David Brin, Robert J. Sawyer, and Todd McCaffrey to Speak

This is part of the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History’s PUBlic Knowledge program. This event is called “The Future is Now.”

PUBlic Knowledge goes Sci Fi Tuesday, July 2 with a panel of celebrated authors at 8:00pm and it's FREE.

Expand your PUBlic Knowledge experience for $11 which includes the following:

• 6:00pm  - Elvis at 21 and CSI: The Experience
• 6:30pm – Elvis LASER Show
• 8:00pm – Panel of celebrated authors – OMNI Theater
     David Brin, scientist, inventor and best-selling author of the Uplift series,
     Robert J. Sawyer, the “Dean of Canadian Science Fiction”
     Todd McCaffrey, author of the Dragonriders of Pern series.
• 9:30pm – Star Trek: Into Darkness

Sodexo will open the bar at 7pm and offer cold beverages and tasty bites.

Free parking will be available in the Museum Harley Street lot and Museum School Parking Lot.

PUBlic Knowledge is free to everyone ages 21 and up.
No RSVP is required.

Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 817-255-9540.

Free Preview Screening of RED DWARF X

As per an email from Studio Movie Grill:

KERA Channel 13 and SMG invite you to a free preview screening of the U.S. premiere of RED DWARF Series 10.

Monday, July 1st, 2013 at 7:00 PM

Studio Movie Grill Spring Valley

13933 North Central Expressway

Dallas, Texas 75243

Special Guest: Bill Young, KERA’s VP for programming, Britcom guru and mastermind of the popular TellySpotting.org blog, will host a Q&A following the screening to discuss all things British.

Admission is free but you have to RSVP by June 28th at Tellyspotting@KERA.ORG.

Please provide your first and last name and number of guests. Seating will be first come, first served.

IMAX Gives Sergio Grisanti Print to PACIFIC RIM Viewers

Those of you who are lucky enough to see the first showings of PACIFIC RIM in IMAX will receive a Sergio Grisanti print designed exclusively for this promotion. You can go over to the IMAX blog to see the print and below are the Texas IMAX theaters that will be participating.

 

 

 

Texas

Regal UA Amarillo Star Stadium 14 & IMAX – Amarillo

AMC The Parks at Arlington 18 & IMAX – Arlington

AMC Barton Creek Square 14 & IMAX – Austin

IMAX, The Bullock Texas State History Museum - Austin

Regal Gateway Stadium 16 & IMAX – Austin

B&B Colleyville Cinema Grille & IMAX – Colleyville

Cinemark Century 16 & IMAX – Corpus Christi

AMC Northpark 15 & IMAX – Dallas

Cinemark 17 & IMAX – Dallas

AMC Stonebriar Mall 24 & IMAX – Frisco

AMC Firewheel 18 & IMAX – Garland

AMC Highland Village 12 & IMAX – Highland Village

AMC Gulf Pointe 30 & IMAX – Houston

Edwards Houston Marq*e 23 & IMAX – Houston

Premiere Cinema 16 & IMAX – Lubbock

AMC Mesquite 30 & IMAX – Mesquite

Alamo IMAX Theater Rivercenter – San Antonio

Santikos Palladium IMAX – San Antonio

AMC First Colony 24 & IMAX – Sugar Land

Santikos Silverado IMAX – Tomball

Neil Gaiman Reads THE OCEAN AT THE END OF THE LANE

We gathered together in the heat to listen to one of modern literature’s greatest fantasy authors. We sweated and listened and walked away with that warm fuzzy feeling that says you’ve witnessed something that you’ll treasure the rest of your life. I may be over-selling it for some, but this is how I felt leaving The Majestic Theater in Dallas last night.

 

Taking the stage to a crowd of close to sixteen hundred fans, Neil Gaiman charmed and lulled us with his voice and words. He read from his new novel, THE OCEAN AT THE END OF THE LANE, which hit stores on June 18th, as well as from an upcoming children’s book, FORTUNATELY, THE MILK. The latter was an additional treat that hadn’t happened at any of the prior readings, but Mr. Gaiman said that he was in awe of the beauty of The Majestic and it felt it was the right place to reveal some of the new work.

