The Star Trek Apocalypse

May 11, 2009 - 12:00 pm By Caroline - Duke

StarTrek_2009Movie When I saw the Star Trek preview several months ago, the first (and last) thing I thought to myself was, “Oh. No.” I sighed, irritated that Star Trek was back—hadn’t it ended years ago, and for a reason? I looked to my friends longingly for reassurance that this was a sad joke and certainly not something anyone would be paying $12.50 for. And I realized that I was alone in my sci-fi disgust.

Everyone else in the theater, including (who I thought were) my close friends, gasped, screamed, and even applauded. And not just for the hot lead actor. I could almost hear the nerds of the world rejoicing. I, on the other hand, sat there, quite uncomfortable, rolling my eyes obnoxiously at the “Trekkies” surrounding me.

Now, I have to admit, I have some nerdish tendencies myself. Obviously I enjoyed Twilight, and I get off on Harry Potter; I’m not completely against fantasy flicks. But when pointy ears and supernovas come into the mix, count me out. I mean, if Star Wars never suited my fancy, why would this?

On opening night, Stark Trek reeled in $75 mill. Ever since, the reviews have been raving, the movie goers have been talking, and I’ve been sitting here, sulking, wondering if there’s a (teeny, tiny, unbelievably unlikely) chance I’m actually missing out.

Should I suck it up and give planet Vulcan a shot? Should I try to let the new Captain Kirk rule my world? For now I think I’ll stay blissfully ignorant. Because I can’t help thinking…what if my greatest fear is realized? What if, (god help me), I actually like it?

Lex Johnson says:
Mon, 11th May 200912:25 pm

That’s the most ignorant view point I’ve heard in months (and I’ve heard some closed minded arguments). I mean seriously, that’s the exact same logic some people attribute to homophobia: “I don’t want to accept it (and will therefore be disgusted by and hate it) because I’m afraid I might like it.”

But worse than that, worse by miles, is that you think that you misjudged your “closest friends”, just because they enjoyed the movie!? Wow.

And on a lighter note: Give it a shot, it’s actually quite entertaining.

–Twilight/Harry Potter/Star Trek Fan

Jess says:
Mon, 11th May 200912:35 pm

Yeah.. I really liked the movie. I’m definitely not a twilight or harry potter fan but I did grow up watching some of the original star trek episodes. It’s unlike any other superhero/action/sci fi movie.. I thought it was awesome.

and the oddness of pointy ears isn’t comparable to blood sucking vampires?

Lauren - University of Michigan says:
Mon, 11th May 200912:37 pm

I’m afraid people may see me there.

Caroline Wasterlain - Duke says:
Mon, 11th May 200912:40 pm

Just a little clarification: I am not homophobic and I love my friends (star trekkies or not). This was just supposed to be an honest, funny post admitting my ambivalence towards the (potentially fabulous) movie!

Tory says:
Mon, 11th May 200912:46 pm

I agree with Lex. Please put away the bad attitude; I love College Candy, but I’m very disappointed to find its logo attached to such an ignorant whinefest. Please enjoy your childish sulking.

Fortress Guy says:
Mon, 11th May 20091:24 pm

I understand your trepidation. However, it seems that this movie was made for people like you. They really are trying to “mainstream” the franchise.

Of course this does come at a price…

Here is my take on the movie (with lots o’ pics) if you are interested:

http://fortresstakes.wordpress.com/2009/05/10/star-trek-2009/

Liv says:
Mon, 11th May 20091:46 pm

I am by no means a star trek fan, but this movie was amazing!!!! You have to go see it, it was interesting and exciting from beginning to end!!!!

Molly says:
Mon, 11th May 20092:01 pm

I’m 20 and I’ve seen Star Trek twice already. I loved it and I’m going to see it again tomorrow and I’ve never really followed the previous tv shows and films. You dont have to be old or a nerd to like scifi and it doesnt make you a “Trekkie” if you do. Its a summer blockbuster and the franchise has a faithful following. The beauty of Star Trek is that is has a cultural message beyond the action and the fighting and if people find that message comforting especially in these difficult times then who are any of us to scoff at them.
And by the way its spelt apocalypse… not apocolypse.
(ps. did anyone else think the new Bones McCoy was incredibly amazing and sexy?)

Ayla says:
Mon, 11th May 20093:56 pm

If you can admit to liking Twilight, then you might as well go see Star Trek; you’ve already lost your street cred. Besides, space is fun!

Billy Jean says:
Mon, 11th May 20094:29 pm

I saw Star Trek yesterday, after being a life long “ew trekkies, weirdos” kind of person. And I have to say, I liked it! A lot! Give it (and Kirk) a chance!

annie says:
Mon, 11th May 20094:33 pm

Snobby, much?

Jenna says:
Mon, 11th May 20095:16 pm

“And by the way its spelt apocalypse… not apocolypse.” Hahaha…irony.

Ahem. But yeah, it was a good movie. Did you avoid seeing the Spiderman or Batman movies because you were afraid of being labeled a comic book nerd? How about the Lord or the Rings trilogy? Taking dorky things fans tend to obsess over and making them into awesome movies for the mainstream is not a new phenomenon.

Meregan says:
Mon, 11th May 20095:19 pm

I was skeptical of Star Trek until I actually started watching Star Trek Voyager and The Next Generation. It’s a pretty good series if you can get past the prejudice against it. That said, even as a pre-existing fan, the movie was AWESOME. It helps if you’re familiar with the series but it’s definitely not necessary. Anyone can enjoy the witty dialogue, crazy action, and eye candy leading men. Go see it, then judge.

Annie says:
Mon, 11th May 200910:14 pm

I guess I understand, but this is one of the few articles on collegecandy that bugged me a bit.
Go see it. If you enjoy it, so what? Goodness. You don’t have to be labeled as a “Trekkie” just because you liked a movie, and if you were a Trekkie, again, so what?
I think the thing that bothers me most is that you “obviously” liked Twilight.
Ick.
I’m a fullblown nerd (if I do say so myself) and find Twilight disgusting.
At any rate, nicely written, and enjoy the movie.

Brooke says:
Tue, 12th May 200912:16 am

I say see it. I love Harry Potter and hate Star Wars. I did not want to see Star Trek but I did and I actually really enjoyed it. I would definitely recommend it.