J.J. Tells "purists" to stay home and not see the movie

SPOCKFAN · May 07, 2009, 05:28:18 AM

While the new Star Trek movie is receiving mostly approving reviews from film critics, director J.J. Abrams is apparently bracing for an onslaught of criticism from those he calls "Star Trek purists." In an interview with Australia's AAP wire service, Abrams has this advice for them: "Don't waste your time." He indicated that he has already heard from some who were particularly critical of the fact that he did not find a slot for William Shatner, the original Capt. Kirk, in the movie. "For them I say, 'Don't see the movie. You'll just get angry. It is not Shatner playing Kirk, so I do apologize." And actor Chris Pine, who plays Kirk in the new film, indicated that he went out of his way to avoid watching Shatner movie and TV appearances. "I know how I work and by watching a lot of Mr Shatner's performances as Captain Kirk I knew by osmosis I would get on set and try and impersonate Mr Shatner," he said. "It was not my job. I didn't want people to start paying attention to whether I was doing a perfect William Shatner."

Bryancd · May 07, 2009, 05:33:20 AM

Well, I think that's a bit overstating it. He is acknowleding that a few fan's wanted to see Shatner in the movie and he's not, so be prepared for that. I don't think a Trek "purist" is someone who has to have the film feature Shatner and I don't think this is a dig at any old school Trek fans. IU think the title to your post is a bit misleading.

SPOCKFAN · May 07, 2009, 05:35:30 AM

Its not my title, It was the title of the article I just read. I am not a purist so it doesn't bother me, just thought it was interesting.

Bryancd · May 07, 2009, 05:41:40 AM

Sorry, then yes, the title the interviewer is using is misleading and doesn't really portray what JJ actually said.

SPOCKFAN · May 07, 2009, 05:43:57 AM

Oh I agree

SPOCKFAN · May 07, 2009, 05:46:23 AM

It also doesn't make sense, because a "purist" I think would not want Shatner in the movie because Kirk died in "Generations" so how could old kirk even be in the movie.

billybob476 · May 07, 2009, 05:48:01 AM

I think the same people that complained about Gurney Halleck being the new captain of the Enterprise, those who complained about how boring Trek on a space station would be, those that complained about a female captain and those that complained about 'the guy from Quantum Leap' will complain about this.

Everyone else will enjoy what is looking like a good movie.

SPOCKFAN · May 07, 2009, 05:49:46 AM

How could anyone complain about Scott Bakula!

Feathers · May 07, 2009, 06:38:46 AM

I loved the concept of Bakula getting an Enterprise! But that's neither here nor there. I agree the title is a little off with regard to the content.

Sounds like a journalist going for a reaction to me.

Darrell · May 13, 2009, 03:35:29 PM

I'm a Star Trek purist - or more accurately a Roddenberry purist. I want stories about exploration, new life forms, etc.

I didn't get that, but still loved the movie anyway, so if JJ is talking to me, he's wrong. And I don't see how anyone could think 90 year old actors playing a starship crew could be a good thing, no matter who those actors are.

Kirk-Fu · May 15, 2009, 07:43:33 PM

Im a purist, a TOS zealot. And I loved it. My crew is now together, and im ready to explore. I do hope that movie 2 gets us out into the unknown a bit more.

Munkyman587 · May 16, 2009, 03:26:19 PM

I think it was handled very well. The series had to reach out to new fans, otherwise I doubt the series would continue any time soon. It has done so well, that we can expect future releases and new fans that might go back and see the amazing content that exists in this universe. I have seen the movie 3x in the theater so far (one of them being IMAX), and I plan on seeing it another couple of times.

Trekkygeek · May 17, 2009, 06:24:59 AM

I think JJ was just worried about over picky Trek fans analizing the movie too much and pointing out the very smallest nitpicks. To them I say "Get over it, things change. JJ made pretty much the perfect Trek movie IMO."

Feathers · May 17, 2009, 08:12:28 AM

Quote from: Trekkygeek on May 17, 2009, 06:24:59 AM
I think JJ was just worried about over picky Trek fans analizing the movie too much and pointing out the very smallest nitpicks.

What? You mean like we're all doing in the Movie follow up thread? ;)

cosmonaut · May 17, 2009, 08:20:44 AM

Quote from: Feathers on May 17, 2009, 08:12:28 AM
Quote from: Trekkygeek on May 17, 2009, 06:24:59 AM
I think JJ was just worried about over picky Trek fans analizing the movie too much and pointing out the very smallest nitpicks.

What? You mean like we're all doing in the Movie follow up thread? ;)

No, we're good people, we only care about medium to small nitpicks, not the very smallest! :)