 

With such a large crowd, the signing took well into the night and those that did not or could not wait could trade their copy of the book for one that was already signed. I had hoped to get mine, as well as a copy of Blueberry Girl personalized for my little girl, but the babysitter needed to get home at a decent hour, so we left.

 

Mr. Gaiman has cited that the reason that he will do no more book signings is due to the terrible strain that it puts on his hands. If I remember correctly, he said that he had autographed approximately 27,000 copies up to that point. I’m surprised he hasn’t insured his hands to Lloyd’s of London, yet. Might not be a bad idea.

 

Neil, we came and sat in huddled, heated masses and listened in silence to your work and we thank you. Though we did not stay to greet you personally, I hope that you come back to Dallas one day, just so that we can hear you read again. Thank you!

Movie Review: World War Z

WORLD WAR MEH.

***Disclaimer*** This is my opinion and nothing else. I will not tell anyone to NOT watch this movie, that decision must be made on your own, but I WILL tell you what I liked and disliked about it.

I went into WORLD WAR Z without having read the book by Max Brooks. I tend to do that with a lot of movies because I don’t want to be tied down with pre-assumptions, but also, because I just haven’t gotten around to reading them. I do try to leave the pre-assumptions at home. I did know that the book was written as a series of loosely tied-together stories. The movie, however, focuses on one character and his family. Whether that character is from the book, I’m not sure.

The movie revolves around Gerry Lane, played by Brad Pitt, and his family. Gerry used to investigate for the United Nations. He’s suddenly called in to investigate the pandemic that seems to be blossoming around the world. He agrees in exchange for the safety of his family and takes off on a globe-spanning hunt for the cause of the outbreak.

This story line is nothing fantastic. It’s Dustin Hoffman’s character from OUTBREAK sent to different parts of the world with “zombies” chasing him. There are plot holes that make you wonder if the characters are just that dumb. There’s one scene that made you wonder if they could have avoided it, if they had just taken a little more time with the writing procedure. I think that’s where this movie might have failed is that there was such a rush to finish it.

My movie-watching buddy stated that he liked the make-up and effects but you didn’t get to see very much of it. It seemed to be overshadowed by the awesome CGI. That is really what made me want to see this movie in the first place was the masses of zombies. Rushing from one victim to the next, they reminded me of hive-minded army ants, going so far as to use each other as another ladder rung or stair step. It was that focused mentality of the zombie that scared me most.

All-in-all, it was an okay movie, but nothing that warrants spending full price admission. The big screen does do it justice, but the action scenes have really all been seen before. I probably would have stayed home and watched it on DVD or Netflix, but I did get to spend some quality time with my friends, and that’s always a plus.

Have you seen WORLD WAR Z yet? What did you think? If you haven’t seen it yet, what makes you not want to?

Rachel Caine Joins Authors For Tea In Wylie

Saturday June 22, 2013, Rachel Caine will join a host of other female authors as they sit down for tea and sign books at the Smith Public Library in Wylie, Texas. Tea will be served from noon until 1:15 PM and will require a reservation. How to reserve can be found at the event link.

 

 

“Rachel Caine is the New York Times, USA Todayand #1 internationally bestselling author of more than 30 novels, including the immensely popular Morganville Vampires series, the Weather Warden series, and the Outcast Season series.”~www.rachelcaine.com

San Antonio’s Texas Comicon 2013 June 21, 22, & 23

Promoted as Texas’ premier pop culture event, Comicon gears up for crowds of fans this weekend. With artist like Steve Niles and Jon Hughes and celebrities such as Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian), Jeremy Bulloch (Boba Fett), Valerie Perrine (Superman’s Eve Teschmacher), and Sarah Douglas (Superman II’s Ursa), this will be a pretty good weekend for very little pocket change. The door fees are great at only $30 for the weekend or $15 a day. They’ve got two day passes for $25, also.

