Viva "Star Trek"
May 8, 2009 10:21 am action, science fiction/fantasy 
To boldly go where most people have gone before: Vegas, baby!
By the time you read this, I’ll be winging my way to Las Vegas.
Vegas, baby! Sin City. The desert oasis where wizened retirees and fresh-faced college kids go for gambling, showgirls, aging pop divas and ridiculously underpriced shrimp cocktails and steak-and-egg breakfasts.
Vegas also holds a special place in nerds’ hearts as the home of the long-running tourist attraction dedicated to all things Federation and Star Fleet, “Star Trek: The Experience.”
While I have no plans to visit those hallowed halls, I do hope to catch the latest addition to the “Star Trek” franchise– J.J. Abram’s hip, young reboot — at the local IMAX.
If like me, you’ve yet to see “Star Trek,” here are some Internet tidbits guaranteed to whet your desire for “space, the final frontier.”
***
First up is “The Enterprise Project,” a clever art venture in which artists, filmmakers and other fans were invited to create their own takes on that famous starship, the USS Enterprise.
Influences include World War II bombers, skateboards, grade school dioramas, cheesy amusement parks and UPS delivery planes. There’s even an Enterprise designed like a giant sprinkled-coated Oreo cookie — complete with a few missing bites. Delicious!
“The Enterprise Project” is currently on display at theaters in Las Vegas, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Austin.
***
If you already love the look of “Star Trek,” why not sample the smell?
Promotional products for the film include a trio of “Star Trek” fragrances created by GenkiWear, LLC — “Tiberius,” “Pon Farr” and “Red Shirt.”
CBS, which owns the “Star Trek” franchise, has also released new versions of “Monopoly” and “Uno,” as well as home decor, clothing, accessories and vinyl figurines. Shop like a Trekkie!
***
Although many fans have welcomed the new “Star Trek,” there are those who still pine for the good ol’ days when green-skinned girls were hot and James T. Kirk was god.
Thank goodness we have access to the “Star Trek” movie that started it all.
Yes, folks, it’s “Star Trek: The Motion Picture” reimagined as an early 20th century silent film. Here it is in all its steampunk glory.
Don’t remember “Steam Trek”? What about “The A-Team”?
YouTube video poster Huckbone has created his own version of the classic ’70s television show with the cast of “Star Trek.” The result works suprisingly well.
***
Those eager to see the real thing may want to check out this scathing review of “Star Trek” first.
As the Onion News Network reports, fans are decrying the film as a “fun and watchable action-packed thrill ride.” There’s no heavy-handed message about tolerance, no long, boring scene about interstellar diplomacy. What?!?
“That’s a real slap in the face for ‘Trek’ fans,” anchor Glen Bannon says.
What’s worse, “Star Trek” is currently ranked at 96 percent “Fresh” on RottenTomatoes.com. Can you handle that much excellence?!
***
Thanks to Gizmodo.com, io9.com and TheWorldsBestEver.com for the tips.
Tom Stanley :
Date: May 8, 2009 @ 10:59 am
I was on Yahoo and found your blog. Read a few of your other posts. Good work. I am looking forward to reading more from you in the future.
Tom Stanley
David :
Date: May 13, 2009 @ 7:35 pm
Wouldn’t want to wear “Redshirt”. Those were always the dudes that the ravenous alien beast ate first. You’d think the red shirts would be quicker on the draw with their phasers but if you are only in one episode the learning curve is quite steep.