A quick report. The film is not being screened in advance for the general press. L.A. and (I believe) New York critics will have normal critics screenings, but only a selected few (major dailies) will see it anywhere else in North America. That's usually a bad sign. The interesting twist is, because I had an interview lined up (Simon Pegg), I had a private screening. Really private, in a big auditorium. Like me and a security guard so I wouldn't pirate the movie. I will honor Paramount's requested embargo on my thoughts by only saying that I am excitedly looking forward to a second viewing. I have no clue as to why they're not proudly showing this film to all critics. Please don't read about it before seeing it, as many critics will undoubtedly give away things that you'll not want to know.

It is curious, and I've heard this story from others as well. It's doubly odd since most of the early word is positive on the picture.

You have to wonder if the studio either wants to low-ball expectations, or just plain mis-calculated how good the film is. Or, maybe, it's just an insane bit of oversensitivity fearing some kind of major plot leak or pirating (both are likely to happen anyway!).

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We've got opening night tickets for Randolph in the Lux section. Should this, like many recent highly anticipated films, not live up to expectations it's good to have a wide selection of hard liquor on hand.

I for one am glad that they're doing such a good job keeping the details hush-hush. I hate having to change channels at home or go for popcorn in the theater because some trailer editor has to include that money shot where the villain gets it.

First of all - if you get the chance. Really worth the effort to do so since a decent chunk of the movie was shot that way, and even the 35mm stuff looks miles better than crappy grey and milky shadows digital. Unfortunately, it appears they are only offering 70mm along with Imax and 3D, so it can be pricey - but, still worth it!

It's good, not great, but, there are a number of nice Trek and SF touches for the fans. It may not have the most original plot, but, it moves along with enough wit and intelligence to not fall into the sophomore slump.

The biggest debits: It perhaps owes too much debt to the original series (at some point they have to just do their own thing - just because these are the same characters at a younger age, doesn't mean they have to repeat the future all the time). JJ Abrams still seems to think that camera light flares and over-the-top action somehow make his Trek more palatable to the kiddies. We get it. It's a new series with new camera techniques and younger stars who can do more physical action, but that doesn't mean the laws of physics don't apply. 'Twas the characters and their interactions with each other and the universe that made Trek - not grandiose sfx, flashy camerawork, and action.

As to why Paramount seemed so aggressive in keeping the film away from many critics - who knows? Once a few critics (not to mention foreign countries) see it - everybody has heard about it anyway in this day and age! And, the big "spoiler" was on the internet months ago anyway...........

Given that there are no real blockbusters to compete with, S.T.I.D. and peoples reactions will be quickly spreading.

It looks like there will be lines.



I'm glad I got tickets in advance!

Doubt it.  Jordan's said they were digital-only now when I asked what format they were using for The Hobbit back in December, the Museum of Science doesn't do Hollywood stuff, and the Aquarium usually gets stuff like this second-run, if at all - for reference, they got The Dark Knight Rises at the end of August last year.

L.A. Connection wrote on May 18^th, 2013 at 5:25pm:


Imax 70mm theaters?
Lets not forget that Boston has only TWO theaters, period.
Admittedly multiplex ones but still just 2 places so no real competition means why bother with something extra.

Not that I think either has 70mm but the Boston Common one snuck in an Imax house sometime when no one was paying attention and the Fenway has a competing big screen process called RPX in one house. 

For those REALLY into films here's a list of Imax venues which notes which ones have 70mm. 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_IMAX_venues

L.A. Connection wrote on May 18^th, 2013 at 7:42pm:


And for those who feel a 70mm print is still not enough.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FimnBrtsz0s