Nerdage » Star Trek

Zachary Quinto: Nerdage’s #20 actor with geek appeal

nerdblog — Tue, 17 May 2011 20:27:40 +0000

Actor Zachary Quinto arrives at the red carpet prior to the screening of the movie Margin Call during the International Film Festival Berlinale in Berlin on Friday, Feb. 11, 2011. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Zachary Quinto is set to reprise his role as Spock in the as-yet untitled “Star Trek” sequel scheduled for a 2012 release. That by itself might be enough to have landed him at No. 20 on Nerdage’s list of actors with geek appeal, but that’s not all Quinto has going.

Through a partnership with Archaia, Quinto has shepherded the release of the comic-book series “Lucid,” written by Michael McMillian.

Quinto, who starred as Sylar on the NBC series “Heroes” from 2006-2010, starred in the made-for-the-internet comedy “Girl Walks Into a Bar,” which you can see here on YouTube.

Quinto is starring in the thriller “Margin Call” with Kevin Spacey, set for release in Oct. 2011, and the comedy “What’s Your Number?,” starring Chris Evans, set for September.

- Matt Price

DC Comics’ “Star Trek” series followed “Wrath of Khan”

nerdblog — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 02:07:15 +0000

Star Trek 1-4 (1984)

Writer Mike W. Barr and artist Tom Sutton were the creative team that kicked off the third “Star Trek” comic book series, and the first from DC Comics, in 1984, after the success of the “Wrath of Khan” film.

Because of where the book sits in the “Star Trek” timeline, it starts off without Spock, and the first arc – as a Federation starship is attacked by the Klingons – features Saavik (played originally by Kirstie Alley) trying to fill Spock’s role on the Enterprise, with some difficulty.

The Klingons and the Federation declare war – despite the Organian Peace Treaty – but it appears the Federation and Klingons aren’t the only forces in play.

Tom Sutton is a fine artist, and though the likenesses come and go a bit, he’s a stabilizing presence on what was likely a tricky assignment. Some of the Klingons are a bit off, and James T. Kirk doesn’t always look exactly like 1984-era William Shatner.

Covers for the first three issues are by George Perez (New Teen Titans). Marv Wolfman was the editor of the series.

Thanks to Vu Nguyen of george-perez.com for pointing out the correct info on George Perez’s contributions to the series.

- Matt Price
Comics read in 2011: 208. Still to go: 1803.

Mysteries, monsters mark remainder of Marvel’s 1980s “Star Trek” series

nerdblog — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 01:13:48 +0000

Star Trek #6-#18

The 13 final issues of Marvel’s 1980s “Star Trek” series feature stories from writers including Mike W. Barr, Martin Pasko and J.M. DeMatteis. These issues (along with Nos. 4 and 5) were collected by IDW in 2009′s “Star Trek Omnibus.”

In Star Trek #6, the variation on a “locked-room” mystery by writer Mike W. Barr and artists Dave Cockrum and Klaus Janson features an apparent transporter-beam murder.

When Ambassador Phral of Yannick VI is dead upon beaming to the Enterprise, it jeopardizes the planet’s plans to join the Federation. It’s up to Spock and McCoy to find out who killed Phral, and what Captain Kirk’s connection is to the man’s past.

The mystery is solved a bit too neatly, but it’s got its charms. A decent issue.

With Star Trek #7, Tom DeFalco and Mike Nasser take over the reins of the continuing adventures of the Starship Enterprise. Klaus Janson remains the inker. When the Enterprise goes to attempt to save a planet from an oncoming radiation cloud, Kirk, Spock and McCoy beam down to the surface. They find the seemingly primitive race on the planet built statues honoring Kirk, Spock and McCoy, years before they ever arrived.

Martin Pasko writes Star Trek #8 from Marvel, which returns Dave Cockrum as the penciller. But with Ricardo Villamonte replacing Klaus Janson on inks, the artwork takes on a flatter look.

The Enterprise is racing an agricultural engineer to a starbase for a heart transplant, but en route the crew is hit with a stasis beam – and Spock is transported off the ship. Kirk, McCoy and a team beam down to the planet, where they find two civilizations in conflict. They must rescue Spock without violating the Prime Directive, if possible.

The pacing on this one is a little off and the art’s taken a turn for the worse. It’s probably still acceptable for the era, but less necessary to seek out.

Martin Pasko remains the writer, Dave Cockrum the artist, being inked in Star Trek #9 by Frank Springer. At times in his career, Springer was fantastic, but he doesn’t seem to help out the actor likenesses in this issue. Still, the storytelling in the artwork is fine. The story has too many coincidences for my liking, but Pasko has a decent handle on the voices of the characters.

In issue 9, the crew of the Enterprise are attacked by some madness-causing phenomenon after visiting the surface of a planet. Kirk, Spock and McCoy have to solve the mystery, which seems to involve a new crewmember who used to date Kirk.

Michael Fleisher (“The Spectre”) steps in to write issue No. 10 of “Star Trek,” with art by Leo Duranona, inked by Klaus Janson.

Captain Kirk can’t go down to the surface of Barak-7 since he’s recovering from the flu. So Spock and McCoy will make the trip without the captain. After their shuttlecraft has problems, they’re forced to crash-land on the planet, where they come in contact with its alien, barbarian culture.
Spock and McCoy proceed to violate the crap out of the Prime Directive, but the art looks good. Unfortunately, this was the only issue in the Marvel run illustrated by Duranona.

Joe Brozowski and Tom Palmer, artists, join Martin Pasko for issue #11 of Marvel’s “Star Trek.” A former girlfriend of Scotty’s comes on board the enterprise as the assistant to the eccentric psychiatrist Dr. Wentworth, who is being escorted from his clinic, where he may be in danger of radiation poisoning.

