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Star Trek Invades WonderCon and Kicks My Ass Bad!

by Alex Billington
February 28, 2009

It's truly rare that I'm so blown away by a movie that I'm left breathless. It happens once or twice a year, like with The Dark Knight last year and Watchmen this year (so far). But today, watching the new trailer for J.J. Abams' Star Trek, shown for the first time exclusively at WonderCon in San Francisco, I was truly blown away. Before I get any further, everyone will be able to see this trailer in front of Watchmen next weekend, and online the following Monday, so don't worry, it won't be that long of wait. But wow, just wow, although I love both Transformers and Terminator, Star Trek is easily my most anticipated movie of the summer.

I'm not going to speak extensively about what was shown in the trailer, because most of you will get to see it in its entirety in under a week anyway, but the music seemed like it was from the score for Batman Begins (although I doubt it was the same) and it was phenomenal - that was what really put me over the edge. There is no better word that I can use to describe the trailer than: breathtaking. Sure, it may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it was definitely mine, and my heart raced as I watched it continue to build up over two minutes. This is a trailer you do not want to miss, even if you have to go to theaters to see it.

During the Q&A session, which was lead by J.J. Abrams, he addressed the recent concerns brought up by the Trek community when he told press that this was not being made for fans of Star Trek, but fans of movies. "If we were just to make the movie for fans, then we would be limiting the audience enormously," Abrams said. "The fans of Star Trek have allowed us to make this movie at all. I can assure you we're making this for you, and that goes without saying." Writer Roberto Orci added: "If you're a fan, your knowledge of Star Trek is going to be rewarded. And if not, you're going to learn why we were all inspired by it."

If you're not convinced yet, then just talk to the cast, they're more than happy to share their enthusiasm for what Abrams has done. Zachary Quinto gave a great answer when asked about what it's been like to get into the Star Trek world. "There's a optimism that lives in the heart of this film and this franchise," Quinto said, and he can't wait to share that with the world. Chris Pine, who plays Captain Kirk, answered a question about comparing himself to William Shatner. "Mr. Shatner's incredibly funny," Pine joked. But "it's that twinkle in his eye" that he couldn't recreate, but instead decided to try and make his own.

Back in August last year, Kevin Smith cryptically wrote about how amazing the film was, because he had seen a very early cut of it and was anxious to talk about it. Abrams was asked about Smith and said that he invited him because he appreciates his opinion and because Kevin's brutally honest and he wanted his feedback, just like most filmmakers do. Abrams also answered a question about writing good stories, saying, "my favorite movies are movies that combine characters that are relatable, that are complex, that are broken in a way, and you believe them and are [they're] real, then they are thrown into crazy situations."

If this isn't the perfect tease for Star Trek, then I'm not sure what else I can say or J.J. Abrams can say or any of the cast can say to get you excited. Be sure you see the trailer in front of Watchmen next weekend, and if I can make this suggestion, go into it optimistic, let yourself be entertained, because that's what this is all about. This movie is set to blow us out of the water in so many ways. I'm confident that not only did writers Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci put together a script that reignited the Trek universe, but Abrams brought it to life in a way only true visionaries can. Bring on Star Trek, Abrams, cause I'm ready!

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