ScrewAttack Gaming Convention Launches This Weekend

Three days of gaming and game-related fun is to be had at the ScrewAttack Gaming Convention. Celebrities such as G4’s Adam Sessler and the Elite of the interwebs will be on hand for you to challenge. It is too late to register online, but you can still get tickets. It will be downtown at the Hyatt Regency at Reunion Tower and should be a lot of fun!

 

Are you headed out to play? What games are you looking forward to demonstrating your skills on?

Houston’s Apollocon 2013 Starts Tomorrow

For the 10th year, Apollocon will be bringing some big names in science fiction, fantasy, and horror. Sponsored by the Houston Science Fiction Association, it brings together fans and creators of all these genres.

Guest of Honor will be award-winning author Bradley Denton will be attending. I would have loved to have made this trip and gotten him to sign my copy of Buddy Holly Is Alive and Well on Ganymede. It would seem that they have decided to make this one into a movie with Napolean Dynamite, Jon Heder, himself.

 

You might recognize the Fan Guest of Honor. He is none other than John DeNardo of SF Signal. SF Signal was chosen as Best Literary Blog by SFX Magazine in 2011. In 2012, his website was nominated for two Hugo Awards, winning the award for Best Fanzine. While doing a weekly column for Kirkus Reviews, the man barely has enough time to breathe.

 

If you get to go, be sure and come back here and tell us some stories of your trip.

Finding Time to Read

There used to be a time when I had all the time in the world to read. I would get out of school and walk to the library that resided on our town square. There I would spend hours walking the aisles looking for books to read. I didn’t skimp either. I would check out as many as my arms could hold, and I would have them all read by the time they were due. My secret was to read a chapter out of every book every day.

As I got older and the chapters got longer, I started checking out fewer and fewer. I still read a great many books during the two week check out period. ‘Lord of the Rings', ‘Dune’, and many other great science fiction classics, as well as, books on astronomy, physics, animals, and any other subject that caught my eye. And, boy, did I have big eyes!

When I became an adult, I joined the Navy. My reading didn’t slow down any, but I did it one book at a time. It was kind of hard to find a place to keep books when all you had was a coffin locker or stand-up locker to keep your belongings. Now, my friend, Big Jim, he read the entire ‘Mission Earth’ series in about two weeks. If you’ve never heard or read it, it is a 10-volume series with “Battlefield Earth” being the first book. Most people probably remember BATTLEFIELD EARTH as the very bad movie with John Travolta. Anyway, Big Jim put all 10 volumes away in two weeks. Don’t know how he did it, but I don’t think he slept very much.

Now, I’m a widower with a three year old little girl. I run a fan site and I try to help promote a local author. You’d think that I had a lot of time to read. Nope, somehow it gets sucked out of my day. But recently, I’ve been scheduling time. As if I’m having an old friend over for a conversation, I put an hour or two away on the calendar every day before the kid gets home, and I read.

Which has helped me finish the book that I’ve been reading by Gloria Oliver, ‘The Price of Mercy.’ A very good book and I should have a review up in the next day or two. I’ve finished it just in time, because Neil Gaiman’s new book, ‘The Ocean at the End of the Lane’ just arrived this afternoon. Hopefully, I can have it finished by the time Monday night rolls around. Mr. Gaiman will be in town reading and signing and I’ve got tickets. If you don’t have yours yet, check out the Dallas Museum of Art ticket page and on the calendar to the right side of that page, click on the 24th. The show is at 7pm. I’m kind of hoping his wife, Amanda Palmer, shows up.

So, do you have all the time in the world to read or do you have to do something drastic like schedule time? Where is your favorite place to catch up on your reading?

Movie Review: MAN OF STEEL - Superman Soars on the Big Screen

***Disclaimer*** This is my opinion and nothing else. I will not tell anyone to NOT watch this movie, that decision must be made on your own, but I WILL tell you what I liked and disliked about it.

