‘Public Enemies‘ hit the right notes for me. I know many people hate it, but the style really worked for me for what it did to break away from unwritten Hollywood rules. The plot was never meant to be deep because the legend was stripped away, and for once we were given a biopic of John Dillinger without his lore. It also had the best shootout sequences of the year, with two masterful scenes that deliver the standoffs.

Director Duncan Jones behind the scenes of 'Moon'

8) ‘Moon‘ was an interesting sci-fi flick that looked great for a low budget flick, and was well acted, but it remained unconvincing as a revolutionary pic due to its predictability. It was great to have a different type of antagonist that was not who we thought it would be. It also was one of those special summer films that left me thinking for days after viewing it. Its themes are excellent and it is well worth seeing.

7) ‘Up‘ as the latest for Pixar proves that Pixar can do no wrong. The journey to South America is wonderful and whimsical. It just felt to me like Pixar is comfortable with including elements they use repeatedly in their films. It was great to see that a mature film with very deep emotions can remain light at heart and entertain audiences of all ages.

MELANIE LAURENT as Shosanna Dreyfus

6) ‘Inglourious Basterds‘ packed the explosions when it needed to, and had a brilliant cast. Brad Pitt was hilarious as the drawling Lt. Aldo Raine, and Chrisopher Waltz was one of the most villainous characters ever as Col. Hans Landa. The story lagged at times for me, but the brilliant scenes outshined the film’s flaws.

5) ‘Star Trek‘ wowed the crap out of me. I did not expect a brain-wrapping piece of work like this is with a twisting plot and enjoyable character introductions. The CGI is incredible and it helps that this franchise just became mainstream and enjoyable.

Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt

4) ‘(500) Days of Summer‘ was my most anticipated flick for the season, and I loved the artistic style and independent mood of the film. It also used a phenomenal non-linear structure to create a great modern look at romance. Throw this into the league with “Swingers” as a great double feature idea.

3) ‘The Brothers Bloom‘ may only be the second film from Rian Johnson, but this con film is sharp and brilliant due to the focus on relationships rather than the crime itself. Adrian Brody and Mark Ruffalo are amazing as the two brothers, and Rachel Weisz is a great leading lady. Watch it ASAP due to its intelligent entertainment.

2) ‘District 9‘ may have come out of nowhere, but the depth of this film kept gnawing at me for the weeks to follow. It has racial politics, aliens, and action to match. The CGI is the best next to Star Trek, maybe, yet it costs so much less. I can’t wait to see Neill Blomkamp’s future works.

JEREMY RENNER stars in THE HURT LOCKER

1) ‘The Hurt Locker‘ felt like the most realistic war film I have ever seen. The camera sails right into the action, and the emotions run deeper than most average dramas. I hope that this gets the award recognition it deserves, especially a Best Actor nom for Jeremy Renner.

That’s my look into what you might have missed this summer. Get out and see a great film to expand your culture. Until next time, “get buys livin, or get buys dyin.”

Five Reasons Star Trek is Now Cooler Than Star Wars

Remember back in early 1999 when Star Wars was still cool and you couldn’t wait for the prequels? After decades of teasing, new Star Wars movies were about to hit the big screen and anticipation was palpable. Pictures from set in Vanity Fair revealed Ewan McGregor in the trademark brown robes, the menacing red and black face paint of Darth Maul and those iconic green and red lightsabers glowing for the first time in decades. Fanboys hearts went aflutter, some going so far as to camp outside the theater for weeks beforehand. Finally, Star Wars was about to make its triumphant return!

Princess Leia?

And then the bubble burst. Phantom Menace hit screens in May of 1999 and something just wasn’t quite right. It was long and slow-moving; it had a racially questionable, highly annoying CG character named Jar-Jar Binks; and even the kid who was to become Darth Vader wasn’t too likable. There was no denying the fact that it just wasn’t a very good movie, plain and simple.

Still, fan loyalty held strong, dismissing the misstep as an origin story that would allow Lucas to knock the dust off his director’s cap and really dig into the action when he got to the long-awaited Clone War story-line of part two. The end result of the lamely titled Attack of the Clones was similar, a movie arguably worse that Phantom Menace featuring a love story so excruciating we were all practically begging for more Jar-Jar.

Finally, in 2005, Revenge of the Sith wrapped things up with a final thud. It was better than the first two, but still far short of the original trilogy. Most impressively (and devastatingly), it succeeded in systematically destroying the ultimate baddie Darth Vader once and for all, leaving the horrible imagery of Hayden Christensen’s whiny interpretation and, worst yet, that unforgettably horrible, “Nooooooooooooo!” forever burned into our brain.

Or Seven of Nine?

When news of a similar reboot approach to the Star Trek movie franchise surfaced a few years back, skeptics worried that Kirk, Spock and the Enterprise might suffer the very same fate. Then J.J. Abrams was announced as director and hope sprang alive. As the creator of Lost, Alias and director of the entertainingly disposable Mission Impossible III and producer of the creative low budget monster pic Cloverfield, Abrams represented a fresh approach from a filmmaker in his prime as opposed to Lucas’ desperate attempt to reclaim the glory days and cash in on past achievements.

Star Trek hit screens in May of 2009 and and the reaction was overwhelmingly positive. Praised by Trekkies and critics alike, Abrams had accomplished the rare genre feet of a crossover blockbuster even laymen could enjoy. Not only was Star Trek back, but for arguably the first time in the franchise’s existence, it was actually cool.

It’s been ten years since Lucas first tainted the Star Wars legend with Phantom Menace. In contrast, Star Trek is going strong, raking in almost $400 million worldwide box office in the summer of 2009 and a highly anticipated string of sequels are heading into production. The sudden turn of events begs the question, is Star Trek now cooler than Star Wars?

The List

1. Captain Kirk is the new Han Solo

One of the many things missing from the Star Wars prequels was the cynic. After all, what fun are a bunch of do-gooders without someone to point out the silliness of it all?

As the new and improved Captain Kirk, Chris Pine owes plenty to Harrison Ford’s career-defining portrayal of the bad-a** smuggler of the Millennium Falcon. Pine takes the rebellious humor of Shatner’s performance and subtracts the campiness. The result is a Kirk that’s not only likable and suave, but also the essence of tough guy cool.

2. As Jon Lovitz once said, “Acting!”

On paper, the cast of the Star Wars prequels didn’t look bad at all. But proof is always in that pudding. Natalie Portman and Hayden Christensen’s past work proves both are capable thespians, but Star Wars demonstrated they require a hands-on director to lead them down the proper path (ie, not George Lucas). Ewan McGregor is a fine actor, but he’s so much as admitted that the prequels were a debacle from the start. Sitting in a room full of green screens listening to a listless Lucas drone on about technology would put anyone to sleep. McGregor tried his best, but even he was phoning his performance in by part two.

Abrams went after young, raw-talent for his reboot of the Star Trek franchise, eschewing A-list expectations in favor of an approach mirroring Lucas’s own casting of the original Star Wars (or Episode IV, as we must now refer to it). Fans may have had to look up Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto when they first heard the news, but all doubts were laid to rest the moment they showed up on screen. Cult fave Simon Pegg provided just the right amount of comic relief as Scotty while an unrecognizable Eric Bana lent his ample acting skills to make the villainous Nero a formidable addition to the Trek universe, expertly sidestepping the over-the-top pitfalls Christensen and Ian McDiarmid fell victim to.

3. Story, Story, Story

For years Lucas told tales of his vault full of Star Wars prequel scripts written long before the trilogy everyone came to know and love. As we now know, these origin story-lines traded the simplistic, fun nature of episodes IV through VI (basically everything we loved about them) for a series of convoluted events and dull characters proving that sometimes it’s best to keep the vault closed.

Ever the team player, Abrams left the storytelling to the experts, defaulting to the writing team of Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman (Transformers, M:I:III, Alias, The Island). The writing duo delivered a taut, character-driven story that expertly weaved the backstory into a fresh, action-packed adventure without boring Trek newbies.

4. A hungry director

J.J. Abrams’ list of accomplishments on the small screen is long and impressive. But on the big screen, he’s just getting started. M:I:III made plenty of money, but the director would be the first to admit it had its share of problems, both on and off set. And sure, he was one of the brains behind Cloverfield, but he ceded directing duties to pal Matt Reeves on that one. Star Trek wasn’t just the biggest project Abrams ever landed, but also a crucial stepping-stone towards a feature film career. He had a lot riding on Star Trek and he rose to the occasion.

Lucas, as we all now know, lost the fire some time ago. After years trying to disassociate himself with the Star Wars and Indy franchise that has brought him worldwide acclaim, the producer/director finally threw his hands into the air and opted to bastardize both franchises and cash in. His pockets may have grown fatter as a result, but his heart was no longer in it.

5. Simplicity

Yes, Star Trek is a big budget summer blockbuster, but it also has an undeniable indie feel about it that keeps it grounded in reality and, more importantly, in the characters themselves. While Lucas was busy trying to build bigger and better ships and prove that he could create characters from scratch on a computer, Abrams and team was inviting you to really get to know characters fans only thought they’d known for decades. As mentioned above, proper time was devoted to developing the story and casting decisions were made based on who was truly best for the part, not which names might look good on the poster. The end result is something more personal and warm that works regardless of giant spaceships, cool explosions and crazy looking creatures.

The Debate Rages On

Check out this hilarious video deciding which is better right here!

If you want to learn more about the on-going debate between the 2 franchises you definitely need to check out these sites:

http://www.stardestroyer.net/Empire/

Most technical site

http://www.st-v-sw.net/

Most comprehensive site

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Trek_versus_Star_Wars

Which franchise is more successful in the real world?

http://www.forbes.com/technology/2005/05/16/cx_de_0516match.html

Even more

Enter our Star Trek Contest to win tons of cool signed prizes!

Scott W of Schertz, Texas wins a jumbo prize pack including 2 framed film cell pieces and a unique press backgrounder signed by Director  JJ Abrams.

He says:

Yay!!!!! Swag!!!!  JJ Abrams Swag!!!!!!!!!

Here’s what you won:

(1) Star Trek media backgrounder signed by Director JJ Abrams

Collected by MovieSet correspondent Quinn Bender at the Star Trek press junket in LA, this is a photo-copied media hand-out filled with behind the scenes stories, challenges and anecdotes from the making of Star Trek. Comes with a MovieSet COA.

