trekkies Tagged Articles at Cinematical

If you're a true movie geek, you probably refuse to dress up at Halloween in anything but a movie-related costume. I guess I'm not a true movie geek, because two years ago I went as Family Guy's Quagmire, who as of yet is not in any movies. Last year, though, I was Harpo Marx. I haven't decided what to be this year yet, but it isn't definite that I'll be something with cinematic reference.

Of course, if I was a real, hardcore movie geek, I wouldn't just settle for the basic, predictable movie-themed outfit. I'd go for the gold, and be an uber-geek. How? I would doubly dress up as a movie character who is dressed up as somebody or something else. To do so, I would pick one of my favorite non-Halloween costumes and disguises depicted on film (it isn't as fun dressing as a character who is dressed up for Halloween). However, most of these would be difficult to achieve -- or at least too obscure to wear to a common party, where the crowd isn't as film familiar as you. If you attempt any of these, good luck! And please, please send me a photo.

1. Harpo Marx and Chico Marx as Groucho Marx in Duck Soup (1933, Leo McCarey)

See, now if I had really wanted to be geeky (or pretentious), I would have not just dressed as Harpo last Halloween; I would have dressed as Harpo dressed as Groucho. In one of the most famous sequences in any Marx Brothers film, Pinky (Harpo) and Chicolini (Chico) each disguises himself as Rufus T. Firefly (Groucho) in order to steal some war plans. The real gem of the sequence, of course, is the "mirror scene" (watch it if you've never seen it before, please), where Pinky pretends to be the reflection of Rufus until Chicolini appears and ruins everything. Although historically it was only Harpo and Chico who were often mistaken for each other, or for twins, all three brothers look so alike here, that when they're all together, it is almost difficult to tell who is who. If you want to pull this double-costume off, it won't be hard -- Grouch faces are easy to do, and then you just need a sleeping cap and gown -- but I doubt you'll get much tolerance when you constantly correct everyone who thinks you're simply Groucho.

An article in the New York Times from this past weekend spotlights Transformers screenwriters Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci, who confess that they originally wanted to make films like Godard's. Well, some of the movies they have worked on may feature ridiculous editing patterns, but having written films like The Island and Mission: Impossible III, they didn't quite go in the direction they'd planned. Still, one thing they keep in mind on every script they write together is that they need to have a good story first and foremost, and that story has to be accessible to audiences who may not be familiar with the particular franchise or brand they're working on. This was an important thing to keep in mind with Transformers and it will be an important thing to keep in mind with Star Trek XI, which comes out Christmas 2008. We've already heard that the movie will be a prequel, detailing Kirk and Spock's early days at the Academy, and that it will be geared toward non-Trekkies, but the Times article makes me believe that Orci, a long-time Trek fan, and Kurtzman will be able to please the die-hards while also welcoming in the newbies.

I've never been a big Star Trek fan, but I have greatly enjoyed some of the television episodes and films that didn't make me feel like a totally lost beginner. The first Trek film I ever saw was Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, which I loved, mostly because I was a sea-life-obsessed kid. It really helped me out that it was a present-day, Earth-based story, which could have been the plot of a non-Trek movie. And for a short time, I thought I could maybe get into the whole Trek universe. I didn't, though, and I've still never seen all the movies, but I recently watched Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan for the first time in twenty years, and as much as I appreciate why it is so revered, I still felt like I was on the outside looking in. So, I'm really looking forward to what Orci and Kurtzman and director J.J. Abrams come up with for the new Star Trek movie. It may not be for Trekkies, but it probably won't turn off any of the fans, and it may just make new ones out of some of us.

We should have more on the next Star Trek movie once ComicCon begins next month. Stay tuned.

While rumors continue to swirl regarding a return to the Trek franchise for actors William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy (Kirk and Spock respectively, of course), another original series actor is quietly making his comeback to the universe as well. George Takei, who played Hikaru Sulu, has agreed to appear in a 50-minute fanflick movie put together by a team called Star Trek: New Voyages. Now, unlike Free Enterprise, which William Shatner appeared in a few years back, New Voyages does not make films about fanboys. They do, in fact, make films which pick up where the old series left off. Yes, you got that right ... it is rather like fanfic but with cameras and costumes. According to Sci Fi Wire, the company is funded -- are you ready for this -- by leader James Crawley, who finances the productions "from his earnings as an Elvis impersonator."

I don't even know what to say about this odd melding of fanfic and cosplay; I think you're just going to have to check out the website for yourself and make your own amusing comments. A large part of me wants to openly mock those involved, but in some way you also have to admire their crazy dedication.

And the rumors continue to swirl around Star Trek XI, folks. Not long after an "unnamed studio source" basically told all trekkies/trekkers (that's right, I'm including everyone) to f*ck off because J.J. Abrams and the gang were going to spit out a Trek film on their own terms (with or without fan approval), word comes from Spock (Leonard Nimoy) himself that some of our old friends may be appearancing in the new flick.

Up until this point, we knew William Shatner (Captain Kirk) was involved in casting choices, but weren't sure whether that meant he would also show up on screen. After all, the plot is said to revolve around a young Kirk and Spock as they begin their Academy training. Despite this, according to Nimoy, there may still be room for the classic duo to reunite. He says, "The head of production at Paramount called my agency to tell them about this project and they are aware of Bill's and my contribution to the franchise, and they'd like us to know they might want some involvement. It was all very, very general. They might possibly want Bill and I to set up the story as a flashback. But that's just conjecture on my part."

Hmm, why do I immediately envision an older Kirk and Spock, gathering a group of kids around a campfire and opening Star Trek XI by saying something along the lines of, "Ya know kids, Spock and I were right around your age when we first met. In fact, we were just about to begin our Academy training ..."? Ugh. I'm not crazy about it. You?

Late last week, IESB reported on some interesting Star Trek XI rumors via one of their "unnamed studio sources" who, supposedly, is involved in the movie in some way. As far as this next Trek installment goes, so far we know J.J. Abrams is onboard as director, and that they're planning on taking a trip back to the early days of Kirk and Spock, catching up with the boys while they begin their Academy training.

Now, amidst reports that Matt Damon is up for the role of a young Captain Kirk, comes a bit more regarding plot and vision, as well as what part (if any) the Trekkies will play in the overall decision-making. And, if you are said Trekkie, you may not like the following statement: According to their "inside" source, "Trek fans were not able to keep the last show (Enterprise) on the air and we are looking on bringing over Alias and Lost fans. And if the old Trekkies like the new movie, great -- if not, too bad. We have to boldly go where no Star Trek has gone before."

Hey, I understand they want to re-invent the franchise, but to totally shut out fans like that -- I don't know -- it just seems wrong. Granted, this is not J.J. Abrams talking, but I'm starting to worry this film will resemble an episode of Alias and not Star Trek. Thoughts?