Star Trek Beams Green
Jill Pantozzi | May 11th, 2009
“Don’t tell me they don’t use money in the 23rd century.” Well no, they don’t, but here in the 21st century Star Trek fans have earned J.J. Abrams new film $72.5 million.
To my surprise, Star Trek did not beat the $85 million X-Men Origins: Wolverine took in last weekend but it certainly wasn’t a poor showing either. “That figure far surpassed the opening grosses posted by any of the previous 10 ‘Star Trek’ films, even when adjusted for inflation, and kept up a robust pace for the second week of Hollywood’s summer moviegoing season,” reported Reuters.
The marketing was far and beyond that of any previous Trek film seeing as how they really needed non-Trekkies to get their butts to the theaters. It seemed like everywhere I went there was an ad or tie-in for the film. And it worked. A teacher I know who’s a Trek fan told me he overheard one of his students asking another if they were going to see the movie over the weekend. The student replied, “I’ve never seen any of the shows but it looks so good, I’m definitely seeing it.”
So what about the loyal, die-hard, obsessive fans? Well I think this clip from Saturday’s SNL says it all.
As for me? Of course I saw it! I’m not planning on doing a full review so here’s my verdict: I loved it. Sure, it was a little odd getting used to new actors taking on the dialogue or personality quirks of the characters we’ve known for so long but they all did a superb job with it. The story and action were great. I really like how they chose to relaunch the franchise. It pays homage to the past while leaving the future wide open. There’s so many great moments, we can discuss in the comments if anyone wants to.
I only had one problem with the film. Now, I don’t know if it was done specifically for this purpose or if J.J. Abrams was just being really lazy the day he thought up this particular plot device, but if you watch Alias you know what I’m talking about. If you don’t, go look up Mueller Device.
Anyway, if you’d like to hear me talk more about Star Trek or what I thought of the finale of Dollhouse, Marvel Divas, Power Girl, Battle for the Cowl and what it would take to get me to dress up as Gaila (above),
stream or download my podcast appearance on Hour 42 last night.
To my surprise, Star Trek did not beat the $85 million X-Men Origins: Wolverine took in last weekend but it certainly wasn’t a poor showing either. “That figure far surpassed the opening grosses posted by any of the previous 10 ‘Star Trek’ films, even when adjusted for inflation, and kept up a robust pace for the second week of Hollywood’s summer moviegoing season,” reported Reuters.
I just found your blog, and I love it!
I think Star Trek wasn't generally expected to beat Wolverine's opening weekend because the franchise had cooled off a little more than X-Men in recent years, and it didn't have the star power of Hugh Jackman. Still, I had mentioned in my own blog that I was hoping it would do better since it deserved it. But all was righted when in the following weeks Star Trek continued to perform strongly and Wolverine didn't so much. Can't discredit the value of good word of mouth.
You're so right about the Mueller Device! I hadn't thought of it but yeah, there does seem to be a certain trend there. I'll be watching for the appearance of a levitating red ball on Fringe.
Anyway, I loved the movie, too. I did a sort of overly gushy post about it, but basically I thought they did everything very well. The story, the sets, the effects, the action, and of course the cast were all outstanding. A great start to the summer, though maybe it was so good that the rest of the summer has been spoiled!
I look forward to reading more from you.
You’re very welcome Peter, it was a lot of fun! Nice try!
Actually Beth, this was the first.
Randy, here’s hoping you can get some down time next week when some relatives are over helping out or something so you can catch a matinee.
Nick, I agree. I think word of mouth is going to play a big part in making the second week really successful.
Glad everyone enjoyed it! :)
Got to see it today and must say I LOVED it! It’s one of the best movies I’ve seen in a long time, and I say that having seen Wolverine last week and being slightly disappointed. The Alias reference was prominent and I’d be curious to hear J.J.’s explanation of it. But still- great movie!
It may have opened to a little less than Wolverine, but I won’t be surprised at all if it ends up grossing more. Maybe substantially more. Wolverine had a 68% decline in week 2, and even with a few big movies in the coming weeks, I think Star Trek will hold up better than that. I know I’d rather see Trek again than see Wolverine for the first time (… in the theatre).
I know so many people who saw Trek this weekend. I hope that I get to go see it soon. Things are about to get pretty busy at La Casa de Meyer.
The opening day was the day my second son, Julian Sean Meyer, was born. My wife and son are scheduled to come home today. Beyond that, well, it’s anyone’s guess exactly how long it’ll be before my wife and I can get a night out.
thanks for the SNL share- hilarious! My interest is so piqued regarding the Alias reference. Hope to see it soon!
SNL this weekend had me practically crying from laughter, but Weekend Update was particularly poignant. :)
Glad to see you liked the movie!
So how many times have you been asked if you’ll do an Orion costume?
Thanks again for stopping by last night. Your comments are always welcome on the show! :)
And I look forward to your Gaila costume.
Peter Pixie