(2) Framed and numbered Star Trek film cells art pieces

Each features mini-poster art from Star Trek (2009), surrounded by hand-picked film cells depicting action from the film with Certificate of Authenticity and a black frame ready for hanging.

Wanted to win?

No doubt of the huge passion and enthusiasm from this legendary fanbase for this sweepstakes (who doesn’t want cool prizes anyhow?) But perhaps you are kinda ticked off because you didn’t win because you entered everyday? Well there is some good news after the break.

Star Trek: The Mission Continues… Sweepstakes!

The Star Trek franchise is re-booted and you are invited to come aboard and enter to win one of three pieces of Star Trek history. Ideal for your displaying on your bridge or Holodeck.

Your mission is simple: Fill out the entry form daily for a chance to win framed film cell art pieces featuring Kirk, Spock and Uhura and more of the Enterprise crew. Then, enjoy some alternate reality relaxation with MovieSet’s collection of behind the scenes videos, news and still photos from the making of Star Trek.

Star Trek: The Mission Continues… Sweepstakes!

The Star Trek franchise is re-booted and you are invited to come aboard and enter to win one of three pieces of Star Trek history. Ideal for your displaying on your bridge or Holodeck.

Your mission is simple: Fill out the entry form daily for a chance to win framed film cell art pieces featuring Kirk, Spock and Uhura and more of the Enterprise crew. Then, enjoy some alternate reality relaxation with MovieSet’s collection of behind the scenes videos, news and still photos from the making of Star Trek.

Prizes: Three limited edition, 9.5″ x 11.5″ framed film cells – Each comes with a Certificate of Authenticity to ensure quality.

• 1st Prize – poster art of Kirk, Spock and Uhura surrounded by 12 film cells
• 2nd Prize - photo signed by Zachary Quinto as Spock with 10 film cells
• 3rd Prize – Enterprise crew action poster art with 10 film cells & plaque

More Star Trek:

• Captain Kirk speaks on Star Trek vs. Star Wars
• Nimoy Speaks: Champions Younger, Fresher Cast in new Star Trek
• Spock and Uhura’s Hanky Panky on the USS Enterprise
• Kirk, Sulu, Pavel and the Enterprise Crew Talk Trek

• Summary
• Cast & Crew
• Blog (2 posts)
• Videos (18 videos)
• Stills (51 photos)
• News (12 articles)

More Sweepstakes:

• Contestbeat
• Sweepstakes Advantage
• CashNet Sweepstakes
• Lots of Luck Contests and Sweepstakes
• Sweepstakestoday.com

Remember to check out coverage of Comic Con San Diego on MovieSet and Enjoy the parade of super-fans!

• Zombies, Superheros and Oddballs – More Comic Con Fan Costumes
• Comic Con Crazy Costumes – Film Fans go all out in San Diego
  

Don’t worry, she doesn’t bite… but she’ll burn you up! Comic-Con 2009. 7/24/09.

Even on the last day, fans still show up in full force and dressed to the nines! There were as many people on the floor Sunday as the busiest day ever. Fantastic!

Fans channel their favorite super-heroes as they walk the convention floor. 7.26.09

This rat sure knows how to dress up for Comic-Con! 7/24/09.

You will be assimilated … into a being a FAN of Comic-Con! San Diego, CA 7.24.09.

Penguin Lady, Batman and Robin pause with a fan to take a photo at Comic-Con 2009 in San Diego.

Delightfully put together and handsomely dressed, these fans take their costumes to a new sartorial level! Comic-con 2009 in San Diego, 7.24.09

They want YOU to buy their new DVD coming out later this month… at least that’s what they were hired to say… sad part about this photo, I lost the name of the title! If you know, let us know! As cute as they are, I am sure they’ll have a lot of takers! Comic-Con 2009 San Diego, CA. 7.24.09.

Comic-Con San Diego- where world’s collide!

Ready for a day of action, adventure and saving the convention from certain doom! Or, just ready for the next Marvel panel? These fans take a moment to pose for our camera. Thanks!

Fans in full regalia display their ability to pose for photos, wear fancy costumes and Twitter about it at the same time… Nice work! Comic-Con 2009- a place to wander and let your mind roam free.

More fans at the 2009 Comic-Con in San Diego. 7.24.09.

More Comic Con

Coverage of Comic Con San Diego on MovieSet

No doubt you saw the new Star Trek movie – in fact you probably saw it twice because you are a true fan of the Star Trek universe.

In honor of this exciting installment of the Star Trek story, MovieSet assembled a prize-pack worthy of a hardcore fan including a press backgrounder signed by Director JJ Abrams who brought this dynamic installment of Star Trek to life, plus a pair of numbered and framed Star Trek film cell art pieces to display on your own bridge, den or bedroom.

Be sure to explore the collection of behind the scenes Star Trek videos, pictures and news at MovieSet.com.

The Star Trek Director’s Cut Sweepstakes runs from June 25 until Aug. 1 2009 – Enter daily for more chances to win.

One Lucky Winner Scores a Grand Prize Pack with:

(1) Star Trek media backgrounder signed by Director JJ Abrams

Collected by MovieSet correspondent Quinn Bender at the Star Trek press junket in LA, this is a photo-copied media hand-out filled with behind the scenes stories, challenges and anecdotes from the making of Star Trek. Comes with a MovieSet COA.

(2) Framed and numbered Star Trek film cells art pieces

Each features mini-poster art from Star Trek (2009), surrounded by hand-picked film cells depicting action from the film with Certificate of Authenticity and a black frame ready for hanging.

SO ENTER THE CONTEST

What are you waiting for?…

Now that you have Entered the Sweeps, Check out some of this Star Trek Roundup!

MovieSet gets Trekky – StarTrek Special Edition – Behind the Scenes #33

Spock and Uhura’s Hanky Panky on the USS Enterprise

Captain Kirk speaks on Star Trek vs. Star Wars

Kirk, Sulu, Pavel and the Enterprise Crew talk Star Trek

MovieSet Exclusive Interview with Quinn Bender (discussing the Star Trek press junket)

Nimoy Speaks: Champions Younger, Fresher Cast in new Star Trek

and you probably also entered the previous Star Trek Sweepstakes, but check out:

Star Trek Sweepstakes Winners Announced!

ContestHound.ca Canada’s Sweepstakes Directory
Canadian Sweepstakes and Contest Directory – free to enter contests and sweepstakes exclusively for Canadians. Sign up for the Contests for Canadians Update to enter to win prizes just for being a subscriber..
http://www.contesthound.ca
CashNet Sweepstakes
AllCanadaContests.com – Canadian Sweepstakes

I won I won!

Earlier in May, MovieSet started a Star Trek Sweepstakes where you could win tons of free Star Trek gear!  We were giving out tons of prizes, and we got TONS of entries!

So CONGRATULATIONS to Kyle T of Kinston, North Carolina! He’s our Grand Prize winner, meaning he takes home a poster signed by the cast, as well as some other top notch Star Trek goodies!

Wow, thanks for the cool prizes, I’ll be sure to visit your site regularly! – Kyle T

No Problem Buddy!

But that’s not all!

We also had 5 first place winners and 10 runner ups which means in total we had 16 winners taking home some cool Star Trek gear!  So congrats to Keith R. from Toledo OH, Laura C. of Clifton Heights PA, Josh L. from Albany NY, Melissa S. from Point Pleasant NJ and Denyse G.  from Seminol FL. They all won the “First Place” prize!

Also we have Joel B. of Charlottesville VA, David H. from Monroe VA,  Lisa D. of Starkville MS, Max F. from Columbus OH, Elaine K. of La Quinta CA,  Shanna M. from Cape Fair MO, Eric W. B. from Sun Prairie WI and David S. from Ashville NY! Whew! Those guys all won the ‘Runner Up’ Prize.

Congrats guys!

Here’s a list of what we we gave away

• Grand Prize
• (1) Star Trek one sheet signed by cast
• (1) Star Trek movie Enterprise Model
• (4) Movie passes
• (1) CD Soundtrack of movie
  .

• First Prize
• (5) Star Trek the Movie Tie-in Paper back
• (5) Set of 10 Limited Edition Trading cards
• (5) Pair of movie tickets
• (5) CD Soundtrack from Star Trek movie
  .

• Runner Up Prizes
• (10) Star Trek the Movie Tie-in Paper back
• (10) Pairs of movie tickets
• (10) CD Soundtrack from Star Trek movie
  .

Feeling left out?

You should! The transporter room is empty, and Scotties not going to beam you to this party!

But fear not! For we have MORE contests with MORE prizes, just waiting for you to win them, including a 2 person trip to Las Vegas as part of our Hangover Sweepstakes!

So for your chance to win one of the many prizes we are always  giving away at MovieSet, check out our other contests for your chance to win cool stuff from your favorite movies!

The Hangover and Transformers 2 Sweepstakes!

Distribution

Sure lots of actors have blogs and Twitter account but it’s nice to see an actor really laying it out with Zachary Quinto does. He’s laid down a stream of consciousness style rundown of the release and promotion tour of Star Trek.

In S. N. Love it…, ZQ talks about the whirlwind of appearing on Saturday Night Live, rocking the after-party and heading to an early morning flight to Tokyo for another premiere.

all is settled…

To help celebrate the arrival of ‘Star Trek,’ one of the most anticipated movies of the year, we’re giving away prize packs we think you’d fight a Vulcan to win. Imagine beaming home with a signed ‘Star Trek’ one-sheet, a scale model of the iconic USS Enterprise, the CD soundtrack or pairs of movie tickets! A truly Trek-tacular collection. Enter today to live long, prosper and win!

Get energized and enter the Star Trek sweepstakes!!

The Grand Prize Includes:

• Star Trek one sheet signed by cast
• Star Trek movie Enterprise Model
• Movie passes
• CD Soundtrack of movie

First Prize:

• 5 Star Trek the Movie Tie-in Paperbacks
• 5 Sets of 10 Limited Edition Trading cards
• 5 Pairs of movie tickets
• 5 CD Soundtracks from Star Trek movie

Runner Up Prizes

• 10 Star Trek the Movie Tie-in Paperbacks
• 10 Pairs of movie tickets
• 10 CD Soundtracks from Star Trek movie

Click to get energized !!

