Hours before, the world wide premiere in Sydney this evening (which, if the photo JJ Abrams emailed me a few minutes ago is anything to go by, went very well indeed), Star Trek was screened for an extremely lucky audience, at the Alamo Drafthouse in Austin, Texas, surely one of the greatest cinemas in the world. The beauty of the event was that everyone went along assuming they were going to see a restored print of The Wrath Of Khan and 10 minutes of the new film. I can only imagine the disappointment when a few minutes into TWoK, the film apparently melted and broke. But oh how much more intense was the mind bending nerdgasm, when the great Leonard Nimoy, Spock himself, appeared holding a film canister and asked the audience if they'd rather watch the new Star Trek movie instead?
When I heard about the event this morning, I had to admire the sheer brilliance and audacity of the plan. Not only was it a massive display of self confidence, in tempting the faithful with the promise of Khan so as to ensure an audience of highly discerning spectators, but also a wonderful gesture, to give the film it's first ever public screening in the geek nexus of the western world. Having visited Austin several times, most recently to screen both seasons of Spaced, I can imagine the atmosphere as the credits rolled and the audience rose to its feet and cheered. It makes me very proud indeed. Not just of the film but of JJ and the brilliant cast. I can't wait to join them in Berlin, London and hopefully LA for the forthcoming international premiers. I saw the film a few weeks ago and for everyone planning to see it over the next month, all I can say is ... buckle up.
Here are a few links to various articles and reviews. Tread carefully, there are spoilers out there. Generally reviewers are being pretty considerate about giving stuff away. If you're very phobic, just read the following spoiler free review from a North London, comic book artist
"This film is fucking brilliant!!! Sorry it took me a while to post this but I wet myself and was sick down my t-shirt because I was so excited and in love with this fucking movie which is brilliant. Did I say it was brilliant? I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders and my faith in Science Fiction cinema has been restored. In your face Jar Jar you idiotic nonsense fucksmack. Live long and prosper all the fucking way I say!!! Oh god I can't stop crying! I have to call Mike!"
Tim Bisley (North London Science Fiction Review)
More stuff below ...
http://www.aintitcool.com/node/40682http://www.aintitcool.com/node/40679 http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Early-Review-Of-JJ-Abrams-Star-Trek-12650.htmlhttp://chud.com/articles/articles/18883/1/STAR-TREK-THE-WRATH-OF-A-REVIEW/Page1.html