The Movie Banter » Star Trek

Star Trek Oscar Snub

Matt Rosenberg — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 05:30:15 +0000

In a year that the Academy expanded the Best Picture pool to 10 films, they had an opportunity to really change the framework to which so-called popcorn movies are judged. The films up for Best Picture are The Hurt Locker, Avatar, Up in the Year, Precious, Inglorious Basterds, Up, The Blind Side, An Education, A Serious Man, and District 9. Of the 10 listed only the first 3 even have a chance. To go even further than that The Blind Side, Up, Inglorious, and District 9 are all great movies however they are simply there to receive the accolades of being nominated. Do they have a prayer? Nuh uh. Only Precious belongs to be in the category. I won’t say anything for or against A Serious Man or An Education because I do not know enough about either film.

Now, films that have no chance of winning are being grouped into this heavily coveted category. This gets me thinking that were there other films this year that were better than the 4 (The Blind Side, Inglorious, Up, and District 9). I do not want to diss any of these films so please don’t take this post the wrong way. I liked that the Academy is trying here but I’m not sure they got this right. J.J Abrams’s Star Trek masterpiece, a film that dominated the Summer and rebooted the franchise, belonged to be nominated.

Here is my analysis:

Star Trek > UP

Star Trek > District 9

Star Trek > Inglorious

Star Trek = The Blind Side

I really think what J.J Abrams did was brilliant. The ultimate finished product was a perfect popcorn movie that actually turned into something more. We had non-sci fi fans running to the theaters. The year’s Star Trek changed the face of the franchise entirely. Regardless of what it did, the film itself was amazing. The script was great, original and the movie was perfectly casted.

So, we come to the result that if there were certain popcorn movies being nominated, did the Academy get the right popcorn movies in the mix. I think they missed one. Star Trek really belonged in the mix here. Sure it would stand no chance of winning, but still the category expansion was to make things more exciting and entertaining, and not necessarily to win. Sorry Star Trek, you got screwed.

Star Trek was snubbed.

Winner of Star Trek DVD Giveaway

Matt Rosenberg — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 16:40:45 +0000

Congrats to Heather at www.twitter.com/hmgarrison. You are the winner of the free copy of the Star Trek DVD. We will be reaching out to you shortly.

Thanks everyone for participating.

Star Trek DVD Giveaway

Craig Kessler — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:44:46 +0000

Star Trek, the new J.J. Abrams directed blockbuster movie of the summer is finally out on DVD/Blu Ray after a long wait. This movie had everything you could possibly want: good acting, cool story, sick special effects, cool sound effects and hot girls. When I saw this back in May it was clearly the best movie of the year up to that point and I said that no movie would top it over the summer, and in my opinion none did. This movie was great, and now we want to give one lucky winner the chance to watch it over and over again on DVD.

We are having a Star Trek DVD Giveaway.

It’s so easy to enter, there are two very short and simple ways.

1. Copy/paste the below message on Twitter and then post it in the comments.

“Just Entered @themoviebanter Star Trek DVD Giveaway http://bit.ly/2XXWVY – Plz RT and come join!”

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Copy and paste that message into Twitter, then copy and paste the tweet with your handle in it.

2. Answer this question in the comments sections

“Who is your favorite character in Star Trek”

That’s it, just answer the question.

For fun, you can also join The Movie Banter Facebook Fan page and answer the same question. We always post links, videos, pictures, articles and have fun discussing everything movies. Come Become a Fan!

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Contest Rules: download The Message dvd

1. Maximum 2 entries per person. One for posting the tweet in the comments and one for answering the question in the comments.

2. Contests ends on Sunday November 22nd at 12AM Midnight.

3. Winner will be selected at random after the contest is over.

4. Have fun!

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J.J. Abrams Discussing Star Trek Sequel

Matt Rosenberg — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 05:10:50 +0000

The modern day Sci-Fi wiz, J.J. Abrams, who wrote and directed the recent smash hit “Star Trek,” has made comments about a possible sequel. Abrams was a massive addition to the Star Trek team. The man pretty much allowed the franchise to be reborn. And by reborn, I mean he created a brand new Star Trek image, one that is a lot more appealing to the typical movie goer, but still staying true to original Trekkies. Summed up nicely, Star Trek is cool.

Dust Devil movie Beer League download Well the success of the movie, The Movie Banter’s #2 ranked movie of the Summer, has got a lot of people talking about ideas for the sequel. A fortunate write for the LA Times Hero Complex was able to catch up with Abrams on the set of his TV show “Fringe.” According to the article, Abrams said….