We hope you enjoy the Star Trek contest and best of luck!

Chris Pine, who plays the young James T. Kirk in the latest Star Trek film, confessed to a Hollywood press conference that he was never much a fan of the series. The actor went on to say it was the franchise rival Star Wars that captured his childhood imagination.

“I think watching the original Star Trek series as a kid, it was a little campy, the effects were kind of absurd. I just wasn’t able to get into it,” Pine said.

“Growing up in the Star Wars generation, there’s just something kind of visceral and fun about that world– it’s more about the effects.”

Later Pine said he studied the Star Trek history rigorously since landing the famous role of Captain Kirk. He lauded the series’ commitment to positive themes, calling the deck of the Enterprise a miniature United Nations, a place of cooperation, free of sexism and racism.

“The world that Gene Roddenberry created was… this grand allegory that explored all these deep social issues. As a kid I had no concept or clue of what was going on,” Pine said. “Watching the original series now, you get a great sense of how really radical what Gene Roddenberry was doing back then. I have a great appreciation for that now. Speaking of the positive vision, this really wonderful vision of what we are capable of, is quite a wonderful thing in today’s age.”

While a small but vocal band of die-hard Trekkies have denounced the new Star Trek film for abandoning established story lines, Leonard Nimoy has been quick to defend the new adventure, saying the essential tenants of peace, tolerance and cooperation in Gene Roddenberry’s creation should always take precedence over the minutia of story details. At a press conference in Los Angeles last week, he said true fans would understand that.

“I have to point out there is great authenticity in this movie. It’s a brilliant cast they’ve put together here. I’m an admirer of all the cast in this movie,” Nimoy said.

“Over the years I’ve often been asked, ‘what contributes to the longevity and interest in Star Trek, and what makes it successful?’ I think one of the things that’s easily overlooked is the fact all of the people on this Enterprise crew, all of the people involved in various characters in Star Trek, are highly educated and highly professional people. They are for the most part scientists, and they really know how to do their jobs. I think people admire that… each makes their own contribution to the solution of a problem.”

In its more than 40-year history, Star Trek has carved out an iconic place in modern pop culture as the only ongoing story that encapsulates the awe, wonder and bold audacity of the human desire to explore the universe. The original TV series was not a hit when it first aired, but later caught on among the ever-growing legion of fans who responded to its compellingly funny, contentious, charismatic personalities and its five-year mission to peacefully engage new worlds and cultures.  The new film marks the first time fans will learn how exactly that mission began.

In order to achieve greater freedom in the writing of the story, an alternate universe is introduced, where the writers aren’t chained to the decades of plot development.

This movie’s release marks the first time in 18 years that fans will again see Nimoy assume his now legendary character.  He admitted to great disappointment when not invited to share the screen with Trek helmer William Shatner in 1994’s Star Trek: Generations.

“Frankly I had felt marginalized for a long time. I haven’t been asked to be involved with Star Trek for about 17 or 18 years. This felt like somebody had said: there’s a value to you that we’d like to take advantage of and do something with. It felt good. It felt good. Frankly, I felt appreciated.”

In the new adaptation, he added, fans will see countless homages to the original series, a striking but reinvigorated portrayal of the familiar characters and a storyline in tune with the vision of creator Gene Roddenberry.

“When we were making the series it was about what issues the writers were going to tackle in Star Trek that they could not tackle in other television series. Those were the things that made Star Trek interesting for me. In this film I think it’s a question of vengeance. It’s the defeatism and emptiness of vengeance.”

It could be one of the most talked about developments in Star Trek’s endlessly-evolving storyline, but it’s one the young cast of the latest Trek feature say has been percolating for 40 years.

“There was, I do remember, one particular instance where Spock was playing a harp,” said Karl Urban, who plays the young Dr. Leonard ‘Bones’ McCoy. “Uhura was singing and caressing his ears. It was one of those hypnotic scenes in the original series. I think while that relationship wasn’t developed, it certainly was there in the subtext.”

The romance between Uhura and Spock, which blossoms in the background of the latest Star Trek installment, is a rare twist to the franchise’s established norms. A young Spock, not yet committed to the stalwart logic of his father’s Vulcan race, submits to his human desire for romance and companionship.

“I think it provides a really interesting depth,” said Zachary Quinto, who plays the young Spock. “Uhura essentially represents a canvas onto which Spock projects the emotions he can’t really otherwise express.”

Zoe Saldana, who assumes the role Nyota Uhura, said the relationship was a natural progression for the characters.

“Spock and Uhura had more in common, in terms of their attraction, than any other characters in the script. She was an apt pupil, she only lives to work, she loves to study, she loves to be the best at what she does. And then all of a sudden there’s this mentor that is a couple years older than she is. He’s got pointy ears, and he’s sexy. He always knows the answer. It just made more sense.

“For him… to allow Uhura to see something not even his father was allowed to see, to see him fail, was absolutely priceless.”

The romance comes to light after several failed attempts of James Kirk to woo Uhura for himself. It’s something Chris Pine, who plays the role, said was a refreshing break from Hollywood’s norm for for awarding the hero with the love interest.

“What I loved about this version is that that relationship added a lot of humor that we were able to explore. Who knows, in further versions of it I think one thing that hasn’t been explored is, I think, Kirk is somewhat of a workaholic. There’s a reason he hasn’t been able to sustain a relationship.”

This Unique Cast Interview Includes: Chris Pine as James Kirk, John Cho as Hikaru Sulu, Anton Yelchin as Pavel Chekov, Eric Bana as Nero, Clifton Collins Jr as Ayel, Karl Urban as Dr. Leonard ‘Bones’ McCoy, Zachary Quinto as Spock, Leonard Nimoy as Spock Prime, Zoe Saldana as Nyota Uhura, Bruce Greenwood as Capt. Christopher Pike.

How did you feel about taking on such an iconic role?

Chris Pine: It was twofold. It’s a big tent-pole, big-budget studio movie. So there was a lot of pressure from that, as there were a lot of people expecting to make a lot of money. On top of that, it’s Star Trek — there’s the added pressure from the avid, protective fanbase. But I think, really, once I met J.J. and I got to learn what he wanted to do, that he wasn’t looking for a bad impersonation of what Mr. [William] Shatner had done, realizing that what Shatner had done was so unique and was so specific and was so iconic… it was very liberating. Because I knew that, if anything, I kind of had to go in that opposite direction to make any mark of my own on the part. There was a conversation on the part, about how I might be able to take nuances from his performance and add them to my own. But it was very much a re-imagining, and very much in the spirit of [inaudible].

I just wanted to follow up on that. In making the characters your own, have any of you met your counterpart from the original series?

John Cho: I met with George [Takei]. We’ve known each other for a little bit, but, um, I wrote him a letter after I got the role and requested we have a meal and talk. As far as making it my own, it was really just avoiding — he’s become an icon himself. His character’s an icon. The show is iconic. And he’s quite the icon as a person, as a citizen. Mostly it was just avoiding doing an imitation of him.

Anton Yelchin: Yes, Walter [Koeing] came on set (thankfully once I had finished my scene — it was very intimidating to think he would come in the middle and I’d have to do the accent in front of him.) [Laughter]  We were doing a scene that involved some playback, and he was pretty complimentary [about my performance]. It’s the highest compliment I feel I could get was from Walter himself. Um, I felt like the essence of Checkov is the accent. So I tried to stay as true as possible to that accent, while messing around with it a little, but still maintaining that general kind of spirit he created. Because I really think that’s what made the character so special for 40 years. It wouldn’t be as exciting or interesting to play just a Russian kid on a spaceship.

Chris, did you talk to Bill?

Yes, I saw him last night at a charity show in Burbank. My interaction with him has been really wonderful. I sent him a letter early in the process, explaining to him who I was, you know: who this punk kid was, who was for the time being taking on this role [of Captain Kirk]. He was very kind and wished me luck, but I know Leonard [Nemoy] was the same way; it was a wonderful feeling handing over the mantel to us. Again, allowing us the freedom to make these characters our own without having any feelings of weighty expectations and responsibilities.

Have you all always been big Trekkies? What does the world of Star Trek mean to you personally?

Clifton Collins Jr.: I wasn’t really a Trekkie, but I think any one who’s lived in America knows who these characters are, and knows how the theme song goes. We all know what the U.S.S. Enterprise is. For me personally I didn’t know anything about the Romulans, I just followed J.J.’s lead, but Star Trek for me is a part of Americana.

Chris Pine: I was not a Trek fan, but my grandmother was a huge William Shatner fan. So when she babysat me we would inevitably end up watching reruns of TJ Hooker… [Laughter] But I was a casual observer [of Star Trek]. I think it is startling that this one story has had such an intense hold on so many people for so long — I can’t think of another thing that has. And I think quite possibly the reason for that is when it came out in the late 60s, there was a great social unrest. We had come out of two world wars, and there was great division. As cheesy as it may sound, the idea that so many people could work together as one and achieve great things is a really — well, why not?! That’s a wonderful vision of humanity. The deck of the Enterprise is a [inaudible] United Nations, it’s a place free of sexism, racism — there’s people from disparate backgrounds. So again, hopefully the resonance it had in the 60s, it will have [today] with a similar effect on a world torn by economic crisis and wars. I think we spend more time trying to kill one another than anything else, so to present a vision of the world working together is quite a beautiful thing.

John Cho: That’s probably what impressed me the most growing up. I wasn’t a Trekkie, but I was very impressed with the multi-ethnic casting. George in particular made a great impression on me, as a young Asian kid growing up in America. It was really meaningful for me to see him on television at that time in the late 70s.

A question for Chris. Is there any indication that you will be playing Captain Kirk again or forever?

Chris Pine: It’s so presumptuous, I think, to start talking about — we get a lot of questions about sequels. This movie has yet to come out. I think we’re all really proud of the movie we made… Being an actor, it’s quite an experience to watch a film and forget after the first 10 minutes that you’re in it. You’re actually munching popcorn as fast as the guy next to you, and you’re as involved and engaged as him, the non-participants… We had an absolute blast making it. I had a lot of fun, and if they were to invite me back I certainly would be the first one to sign up.