But once he’s on board, strange monsters attack, and Wentworth leads the crew into insubordination. As even Captain Kirk falls under Wentworth’s spell, it’s up to Spock and McCoy to save the Enterprise.

Lots of convenient coincidences in this one, though the art and the monsters are pretty decent.

Alan Brennert is the plotter and Martin Pasko the scripter for “Star Trek” #12, with artists Luke McDonnell and Tom Palmer. The former Yeoman Rand has apparently married a ball of light and plans to go on a deep-space mission with her husband, where she expects to never see another human being.

When something goes wrong on the trip, however, it’s up to the Enterprise to step in – perhaps even at the cost of the entire crew’s lives. The ending to this one is callous, though perhaps unintentionally, but it did have a “Trek” feel to it.

Artist Joe Brozowski returns to the series with “Star Trek” #13, along with Tom Palmer and “D. Hands,” which often in comics stands for “diverse hands” or, a lot of people. Martin Pasko is the writer.

A Klingon cruiser and the Enterprise are both in orbit around the neutral planet Hephaestus. Doctor McCoy runs into his estranged daughter Joanna on the planet, and her Vulcan fiancee, Suvak, who falls ill, requiring Bones to treat him.

Meanwhile, the Klingons hope to take the natural resources of the Hephaestians, putting them in conflict with the crew of the Enterprise. Joanna is captured by the Klingons, and it’s up to McCoy and Suvak to work together with Captain Kirk to try to save her.

Star Trek issue #14 is written by Martin Pasko, with art by Luke McDonnell and Gene Day.
The Enterprise visits Zeta Reticuli II, which appears to have a civilization very like ancient Egypt. A meteor shower is about to hit the planet, and Kirk and crew go down to explore the planet, and to warn possible inhabitants.

The ruins on the planet appear Egyptian on closer inspection, as well. While there, Captain Kirk is possessed by what appears to be the spirit of an ancient Pharaoh, and begins to subvert the crew to follow his new royal directives.

Gil Kane (“Green Lantern”) draws Marvel’s “Star Trek” #15, with Martin Pasko continuing as the writer.

Nice artwork from one of comics’ classic artists as Kirk, Spock and McCoy must infiltrate an alien prison and rescue a commodore’s son. Lots of action and intrigue, and even a moral, even if it gets pretty preachy at the end. One of the better of the “Star Trek” issues in this series.

Martin Pasko writes “Star Trek” #16, where he’s joined by penciller Luke McDonnell and inkers Gene Day and Sal Trapani.

The Enterprise has traveled to the planet Valerian to provide medical checkups to the Federation colonists of the planet. The colonists appear to be missing, but the planet does have an ample supply of trolls and gnomes in funny hats.

I really had trouble getting past the gnomes.

There’s a cool Walt Simonson cover on Marvel’s “Star Trek” #17, which marks the return of writer Mike W. Barr to the series, where he’s joined by penciller Ed Hannigan (“Cloak and Dagger”). Inkers are Tom Palmer and Dave Simons.

Priority orders have drawn the Enterprise to Goran IV, where a crashed probe could create a compound that could prove fatal to the planet’s inhabitants.

Spock, Kirk and McCoy go planetside and attempt to remain incognito, but they are suspected as witches and devils by the rulers of the time and captured. It’s up to a small child and an astronomer to help them contact the Enterprise, in order to drop the antidote and save the planet’s inhabitants.

The alien planet is awfully similar to Earth of the past, but I suppose that’s a bit of a Trek trope at this point. The art, for the most part, is pretty good.

“Special Last Issue Collector’s Item,” proclaims the cover to Marvel’s “Star Trek” #18, and while that’s sometimes true — the last issue of Marvel’s “Star Wars,” for example, is one of the hardest to find in the series — it seems an odd thing to trumpet on the cover.

On the inside, writer J.M. DeMatteis joins artists Joe Brozowski and Sal Trapani as the Enterprise encounters a huge mechanical construct in space. Aboard is the Sustainer, apparently a giant robot of sorts, who teleports Kirk and Spock to the huge world-ship and tells them that he requires something of them – one of them must die.

A quirky and somewhat trippy issue, which fits in with DeMatteis’ work of the period. Ultimately, a fine way to close out the Marvel Comics run of “Star Trek.”

- Matt Price
Comics read in 2011: 204. Still to go: 1807

Star Trek met Dracula (of sorts) in 1980 two-parter from Marvel

nerdblog — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 22:05:55 +0000

In the Marvel comic-book series set after the events of “Star Trek: The Motion Picture,” Captain Kirk and the crew of the Enterprise are requested to transport a Normedian, a scorpion-looking alien, back to the prison from which he escaped. The Normedian says his return will mean his death. The Normedian briefly escapes, but is recaptured by Mr. Spock.

Once the Normedian is recaptured, strange apparitions begin appearing on the ship, including werewolves and Dracula. When the Enterprise encounters a haunted house in space, they must investigate, where they find all manner of apparent supernatural horrors. But what’s the true secret behind the space haunted house?

Dave Cockrum and Klaus Janson remain the artistic team. Marv Wolfman is the writer for issue No. 4, giving way to Mike W. Barr with issue No. 5.

Interesting tidbit mentioned in the letters page to No. 4 – Marvel only had the license to adapt the 1979 movie and to create new adventures based on the characters therein – so Marvel couldn’t bring back characters who only appeared in the TV series or explore adventures in that time period.

The Dracula appearing in this two-parter bore a remarkable resemblance to the Dracula from Marvel’s “Tomb of Dracula” series, marking perhaps the closest thing to a Star Trek-Marvel crossover until decades later, when the crew of the Enterprise met the X-Men.

- Matt Price
Comics read in 2011: 167. Still to go: 1,844.

