The Next Reel Film Podcast

Does Star Trek Into Darkness stand out as anything more than a fantastic-looking retread? Is Uhura’s role diminished to be the worrying partner? Would it have still worked if Cumberbatch wasn’t Khan? Tune in this week to get our thoughts on these questions and more!

Show Notes

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"My name is Khan."

When Paramount asked JJ Abrams and his team behind the 2009 Star Trek reboot to get started on a sequel, they took a while trying to break the story. From interviews, it sounded like they had well over 50 iterations of the story before they finally came up with the idea they went with. With all that time and those iterations, though, it struck many people as odd that they ended up deciding to tell a story that brought back Khan Noonien Singh, the antagonist from Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, as the villain. While the film is entertaining, it also feels unfresh because it’s retreading familiar territory. But that didn’t stop it from making its money back at the box office as it quickly earned the highest gross of any Trek film. But does that mean it’s good or just successful? Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we get near the end of our Star Trek series with JJ Abrams’ 2013 film Star Trek Into Darkness.

We talk about our problems with this film and try to evaluate why they may not be problems for those not as familiar with the earlier Trek lore. We look at how, at least for long-time Trek fans, this script makes it feel less like an homage to great elements in the past and more like a ripoff of a better story. We discuss our frustration with elements in the film, such as the treatment of female characters, the lack of understanding of the Prime Directive, the reliance on screenplay tropes like the departure of a betrayed friend, and more. We also look at elements of the film that we really like, such as the incredible world that starts us off, and the trip from ship to ship. And we dig deep into the opening sequence, introducing us to a primitive culture on a really cool planet.

While this film frustrates us on a number of levels, it still makes for a great conversation. So check it out, then tune in! The Next Reel: when the movie ends, our conversation begins.

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Creators and Guests

Host
Andy Nelson
With over 25 years of experience in film, television, and commercial production, Andy has cultivated an enduring passion for storytelling in all its forms. His enthusiasm for the craft began in his youth when he and his friends started making their own movies in grade school. After studying film at the University of Colorado Boulder, Andy wrote, directed, and produced several short films while also producing indie features like Netherbeast Incorporated and Ambush at Dark Canyon. Andy has been on the production team for award-winning documentaries such as The Imposter and The Joe Show, as well as TV shows like Investigation Discovery’s Deadly Dentists and Nat Geo’s Inside the Hunt for the Boston Bombers. Over a decade ago, he started podcasting with Pete and immediately embraced the medium. Now, as a partner at TruStory FM, Andy looks forward to more storytelling through their wide variety of shows. Throughout his career, Andy has passed on his knowledge by teaching young minds the crafts of screenwriting, producing, editing, and podcasting. Outside of work, Andy is a family man who enjoys a good martini, a cold beer, a nice cup o’ joe. And always, of course, a great movie.
Host
Pete Wright
#Movies, #ADHD, & #Podcasting • Co-founder @trustory.fm🎥 The Next Reel Family of #Film Podcasts @thenextreel.com🎙️ Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast @takecontroladhd.com📖 Co-author of Unapologetically ADHD • https://unapologeticallyadhdbook.com

What is The Next Reel Film Podcast?

A show about movies and how they connect.
We love movies. We’ve been talking about them, one movie a week, since 2011. It’s a lot of movies, that’s true, but we’re passionate about origins and performance, directors and actors, themes and genres, and so much more. So join the community, and let’s hear about your favorite movies, too.
When the movie ends, our conversation begins.