I’d like to ask John and Chris about that fight scene on the drill — that was amazing, I wondered if…

John Cho: That actually happened. [Laughter]

…was it choreographed to the nines, or did you guys do it a million times and then picked one? How did it work?

John Cho: Yes, that was choreographed. That was us. We were on wires at Paramount, trying not to vomit.

Chris Pine: It’s incredible, you know, having to put together that scene. Reading through that scene, it’s about three pages and it took us a month and a half to shoot. I had no concept or visual preparation of the scene. We had a great stunt team behind us… putting together an intense and quite fun Star Trek [inaudible] for about two months before we began shooting. The fight scenes were choreographed, but left enough breathing room on the day where you could change it up. Our stunt doubles were incredible, and we left a lot of the hard work to them. But a lot of that was wires, and a lot of work down at Dodgers Stadium on huge platforms. That’s another genius of J.J.’s is that he’s able to see in his mind what the final product would look like.

For Eric, I think you’re one of the first Star Trek villains who doesn’t exclaim Shakespeare and doesn’t give a big speech to introduce himself. Can you talk about the characterization for that villain?

Eric Bana: The thing that drove me to the project, the most significant factor to me was that the film wasn’t taking itself too seriously. When you read the script you really got a feeling for the sense of humor in the script. I was very hopeful that would make it’s way through the film, because the first thing you loose in films are the jokes and the sense of humor and lightness, it’s the first thing that’s dropped on the day. But I felt that with J.J. it had a really good chance of staying there, and in fact I think he took more from it. So that’s really just a case of a director allowing an actor to bump around. Because I saw no reason why Nero had to be scary every single moment. I saw no reason why he couldn’t be a smart ass. It’s just essentially being allowed to have freedom [as an actor].

So J.J. really let you do some of that?

Eric Bana: He let all of us pretty much do anything and everything we wanted. He’s an unbelievable collaborative filmmaker. He knows exactly what he wants himself. But I don’t think — I’m pretty sure I speak for just about everyone here: if you had an idea, it was going on film. [To cast:] True?

[The cast nod in agreement]

John Cho: True, Eric Bana, true. [Laughter]

What was it like, respectively, when each one of you got into your chairs on the Enterprise?

Anton Yelchin: Um, there was a lot of — me and John did a lot of [presses buttons on imaginary console, makes beeping noises].

John Cho: [Laughs. Responds to beeping noises with his own. The pair beep out tune to Star Trek theme song.]

[Laughter subsides]

Anton Yelchin: It was such a beautiful set. It had an aura of epic-ness. But for me the process of entering this world started with the wardrobe fittings. But to J.J.’s credit, the set was a world of its own. If you went off the bridge you ended up in a hallway in a different part of the Enterprise. The set didn’t just end on either side of the bridge. It kept going. You really were in this world, and the crew was separated, outside the — what would you call it? The window?

Eric Bana: The windshield.

John Cho: The ship’s goggles.
[Laughter erupts]

I have a question for Eric. The makeup you wore really made you look unrecognizable. What was it like to put all that on? And what was it like to play a villain rather than the heroes you usually play?

The makeup was actually a lot of fun. But when you put it on and moved your face, nothing happened. It was like you had a crap-load of botox injected into your head. You would literally look into the mirror and [makes a facial expression] like that, and nothing would happen. So there was a process in preproduction where I literally re-calibrated my movements for the camera. Otherwise the camera wouldn’t pick up on any of your expressions for the whole film.

We had the most incredible makeup artist on this movie. But to describe the scene, basically, all the Romulans would get divided up, and Chris and I would be in the caravan with about eight others and we’d be high as a kite from all the chemicals… I don’t think there was anything we shot before lu

nch. [Laughs]

Chris, William Shatner played Captain Kirk on and off for 30 years now. Do you want to play Captain Kirk for that long?

Again, I think it’s a little presumptuous to talk about 30 years in the future when the film has yet to come out. I have a lot of fun playing this incarnation of the character in this story, I’m signed up for two more — just like I think everyone else is in the cast. I’m having a lot of fun right now, but I’m not going to count any chickens before they proverbially hatch.

You said you were not a Star Trek fan, but are you a fan now?

I am, yeah. I gained much more appreciation — I think watching the original series as a kid, it was a little campy, the effects were kind of absurd. I just wasn’t able to get into it. Zak [Zachary Quinto] has spoken about this quite eloquently, and I think it’s very true: growing up in the Star Wars generation, there’s just something kind of visceral and fun about that world–it’s more about the effects. The world that Gene Roddenberry created was much more [pause] kind of this grand allegory that explored all these deep social issues. As a kid I had no concept or clue of what was going on. Watching the original series now, you get a great sense of how really radical what Gene Roddenberry  was doing back then. I have a great appreciation for that now. And again, speaking of the positive vision, this really wonderful vision of what we are capable of, is quite a wonderful thing in today’s age.

For Eric, you’ve played a lot of good-guy and bad guy roles, what does it take to go from one to the other?

I never make any distinction in my head, really. I just try to find characters I think are interesting. I never tell myself if they’re good guys or bad guys, villains or heroes. People always ask if it’s more fun playing the villain. Well, I don’t know. You kiss less girls, that’s for sure. But less fun, more fun, more freer? I don’t know if there’s much difference actually.

Anton, I understand you are actually Russian. What kind of conversations did you have with J.J. on how far to push that accent? It seems like it verges on caricature.

Yeah, I mean, the accent isn’t as much a Russian accent as it is a Cold War stereotype of a Russian accent. I emailed J.J. before we started and said, ‘this is what I’m thinking…’ after watching the original. And his response was really brief. He said ‘yeah, that sounds great–we’ll have a really good time.’ So there wasn’t too much conversation. If anything it happened on set. It was more about capturing that original accent and capturing that general spirit.

Chris, your character and Zak’s character are kind of fighting over the same girl. Will that be the same for the next movie?

I certainly hope I’m able to get a girl in the second one. [Laughs]  But what I loved about this version is that that relationship added a lot of humor that we were able to explore. Who knows, in further versions of it I think one thing that hasn’t been explored is, I think, Kirk is somewhat of a workaholic. There’s a reason he hasn’t been able to sustain a relationship.

Interview sitting: Karl Urban as Dr. Leonard ‘Bones’ McCoy, Zachary Quinto as Spock, Leonard Nimoy as Spock Prime, Zoe Saldana as Nyota Uhura, Bruce Greenwood as Capt. Christopher Pike

Obviously this film takes place on an alternate timeline. The young Spock is very different from your Spock. He’s very emotional, human, he has a relationship with a girl…

Leonard Nimoy: He does, doesn’t he! [In a melancholic tone] I noticed that.

How did you feel when you first read that in the script? Were you resistant to that?

Leonard Nimoy: You know, I’ll tell you. I was bemused by it when I read it in the script. I was amazed by it when I saw it on screen. I thought it was incredible.

Did you think it worked?

Leonard Nimoy: Brilliantly. Didn’t you? [Laughs]

Well, Spock is half Vulcan half human. I guess it’s more of the human side we’re seeing, instead of the usual Vulcan side.

Zachary Quinto: I don’t necessarily agree with you. I think there’s a duality, an internal conflict, because he’s really split between those two halves of himself. But I just don’t think he’s gained the kind of control over that duality that Leonard had when he played the character. That’s the journey of this character. It’s not that he won’t arrive there, or that he possesses more humanity than… Vulcanity? [Laughter]

Leonard Nimoy: That’s great, I love that! “Vulcanity.” That’s a new one.

Zak, you play probably the most iconic of all the characters in the Trek universe. How intimidating was it for you to do that, and how even more intimidating was it for you to do that with Leonard present. And Leonard, what do you think of the new Spock?

Zachary Quinto: Well, I think all of us were faced with a certain level of intimidation stepping into these roles, theoretically. Although, J.J. did a phenomenal job of diffusing that from step one, in terms of really dictating that we were encouraged to use the original performances as points of departure, but from there we were expected to develop our own points of view and perspectives on these characters. For me, Leonard’s involvement was only liberating, frankly. I knew he had approval over the actors who played Spock, so when I got the role I knew from the beginning it was with his blessing. And at that point we developed our own relationship.

I was the first one to be cast in the movie. I got cast in June and we didn’t start shooting until November. Over those months, Leonard and I spent a number of times hanging out and just talking about life, and the characters. Just getting to know him personally was incredibly freeing and helpful in the process.

And Leonard?

Leonard Nimoy: I think it’s appropriate when the old timer walks on the set and everyone be intimidated. [Laughter] It’s classic. I used to be a kid on the set. I was intimidated. Why shouldn’t they be? [More laughter]

For Zoe and Zachary, this relationship didn’t exist at all in the series. Uhura never expressed any interest in Spock at all. Was it in the script from the beginning, or was it something that you developed along the way. How did you approach this brand new relationship in the Star Trek canon?

Karl Urban: If I may express some of my Trek knowledge here. There was, I do remember, one particular instance where Spock was playing a — what was that instrument — a lier?

Leonard Nimoy: Yeah, yeah.

Karl Urban: Uhura was singing and caressing his ears. It was one of those hypnotic scenes in the original series. I think while that relationship wasn’t developed, it certainly was there in the subtext.

How did you approach it? I mean, Spock is an emotionless character, it’s not a normal romance.

Zoe Saldana: I try not to publicly announce the story line I’m in. In this situation, that whole relationship to me gave me the desire, as the newer generation, to completely fall in love with the character. After reading about the character, going to all the fan sites, I realized Spock and Uhura had more in common, in terms of their attraction, than any other characters in the script. She was an apt pupil, she only lives to work, she loves to study, she loves to be the best at what she does. And then all of a sudden there’s this mentor that is a couple years older than she is. He’s [inaudible] and pointy ears, and sexy. He always knows the answer. It just made more sense. It’s also the start of the connection they have. For him, being a Vulcan, always having this battle [with his human side]. To allow Uhura to see something not even his father [was not allowed to see], to see him fail, was absolutely priceless. And for Uhura to have only this man call her by her first name, I just thought it was kind of awesome.