Marvel’s “Star Trek” series began with adaptation of film

nerdblog — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 17:02:32 +0000

Star Trek 1-3 (Marvel, 1980)

Marvel’s 1980 “Star Trek” series begins with an adaptation of Star Trek: The Motion Picture. This was first printed in Marvel Comics Super Special #15, a magazine released in Dec. 1979 to coincide with the release of the movie. Split into 3 parts, this became the first 3 issues of Marvel’s ongoing “Star Trek” comic book.

Written by Marv Wolfman and drawn by Dave Cockrum (“X-Men”) and Klaus Janson (“Daredevil”), the story takes some detours and makes some visual differences from the movie as filmed, but the general idea is there. Cockrum draws a swashbuckling and active Captain Kirk.

It’s a bit talky and probably can’t be considered a complete success, but then, neither can the film it was based on. I imagine for Star Trek fans at the time, it was a thrill to get a new comic-book series with their favorite characters, and, in the days before videotape was widely available, the comic adaptation was the easiest way to relive the film on your own timetable. This is a competently done adaptation by talented storytellers that managed to keep me pretty much engaged, which doesn’t always happen when I watch the film.

- Matt Price
Comics read in 2011: 164. Still to go: 1847.

Modala Imperative is tale of two Star Treks

nerdblog — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 01:35:09 +0000

Two 1991 “Star Trek” miniseries, both subtitled “The Modala Imperative,” take the crews of two different Starship Enterprises to the planet Modala, 100 years apart.

In the first miniseries, Captain Kirk and the crew of the Enterprise visit the planet of Modala to see if the civilization is ready for membership in the federation. But they find a totalitarian government holding the population hostage with the use of weapons that appear too advanced for the civilization to have developed. When Kirk and Chekov are captured by the government, it’s up to spock to formulate a rescue plan without violating the prime directive. Good story that’s reminiscent of a TOS episode; it’s written by Michael Jan Friedman.
Pablo Marcos is the artist, who does a nice job with the likenesses, though the backgrounds are somewhat nondescript.

In Star Trek: The Next Generation – The Modala Imperative 1-4, frequent “Star Trek” novel writer Peter David follows up on events in Modala 100 years after the visit from Jim Kirk’s Enterprise. Captain Picard and the Enterprise are ferrying Dr McCoy to the Centennial celebration, but not all is well on Modala. And in addition to the internal strife, an external force with a score to settle is using the Federation visit as impetus to demand payment for a long-ago bargain. Art in this series also by Pablo Marcus.

The two DC Comics series have been collected in the graphic novel “Star Trek: The Modala Imperative.”

- Matt Price
Comics read in 2011: 148. Still to go: 1863.

Leonard Nimoy to wrap up acting career on Fringe

nerdblog — Thu, 20 May 2010 19:53:53 +0000

Leonard Nimoy

Leonard Nimoy will call it quits after a 60-year career, following tonight’s episode of “Fringe.” Nimoy plays scientist William Bell on the J.J. Abrams-created show. The Oklahoman’s Lillie-Beth Brinkman talked to Nimoy about his final episode and his career.

“Sixty years, I think, is long enough,” Nimoy said. “I decided some time ago that I didn’t want to do this anymore.”

But he appreciates the opportunities he’s been given, as Spock and beyond.

“I’m very grateful for all the great opportunities I’ve had and the people I’ve met and the people I’ve worked with. The ‘Star Trek’ character has been a blessing to me because I find it very dignified and a positive character and a great role model for a lot of people.”

More in the link, and see an audio slideshow with Nimoy below.

Anton Yelchin: Nerdage’s #20 actor

nerdblog — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 12:52:03 +0000

Anton Yelchin (AP)

With a 2009 doubleheader of “Star Trek” and “Terminator: Salvation,” Anton Yelchin comes in at #20 on Nerdage’s list of actors with geek appeal.

Yelchin talked to George Lang’s Staticblog last year about his part in both franchises, as Kyle Reece in “Terminator Salvation” and Chekov in “Star Trek.”

“They’re both really incredible to be a part of and to experience, and to be on the set is just insane — they’re both iconic franchises but two totally different moods and philosophies, really,” Yelchin said during a press day at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles. “It was pretty wonderful to go from one universe into a totally different universe even though they’re both science fiction.”

- Matt Price

Sonita Henry: Nerdage’s #20 actress

nerdblog — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 12:43:34 +0000

Sonita Henry

Sonita Henry, Nerdage’s #20 actress, appeared in “Star Trek” as the doctor who delivered James T. Kirk.

She told Nerdage last year that the gravity of being cast for “Star Trek” didn’t sink in immediately.

“As an actor, you’re like, ‘Great! Another job,’” she said. “And then it slowly begins to sink in that this isn’t just another job, this is ‘Star Trek.’ This is huge. This has millions and millions of fans around the world.”

She recently guest starred on the episode of “Cold Case” titled “Bullet,” and previously appeared on “NCIS.” And according to Sonita Henry Online, she recently was working on motion capture for an EA game.

- Matt Price

Star Trek comes to DVD and Blu-ray today

nerdblog — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:34:12 +0000

J.J. Abrams’ reboot of the “Star Trek” franchise comes to DVD and Blu-ray today. If you’ve missed what was one of 2009′s best films, now’s a great time to get caught up on it.

As I wrote in my review of the film:

Director J.J. Abrams reinvents “Star Trek” in his new film that’s a reboot of the classic sci-fi series. For hardcore Trekkies, it doesn’t negate what’s gone before, but for the newbies – which make up most of the potential viewing audience – this “Star Trek” is brand new.

Feel free to click through for my full review. I look forward to checking out the DVD for extra features in the near future. Special features on the DVD set include a digital copy of the film, deleted scenes, audio commentary and making-of documentaries.

- Matt Price

Gene Roddenberry’s Apple MacIntosh Plus to be auctioned

nerdblog — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 22:26:03 +0000

Profiles in History will be offering at auction an early production Macintosh 128 at an October auction. The computer was given to “Star Trek” creator Gene Roddenberry by Apple and was later upgraded to a Macintosh Plus for Roddenberry by Apple.

