Trekking it

Things have been so busy but now that I have a moment it's time to finally post something we have been talking about on the show for the last few weeks: the new Star Trek film.

Articles (like this) are finally coming out with lists of the main cast members and I have to say I'm pretty pleased. So here is the list:

Captain Kirk: Chris Pine
Spok: Zachary Quinto
Dr. McCoy (Bones): Karl Urban
Scotty: Simon Pegg
Sulu: John Cho
Uhura: Zoe Saldana
Chekov: Anton Yelchin

None of them are huge stars which I like, and I really do like the choices they made. I am especially happy with Chris Pine. The thing about him is that some of his bigger movies have been fluffy (Princess Diaries 2, Just My Luck). Despite the fact that they weren't quality films he was good in them. He was also in Smokin' Aces as a complete madman. The reason I bring up these movies is because he is able to completely transform himself fore the various roles. I definitely think he should be able to do a good job as Kirk.

As for Zachary Quinto we have been pleased about him being Spok since it was just a rumor.

I don't know what I think about Karl Urban as Bones. I've seen many of the bigger movie's he's been in and he always gives a good performance, but I have never seen him do any roles even similar to Bones. Even so, I'm hopeful.

Simon Pegg as Scotty seems a little strange to me, but I do think he'll do a good job. He'll be able to bring some fun humor to the role.

So what about John Cho as Sulu? I like John Cho. He's not just MILF guy from American Pie or Harold to Kal Penn's Kumar. If you saw him in the short lived series Kitchen Confidential you would have a better understanding of why he could make a good Sulu. In the least he is another actor that could infuse some humor into his role.

And then there is the always sultry Uhura. Well in terms of looks Zoe Saldana certainly fits the bill (even as a pirate). She hasn't been in too many big films and I have nothing bad to say about her.

Finally we have Anton Yelchin as Chekov. The only problem I have with him is that he is so young. They might have to do something to make him look older so that he fits in and fits the role. It's fitting that he was born in Eastern Europe so hooray for that :) Anyway despite his age he has shown a lot of promise and talent. Even so I have never seen him play a role like Chekov or even a role where he has to play an adult so that makes me a bit nervous. Still I think he can pull it off.

So overall I am pleased and hopefull. Let's hope J.J. Abrams can pull of a quality Star Trek film. No matter what we'll end up seeing it but it will be truly painful if it doesn't live up to expectations.

--AnnaMay

Star Trek XI: Search For Sylar?

This goes under the catagory of wild rumor. My informat "Stupid Sister" found this little tidbit that originated at CHUD.COM and then was posted here TrekWeb
So Zachary Quinto from Heroes, everyones favorite brain jonesing super-villain Sylar is supposedly in negotiations to play Spock in J.J. Abrams retooling of the Star Trek franchise. Keep in mind as I've said total rumor, but so are all of the actors being mentioned for the coveted three main roles (Kirk, Spock, Bones).
This is what Quinto told Starburst Magazine a few months ago about the possibility of playing Spock
"I tend to be the type of person who acts from a very visceral place and reacts emotionally to situations, and to 'become' a character that is completely the opposite of that is one of the reasons why I'm an actor. I would love the opportunity to understand what it is to only operate from a place of logic and look at things so specifically from that perspective."

That's cool and everything but isn't Sylar really logic based and devoid of emotion? Either way if there's any truth to this rumor I'm cool with it. Quinto's work in Heroes is stellar (albeit his charecter is one of the more fascinating Super Villians we've seen in years) and I think he certainly looks the part, being he's tall and slender and has dark hair. It's exciting too because if he gets Spock then along with Spock's "Vulcan Neck Pinch", telepathy, and mind-melds they can also add in "Creepy Eye Glare".
Earlier casting rumors had Acadamy Award winning Adrien Brody playing Spock, which I'm also ok with, though for some reason I see Brody being a little more of humorious version of Spock than Quinto, which might be good if it's a lighter version of Star Trek. They also said Matt Damon is up for Kirk and Gary Sinese for Bones (Emily Deschanel could not be reached for a comment), I think the latter would be perfect for the grumpy old docter. I also am a fan of Matt Damon, and think he'd be a great Kirk, but in my opinion there's some one even better for the role. Keep in mind this is purely my opinion and it has no basis in either real news or even internet rumors but I think Ryan Gosling would be perfect as a young James T. Kirk. He's got indy and studio cred, he's blonde, and I think he could really pull off the cocky space cowboy persona that makes Kirk freaking awesome. If thats not enough for you he's also canadian, just like Shat.

Either way good luck to all of those actors, they're all good in my book.

Thanks to Chud.com, TrekWeb.com, Starburst Magazine, Nbc.com and IMDB for the goods.

--Dave