Zachary Quinto: For me, the relationship provides a great source of levity in the film: between Kirk and Spock, between Kirk and Uhura. But between Spock and Uhura I think it provides a really interesting depth. Uhura essentially represents a canvas onto which Spock projects the emotions he can’t really otherwise express. And I think that dynamic for me was really rewarding as an actor. That scene that Zoe and I played in the elevator was definitely one of the most present experiences through shooting, and that has a great deal to do with Zoe and her emotional availability and openness. It was such a comforting, confined space that we were in, in that moment.

Leonard, did you have any hesitation going back to this character after all this time? What attracted you to the project?

Leonard Nimoy: It was a combination of the script and the J.J.’s enthusiasm, and the writer…Roddenberry talking about their sensibility, their sense of what Star Trek was about, and what the Spock character should be about. Frankly I had felt marginalized for a long time. I haven’t been asked to be involved with Star Trek for about 17 or 18 years. This felt like somebody had said: there’s a value to you that we’d like to take advantage of and do something with. It felt good. It felt good. Frankly, I felt appreciated. I was happy to go back to work.

What are your thoughts on Gene Roddenberry?

Leonard Nimoy: He was a brilliant man. A brilliant complicated man. We had a complicated relationship; it was like a father-son relationship that was typically classic. Sometimes it was great sometimes it was really bad. Um, sometimes we disagreed strongly on certain issues. But obviously, he was of a very special mind. A very special mind.

For Zachary, did any of the Vulcanisms give you any trouble. The eyebrows? The salute?

Zachary Quinto: I spent a little time actually training my hands to do the salute. That didn’t come particularly easy. I would rubber-band my ring finger with my pinkie finger and drive around Los Angeles doing little salutes in the months leading up to shooting. But that was about it. Everything else came together.

Somewhere in the press releases you said this Star Trek is able to go places that the original Star Treks never accomplished. What is that?

Leonard Nimoy: I think at its best, for me, when we were making the series it was about what issues the writers were going to tackle in Star Trek that they could not tackle in other television series. Those were the things that made Star Trek interesting for me. In this film I think it’s a question of vengeance. It’s the defeatism and emptiness of vengeance. That makes it interesting to me.

We’ve tackled some interesting issues over the years. Racial issues, economic issues, ecological issues. That’s what made Star Trek interesting for a lot of people.

Were you surprised it took this long for the studio to reinvigorate the franchise, to recast these roles?

Leonard Nimoy: Frankly I didn’t spend a lot of time thinking about that. I was simply busy doing other things. For me Star Trek was finished. I had done what I could, what I was asked to do, and it was over for me. When the next generation of films came along, I was left out of it and Kirk was killed. I think somebody was sending us a message! [Laughter] It was somebody else’s game now and that’s the way it was for a long time.

Zoe, what was it like being the only girl among the crew?

Zoe Saldana: I loved it. What I loved most about playing Uhura was the fact that she was also very comfortable in that environment, so I was able to infect her with that level of myself. She needed to be that way in order to still hold court and have authority, to be very very feminine and be demanding.

Karl, you play another iconic character, Bones. And you were able to deliver a classic line, how was it decided to incorporate that line?

I had no choice on whether that line was in or out. But I must say, as a long-time fan of the show it was quite surreal to be in that position, delivering those lines. I had such huge admiration and respect, for the wonderful contribution that Mr. Kelley had donated to Star Trek, in developing his character so well for 40 years. And, uh, you know, it was a real privilege to be given the opportunity to develop the young character. We did not want to mimic him, or develop some sort of caricature, which would have sold the character and Mr. Kelley short. Really, the challenge for me was identify some sort spirt of that character then funnel it through what my interpretation of a younger version of that character would be. There’s certain moments, certain lines, that were very challenging to find myself in that moment.

A question for Zachary. What emotions did you have to personally strip yourself of to portray Spock, who is stripped of almost every human emotion?

Zachary Quinto: I really didn’t see it that way actually. I think Spock experiences deeply run emotions, and i think that especially in the context of his relationship with his mother, I think there’s a real depth of feeling. The only thing I feel I had to strip myself of was the ability to express it in a conventional way. I think that is ultimately the dilemma of Spock, because if he doesn’t feel emotion then there is no conflict within him. So the conflict exists within the feeling, the deeply rooted and sublimated feeling of emotion, without the opportunity to do much with it, other than hold on to it. Which is challenging, and can be painful.

Bruce, unlike the other cast members you had less material to work from. Was that liberating or more challenging.

Bruce Greenwood: I think Zak said it really clearly when he said, these characters — we were invited by J.J. to use the original characters as much a part of [inaudible] and you’d be foolish not to. So there was room for me to do something that referenced what the character was about without repeating it.

Zachary, on Monday nights I watch religiously, with my 11 year old, Heroes. He’s upset that Sylar is going to be Spock. On the other hand, my best friend is a Trekkie, and he hates the fact that Sylar is going to be Spock. So, I think there is going to be a backlash on either one of your fan bases. What do you think about that?

Zachary Quinto: Um, I don’t know. Fan reaction isn’t something I really attach myself to very much. I mean, I care deeply about the work I do, and I’m grateful on so many levels for these very contrasting and challenging opportunities I’ve had in the last couple of years. But, um, my focus is my work. And people’s reaction to my work falls in the category of things I have absolutely no control over. I would certainly love to invite my Heroes fans to join us on this journey. And don’t be pissed, it’s all good. [Laughter]

A follow up question about McCoy. For some reason he is the character that gets the most laughs, so what did you find in him…

Leonard Nimoy: I resent that! [Laughter]

Beyond that gruff voice, he could be the world’s youngest curmudgeon already. How did you find him? You obviously know a lot about the series, so I imagine that Kelley crept in there somewhere.

Karl Urban: Well, um, thank you for your question. It’s not that I found him, it’s what works for me to come up with a kind of simple mantra that could envelop me like a jersey. It was simply that McCoy is this sort of cantankerous, grumpy doctor with the most appalling bedside manner. But for me, beneath that often prickly surface, you have the most compassionate, altruistic, loyal, dedicated friend you could possibly find. For me that’s a real treasure of the character, because he often gets to do the opposite of what he says. For example, when he helps Kirk get on board the Enterprise, he’s grumpy and cantankerous about it, but what he’s actually doing is helping out his friend, sticking by his friend. That to me is a wonderful treasure.

Leonard, as well as staring in the original movies, you also directed. Would you like to go behind the camera again?

Leonard Nimoy: No. No, I’m done with all that, thank you. I’m not set up to be a director, um, after Spock had died — sort of, in Star Trek two — they asked me if I’d like to be involved in Star Trek Three. I was told I should be directing, and I took it as an insult, because I felt ‘what’s wrong with my acting?’ [Laughter]

I would like to say this, though. Over the years I’ve often been asked, ‘what contributes to the longevity and interest in Star Trek, and what makes it successful. I think one of the things that’s easily overlooked is the fact, um, all of the people on this Enterprise crew, all of the people involved in various characters in Star Trek, are highly educated and highly professional people. They are for the most part scientists, and they really know how to do their jobs. I think people admire that. People might not be consciously aware of it, but somehow you sense that these are very professional people that know what they’re doing and each makes their own contribution to the solution of a problem. While I have the opportunity to say that, I have to point out there is great authenticity in this movie. You believe these characters, you believe these people are professionals. That, I think, has something to say about the professionalism that’s happened with all the people who are playing these characters. It’s a brilliant cast they’ve put together here. I’m an admirer of all the cast in this movie. I think they’ve done a great job.

Zak, at the end of the original series it’s perceived that Mr. Nimoy tried to distance himself from playing Spock. He wrote a book, “I am not Spock…”

Zachary Quinto: Yes, I read it.

Are you concerned now about you too being too associated with Spock, as an actor?

Zachary Quinto: I think that was a different time. I think there was a stigma attached to science fiction that just doesn’t exist anymore. It’s become so much more mainstream. I think also people’s attention spans, for better or for worse, have diminished significantly since that time. And, uh, it’s incumbent upon myself to define the kind of career I want. And for me that’s a career of longevity and diversity. So now it’s my job to hopefully utilize this exposure as a platform to do other kinds of work and immerse myself in other genres. Also to invite the avid fan-base of science fiction, of Star Trek specifically, to come with me on that kind of a journey now, because that’s the kind of actor I want to be.

So, no.

[Laughter]

I wanted also to ask Zoe about Michelle. Did you talk to her at all about some of her key episodes?

Zoe Saldana: I did not see the series. As actors we’re prone to imitation, and I was very afraid of falling into that pattern, because Michelle did not deserve that. Also, primarily, Uhura deserves better: my entire focus. You know, I trust in J.J. Abrams. That’s the thing about working with a wonderful director… he’s known for taking care of his characters, while he’s blowing up buildings, while his characters are jumping off the highest tower in Tokyo, he’s still very loyal. As an actor, that’s the warmest sensation I could ever feel.

There were fundamental things about Uhura already in the script, and he definitely helped me whenever I was not capturing it, or whatever. [Inaudible] She’s young, she cant’ really be this confident woman who has it all together all the time. She’s a kid, and she’s infatuated.

When I met Michelle that was the biggest start for me, to know that there was complete and utter support and pride on her behalf toward me. The fact that she was very happy that I was playing Uhura. She just told me to definitely follow my instincts. Do it, and do it well.

Everyone is right where they should be. Chekov and Sulu are manning the navigation controls, Uhura is monitoring communications and pointy eared Mr.Spock is hovering over his science station.

The very anticipated Star Trek Film is out today. It has gotten an Incredible 96% on the “Tomatoe-Meter” at Rottentomatoes.com including Adam Tobias’ comment: “Trust me when I say Star Trek is easily one of the best science fiction films of this decade”

So from William Shatner’s suave debut to Tribblemania, Ricardo Montalban to Whoopi Goldberg, a look at the latest Star Trek buzz here on MovieSet!

Ace Correspondent Reports

First off, Quinn Bender brings us an Ultimate Star Trek Review! He recaps his experience, his expectations plus the good and the bad. No mercy! Check it out!

You can also catch Quinn in Behind the Scenes #33 (see below) or a special installment with an impromptu interview about the advance screening and press junket.