Profiles in History estimates the computer will go for $800-$1200. Also to be auctioned in October is Michael Jackson’s glove from the “Victory” tour and the original cover art from the “Victory” album.

Previous Profiles in History auctions have included the “Cowardly Lion” costume from The Wizard of Oz ($805,000); a full-scale model T-800 Endoskeleton from Terminator 2: Judgment Day ($488,750); a T.I.E. Fighter filming miniature from Star Wars ($402,500); a King Kong six-sheet movie poster ($345,000); the Command Chair from the “U.S.S. Enterprise” ($304,750); Harrison Ford’s hero blaster from Blade Runner ($258,750); the original “Robot” from Lost in Space ($264,500); Luke Skywalker’s lightsaber ($240,000); a Frankenstein one-sheet movie poster ($212,400); the Black Beauty car from The Green Hornet ($192,000); George Reeves’ Superman costume from The Adventures of Superman ($126,500); the H.R. Giger designed Alien creature suit from Alien ($126,500); a full-scale T-Rex head from Jurassic Park ($126,500), the Leaping Alien Warrior figure from Aliens ($126,500), Christopher Reeve’s ‘Superman’ costume from Superman: The Movie ($115,000), C-3PO’s helmet ($120,000), The Wizard of Oz ‘Winkie’ Guard Costume ($115,000); a “Ming the Merciless” cape from Flash Gordon ($115,000) and the Hydraulic screen-used Velociraptor from The Lost World: Jurassic Park II ($115,000).

Click past the cut for the full release.

PROFILES IN HISTORY TO OFFER EARLY PRODUCTION MACINTOSH 128 COMPUTER GIVEN TO GENE RODDENBERRY BY APPLE COMPUTER

Iconic Technological Artifact Will Be Part of Their Huge October 8-9, 2009 Auction

Calabasas, CA, September 17, 2009 – Profiles in History, the world’s leading auctioneer of Hollywood memorabilia, will be offering an early production Macintosh 128 computer, given to Gene Roddenberry by Apple Computer, Inc. This computer was subsequently upgraded to a Macintosh Plus by Apple for Mr. Roddenberry and signifies the wonderful association between the visionary computer designer/manufacturer and legendary Star Trek creator, and is a stellar example of the powerful synergy between technology and entertainment. This amazing artifact, which is accompanied by a signed letter of provenance from Gene Roddenberry’s son, Rod, will be a special addition to Profiles in History’s October 8-9, 2009 auction of Hollywood memorabilia. It has an estimated sale price of $800-$1200. Worldwide bidding begins at 12:00 PM (noon) both days and can be placed either in person, via mail, phone, fax or live on the Internet at:

http://www.icollector.com/Hollywood-Auction-37_a5736.

“This is the personification of life imitating art. Gene Roddenberry’s vision inspired countless people to pursue careers in science and aerospace. This milestone computer, given to Gene by Apple’s innovators, is a symbol of this synergy,” said Joe Maddalena, president of Profiles in History.

Already announced as part of the same auction are Michael Jackson’s iconic illuminating white glove that he wore on the Victory tour as well as the original cover art from The Jacksons “Victory” album.

For more information about Profiles in History and to download a complete catalog of items that will be available, please visit www.profilesinhistory.com.

Star Trek expo: Did you go?

nerdblog — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 15:07:24 +0000

The Star Trek Expo continues today in Tulsa. Did anyone go? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.

Read more about the expo here, here, here and here. See a photo gallery from the show on Saturday at BAM’s Blog.

- Matt Price…

Read more here

Terminator, Star Trek comics go mobile

nerdblog — Fri, 29 May 2009 15:15:46 +0000

Given the advanced technology in the future worlds of “The Terminator” and “Star Trek,” it’s perhaps not surprising that the comic books based on these franchises are among the first big-name comic books making the leap to the iPhone.

Publishers IDW and Dark Horse have made “Star Trek” and “Terminator” comic books available in the iPhone App Store this summer, tying in to the release of the movies “Star Trek” and “Terminator Salvation.”

The first iPhone comic book from veteran publisher Dark Horse is “Terminator: Death Valley.” In Death Valley, Calif., two Terminators have been sent back in time to kill John Connor as a boy. Each of the four issues is available for 99 cents from the App Store. The story also is available in print as part of “Terminator Omnibus” Vol. 2, which contains “Death Valley” and four other “Terminator” miniseries for $24.95.

“Death Valley” is by Alan Grant and Steve Pugh and originally was published in 1998. “Death Valley” is meant to be the first in a line of comics apps from Dark Horse.

“This is an evolution for the comics industry, and we look forward to bringing our tradition of innovation and creativity into this new medium,” Dale LaFountain, chief information officer of Dark Horse, said in a release.

IDW’s “Terminator Salvation” prequel also is available on the iPhone, with each of the five issues going for 99 cents or the entire graphic novel for just $3.99.

Warner Bros. and IDW Publishing present the “Terminator Salvation” graphic novel prequel, which takes readers through a series of events that have transpired since Judgment Day, leading up to “Terminator Salvation”.

IDW made its entry onto the iPhone in late 2008 with “Star Trek Archives” and gained even more momentum with “Star Trek: Countdown,” a prequel to the 2009 “Star Trek” movie.

Selected “Star Trek” comics from IDW are available via iVerse, which also distributes iPhone comics from Red 5, Image, Archie Comics, Antartic Press, Boom! Studios and others.

- by Matthew Price
From Friday’s The Oklahoman

“Museum” tops “Terminator”

nerdblog — Mon, 25 May 2009 05:07:48 +0000

The Ben Stiller-starring “Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian topped the box office this weekend with an estimated $53.5 million. Terminator Salvation rang in $43 million in its opening frame, and Star Trek stayed strong at No. 3 with $22 million. “Salvation” opened very similar to its predecessor, “Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines,” but given ticket prices six years ago, did so by selling fewer tickets.