From the trailers, you knew MAN OF STEEL was going to explore the emotions of Superman. This was going to be a thinker, but to make sure that folks came to watch, you’ve got to have some action. And boy, did it have some action. For a major portion of the 143 minute long film, your senses are assaulted by explosions and blurry fight scenes. This isn’t a bad thing. I believe that the movie makers captured what it would be like for almost god-like creatures to do battle on our planet. This is one area where we depart from the original Superman. Whereas in comics and movies, Superman was always saving people, even if it meant that he took a beating, in Man of Steel, if you’re a puny human, you better get your butt out of the way or you are toast. I think it was done to convey a little more realism, if you can say that when reviewing a superhero movie. Superman can’t possibly save everyone, and that’s been brought up before in the comics, so by bringing down the bad guys faster, you save more lives. Just a thought.

With Zack Snyder directing and Christopher Nolan helping out with the writing, you knew that it was not going to be your usual Superman. From the earliest beginnings of Kal-el’s childhood, he wants to know who he is and where is he from and why does he have these powers. John, his earthly father, warns him to keep his power secret for fear of what humans may do to him, but at the same time wants greater things for him. Talking about conflicting. The actors are really able to convey this turmoil and you can’t help but feel the weight that the characters are wearing. This is another departure from original Superman. Pa Kent was always steadfast in “do the right thing,” whatever that may be and Superman was always portrayed as knowing from the first that he would be a savior to people. It was cut and dried, black and white. But, there comes a time when you have to ask, is it humanly (or inhumanly) possible to be that way? Every situation is different. Can every situation be handled the same way that all the others have been handled before? You’ll find out what Snyder and Nolan think when you see MAN OF STEEL.

This movie has a few easter eggs in it and visually the movie is stunning. At times, I think there is just too much to see and your eyes might get a little fatigued. The acting is great and I have to admit that I’m pretty impressed by Henry Cavill’s portrayal of Superman. I had a little problem with language. I guess I’m a little older now, but the use of a certain word in the beginning of the movie, twice no less, was really not necessary. I know the movie had a PG-13 rating, but still. Come on, you can tell a great story without resorting to words like that. There are a few plot points that I didn’t understand, but in the end, I loved this movie. I still have faith that Superman stands for truth, justice, and the American way.

Seen it yet? What did you think? Didn’t like it? Why? Yeah, I want to know.

SUPERMAN UNCHAINED #1 Hits the Shelves

In conjunction with the 75th birthday of Superman and the release of the new movie, MAN OF STEEL, Jim Lee decided to do something special with this issue of SUPERMAN UNCHAINED #1, written Scott Snyder. You may have noticed a $4.99 price tag and a little something extra in the middle. That’s a fold out poster crammed in there and it’s caused a little bit of mumbling from some. One gripe is the fact that the poster has two sides. If that wasn’t bad enough, those sides are actually part of the story. So if you want to be able to read the story later on, you have to leave it in the book. Another gripe is if you want to hang the poster, you have to figure out which side, then decide if you want to pay another $4.99 to get another copy just so you can read the comic later.

From a marketing view, good job. You might sell a few extra copies from those that want to hang the poster or just not ruin their collectable by reading it. From a creative point, I get it. It’s a one-of-a-kind idea and I like it. From the collector point of view, I might have to buy another copy.

What’s your take on it? Did you buy another copy? Do folks have a reason to gripe? Let me know what you think?

Lewisville Science Fiction Book Group Discusses YEAR ZERO By Rob Reid

As always, everyone is invited to come out to the IHOP in Lewisville and discuss the book YEAR ZERO by Rob Reid. You’re welcome whether you’ve read it, only part of it, know of it, or would like to read it. This month, Louis Barber will also be discussing with the rest of the group the next six months of titles, so bring suggestions.

The discussion begins at 7:30 PM in the back room of the IHOP. The IHOP is located at 2345 South Stemmons Freeway, Lewisville, 75067.

