Star Trek!
OMG, so I saw Star Trek today, and it was AMAZING. New/old fandom, here I come.
- I really appreciate and admire that this is a straight up reboot/reset. I think that's the best choice for a series with so much history and continuity, since it keeps things fresh and interesting, while still allowing diehard fans to stick their fingers in their ears and ignore the new stuff. Also, as the movie goes to pains to tell you, the fact that it's effectively an alternate reality means that anything goes, which introduces a pleasant amount of unpredictability.
- The casting is absolutely perfect. I was dubious about Chris Pine as Kirk, but he was great. As was the rest of the cast.
- ZOMG SPOCK. I am kind of in love, no lie. I've never really seen the original series, so everything I knew about Spock was through fandom osmosis, but I really love nu!Spock. He absolutely had me with that scene in the Vulcan Science Academy, especially after that "live long and prosper" that actually meant "fuck you." ♥ ♥ Zachary Quinto did such a great job at Spock, especially at showing his turmoil and emotions. I am really kind of a Spock fangirl now!
- Not that I don't like Kirk! I spent much of the movie amused by him, and fond of him almost against my will. He's kind of an asshole, but he's charming and brave, and his arrogance is backed up ability. I was charmed by his impulsiveness, and his willingness to trust Spock Prime. (I now picture him going around being unreasonably fond of Spock thanks to Spock Prime mindmeld, with Spock being all confused with why Kirk adores him so much.)
- I basically loved the whole crew, actually. Despite the limited time, each crew member shone, and you really get a sense of the actors' and writers' affection for these characters. They were all competent, brave, funny, and hit my TEAM kink so hard.
- Oh, and the humor! I was surprised by just how funny the movie was, and in a really organic way that didn't feel slapsticky, or denigrating of the source. The humor came out of an affection for the characters and the story, and did a great deal to leaven the nonstop action pace.
- I will confess, I was rather disappointed with the treatment of women. I mean, yes, the limitations of the source there. But did the female cadets still have to wear miniskirts? Did there really have to be Uhura/Spock? (Though, actually, I am coming around to it. In fact, I might just ship it.) I actually think the movie did better on the women front than it might appear at first glance, but that doesn't mean I don't wish there were more present and kickass women.
- Speaking of ships though, Spock/Uhura is compelling and hot! Kirk/Spock are still MFEO! Kirk/McCoy is adorable and hilarious! Um, I am perhaps more multi-ship than usual. Though of course I want to read loads of Nu Trek Kirk/Spock. GET TO WORK FANDOM.
- Back to downsides, the science was laughable and nonsensical. But let's face it, one doesn't watch Trek for the science.