Here are the estimates from Box Office Mojo.

WEEKEND TOP 5 STUDIO ESTIMATES, MAY 22-24, 2009

Rank. Movie Title (Distributor)
Weekend Gross | Theaters | Total Gross | Week #

1. Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian (Fox)
$53.5 million | 4,096 | $53.5 million | 1

2. Terminator Salvation (Warner Bros.)
$43.0 million | 3,530 | $56.4 million | 1

3. Star Trek (Paramount)
$22.0 million | 4,053 | $183.6 million | 3

4. Angels & Demons (Sony / Columbia)
$21.4 million | 3,527 | $81.5 million | 2

5. Dance Flick (Paramount)
$11.1 million | 2,450 | $11.1 million | 1

Source: Box Office Mojo
(www.boxofficemojo.com)

How will Star Trek fare against Terminator Salvation?

nerdblog — Tue, 19 May 2009 20:48:59 +0000

Last week, “Star Trek” nearly held off “Angels & Demons” at the box office. This week, there’s an even tougher task for “Star Trek,” which so far has the best chance at “Iron Man”-type stamina this summer.

The latest ticketing data from MovieTickets.com on “Terminator Salvation,” which releases Thursday night, indicates “Terminator Salvation” is slightly out in front of “Star Trek.”

As of 12 p.m. ET today on MovieTickets.com, “Terminator Salvation” accounts for 28 percent of all ticket sales with “Star Trek” close behind at 25 percent, followed by “Angels & Demons” at 21 percent.

Is there some fan dissatisfaction with “Terminator Salvation” as a PG-13 film, compared to the previous films’ R rating? A MovieTickets.com poll indicates there may be. Seventy-nine percent of poll respondents stated a “Terminator” film should be rated R, while 21% answered PG-13. Two thousand people voted in the poll at MovieTickets.com. PG-13 movies tend to open larger than R films, because of the larger potential audience, so what effect this has on “Terminator Salvation”‘s opening weekend remains to be seen.

– Matt Price

Entertainment Insider: The Killer Inside Me, Angels & Demons and Star Trek

nerdblog — Mon, 18 May 2009 22:36:41 +0000

Gene Triplett, George Lang, Matt Price and Brandy McDonnell discuss the beginning of Oklahoma filming for “The Killer Inside Me,” starring Casey Affleck, Kate Hudson, Jessica Alba and Simon Baker. Does Oklahoma need an improved tax incentive to continue landing films with top-of-the-line stars?
Also, “Star Trek” didn’t fall off much in its second week, barely trailing “Angels & Demons,” which opened this past weekend. What does that mean for “Star Trek’”s chances for the rest of this summer?

More superhero cakes

nerdblog — Sun, 17 May 2009 23:52:47 +0000

So superhero cakes came up as a topic again after Marvel’s Tom Brevoort appeared on Last Cake Standing on the Food Network. I noticed more traffic to this page, where I showed off some superheroic cake designs from my wife, Annette.

Since I’m all about giving the people what they want here at Nerdage, I asked Annette if she had more cakes she’d be willing to show off at the blog. She obliged. The Booster Gold cake shown above is one of my all-time favorite superhero cakes. The following gallery showcases superhero cakes including Aquaman, Rorschach from Watchmen, the Wonder Twins and more. For the non-superhero fan, there’s a Spock from Star Trek and a Tom and Jerry. Enjoy! Feel free to share your own superhero cake pictures of you’ve got ‘em.

– Matt Price

Star Trek: The Exhibition to make East Coast debut

nerdblog — Thu, 14 May 2009 17:49:28 +0000

If you’re a Star Trek fan on the East Coast, you’ll soon have the chance to take a look at “Star Trek: The Exhibition.” Featuring props and costumes from the new “Star Trek” film, “Star Trek: The Exhibition” covers 12,500 square feet.

The show will make its east coast debut Saturday, May 16 in the Mandell Center at The Franklin Institute. It runs through September 20. The 12,500 square foot interactive exhibition contains a collection of authentic Star Trek ships, costumes and props from over 40 years of Star Trek.

From May 16 through June 18, fans can also see the IMAX version of the “Star Trek” film, “Star Trek: The IMAX Experience.”

The Exhibition will include authentic costumes and props from the newly released Star Trek feature film including the Enterprise uniforms of Spock, Pike, Scotty, Chekov, Uhura, McCoy, Sulu and Nero; Kirk’s black shirt; as well as the prop phasers, communicators and tricorders used in the film.

Tickets are timed and dated, and include general admission to The Franklin with a Fels Planetarium show. More information about tickets is available by calling 1.877.TFI.TIXS or visiting www.fi.edu. Information on tickets for groups of 15 or more is available at 1.800.285.0684.

– Matt Price

Star Trek D-A-C to launch on Xbox Live

nerdblog — Tue, 12 May 2009 19:19:03 +0000

Want to take “Star Trek” from the motion picture to your game system? Star Trek: D-A-C is a space shooter inspired by the film. In the game, players can choose their ship, including the new U.S.S. Enterprise, and battle online. Gamers can join Starfleet or the Romulan Empire, and take control of one of three different classes of ship.

Star Trek: D-A-C will be available for download via Xbox LIVE Arcade for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft starting May 13. It’s also scheduled to be released in the near future on the PlayStation Network and Windows PC.

Entertainment Insider: Star Trek

nerdblog — Mon, 11 May 2009 22:18:09 +0000

Gene Triplett, George Lang, Matt Price and Brandy McDonnell run down the “Star Trek” box office, and discuss what went right for the revamp. …

Read more here

Star Trek soars to $72.5 million

nerdblog — Mon, 11 May 2009 15:01:19 +0000

Box Office Mojo reports that “Star Trek” took in $72.5 million over the weekend, the best-ever opening for a “Star Trek” film and the strongest ever opening for the second weekend in May. Adding $4 million for pre-midnight Thursday screenings takes the total to $76.5 million.