 

 

Low-level entertainment lawyer Nick Carter thinks it’s a prank, not an alien encounter, when a redheaded mullah and a curvaceous nun show up at his office. But Frampton and Carly are highly advanced (if bumbling) extraterrestrials. The entire cosmos, they tell him, has been hopelessly hooked on American pop songs ever since “Year Zero” (1977 to us), resulting in the biggest copyright violation since the Big Bang and bankrupting the whole universe. Nick has just been tapped to clean up this mess before things get ugly. Thankfully, this unlikely galaxy-hopping hero does know a thing or two about copyright law. Now, with Carly and Frampton as his guides, Nick has forty-eight hours to save humanity—while hoping to wow the hot girl who lives down the hall from him. ~Random House

Editorial Rebuttal to My Review of STAR TREK: INTO DARKNESS

Please head over to SciFiFX to read the editorial on STAR TREK: INTO DARKNESS before you read this.

I never meant for a review to fire anyone up, but it seems my words and this movie have stoked a 3-alarm. Let me say that the author and I are friends and I enjoyed his article. He is very passionate about his sci-fi and that’s why I like hanging around him and the rest of our group. That’s what being a geek is all about, passion.

The first point of contention is that I fired buck shot at the “whiner fanboys/fangirls.” In my review, Movie Review: STAR TREK: INTO DARKNESS, I stated that there was “a lot of fanboy/fangirl whinery going on out there and I guess my standards are too low to join in.” I probably should have expounded on this a little more. The word “whinery.” Was it too harsh a word to use? In my mind, I don’t think so. The reason I called what I had been reading on the interwebs “whinery” was because it was a basically the same tear-down of every movie that had come before. Every Star Trek movie (every scifi movie in general) will get torn apart because it doesn’t conform to real-world mechanics or the way it has performed in previous versions. So, I call it whinery because I’ve listened to the same general arguments every time a movie comes out. So, in my opinion, it’s whining, but don’t take offense to it.

All of the arguments in the editorial are valid points, but you know what? Most of the movie-going public do not care. They want a movie with a lot of action, epic battles, explosions, and etc. because that is what pays the bills. You know why else they don’t care? Because the majority don’t know the technical specs of the U.S.S. Enterprise or the effects of cold fusion. Some of us do. I joined the Navy as part of their Nuclear Power Program. I was gonna be a nuclear physicist (don’t ask what happened). So, some of us do know, but the majority of folks don’t. Pointy-ears getting dropped into the volcano? Yeah, most of us know that it should be an impossibility, but we don’t care. We love the sights, sounds, and explosions! Khan? A lot of the movie-going public have probably seen the movie, or heard his name referenced, but I willing to bet that a lot of them have never seen Star Trek II. But, guess what? After this, they probably will!

In defense of the fanboy/fangirl, I do get you. You’ve read every single novelization, comic book, tech manual, episode guide, and fan fiction there is to be read about your favorite thing in the whole wide world. You live it, eat it, breathe it, wear it, draw it, write it, and some even tattoo it. But, don’t get upset because the writer, director, producer, etc., “doesn’t get you,” because they are trying to make a product for a million others like you and the millions of general movie-goers who just want an action movie, while all the while trying to make something that has been an idea or image in their heads and that will be something that they are proud of.

However, calling people whiners, (specifically called it whinery, but it adds up about the same) and telling people to shut it because it’s not what they expect is a bit harsh. ~Editorial: STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS at SciFiFX.com

See above for why I call it whinery, but I never said “shut it.” This is what I wrote and the context in which it was written.

“True” Trek is a TV show that is a scifi drama. Scifi dramas don’t play very well on the big screen. People are saying “Give us our five year mission!” It’s on TV. Besides, this franchise has got plenty of time to go there, if that’s what they plan. I’m enjoying what they are doing right now, so pipe down and let them play!

The franchise is a big sand box. There is so much room to explore and blow things up and as history has proven, Star Trek will be around for a long time. Let the new team get sand in their shorts and things will get better.

Much love to the crew at SciFiFX.com! Check them out and please feel free to leave your comments here and on their website, also.

