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(One Of) My Problem(s) With "Star Trek II"
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[QUOTE]Originally posted by Raw Cadet: [QB] Thank you for an excellent synopsis of the major themes of "Star Trek II." It is obvious you appreciate the movie not only for its entertainment factor, but for the many meanings that can be gleaned from the story. If I have not made it clear before, I hope that last sentence does: I too, recognize and appreciate the themes of the movie. My intention is not to "bag" on your favorite movie; I enjoy the movie myself, and I commend it for being deeper than most of the other Star Trek movies. My intention is to challenge the idea that it is a cinematic masterpiece, unequalled by other Star Trek films, and rivalling other science fiction films as the greatest of the genre. Can I back my challenge, at least adequately enough for you? Perhaps not. We may have to agree to disagree. Determining what makes a movie great is, essentially, a subjective process. If you believe the greatness of a story and its themes can "excuse" flaws of a movie, you are entitled to your opinion. More often than not I would agree with you. However, I do not share (my perception of your) opinion that a "flawed" movie can be considered "great." Perhaps you agree with me on that. In that case, the disagreement here is on how "flawed" "Star Trek II" is. I offer that the flaws "hollow" the premise; you (and most others) disagree. As I said before, I may not be able to adequately defend my position (to you). I am intentionally vague because I am often annoyed by the notion "we could do it better than they do." Very few of us, if any, are professional motion picture/television directors/producers/writers, and have no real experience in what it takes to turn out high quality entertainment. "Why are you even arguing (complaining/bitching), then?" Well, in this case, I think the "flaws" I find should have been apparent to the creators (perhaps they were, and the creators would respectfully disagree that the flaws diminish the movie). In a vague defense, let me once again submit that the essential themes of the movie could have been retained with a different antagonist. Themes are themes. The themes of "Star Trek II" are present in many movies because they are not dependent on Khan being present. And if they absolutely had to have Khan, just a few changes to the exposition would have made his discovery and situation much more plausible (I refer here to the planet problems, etc.) Finally, since my motivation is to "knock" the status of "Star Trek II" down a peg or two (certainly not trash the movie), I took a cheap shot at the director, because he is often credited for making the movie great. In my opinion, he is a significant part of the problem(s I find in the movie). Yes, he was good with the story material and themes. However, the devil is often in the details, and I disagree with how he handled them. More blinky lights because they look cool? Come on. A half-dozen guys to load a torpedo? The 50's era submarine I give tours on could do it with one or two. Should one let details prevent them from enjoying a movie or appreciating its deeper meaning. No, and I do not. I do feel that a "truly great" movie gets both the story and the details "right." P.S. I hesitate to offer an example of what I think is a "truly great" movie, for the Star Trek universe is difficult to compare to, and some (not Balaam, though; this is not an accusation), who may think my purpose here is to trash what I grant is a very good movie, might be inclined to trash the movie I submit. [/QB][/QUOTE]
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