“Star Trek” also set records with its IMAX release. I think the strong critical reception plus positive word of mouth could keep “Star Trek” plugging along for a few weeks. While there’s tough competition this summer, I think you could see “Iron Man”-like longevity from “Trek.”

- Matt Price

Iron Man villain captains a starship in Star Trek

nerdblog — Fri, 08 May 2009 08:30:18 +0000

Faran Tahir

Actor Faran Tahir last appeared in a summer blockbuster tormenting Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man as the villainous Raza. This summer, Tahir changes sides, as starship Capt. Richard Robau in J.J. Abrams’ “Star Trek.”

“You go back to being about 10 years old again the first time you walk out onto the set,” Tahir said in a recent phone interview with The Oklahoman. “My first thought was, I can’t believe it. It’s a pop-culture icon, ‘Star Trek’ is, and we’ve all grown up with it. So, to be in it, and to be a captain of a ship, it was great fun.”

On Robau’s ship, the USS Kelvin, are George and Winona Kirk. Winona is pregnant with future captain of the starship Enterprise, James T. Kirk.

“My first officer is Captain Kirk’s dad, and Captain Kirk is born on my ship while all this hoopla is going on,” Tahir said.

Tahir said Abrams wanted to reach a generation of moviegoers who had missed out on “Star Trek.”

“All the franchise series are gone now, and there hasn’t been a ‘Star Trek’ movie in a while,” Tahir said. “So, he realizes that there’s a lost generation that hasn’t got to own the ‘Star Trek’ saga. And he has created a very smart bridge, by keeping the spirit of the original ‘Star Trek’ alive and updating it, and bringing in the backstory so that a whole new generation can own it.”

One update might be that the future is now a little grimier.

“Everything is very recognizable as far as the ‘Star Trek’ world is concerned, but you will see that things are a little bit more gritty, a little bit more real,” Tahir said. “My ship, what I liked about it was that it wasn’t as pristine and clean as some of the ships have been. It looked like a ship that’s been out there for a while, it has some mileage on it. It gives that real tangible, gritty feeling to it.”

Tahir is used to gritty, after filming desert sequences in 2008′s “Iron Man.” “Iron Man 2″ is filming now, and while Tahir is signed on for sequels, he said he thought if his character were to return, it would more likely be further down the line.

“My character … didn’t die, and that’s part of a bigger story, the Iron Man story,” Tahir said. “The thing that they are trying to figure out is, when and how much of that particular storyline is to be exposed.”

Tahir said his feeling is that the filmmakers don’t want to use all the classic “Iron Man” villains too early.

Tahir’s character Raza appeared to be linked to The Mandarin in the “Iron Man” film. The Mandarin in the comics is perhaps Tony Stark’s greatest nemesis.

“They may want to do more Iron Man movies, and they need to make sure that the larger storylines, that they don’t end up using all their currency in the second one,” he said. “Whether my character is a conduit to Mandarin, or does he become Mandarin at the end? You could develop that story many different ways.”

But for now, Tahir enjoys playing the good guy. He says Abrams’ “Star Trek” continues an optimistic message of the future.

“What Star Trek has always done is, in the end it leaves you with a message of hope, which I think is a great thing,” Tahir said. “You can go through the trials and tribulations, and things may look dark and dismal, but at the end of it, I think it’s a reaffirming thing in life when you see that there is hope.”

- Matthew Price
From Friday’s The Oklahoman

Actor returns to Star Trek as chief engineer

nerdblog — Fri, 08 May 2009 08:24:48 +0000

From left, Chief Engineer Olson (Greg Ellis, left) James T. Kirk (Chris Pine) and Sulu (John Cho) embark on their first mission in "Star Trek." (Paramount)

Actor Greg Ellis has previous “Star Trek” experience: He performed in the final two episodes of “Deep Space Nine” and loaned his voice to a “Star Trek” video game. But his experience in J.J. Abrams’ “Star Trek” prequel film, in theaters today, tops them all.

“It basically sets the whole thing up of how the original Enterprise crew came to be,” Ellis said.

He said Abrams was a wonderful director.

“He is crazy smart, intelligent, but also down-to-earth and very imaginative,” Ellis said. “It’s just a great experience. I’d work with him again in a heartbeat.”

Ellis said he isn’t a “Trek” fan himself but that he’d be drawn to this movie even if he weren’t in it.

“How the crew of the Enterprise came to be is really cool,” Ellis said. “And you match that with the writers and with a director like J.J. Abrams. There’s one action sequence alone in the middle of the film, which involves skydiving down to the Romulans’ orbital platform, and it’s an amazing sequence. It just takes your breath away.”

Ellis plays Chief Engineer Olson, the original chief engineer of the starship USS Enterprise. He said his scenes are primarily with John Cho, who plays Sulu; Bruce Greenwood, who plays Capt. Christopher Pike; and Chris Pine, who plays James T. Kirk.

“Chris is an extremely talented actor and an exceedingly charming young man,” Ellis said of the man who is at the heart of the “Star Trek” relaunch. “And also incredibly down-to-earth. I just hope he’ll keep taking my phone calls! I think he’s destined for good things.”

Ellis said he thinks Pine managed to respect William Shatner’s take on the role while moving the character forward, as well.

“It’s not easy shoes to step into and create,” Ellis said. “In some ways, he is creating the role, because it’s the prequel. But he’s also having to respect, like everyone else, what’s gone before.”

Upcoming for Ellis is the animated film “Foodfight,” starring Charlie Sheen and Eva Longoria.