Quinn also transcribed hours of interviews from the junkets which will be appearing on the blog soon. Some great anecdotes and insight for the hardcore Star Trek enthusiasts, including:

* Star Trek Cast Interviews

* Captain Kirk Speaks on Star wars

* Nimoy Champions Younger, Fresher Cast

* Hanky Panky on USS Enterprise

Behind the Scenes Trek-tacular vidcast

Eric and Shaun from the Behind The Scenes series bring you an awesome episode dedicated to this fantastic new film. Check out the new Behind the Scenes Site Gets Trekkie episode where they discuss their favorite installments of the series, the casting of the new actors playing iconic roles, and riff about Start Trek lore.

Top 5 Star Trek Blogs

Also, check out our very recent blog post: MovieSet’s Crew Bring you Our Top 5 choices for Star Trek Blogs in this Universe! Including the Site Named Best New Fan site for 2008! by TrekMovie – The Star Trek Scrapbook Blogspot “It is a Star Trek History Buffs Dream website, Excellent in both content and quality” -Trekmovie

Trek-tackular Sweepstakes

Star Trek Sitelet

All the details we have about the new Star Trek is at the Sitlet. Here’s a few nuggets of knowledge for you you. Cast and Crew: Chris Pine as James Kirk, John Cho as Hikaru Sulu, Anton Yelchin as Pavel Chekov, Eric Bana as Nero, Clifton Collins Jr as Ayel, Karl Urban as Dr. Leonard ‘Bones’ McCoy, Zachary Quinto as Spock, Leonard Nimoy as Spock Prime, Zoe Saldana as Nyota Uhura, Bruce Greenwood as Capt. Christopher Pike. Directed by: J.J. Abrams Written by: Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman

For the Rest of the list and the latest News, Vids and Stills Go to our Sitelet!

Get energized and enter the Star Trek sweepstakes!!

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SYNOPSIS:

Star Trek is the incredible story of a young crew’s maiden voyage onboard the most advanced starship ever created: the U.S.S. Enterprise. In the midst of an incredible journey full of optimism, intrigue, comedy and cosmic peril, the new recruits must find a way to stop an evil being whose mission of vengeance threatens all of mankind.

The fat of the galaxy rests in the hands of bitter rivals born worlds apart. One, James Tiberius Kirk (Chris Pine), a delinquent, thrill-seeking Iowa farm boy. The other, Spock (Zachary Quinto), grows up on the planet Vulcan, an outcast due to his half-human background. With drastically opposite styles, the cadets in training become defiant, contentious adversaries, each going all out to be among the special few chosen to join the crew of the most advanced starship ever created.

The crew is headed by Captain Christopher Pike, and soon filled with young characters of the original series.  All will face a harrowing first test that will set in motion the loyalty, camaraderie, daring and good humor that will bind them forever.

In the midst of it all, Kirk and Spock will come face to face with an undeniable destiny: a need to forge an unlikely but powerful partnership, enabling them to lead their crew to boldly go where no one has gone before.

Starring: Chris Pine as James Kirk, John Cho as Hikaru Sulu, Anton Yelchin as Pavel Chekov, Eric Bana as Nero, Clifton Collins Jr as Ayel, Karl Urban as Dr. Leonard ‘Bones’ McCoy, Zachary Quinto as Spock, Leonard Nimoy as Spock Prime, Zoe Saldana as Nyota Uhura, Bruce Greenwood as Capt. Christopher Pike

Directed by: J.J. Abrams

Written by: Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman

Opening on: May 8, Opens Wide and Worldwide

EXPECTATIONS

Only the worst. The studios had run Star Trek into the ground with self-indulgent snobbery in The Next Generation. An attempt to revitalize the brand with be-dazzling visual effects and a hot young crew seemed destined to hit theatre screens with a patronizing thud.

Hollywood insists 20-somethings rule the world. With Star Trek, the generation would now ascend to galactic awesome-ness for little more reason than their titillating sex appeal. Come on, the Enterprise bridge looked like an Ikea promo. Paramount Pictures really didn’t give audiences much else to go on, but for this drivel of information in slick trailers and the rare calculated leak. With such aggressive secrecy, what else could you conclude but to await the death blow to Gene Roddenberry’s altruistic vision.

EXPERIENCE

The Good

Boy, was I wrong. The main characters are so well written, performed and directed, I was embarrassed for my prejudice. Right off the top, an opening salvo of a galactic war made a fool of me. Gone are the pillow-fight battle sequences of films past, and here (hopefully to stay) is a gripping attempt to show war as the precursor to ultimate anguish. The camera moves from its wide shot of the battle sphere to an intimate close up of crew members as they’re sucked through a hull breach into empty space. The horror of their untimely death is clearly registered. This film balances grandiose battles like this with classic hand-to-hand skirmishes, each with equally engaging accomplishment.

A character-driven story, with carefully plotted intermissions of humor and more satisfying sub-plots than a federal election, this film is a tribute to the hallmarks of good science fiction. Even the tongue-in-cheek tips of the hat to the Trekkies — one-liners resurrected, inner-circle jokes materialized for the big screen — compliment, rather than interfere with the story’s natural flow.

The Bad

James Kirk’s reasoning for joining the academy — a fateful moment that lays the foundation for five television series and 10 films — is as concrete as a Klingon fart. In one rapid sequence the aimless youth is swinging fists in an Iowa bar brawl then the next morning, wiping caked blood from his lip, he’s boarding a shuttle for the Star Fleet Academy. He’s motivated by Capt. Christopher Pike, a friend of Kirk’s late father, who after bumping into the battered kid challenges him to board that shuttle and find some meaning in life with Star Fleet. The thing is, Kirk seemed selfishly content with his ruinous life, so why the sudden devotion to the federation?

On the other hand, the conflict in this film, provided by the Romulan Nero, is as sharp and attuned to the story as the gears of a watch. Unfortunately, the sub-plots and character arcs of the Enterprise crew are so engaging — humorous, dramatic, intricately woven and convincing — certainly no antagonist’s plot line had a chance to compete. Nero’s lonely crusade to collapse inhabited planets into black holes is a bit overblown for a guy seeking to avenge the death of his wife. Fortunately, what lacks in the story line is compensated by Eric Bana’s performance as the nihilistic, smart-ass villain.

CONCLUSION

I’ll see this movie again and await the next. Where the series degenerated from 60s camp to 90s tea-toting arrogance, this new adaptation seems to have spotted the best in both with blinding flare. Leonard Nimoy recently said that at the heart of this film is a question of vengeance — “the defeatism and emptiness of vengeance.”  But the film thankfully doesn’t wield morality like an iron club. It’s a quiet undertone layered into what’s quite simply a fantastic film. It honors the vision of creator Gene Roddenberry to celebrate humanity’s potential; to pit us against impossible odds where only through cooperation and moral certitude can we find a solution.

Check out more information, stills, videos and latest news about Star Trek at the Star Trek Sitelet.

From director J.J. Abrams, producers Damon Lindelof and Bryan Burk and screenwriters Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman comes a new vision of the greatest space adventure of all time, “Star Trek,” featuring a young, new crew venturing boldly where no one has gone before. In theaters May 8, 2009.

In this Episode of Behind The Scenes Shaun and Eric go in-depth into the Star Trek Universe to bring you an episode of BTS – they discuss their favorite installments of the series, the casting of the new actors playing iconic roles, and riff about Star Trek movie lore.

Special guest, ace correspondent Quinn Bender talks about some specific details of the flick based on his observations at the advance screening and press junket in Los Angeles plus you’ll see an interview with Eric Bana discussing his evil character from the future, Nero.

Definitely check this one out!

Get energized and enter the Star Trek sweepstakes!!
Go to Star Trek Sitelet!

Follow us on this Journey and Don’t Forget to beam us up a comment on YOUR favourite Trek-Blogs.

Let’s revert the List format and start at the very top.

#1

My Star trek Scrapbook Blogspot | http://www.mystartrekscrapbook.blogspot.com/

This Site Named Best New Fan Site for 2008 by TrekMovie.com!

The website “Kingon Defense Academy” which has just opened, has a series of hilarious training videos to help earthers learn the tactics of these glass-grabbing aliens: http://www.whenkingonsattack.com/ You have to visit it for a good laugh, I got a real “kick” out of it!

#2

Next on the list we have:

Star Trek Auction Blogspot | http://startrekauction.blogspot.com/

This Blog Overall has the most up-to-date content and literally pumps out content like the blog here at MovieSet.

Check out this very Interesting Video where Trekkies Interchange Opinions about the upcoming flick.

#3

Star Trek Space Blogspot | http://startrekspace.blogspot.com/

This Blog features a vast amount of older content and is completely up-to-date with the newest content regarding the newest chapter in Star Trek History

Check out a scene from the Movie!

#4

Delphi Forums Blogspot | http://blogs.delphiforums.com/n/blogs/blog.aspx?webtag=startreksfforum

The web log for Delphi’s Star Trek & Media Science Fiction Forum. They cover news and discussion about Star Trek and many other current sci-fi and fantasy TV shows and films.

#5

Last on our list we have:

Trek Web Blog | http://trekweb.com/

This is definitely the Fan Chill spot, Unreal topic discussions and links to everything you could want in the Trek Community.

Check out their latest poll

T’Poll: Movie Anticipation
What are you looking forward to the most in the new STAR TREK movie?

Don’t Forget to

Get energized and enter the Star Trek sweepstakes!!

Or Go to our Sitelet!

The summer movie season is kicking into full gear today with the release of Wolverine. There’s also the alternate choice Ghosts of Girlfriends past, for those ladies who prefer to let their men exercise their testosterone with buddies instead.

Today we’ve got a look at the big releases for May and we’ll be following up with a daily look at June, July and August starting next week.

We’d love to hear what you’re excited to see this summer, so post a comment below and tell us what summer movies you’re looking forward to and why!

May 1st

X-Men Origins: Wolverine

What is it? Wolverine gets his very own movie in this spin-off of the popular X-Men franchise.

Who’s in it? Hugh Jackman, Liev Schreiber, Danny Huston and Ryan Reynolds

Why it just might be the best movie ever: Wolverine was the best part of the previous X-Men movies. Fans have been waiting a long time for this Marvel character to go solo.

Why it just might be the worst movie ever: For a movie about Wolverine, this one sure has a big cast. And Will.i.am? Why couldn’t he just do a track for the soundtrack? Also, Gavin Hood has chops, but Rendition was pretty forgettable.

The reality: Should be a fun start to the summer with plenty of action, but whether this one rises above the hallowed X2 remains to be seen.