“The ambition for a sequel to ‘Star Trek’ is to make a movie that’s worthy of the audience and not just another movie, you know, just a second movie that feels tacked on. The first movie was so concerned with just setting up the characters — their meeting each and galvanizing that family — that in many ways a sequel will have a very different mission. it needs to do what [the late ‘Trek’ creator Gene Roddenberry did so well, which is allegory. It needs to tell a story that has connection to what is familiar and what is relevant. It also needs to tell it in a spectacular way that hides the machinery and in a primarily entertaining and hopefully moving story. There needs to be relevance, yes, and that doesn’t mean it should be pretentious. If there are simple truths — truths connected to what we live — that elevates any story — that’s true with any story.”

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Cars hd Roberto Orci, co-writer on Star Trek had this to say…

“We’ve literally had two meetings now. We haven’t decided anything but we’re starting to circle around some ideas. We got a lot of fan response from the first one and a considerable amount of critical response and one of the things we heard was, ‘Make sure the next one deals with modern-day issues

.’ We’re trying to keep it as up-to-date and as reflective of what’s going on today as possible. So that’s one thing, to make it reflect the things that we are all dealing with today.”

Salvation dvd If you ask me, Abrams is saying all the right things. He wants to do the movie justice. He realizes he has a cash cow in his pocket yet still demonstrates respect for what the movie deserves to be. I really respect this response and hope he stays true to his words. Even James Cameron, Mr Avator, thought Star Trek was a 2009 stand out.

Another thing worth noting is that Abrams is clearly thinking of how he wants it to be. It’s obvious by his answer that he is trying to formulate a plan on how to attack the next film. Clearly, it will be about present day issues. Which is fine with me…Just don’t get caught up in modern day war at the expense of a fun, exhilarating Star Trek ride. I have faith in Abrams and Orci, and wait in anticipation for the sequel.

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I am willing to wait longer, if it means the movie will be better. What are your thoughts?

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Top 5 Movies of the Summer

Matt Rosenberg — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 04:10:04 +0000

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Stranger Than Fiction ipod The 2009 Summer movie lineup has come and gone; a Summer loaded with big budget action sequels, wizards, robots, gay fashionistas, comic book spin-offs, and book-to-film adaptations. With all the money and hype poured into many of these movies, we at TheMovieBanter realized that the best movies of the Summer were just the opposite. Well, not completely the opposite. But in comparison to Transformers, Harry Potter, Terminator, Wolverine, and Angels & Demons, the best 2009 Summer movies took less money to make and were far better films. These films succeeded on clever scripts, fresh plot lines, new faces, originality, and witty humor. We might even see one of them be around come Oscar season, something rarely seen in Summer film world as most Academy Award contenders surface during the Christmas movie season. Well, with Labor Day approaching and the end of Summer near, lets go through the top 5 movies of Summer 2009.

Honorable Mention – 500 Days of Summer, Inglorious Bastards, Funny People

5. UP

UP was the best Pixar movie in a while and I would include it in the category of the best CGI films ever made along with Shrek, The Incredibles, Finding Nemo, and Wall-E; not in any specific order. CGI film creators rush to throw new films out month after month as emphasis gets put on luring kids to theaters instead of putting out intelligent products. UP was not only intelligent, not only humorous, but lured adults as well as kids to theaters. The pairing of a grumpy old man seeking adventure and an overweight, nerdy boyscout out to prove something to himself and his father, left many in tears and many in smiles. UP took in well over $200 million at the box office (well-deserving) and makes our list at the 5th best movie of the Summer.

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4. District 9

Neill Blomkamp’s participation on the Halo project got screwed up, so Peter Jackson handed him $25 million and said make me a movie. Sometime later Blomkamp spit up a little film called District 9. This film had some of the most original storytelling we have seen from the science-fiction genre in quite some time. This film completely flipped the alien vs human plot as the story was told from the perspective of aliens. What if humans were really the “bad guys” in an alien vs human story? This film showed that. I also loved the choice of the setting the film in Johannesburg, South Africa as opposed to cliche cities like NY, LA or Tokyo. The setting added a fresh tone to the movie. Additionally, the documentary style shooting made it as though we were watching a CNN special. Blomkamp was really onto something in District 9, and a sequel is more than likely in his future. We put it as the 4th best of the Summer.

3. The Hangover Scenes of a Sexual Nature

Can a film about a bachelor party in Vegas gone wrong, really make the Summer’s top movie list? Well, you bet your ass it can. Todd Phillips put together quite a group of guys to produce the Summer’s funniest movie by far. The shenangans that went down in this movie had me non-stop laughing for 2 hours, and made me envious that these guys were simply in Vegas. How many people left theaters dying to get to Vegas? And, how many people had new aspirations to make a legendary trip once they got there? I’m sitting on my rooftop right now, on August 30th, and this film just recently left the box office 10, 12 weeks after it debuted on June 5th. As of right this moment The Hangover has made about $270 million in the US alone, only costing $35 million to make. For you finance junkies, that’s a 770% return. Brad Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, and Justin Bartha could not be casted more perfectly for their respective roles; especially Cooper and Galifianakis. The lines from this movie will be uttered for years,

and the wolfpack speech will be the next big fraternity pledge reenactment skit. The Hangover is a must on the DVD purchase list and ranks as our 3rd best movie of the Summer. Also, a sequel has already been been greenlit.