“‘Foodfight’ is about the supermarket products after-hours; they come to life and are threatened by the brand-X generic brands who come in to steal their turf,” Ellis said. “All the small brands have to band together to fight the big generic brands.”

Ellis said it can be unusual to voice an animated character and then eventually hear your voice coming back at you in ways you hadn’t imagined.

“I did the sequel to ‘Garfield,’ and I remember on that, I would do sessions with the director, Tim Hill, and he’d give me a basic premise of what was going on, and he’d let me riff and improv,” Ellis said. When the movie came out, they’d taken snippets from those improvisations and worked them into the script.

“It’s always odd watching yourself as a small ferret, running up Billy Connolly’s trousers,” Ellis said. “I never aspired to running up Billy Connolly’s trousers when I wanted to be in show business, but some things don’t work out as planned.”

- by Matthew Price
From Friday’s The Oklahoman

Star Trek rap, with Twinprov and BAM

nerdblog — Fri, 08 May 2009 02:37:43 +0000

Twinprov came by the studio for an interview with BAM and to do a new version of the “Star Trek Rap.” Check it out!…

Read more here

Sneak Peek: Star Trek, Korn

nerdblog — Thu, 07 May 2009 21:37:57 +0000

Gene Triplett and Matthew Price discuss this week’s “Weekend Look” cover, which features an interview with Faran Tahir of “Star Trek” and an advance on this weekend’s Korn performance. …

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Retro Thursday: Legacy of Star Trek continues

nerdblog — Thu, 07 May 2009 15:36:47 +0000

Larry Young, comic-book publisher and writer of “Astronauts in Trouble,” poses in a prop spacesuit from the movie “Mission to Mars.”

As part of “Star Trek” week, I’m doing a Retro Thursday posting from 2006. This is a story I wrote in September 2006 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of “Star Trek.”

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“Star Trek” fans can celebrate this month, as the science fiction legacy commemorates going boldly into the future for 40 years.

“Star Trek” first aired on NBC in September 1966, and despite middling ratings that caused the series to be canceled after three years, the show became a cultural force.

Since, “Star Trek” has spawned 10 motion pictures, five television series and millions in merchandise sales and inspired thousands of fans.

Dara Fogel taught several courses on the philosophy of “Star Trek” while completing her doctorate in ethics and social-political philosophy at the University of Oklahoma.

” ‘Star Trek’ shows a society that has overcome its fears and differences in order to create a world where hate, fear and disease are aberrations rather than the norm,” Fogel said via e-mail.

Further, “Star Trek” forecast several developments in society and technology.

As explored in a recent History Channel special, “Star Trek” influenced technology on multiple fronts.

Graphic novel publisher Larry Young, who wrote the comic-book series “Astronauts in Trouble,” talked about the various kinds of technology ” Trek” pushed forward.

“The Emmy-nominated special ‘How William Shatner Changed the World’ (credits) ‘Star Trek’ with influencing everything from cell phones with their snap-open, commmunicator-style form to Palm Pilots, which echo the functionality of the series’ tricorders, to, dang, laser technology and deep-space probes,” Young said in an e-mail interview.

“Many, many scientists, engineers, doctors and other professionals exposed to (‘Star Trek’) at a young age can’t help but see those adventures and think it might not be a bad thing to address those disciplines in the real world.”

Fogel said “Star Trek” helped promote space travel.

“The exposure to images of space travel invigorated and sustained support for America’s space program, indirectly helping to inspire all the technology developed as a result of that program. The Very Large Array (VLA) program, which scans the skies for signs of extraterrestrial life, has also drawn much support from ‘Star Trek’ fans.”

Young’s background as a “Star Trek” fan paid off for him in 1992, when he worked on “Star Trek Logs: An MTV Big Picture Special Edition” around the release of “Star Trek VI.” The show starred Marina Sirtis as Counselor Troi, showcasing the events of the film.

“Back in 1992, my childhood pal Rick Austin was a producer for MTV’s movie show ‘The Big Picture,’ ” Young said. “Rick called me to help him write the bridge-shot framing sequences and be an all-purpose ‘Star Trek’ encyclopedia – just one of those things where all the Star Trek lore and trivia I’d collected in my brain over the years was vital to a project.”

“Star Trek” broke ground in gender and race relations, as well, Fogel said.

“In the original series, we saw female crew members (not just passengers), something quite rare in the mid-1960s. The character of Lt. Uhura was especially inspiring to young women, including comedian Whoopi Goldberg, who later became a returning character on ‘The Next Generation,’ ” Fogel said.

Capt. James T. Kirk (played by William Shatner) and Nichelle Nichols (portraying Lt. Uhura) shared the first interracial kiss on television in the episode “Plato’s Stepchildren” by Meyer Dolinsky.

“I think it was Eddie Murphy who famously remarked that Kirk had been kissing green girls and blue girls and robot girls and all, so why would he balk at kissing Uhura?” Young said.

“Star Trek” continued to promote equality in sequels to the original series.

“With the spin-off series ‘Deep Space Nine’ and ‘Voyager,’ ‘Star Trek’ introduced the first African-American and female captains on an ongoing sci-fi TV series,” Fogel said. “This all stems from ‘Star Trek’ creator Gene Roddenberry’s personal philosophy of equality and faith in humanity.”

Norman filmmaker, artist and screenwriter Eric Webb, co-founder of Obviously Unrehearsed Improv! at OU, has been a ” Trek” fan since seeing “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan” in his youth.

” ‘ Trek’ was, at its core, about telling a story about a possible future that would reflect back on our contemporary world. Through allegory and metaphor, it allows us to confront a variety of relevant social, political and ethical issues,” Webb said. ” ‘Star Trek’ utilized this tool again and again: The Federation/Klingon hostilities become a metaphor for the U.S./Soviet Cold War; the Maquis: The Palestinians; the Cardassians: Nazi Germany; and the Bajorans: Jewish victims of the Holocaust.”

