davidh777
While I liked this film (I gave it a 9 out of 10 for both effort and attention to detail, not to mention the cast and crew's loyalty to the fans in making this film), there are 2 small problems with this film. The 1st, as some have already said, is an obvious, fairly low budget which show in the production value. Truthfully, there are a few "fan series'" out there, that while they don't have any original actors in them, have noticeably higher production value and special-FX. This in part brings me to the 2nd problem, which is for this to be a "film" (granted it is a "web film", but a film nonetheless), it plays more like a old TV episode from the original series, due to both the (as previously mentioned) lower quality FX/production, but also the overall pace and "feel" of the film. HOWEVER... In my opinion, all this being the case doesn't detract from the film, but in some ways makes it all the more cool in that Tim Russ & the rest of the film's crew have captured the essence of the original series which laid the foundation from which all things TREK sprung. The actors performances range from pretty good to excellent (Koenig & Ruck, I thought were especially good; both better than I'd ever seen from either of them). I loved also how it was an all encompassing project, pulling in actors from the entire spectrum of STAR TREK 's various series', even including actors from the fan based Web series STAR TREK: PHASE II (originally "NEW VOYAGES"). Then I guess my final comments would be to praise the fact that the film incorporates major plot elements from at least 3 different episodes from the original series, as well as STAR TREK GENERATIONS. I was a bit disappointed that 90% of the film took place in an alternate time line (this again is very reminiscent of the original series), but in spite of this I cannot honestly say that it didn't make for a terrific story line and plot. Ultimately, what I think it will come down to is, are you a fan of STAR TREK or not? A real fan? (Not an:"I think it's kinda cool" fan, nor someone whose 1st experience with the franchise was seeing the new "Reboot" films). If you are a fan of the old series and original film series then this will be right up your alley. The cast and crew said they made this film as a "gift" to the fans. This would be YOU. If you are not a true fan, "Please move along, nothing to see here"; this film will likely do nothing for you.
mutagenrocks
This movie/miniseries is firing on all cylinders... all except one, FX. Some of the CG is OK, some looks about like Veggie Tales quality. On the other hand, the cast, the sets (which I believe they mostly got from New Voyages), and the subject matter/script are all wonderful classic trek. So yes it's a homemade project, so the CG is bad, but it's full of heart. I kind of wish they'd do a special edition and re-render those fx with more detail, maybe get people who liked this project and can do FX. I also wish it had been filmed in HD. That aside let's talk about what they got right... everything else. It's an engaging story, filled with many actual trek stars of yesteryear giving up there time and energy just because of there love of trek. Just for a little present to the fans. In fact everyone cast to crew did that, nobody made any money and for putting this together, giving these actors a final chance to play there roles (and in some cases alternate roles), giving us a final go with a cast spanning several of the shows, an interesting story and a chance for the captain of the Enterprise Alan Ruck a chance to be an actual captain and not a jackass (like they made him out to be in Generations). I'm a huge trek fan for decades of all the series, in fact the only trek I don't like is The Next Gen movies and a few scattered episodes (like the Tuvix episode). I find it strange that both this movie and the 2009 star trek blew up Vulcan... man everyone wants to blow up Vulcan, hahaha (and yes I think the JJ trek movies are excellent, after the next gen movies there a welcome change). Great job guys, please consider a special edition/directors cut in anamorphic widescreen with better fx. However, since that probably won't happen, it's still a masterpiece, great job everyone, thanks for giving so much of your time and effort for trek fans. I'd choose this fan made trek movie over Generations any day (Kirk dies punching an old man and falling off a bridge, gimme a break).
siderite
I had expected something really bad, with cardboard sets and ridiculous dialogue. You know, like the original Star Trek. The production values were very low, with inferior computer graphics, bad montage, actors that looked like they were volunteers, but the dialogue was not that bad, the story was OK and the people working were clearly enjoying themselves.So, in fact, this was exactly what I didn't expect: a good movie! I can easily overlook low budget constraints when the story is nice enough and the actors are making the effort.Bottom line: this is more related to Star Trek the original series than with other Star Trek movies or incarnations and therefore must be seen as a continuation of TOS and not something to rival Next Generation. The plot was not brilliant, but it did the job and was consistent with what one would expect from a Star Trek movie. Overall I was pleasantly surprised and I enjoyed watching it.
joexboxer
Robert Walker Jr could not be brought on to reprise his role as Charlie Evans. Gary Lockwood was not brought back to reprise his role as Gary Mitchell. Why is that? They probably read the script. I realize I was thinking this was NOT going to be another Cawley production like New Voyages, and I was wrong. It used the same sets, and I guess that is all the sets they had. Cawley's sets and an Amiga Video Toaster right out of 1985 for those graphics. WOW. OMG. The story was so jilted. You get Captain Harriman, the captain who 'lost' Kirk, Charlie-X AND Gary Mitchell together in 1 film, and that was it? I mean seriously? And you people who give it high praise - did you actually watch THE WHOLE THING? I only give it a 1 because I cannot add a NEGATIVE. I apologize, I read reviews and I was expecting greatness. Instead I get something on par with made-for-science class drizzle that I watched thinking it was going to get better, and ended up feeling like I might get quizzed on it later. DRIZZLE.