Recap of Free Comic Book Day 2013

I wanted to just throw out there some of the cool people I met on Free Comic Book Day and what it was like to bring my 3 year old along with me.

I knew that she would like the costumes, but once you put people in them, it can get a little dicey. My daughter is shy the first time around, but once she gets to know you or you give her food, she really opens up and can be a show-stopper. Or at least, that cute monkey that saves the show.

 

We started out over at Comic Book Craze in Garland. That’s where I met most of my new friends when I moved into the area last year, and so I have a few subscriptions there. The Kid got to pick up a My Little Pony and Daddy got to see his friend Todd Boddy get interviewed for the ScifiFX.com podcast. The shop’s owner, Matt McIntosh, and fellow sci-fi enthusiasts, Troy Rodgers, Jeremy Scott, and Carl Goad, form ScifiFX.com and they do a pretty good podcast. Todd Boddy has written a sci-fi novel called The Exit and is working on the sequel. He was just one of the many folks that they interviewed that day.

In addition, to Todd, you could meet E. C. Wolfe and get a taste of her upcoming novel, Yellow. I’m hoping to have a review of that sample here in the next week. J. A. Dalley was in store promoting his series, The Almek Manning Series. He is currently working on book 3 titled CALEDONIAN CABEL with THE ZOCHTIL being the first book.

Costumes were everywhere that day and the Kid loved it. Though she didn’t want to talk to the superheroes personally, she did enjoy watching them from behind a shelf or the comfort of her seat in the truck.

We travelled over to Zeus Comics where we could meet members of the 501st, Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), Writer/Artist Phil Jimenez, Artist Stephen Sadowski, Web Cartoonist RK Milholland, Artist Robert Wilson, and Artist Benjamin Hall. I need to preface the rest of this post with the fact that my daughter has never seen Star Wars or any of the cartoons. We recently lost Mama to cancer and I’m trying to keep the violence and death to a minimum at the house. Even if it is storm troopers. Walking in the door, we were met by a throng of kids touching R2D2 and his beeping and chirping terror. At least, that’s what it sounded like to me. He may have been enjoying the tykes pushing and pulling buttons and dials, I don’t know. The Kid was a little apprehensive at first, but when she saw all the other kids, she joined in. She still didn’t know what to make of him.  We were headed to the back and here come Darth Vader. My child did a Fred Flinstone back peddle and ran behind my leg. It was so hard not to bust out laughing, but I had to maintain my composure, because, you know, I am her father and supposed to protect her from bad guys like him. Even though I persuaded her to continue on through the store, she kept an eye on him the entire time.

Until she met Chaka. You’ve seen her at the cons and will know her. The Kid walked right up to her and just stared at her costume. I believe was wearing a caped Wonder Woman outfit. Wonder Woman was Mommy’s nickname while battling her cancer and she knows the outfit, because we have pictures of her everywhere at the house. It was great that we finally got to meet her face to face, but unfortunately I didn’t get a photo of her that day, but here is her’s with you-know-who. Click the photo to check out her Facebook page.

As we were almost to our last destination, my child asked in all of her innocence who was the “black man?” Then she wanted to know if he was a good guy or a bad guy. I explained that he started out as good, then became bad, but in the end, he was a good guy. She asked why. All I could say was that getting killed by your mentor while trying to save your son will do that to you. Her response was, “I want to take a picture with him.” Too late to turn back now.

The last stop of the day was Awesome Comics off of Royal and Abrams. Great little shop with a little bit of everything and the staff is super-friendly and very well-read on their subject matter. I run into Thomas Chick of The Fellowship of the Geeks and mulled over the day’s exploits, picked up a few comics and headed home for a well-deserved nap. Yes, it was the Kid’s idea.

How was your FCBD? Meet any cool people or get any great reads? Send pictures or post your comments!

More Free Comic Book Day Photos on Facebook!