Fogel said “Star Trek” can be credited with advances in technology and inspiring a new interest in science. But science isn’t the only legacy of the series.

” ‘Star Trek’ presents an optimistic view of the future, where technology and power are used to heal and explore, not to destroy and dominate,” Fogel said.

- By Matthew Price

Movie Review: Star Trek

nerdblog — Thu, 07 May 2009 08:22:26 +0000

When a time-traveler seeking revenge causes the death of George Kirk, James Tiberius Kirk (Chris Pine) grows up a fatherless rebel in Iowa.

Meanwhile, on the logic-driven planet of Vulcan, Spock (Zachary Quinto) is a teased, ostracized, half-human, half-Vulcan.

After being challenged by Captain Pike (Bruce Greenwood), Kirk ends up in Starfleet, where his roguish ways put him in conflict with the by-the-book Spock. But when the galaxy’s in danger – by a foe that seems very familiar to Kirk – it will take the two working together to end to the threat.

Pine is a great Kirk, especially considering the shadow of William Shatner. Pine suggests cockiness and confidence without ever resorting to imitation. Quinto does well as Spock, but he doesn’t own his role as easily as Pine. Perhaps that’s because fans are reminded of “classic” Spock by Leonard Nimoy, appearing as an older Spock. He is perfectly at ease in the role, as he should be.

The familiar characters from the 1960s have been recast for this modern take. Karl Urban is spot-on perfect as “Bones” McCoy, a crotchety medic who becomes fast friends with Kirk. Zoe Saldana is a competent and in-your-face Uhura, who’s hiding a surprising relationship. John Cho takes the role of Sulu, bringing humor and toughness to the helmsman. Anton Yelchin plays the brainy youngster Chekov. And Simon Pegg is hilarious as the brilliant but overlooked Scotty.

Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman bring in classic “Trek” lines and references in a way that won’t confuse new fans, but will be appreciated by those that recognize them.

Eric Bana’s Nero is a man who wants revenge for what happened to his planet and is willing to cross time to do it. This savage villain is not one of “Trek’s” best, but he fills the role for now.

“Star Trek” as message movie gets lost a bit, this time out – perhaps it’s about finding your friends, or your place. But there seems to be less in the way of metaphor than previous “Trek” outings.

That said, giving “Trek” a clean relaunch that prepares the property to find a new group of fans is success in itself.

– Matt Price

MOVIE REVIEW

“Star Trek”

PG-13 — 2:06 — 3 ½ stars

Starring: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Karl Urban, John Cho, Bruce Greenwood, Simon Pegg.

(Sci-fi action and violence and brief sexual content)

Star Trek sells out 387 performances

nerdblog — Wed, 06 May 2009 20:03:54 +0000

Movietickets.com reports that as of 12 p.m. ET today, “Star Trek” ticket sales account for 83 percent of all ticket sales at MovieTickets.com today. MovieTickets.com is reporting 387 sold out performances for “Star Trek.”

Polling of female ticket buyers from Apr. 21 to May 3 indicate that 52 percent are aware of the film “Star Trek.” Of that 52 percent aware, 63 percent intend to see the film on opening weekend.

These are the highest pre-release polling numbers at MovieTickets.com in 2009 amongst female ticket buyers polled the week before a film’s release.

Across all age groups, except 60-plus, “Star Trek” is tracking well at MovieTickets.com. According to the same Apr. 21 – May 3 poll at MovieTickets.com, over 70 percent of three different age groups aware of “Star Trek” say they intend to see the film opening weekend.

The breakdown:

· 58 percent of Under-25s

· 70 percent of 25-34s

· 76 percent of 35-44s

· 78 percent of 45-59s

· 11 percent of 60-plus

Star Trek week: The Original Series

nerdblog — Wed, 06 May 2009 16:32:14 +0000

As “Star Trek” heads to theaters this week, Don P. Brown takes a look back at the original series from the 1960s, as well as the original cast’s first foray onto the silver screen. The original series, and first film, are now available on DVD.

“Star Trek” the original series — Season 1

A cultural phenomenon was born the evening of Thursday, Sept. 8, 1966, when the NBC television network broadcast the first hourlong episode of a new science-fiction space fantasy show titled “Star Trek.” That episode, “The Man Trap,” launched the United space Ship Enterprise on what was supposed to be a “five-year mission, to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations; to boldly go where no man has gone before.”

It began years earlier with show creator Gene Roddenberry’s vision of a “Wagon Train” to the stars, a vision that captured the imaginations of a rather small but, as it would turn out, a vocal following of fans. The stories were not just about bug-eyed aliens and space battles; many contained relevant social commentary on issues of the day.

During the show’s first season of 28 episodes, the world met series regulars Capt. James T. Kirk Mr. Spock of the planet Vulcan, Dr. Leonard McCoy, chief engineer Montgomery Scott, helmsman Mr. Sulu and communications officer Lt. Uhura. “Star Trek” was groundbreaking in featuring such a racially diverse cast on mainstream television.

Season 1 is widely considered by fans and critics to have been the best in terms of story quality and entertainment value. Many shows wove action-adventure, conflict and drama into hourlong episodes that invited viewers to think. Among Season 1′s better episodes: “Charlie X,” “Where No Man Has Gone Before,” “Miri,” “The Corbomite Maneuver,” “Shore Leave” and “City on the Edge of Forever.”

Read Don’s take on season two, three and the first motion picture here.

IMAX pre-sales strong for “Star Trek”

nerdblog — Tue, 05 May 2009 20:12:15 +0000

Movietickets.com is reporting nearly half of pre-sales for “Star Trek” at the site are for IMAX screenings.

As of 1 p.m. ET today, almost half (44%) of all “Star Trek” ticket sales at MovieTickets.com are for IMAX screenings.

“Star Trek” will open for a limited two-week run in 134 IMAX …

Read more here