2. Star Trek

A new Starship Enterprise and a fresh new crew brought back Star Trek to the theaters in May. Chris Pine portrayed the character of Captain James T Kirk with a new bad-ass swagger that targeted a new generation of Trek fans. This movie was not made for Trekkies, it was made for you and me. With a cast also including Eric Bana, Zack Quinto and Karl Urban, Star Trek was interesting, original, funny, suspenseful, and just plain cool. I also might add that the music was excellent. The biggest addition to the franchise is no doubt JJ Abrams, creator of Lost. Studio Execs made a brilliant decision in hiring him to get the franchise back on its feet. Abrams just gets it, and there’s not much more to say than that. Star Trek trumped all other big budget sequels this Summer. It also seemed to me that Pine is being groomed to become the next big action star. He carried the cocky swagger of Brad Pitt in Fight Club and likeable brainless heroism of Bruce Willis in Die Hard. For the first time I could remember, my anti-science fiction friends were sprinting to theaters, and only had great things to say when it was over. ‘Awesome’ is really the only word that comes to mind when describing this movie. While the world waits in anticipation for the sequel, Star Trek sits on our list as the 2nd best movie of the Summer.

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Drum roll please……

1. The Hurt Locker

The Hurt Locker is the most intelligent, raw, suspenseful and gritty war film ever made about the war in Iraq. Starring small time actor Jeremy Renner, up-and-coming actor Anthony Mackie (we know him as Poppa Doc from 8 Mile), and Brian Geraghty, the Hurt Locker shows life inside Iraq from the perspective of a three person bomb-squad division. More than just a war film about bloody battles, The Hurt Locker shows a more personal side to war. We as viewers become more concerned about the well-being of the characters, than anticipating the next gun fight. The film focuses on the psychological impact of war and each individual’s reasons for fighting. We see some are there because they have no choice and eagerly await their release while some are there because the thrill of war gets them high. Mackie’s performance is also Oscar worthy.

Much like Saving Private Ryan, The Hurt Locker makes you feel like you are right on the front line. However, this time you don’t know who is good and who is bad. In fighting an enemy you cannot physically see, this film shows frustrated soldiers, chaotic battle plans, lack of order, and overall uncertainty to who is trustworthy; a movie that truly keeps you at the edge of your seat. This film clearly depicts Iraq as hell on Earth, and sends a message that there really is little or no successful game plan to winning. The Hurt Locker is not only the best movie of the Summer but the best movie of the year so far. With the recent increase to 10 Best Picture nominations, The Hurt Locker will unquestionably be nominated for movie of the year. I will not say it should win, as we have 4 months of movies left to see this year, but The Hurt Locker will be a contender come Oscar time.

There you have it. The Top 5 Movies of the Summer. What are your thoughts? We want to hear them.

Also, stay tuned for tomorrow for the top 5 worst movies of the Summer

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Will Star Trek defeat Angels &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp; Demons this Weekend to Stay at #1?

Matt Rosenberg — Wed, 13 May 2009 05:10:52 +0000

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download Reservation Road dvd This weekend will be a big test for Star Trek as it goes up against Angels and Demons. The dollar life span of movies these days is drastically shorter than in recent times. One big movie typically trumps what came before it in box office dollars for that week. Look at it is this way, Star Trek obliterated Wolverine from the top spot. Plus, with major movies premiering for the next couple weeks

Star Trek will face challenges at bolstering their dollar take in. People into Star Trek are also the same type of people that Angels and Demons (and even Terminator) are relying on for business. However, I believe that it will be successful. I think it will stay at the top spot. Here are a couple of reasons why.

1. Star Trek is the best movie of the year (debatable with “The Watchmen ” but damn near close to the top) thus far

2. The Buzz from Non-Trekkies

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- I have been hearing incredible things about this movie from lots of people especially non-Trekkies. There is a general consensus that the film is excellent. All types of people are flocking to the theaters

3. Nobody is talking about Angels and Demons. Da Vinci Code was bad and people are not excited to see this movie. Honestly, do you know one person who explicitly said they will be seeing this movie?

4. Seconds and Thirds – I hope to see Star Trek again and I know repeat business will come from many people

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5. Because Chris Pine is cool as an action star and Tom Hanks is garbage at the same role. Cut your hair Mr Hanks and stick to dramas.