Movie Review: After Earth

This movie stars Will Smith and Jaden Smith as father and son soldiers. The basic story line is that Earthlings wasted the planet’s resources and thus colonized another planet a thousand years ago. Cypher (Will Smith) is a cold, emotionless high-ranking officer and combat veteran who has decided to call it quits when he returns home and sees his son striving so hard to be like him. Kitai (Jaden Smith) is the creative and sensitive boy who only wants his father’s approval. He tries to win that approval by trying to become a Ranger, like his father. Cypher invites Kitai on his last trip which ends with them crash-landing on a quarantined planet, Earth. Kitai must save his dying father.

This movie, to me, is what a good sci-fi story should be. It’s a story of human relationships based in a sci-fi world or with a sci-fi background. You start out with a father who has been away from home too much, but knows it and wants to change. You’ve got a son that just wants his Dad’s approval. What do you do? You put them together on a camping trip and let them work it out. Sort of.

The chemistry between the two is great, though they are apart most of the movie. The love between the two is juxtaposed with an old emotional wound that hasn’t properly healed.

One of the first things you will notice about this film is the language. The language of a thousand years from now is a little stilted based in military jargon. In a way, it conveys more because each word means more than a phrase. It might be hard to get used to, but it lends realism to the movie.

You’ll also notice that though we have space travel, the ships look a little flimsy. Maybe a plastic-steel hybrid is what they use to build these things with, but they get the job done. It’s just a little strange to see something sparse flying in outer space.

I thoroughly enjoyed the movie and consider it a definite addition to my library when it comes out on DVD. Go see it and let me know what you think! Seen it already? Well, what are your thoughts?

Movie Review: Star Trek: Into Darkness

There is a lot of fanboy/fangirl whinery going on out there and I guess my standards are too low to join in. This movie has been chewed from one end to the other for supposed gaps in plot, “It’s not ‘true’ Star Trek”, to J. J. Abrams just saying “Screw You” to the fans and violating a sacred franchise. First, what I thought of the movie.

I know the movie has been out for quite a while now, but I’m going to try and stay away from spoilers. Other websites can ruin your day, but I’m not. Everything from the trailers that got you excited about this movie is here and by the bucket loads. I think what I really love most about this movie and the last is the cast. When I see Karl Urban pull a Bone-ism, I can picture in my mind the original, DeForest Kelley, saying the same thing with the same facial emote. Chris Pine has a few Kirk moves down, Quinto is close to original Spock for me, and Simon Pegg rippin’ off engineering jargon just like James Doohan is classic!

Action! From the opening scenes! Yes! The scenery itself, though it’s mostly CGI is still fantastic to look upon. The story will be one you remember, but with a twist, and it’s that twist that is felt in the hearts of most Star Trek fans. If you ask me, it doesn’t take away from the original story, it’s creates a new one.

Benedict Cumberbatch. What can be said about him? He makes a great villain. At one point, you actually want to sympathize with him, but that doesn’t last long. He pretty much owns every scene that he is in and I look forward to seeing him in much more.

Again, without spoiling anything, let me address some of the gripes. Supposed plot holes – We’re in an alternate timeline. They’re not plot holes if your basing them on the original timeline. And because things are different in this universe from the original, before Spock and Nero came in, whose to say that there haven’t been other changes prior. This timeline’s prev-history doesn’t have to match the original timeline’s pre-history, in my opinion.

“True” Trek is a TV show that is a scifi drama. Scifi dramas don’t play very well on the big screen. People are saying “Give us our five year mission!” It’s on TV. Besides, this franchise has got plenty of time to go there, if that’s what they plan. I’m enjoying what they are doing right now, so pipe down and let them play!

If you haven’t seen it yet, go. It’s a lot of fun! If you are a Trekkie, this word of advice: This is group’s interpretation or vision of what Star Trek is, can, or should be. It uses Gene Roddenberry’s ideas, not all, but some and makes something new. You may like it, you may not, but keep an open mind. We all like Star Trek for different reasons, and I think J. J. Abrams and Robert Orci include a vast majority of those reasons in the movie. Enjoy!

Have you seen it yet? What did you think? Didn’t like it? Why? And be nice.