Agree? Disagree? Just want to call me an idiot? Post a Comment Below!

Ghosts of Girlfriends Past

What is it? Alternate chick flick fare about an eternal bachelor haunted by the girlfriends from his past.

Who’s in it? Jennifer Garner, Matthew McConaughey, Michael Douglas

Why it just might be the best movie ever: Its directed by the guy who did Mean Girls plus McConaughey and Garner are nice to look at.

Why it just might be the worst movie ever: Hmmm, so many reasons. But the short list? McConaughey has played this part about a dozen times and its getting old, Michael Douglas is kinda creepy and the director’s last rom-com was the dreadful Just Like Heaven.

The reality: A breezy and brainless romance with two likable enough leads. It will deliver a few mild laughs and be forgotten by the post-show cosmopolitans.

Agree? Disagree? Just want to call me an idiot? Post a Comment Below!

May 8th

Star Trek

What is it? If you have to ask, this isn’t for you.

Who’s in it? Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Anton Yelchin, Winona Ryder, Simon Pegg, Eric Bana

Why it might just be the best movie ever? Finally, a Star Trek movie with a cast chosen because of talent and a passionate director. It’s about time!

Why it might just be the worst movie ever: J.J. Abrams often seems to have the attention span of a knat when it comes to seeing his creations through to the end. Ahem, Mission Impossible III, anyone?

The reality: Star Trek probably won’t change the world the way some Trekkies might hope, but it’s almost guaranteed to be the best film since part IV.

May 15th

Angels and Demons

What is it? The second adaptation of the popular Dan Harris series starring Tom Hanks as Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon. This time Langdon is out to thwart a terrorist attack on the Vatican.

Who’s in it? Tom Hanks, Ayelet Zurer, Ewan McGregor, Stellan Skarsgard

Why it just might be the best movie ever: After the imperfect Da Vinci Code, director Ron Howard and star Hanks should be able to find their groove for the sophomore effort. Also some fans of the series claim this story is even better than the hallowed Da Vinci Code.

Why it just might be the worst movie ever: The first movie was no peach and Hanks still has the stupid hair. Its a sequel instead of prequel, as it was intended in the series.

The reality: Howard is a strong director, so this one should be at least on par with, if not a little better than, the first film.

Agree? Disagree? Just want to call me an idiot? Post a Comment Below!

May 22nd

Terminator Salvation

What is it? A reboot of the Terminator franchise set after the robots have destroyed most of the planet. John Connor leads a small resistance of survivors to overthrow the robot leaders and reclaim Earth.

Who’s in it? Christian Bale, Sam Worthington, Anton Yelchin, Moon Bloodgood, Bryce Dallas Howard, Common, Helena Bonham Carter

Why it just might be the best movie ever: The events after Judgement Day have been talked about for three movies and a TV show. Now we finally get to see it and we get quite arguably the best actor on the planet as John Connor.

Why it just might be the worst movie ever: Hopefully Bale’s highly publicized tirade on set was just a bad day, because if it was a regular occurrence that’s not a good sign. McG remains a highly questionable choice as director.

The reality: Should be better than three but reaching the heights of Cameron-directed first two is a long shot.

Agree? Disagree? Just want to call me an idiot? Post a Comment Below!

Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian

What is it? Ben Stiller returns as Smithsonian security guard Larry Daley in this sequel to the family comedy about a museum where the statues come to life at night.

Who’s in it? Ben Stiller, Robin Williams, Owen Wilson, Amy Adams, Jonah Hill, Ricky Gervais, Bill Hader, Christopher Guest, Steve Coogan

Why it just might be the best movie ever: It won’t be, trust me.

Why it just might be the worst movie ever: How many more times can we take Ben Stiller in this part? No seriously, I’m asking, because the number has to be approaching. Also, Williams as Roosevelt is funny once, but was anyone crying out for more?

The reality: If you liked the first one, you’ll probably like this one.

Agree? Disagree? Just want to call me an idiot? Post a Comment Below!

Dance Flick

What is it? A parody of dance movies from the hilarious team behind such gems as White Chicks and Little Man.

Who’s in it? 45 members of the Wayan family plus Chris Elliot and David Allen Grier.

Why it just might be the best movie ever: Maybe you just had a frontal lebotomy or drank your weight in Jack Daniels beforehand…

Why it just might be the worst movie ever: Well, with the pedigree attached, its hard to imagine, right? Has to be better than Date Movie and Epic Movie though, right? Well, one can dream.

The reality: Yet another brainless parody movie in which the best moments can all be viewed in a two-minute trailer without blowing 90 minutes and $10 bucks.

Agree? Disagree? Just want to call me an idiot? Post a Comment Below!

May 29th

Up

What is it? Pixar’s latest about an old man who ties a bunch of balloons to his house in order to float away to South Africa, but finds he has a young stowaway along for the adventure.

Who’s in it? The voices of Ed Asner, Jordan Nagai, Christopher Plummer, Delroy Lindo, John Ratzenburger

Why it just might be the best movie ever: Even though the plot on this one sounds a bit suspect, its hard to doubt Pixar at this point. Plus, Ed Asner!

Why it just might be the worst movie ever: Co-director Pete Doctor directed Pixar’s weakest entry Cars. That’s all I’ve got. Let’s be real, no way any Pixar movie is going to be the worst movie ever.

The reality: Another Pixar smash both the kiddies and parents will love. Expect to see this one in traffic through the window of the minivan in front of you by Christmas.

Agree? Disagree? Just want to call me an idiot? Post a Comment Below!

Drag Me to Hell

What is it? Sam Raimi’s much-ballyhooed return to horror tells the tale of a young loan officer (Lohman) who finds herself cursed and pursued by an evil demon hoping to pull her into the depths of hell.

Who’s in it? Alison Lohman, Justin Long, Lorna Raver, David Paymer, Dileep Rao

Why it just might be the best movie ever: The Evil Dead movies were an absolute blast and fans have been waiting a long time for Raimi to get back to his roots. In an age of torture porn and slashers, this is a fun-spirited old fashioned ghost story!

Why it just might be the worst movie ever: Spider-Man 3 sucked, but even Raimi admits that. So long as being a Hollywood big shot hasn’t spoiled Raimi, we should be okay.

The reality: Crazy characters, big jumps and prosthetic monsters jumping out from every direction. A perfect summer popcorn thriller!

Agree? Disagree? Just want to call me an idiot? Post a Comment Below!

A galaxy of prizes awaits you! To help celebrate the arrival of ‘Star Trek,’ one of the most anticipated movies of the year, we’re giving away prize packs we think you’d fight a Vulcan to win …

Imagine beaming home with a signed ‘Star Trek’ one-sheet, a scale model of the iconic USS Enterprise, the CD soundtrack or pairs of movie tickets! A truly Trek-tacular collection. Enter today to live long, prosper and win!

Get energized and enter the Star Trek sweepstakes!!

The Grand Prize Includes:

• Star Trek one sheet signed by cast
• Star Trek movie Enterprise Model
• Movie passes
• CD Soundtrack of movie

First Prize:

• 5 Star Trek the Movie Tie-in Paperbacks
• 5 Sets of 10 Limited Edition Trading cards
• 5 Pairs of movie tickets
• 5 CD Soundtracks from Star Trek movie

Runner Up Prizes

• 10 Star Trek the Movie Tie-in Paperbacks
• 10 Pairs of movie tickets
• 10 CD Soundtracks from Star Trek movie

Click to get energized !!

See also:

Sweepstakes Advantage – The Largest Directory of Free Online Sweepstakes!
AllCanadaContests.com – Canadian Sweepstakes

We hope you enjoy the Star Trek contest

From the first scene the Star Trek universe as we knew it has changed forever. Kirk is now an angry wayward young man looking for trouble. He fights with Starfleet cadets in Iowa when a Capt. Pike takes an interest in him, finding out he’s the only ‘genius level repeat offender in the Midwest’.Pike dares Kirk to join Starfleet, goading him with the legacy of his father. A young Spock is tortured over his mixed heritage, the emotions he fights to control and the very different paths he has before him.

He must choose between the Vulcan world which will never accept him as anything other than ‘half human’ and Starfleet Academy, worlds away from everything he has ever known. We meet Dr ‘Bones’ McCoy and a young linguist Uhura at the Academy and watch as a headstrong Kirk wreaks havoc on Starfleet’s rules and regulations.

In “The Soloist” an emotionally soaring drama about the redemptive power of music, journalist Steve Lopez (Oscar® nominee Robert Downey Jr.) discovers Nathaniel Anthony Ayers (Oscar® winner Jamie Foxx), a former classical music prodigy, playing his violin on the streets of L.A. As Lopez endeavors to help the homeless man find his way back, a unique friendship is formed, one that transforms both their lives.

Obsessed is about Derek Charles (Idris Elba), a successful asset manager who has just received a huge promotion, is blissfully happy in his career and in his marriage to the beautiful Sharon (Beyoncé Knowles). But when Lisa (Ali Larter), a temp worker, starts stalking Derek, all the things he’s worked so hard for are placed in jeopardy.

Be sure to check out more Behind the Scenes! We screen 3 episodes a week.

Subscribe to behind the Scenes in iTunes or by Email

But until then we got some pretty cool stuff to make the wait seamless! To anticipate the release of the new generation Star Trek prequel flick we bring you some incredible new stills.

Wanna see the rest? Check out all the Star Trek stills!

Time to get Trek’d out!

Head over to the new website and check out this wicked application “Trek Yourself” which allows you to turn a photo of yourself into a Vulcan, Romulan, or Starfleet officer!

Once you’re done, you can post your “Trek’d out” photo to your favorite social network or blog. And be sure to grab the “Trek Yourself” widget to post on your own site.

Check back on the Star Trek Sitelet for all the new content including 4 different trailers.

Following are the a few of the ones that made the biggest impression on me, for better or worse.

First up we have the most recent trailer for JJ Abrams Star Trek looking slick with the far too young (ask Patrick), but very Zoolander-esque Chris Pine as Cpt. James T. Kirk:

Then we have Michael Bay’s latest gargantuan project Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen set for release in June:

Next we have Race to Witch Mountain starring none other than pro-wrestler turned the consummate eyebrow-actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson:

And last up we have GI Joe, not the cool 12 inch tall action figure with the fuzzy hair and beard I remember as a kid, but the re-imagining in the form of a Saturday morning cartoon from 80’s:

Those are the ones I expect to see plenty more of as the release dates draw near. Check out more Superbowl film trailers at traileraddict.com.