Check out themovieblog.com Awaydays film

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Snap Review of Star Trek

Craig Kessler — Tue, 12 May 2009 06:30:34 +0000

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“Live long and prosper” all you trekkies out there because JJ Abrams has successfully rebooted this franchise. Now I am speaking strictly from a non-fan point of view. My only watching of old Star Trek shows were when my parents had them on TV at home and I had nothing else to do. For a franchise that has been dead for years, this new movie made over $70 million dollars opening weekend Landspeed movie , more than the past 2 Star Trek movies combined. It’s safe to say Abrams has a hit on his hands and a lot of people even project Star Trek to stay at #1 this upcoming weekend even though Angels and Demons, the prequel to DaVinci’s Code is coming out. Chris Pine, the new up and comer

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stars as James T Kirk, and his cocky bad ass on screen persona pays off in what may be his break out movie. Expect to see him more often on screen as he certainly can hold his own. Don’t shy away from this movie because you think you are too “cool” to see a Star Trek movie or you think the non-fan won’t like this. There is plenty of action, comedy, special effects, and more to keep you entertained.

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How Much Will Star Trek Make Opening Weekend?

Craig Kessler — Fri, 08 May 2009 14:30:39 +0000

I am not a Trekkie but I plan on seeing this movie at some point this weekend because, well it looks pretty freaken cool. Also I am a fan of JJ Abrams who brought us Cloverfield and Lost. Early reviews have been solid and they say the movie is not necessarily for Trek fans, but it will reach a more broad audience. Chris Pine stars as Captain Kirk and looks to boost his name as well with this movie.

Wolverine made an estimated $87 million dollars opening weekend and that was with terrible reviews from a lot of critics out there. It has a much larger audience than Star Trek, but can Trekkie take it down?

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I am putting the over/under for Star Trek at $70 million.

How much do you think Star Trek Will Make opening weekend?

Does Chris Pine Have the Star Power to be James T Kirk?

Matt Rosenberg — Wed, 06 May 2009 12:33:43 +0000

With the opening of Star Trek this Friday May 8th, the world of sci-fi captivated gurus and global Trekkies will flock to the theaters to see the new film. Early Reviews on the film have nothing short of spectacular. I believe it to be the MUST SEE MOVIE download Homegrown

Reindeer Games full movie of the summer. The trailer looks great, JJ Abrams is behind it, and a cast of young stars look to transcend a new generation of Star Trek fans. Perhaps Star Trek will no longer be synonymous with “nerd.” Perhaps it will finally be just cool.

Playing beloved Captain James T Kirk, Captain of the Star Ship Enterprise, Chris Pine takes on a larger than life role. This is one of those roles that is so huge; it pretty much will define someone’s career. Not quite as a big as say James Bond, but if you were to chat with a Trekkie, Kirk is in that conversation. Shatner became a legend, Patrick Stewart’s career was catapulted to super stardom, but what will happen to Chris Pine.

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The casting of Pine for Kirk is actually a rather interesting selection, but I do see some promise. Over the years, those casted for larger than life roles have been relatively unknown actors. This is done often to prevent the star power of the actor from over shadowing the character. We can see this in some recent comic book movies. Hugh Jackman, an unknown at the time, was cast as Wolverine in the original “X-Men” movie, Brandon Routh was cast as Superman in “Superman Returns,” even Bale was not an A-lister at the time he took “Batman Begins.” Wolverine jump started Jackman’s career, Bale is now a top A-lister, and Routh is pretty recognizable. Even Shatner was pretty unknown at the time he was cast for James T Kirk.

What Pine will need is just straight star power. The term is used quite often in Hollywood, but never defined. I guess it’s that so called “it” factor. Do you or do you not have “it.” In watching the trailer, there is one particular scene that suggests Pine has “it.” When crew seems to have lost hope there is a mention that they “have no captain.” Well Pine suggests otherwise as he claims the captain’s seat and says “yes we do.” That moment will be the defining point of the film. Is he believable or not? Will he have created the character that is trust worthy and tough enough to become Kirk?

Pollyanna divx Well I think so. I don’t know what “it” is, but like Turtle (from Entourage says) “you need a big head.” It seems that Pine may have it and in doing so he might recreate the Kirk character to be a badass and just plain cool. That’s what Abrams was going for, and that’s what we all expect. Flock to the theaters on Friday and let us know what you think of the new “Star Trek.”

New Star Trek Posters

Matt Rosenberg — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 14:29:20 +0000

Check out the newest Star Trek Posters. These are being used to promote the movie abroad. Check out behindthefilms.net for more information about the upcoming Star Trek movie

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