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Movie Reviews of Trekkies 2Movie Review: I See London, I see France ... I See Trekkies Everywhere Summary: 4 Stars
Trekkies 2 seeks to understand the phenomenon of Trek, much like the first Trekkies did. Only this time, Denise Crosby (Tasha Yar of ST:TNG) takes her camera and charm to Europe and interviews fans from Germany, France, London and - perhaps most movingly - Serbia. Those of us Trekkies who love Star Trek and live in America pretty much get it. Star Trek and Captain Kirk are as American as Star Wars and Han Solo. Star Trek is two-fisted action and pop-philosophy in a lava-lamp colored universe that splits the difference between scientific inquiriry and skirt gazing. This was nicely explored in the first Trekkies. But what does Trek offer the Europe side of the planet? Well, firstly, it offers Star Trek, The Next Generation. One of the things I was struck by was how Americans gravitate to the original show and most Europeans love The Next Generation. Actually, this makes sense ... after all, Jean-Luc Picard is so Eurpean, we think of him as both English and French. -- It seemed to me that Europeans are drawn to the more complex universe presented in Next Gen. Whereas original Trek was broad strokes and lovely women and flying fists, Next Gen offered the world we hope ours evolves into. This was especially true in Serbia where Star Trek isn't just for giggles, but a real message of what humans can turn into if we'd only just stop being so human. Trek for the people of Serbia (at least those interviewed by Crosby) is a beacon -- a look at what we are capable of. The fans still love a good convention and a little dress up, but they approach their love with some gravitas. Star Trek isn't just action figures and collectibles -- it's a schematic for human evolution (and really, who doesn't want to evolve into Jean-Luc).
Denise Crosby does some follow up visits with stars from the first Trekkies, notably Gabe Koerner and Barbara The Commander. They're both doing great and still digging their Trek. Trekkies 2 reveals the loves and fanaticisms of the average Trek lover (I'll leave you to quantify "average"). They're great people, no matter what language they speak or which incarnation of Trek they love best. And for the record, it's Trekkies, not Trekkers. Wave your freak flag high, and you have the bridge Number One.
Movie Review: A Softer Side Summary: 4 Stars
Trekkie is an insult and is akin to nerd or geek. Trekker is a more respectable term to apply to one who is a Star Trek fan. So I'm surprised that the sequel to "Trekkies", a film that took a certain amount of pleasure in debasing Star Trek fans for their obsession, didn't call their next film "Trekkers" a film that takes a little more care in their treatment of these sweet but kinda' crazy enthusiasts.
In the first film, Denise Crosby, explored the unusual relationship Star Trek fans have with the show and subsequently with the actors from the series. The result is one very funny movie that shows people not only obsessing over the realistic nature of their Star Trek costumes, but other fans who would turn their cars into shuttle crafts or their dental offices into the bridge of the Starship Enterprise. In the squeal the goals seem two fold, the filmmakers want to explore Star Trek fans around the globe and show that their obsession can also be a positive thing. The best part about this squeal however is its nod to the original movie. We catch up with some of the more memorable interviewees from the first "Trekkies". We learn that space shuttle van just disappeared one day and that it's owner, though still a huge fan, has other things on his plate...like his new wife. It's a pleasure to hear him laugh at his own fixation. Other past fans are highlighted as well and all are show in a much more positive light. The clips from Europe, Australia, South America, etc. are interesting but get a little monotonous as the film progresses. The extras actually seem a little more compelling as some clips explore the extremes a few fans go to. I also liked watching the two fan films, which are also included on the DVD. They're not very good, but the sheer joy that went into them is exhilarating.
Movie Review: The extras make this dvd worth it! Summary: 4 Stars
I love Star Trek in all it's various incarnations, and I have to admit...I love making fun of Trekkies (who doesn't...really?). I loved the first movie for the focus on the extreme fandom (makes me feel just a little less geeky)...but this movie is even better for the great balance. It shows the funny and bizarre side of extreme fandom, but it also shows the the human side of being Trekkies - and what happens when you're a fan in a war torn country.
While not as side-splittingly funny as the first one, it can be argued that this is a better movie because of the way it highlights the Trek fandom throughout the world. The chapter on the Trekkies from Serbia is simply heartbreaking, and makes you realize how lucky we are to have all that we have.
I knew that this movie was going to be my new favorite when it highlighted the Star Trek tribute bands (you'll love No Kill I). However, for me, the best part of this DVD, are the EXTRAS. Included are FAN MADE TREK MOVIES. Get the popcorn ready, because this will entertain you for hours on end!
If you watched the first movie for the humor (let's face it, it really was hysterical), you'll love this movie too...the extras are really priceless. However, if you wanted a little more from the first film - a more balanced view - this sequel definitely delivers.
Movie Review: I liked the 1st better Summary: 4 Stars
I had been so anticipating this film for years, since having seen the first but I did feel a little dissatisfied. First, this film was obviously shot on video as opposed to the first film on reel. It just gave the whole viewing experience a cheapened quality. Also they spent far too much time on the Trek bands. It was fun for the first 5 minutes (and I loved the filkers) but showing the punk bands seemed far too long and drawn out. Positive points have to be awarded for showing fans from across the globe. Seeing a Klingon on a Vespa was enthralling! I also loved how they went back to some of the participants from the first film. Gabe Koerner and his dad were hilarious and also great to see Darryl Frezetti still dressing cats up as McCoy, but the true star of this film is... Commodore Barbara Adams! That's right! The commanding officer of the U.S.S. Artemis is back and with a rise in rank! She still spends her off-duty time working at Sir Speedy, but we also get to see her briefed on 'AUK' the E.T. from her ship's counselor and see her participate in a heated arguement over which is better, Trek or Star Wars? Hopefully by the third film she will be promoted to full-on Admiral!
Movie Review: Proof that there is someone out there for everyone Summary: 4 Stars
I loved Trekkies - by far my favorite documentary ever. I'm not sure what this says about me...maybe I need to take a good, hard look at my life to see where I went wrong. I can't help it, though, Trekkies actually turned me into a Star Trek fan. Trekkies 2 is not as...erm...provocatively geeky as Trekkies 1, but it does a great job of doing the "where are they now?" questions that naturally arise from watching Trekkies 1. And where are they now? Largely living normal - but Star Trek-influenced - lives. Geeky boy meets geeky girl, they have a Star Trek wedding and get busy making baby geeks. It's very endearing, honestly.
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