The widow of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry and the voice of the USS Enterprise computer, Majel Barrett Roddenberry, died overnight of leukemia.

Majel Barrett Roddenberry passed away this morning, December 18, 2008, at 12:27 AM in her Bel Air home. She died peacefully, in her sleep, and was surrounded by family and loved ones.

“My mother truly acknowledged and appreciated the fact that Star Trek fans played a vital role in keeping the Roddenberry dream alive for the past 42 years. It was her love for the fans, and their love in return, that kept her going for so long after my father passed away.” – Eugene “Rod” Roddenberry, Jr. [source]

Recently Mrs. Roddenberry had reprised her roll as the voice of USS Enterprise computer for J.J. Abrams upcoming Star Trek due out in May 2009. She was 76.

As well as releasing the above cool crew banner to slathering Star Trek fans, Paramount and IMAX also sent a press release out announcing the fact that you can see this epic film on a gargantuan IMAX screen. The press release is in its entirety below:

LOS ANGELES, CA, December 12, 2008 – Paramount Pictures and IMAX Corporation (NASDAQ: IMAX; TSX: IMX) today announced that Star Trek, directed by J.J. Abrams (“Mission: Impossible III”, “Lost” and “Alias”), will be simultaneously released to both IMAX® and conventional theatres worldwide on May 8, 2009. Star Trek, which chronicles the early days of James T. Kirk and his fellow USS Enterprise crew members, will be digitally re-mastered into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience® with proprietary IMAX DMR® (Digital Re-mastering) technology. Paramount Pictures will be the exclusive distributor of the film to IMAX theatres worldwide.

Star Trek is one of the world’s most successful science fiction entertainment series and media franchises. Created by Gene Roddenberry, the Star Trek phenomenon has lead to six television series, ten feature films, dozens of computer and video games, hundreds of novels and fan stories, as well as a themed attraction in Las Vegas. Star Trek has also inspired a following of millions of “Trekkies” of all ages that span across the globe.

“We’re excited to share the enhanced IMAX version of this film with the millions of dedicated fans who have been anticipating this release since production began,” said Rob Moore, Vice Chairman, Paramount Pictures. “The IMAX Experience adds that extra level of excitement to an already action-packed film, giving moviegoers a premium ‘event’ at the multiplex.”

Added J.J. Abrams, “I’m thrilled that audiences will be able to experience this new, epic world of Star Trek – with an incredible cast and mind-blowing visual effects – on what is, obviously, the most remarkable film format in the world.”

“Star Trek combines top Hollywood story-telling talent with space exploration, and each is very conducive to The IMAX Experience,” said IMAX Co-Chairmen and Co-CEOs Richard L. Gelfond and Bradley J. Wechsler. “Expanding our relationship with Paramount Pictures to include this film strengthens our 2009 slate, and with the continuing rollout of digital IMAX theatre systems, we will be able to offer the fan-base more locations to experience the epic first journey of the USS Enterprise in the most immersive way.”

“Both Star Trek and IMAX have taken audiences to far away places they would normally not be able to go, and in this case, it’s space – the final frontier,” added Greg Foster, Chairman and President of IMAX Filmed Entertainment. “J.J. Abrams has created a powerful movie that has fans worldwide feverishly anticipating its release. We are thrilled to partner with Paramount Pictures to bring J.J.’S exciting vision of this incredible space adventure to IMAX screens.”

From director J.J. Abrams and screenwriters Alex Kurtzman & Roberto Orci (“Transformers,” “MI: III”) comes a new vision of the greatest space adventure of all time, “Star Trek,” featuring a young, new crew venturing boldly where no man has gone before. Star Trek explores the early Starfleet careers of future Enterprise officers Kirk (Chris Pine), Spock (Zachary Quinto), Scotty (Simon Pegg), Amanda Grayson (Winona Ryder), Uhura (Zoe Saldana), McCoy (Karl Urban), Sulu (John Cho), and Chekhov (Anton Yelchin). A Romulan, Nero (Eric Bana), and a much older Spock (Leonard Nimoy) are influences, as well as Captain Pike (Bruce Greenwood), the first captain of the USS Enterprise.

[source geekologie and Dan]

Picard and Vader sharing the screen? Wow!

Fairly well done and funny to boot.

Were these two worlds ever to truly collide there would be an explosive nerd climax of epic proportions. However, I think I’ll listen to Patrick drone on and on about why this would be impossible and would never actually take place.

I really believe some people know far too much about this stuff.

Ain’t it Cool News is offering an exclusive look at the new HD version of the trailer for the much anticipated JJ Abrams take on Star Trek. However, if you can’t wait to download it and don’t give a crap about HD you can have a look at it right here after the jump:

Other than the Top Gun-esque homosexual undertones of serious but like-able Zoolander Kirk on his motorcycle, it looks fairly epic. This is gonna be a biggy.

Seriously though, if you require HD (like me) you can still head on over to AICN for some crisp tasty trailer goodness.

Live long and prosper. Prosper is exactly what the producers of this film are going to do.

Old Spock for the win!

Paramount Pictures just handed us two brand new teaser poster for the new Star Trek movie, due out next May, and they show us that black-and-white photography is still alive and well in the 23rd century. Click on through for a look at Eric Bana as the film’s Romulan villain Nero and Zoe Saldana as the new Uhura.

Quickly, answer the following: which Kirk is wearing the girdle?

Now that we’ve finally had our first taste of what we can expect to see in J.J. Abrams new Star Trek movie, Cinemablend has put together a comparison between the old and the new versions of the characters, the costumes and the bridge of the Enterprise. For example, on the left we’ve got 27-year-old Chris Pine playing Captain Kirk at the start of his command and on the right we’ve got thirtysomething William Shatner as the original Captain Kirk from the 1960s TV series. Speaking for myself, Pine looks too young for my sensibility; I just can’t buy this guy commanding a starship. Modeling for a JCrew catalogue, yes.

To see the entire side-by-side comparison gallery, visit Cinemablend.

Paramount has been holding all of its promo material for their reboot of the Star Trek franchise tightly to their corporate chest. Now — today — the grip has been loosened. The studio has released five stills from the $150 million adventure due out next summer including our first real looks at the new people playing Kirk, Spock, McCoy, Sulu, Chekov, Scotty and Uhura. I’ve got mixed feelings about what I saw.First things first: I’m a Star Trek nerd. Sure, there’s some crap but what other movie or television franchise has 40+ years of continuity spread out over hundreds of TV episodes and 10 movies? It’s given us bad nightmares like Star Trek: Nemesis and all of Voyager but awesome stuff like The Wrath of Khan or the tribbles episode. And I know that the franchise desperately needed an enema; it’s bloated and somewhere along the way it lost it’s focus about examining the human condition with high adventure.

So when I looked at today’s photos I saw stuff that I liked and stuff that I hated. I like the slight changes to the 1960s crew uniforms. I love the way that Karl Urban is channeling the physical mannerisms of DeForest Kelley as Dr. McCoy. I dig Zachary Quinto as Spock.

However, that new bridge design is awful. Why couldn’t the production designer just moderize the old TV bridge? This looks like a trendy bar in L.A. right down to the hostess table.

I’m also not too big about the way that Simon Pegg looks as Scotty, and I definitely think that the guy playing Kirk looks waaaaay too young to be in command, but I can reserve final judgment until I see them on screen and acting. But really, that bridge design sucks Klingon bumper.

Want to see the other Trek movie photos that surfaced today? Check out MTV, JoBlo, IGN and TrekMovie.

– Movie producers are looking for a new 10. Production company Hyde Park Entertainment has grabbed the rights to remake Blake Edward’s 1979 romantic comedy and make it for a new generation. The producers want to soon begin a worldwide search for the next 10, that perfect physical specimen epitomized by a cornrowed Bo Derek in the original film. The original starred Dudley More as a nebbish man who faces middle age by lusting after a beautiful woman he spots from afar. I bet that the remake will also have a slo-mo sequence where the 10 jogs on a beach.

– The Hollywood Reporter does some pre-weekend forecasting for The Dark Knight’s opening box office tally and what factors are working for and against the event picture. The good things in favor of a $100 million dollar plus three day gross are the number of screens the film is playing at (a record 4,366), the early sell-out of Dark Knight IMAX screenings, almost uniform glowing reviews for the sequel and Heath Ledger’s performance as The Joker, and the tremendous good will that director Christopher Nolan got for the Batman franchise after rebooting the series with Batman Begins three years ago. The negatives are the film’s running time, two-and-a-half hours, which may not play well for audience members expecting a popcorn movie, as well as the counter-programming move by Universal to release the ABBA musical Mamma Mia! against Bats. Still, most industry analysts are predicting Dark Knight to rake in over $100 million and Mamma Mia! around $25 mil, possibly breaking records for the highest grossing weekend for the box office ever.

…if you want to see a high quality Watchmen trailer (the one from yesterday got yanked shortly after launch) Apple now has it and in high def too.

…and another new trailer for Twilight can be watched on Yahoo Movies which puts new emphasis on the film’s driving storyline. Hey, it’s not just about teens making googly eyes for each other!

…and Entertainment Weekly is doing a special issue devoted to Comic Con which hits the San Diego Convention Center next week. Over 125,000 fans of action, sci-fi, fantasy and pop culture will walk through doors and attend panels hyping next year’s big movie releases. One of those new films will be Paramount’s reboot of its Star Trek franchise and finally Trekkies who have been waiting to see the first look at the new actors playing the iconic roles of Captain Kirk, Mr. Spock and Lt. Uhura have been rewarded for their patience. EW has a photo of the new actors playing their Star Trek characters as well as a look at the film’s villain, the Romulan Nero (played by Munich’s Eric Bana.) Each of the four photos are actually posters that will be handed out to Comic Con attendees, with the four images assembling into one large Star Trek poster. With a rumored budget of $150 million you’ll be hearing a lot more about this new Star Trek movie as we move into 2009.

Alright, that’s it for another week of “The Dailies”. Go stand in line and see a movie this weekend, will ya?