On the heels of seeing the impossible accomplished with JJ Abrams's blockbuster: Star Trek, I decided to do some research into TOS story lines/backstories, and found out about ST:NV. I, like many fellow Trekkers, was certainly curious to see what fan-films would look/feel like. I did watch the pilot "Come What May" and the 1st episode "In Harm's Way." I could say that for the most part they were horrible (and I say that with admiration for the effort). I thought the acting was forced, the plots were impossible to follow, and the action was unsteady. I felt nothing for the characters, and could barely hear them at times because the music soundtrack was so loud and penetrating under EVERY scene. I certainly don't remember TOS having distracting music. Movie music works best when it's not heard, but felt. Well, after this Strike 2, I didn't want to hear or see anymore of these so-called "New Voyages."
However, seeing that Walter Koenig himself was going to reprise the role of Chekov, I went ahead and downloaded "To Serve All My Days." I'm glad I did, because it was a 175 degree change in direction (not quite a complete turn-around, but a VAST improvement). Seeing what this team is truly capable of, I can (in hindsight) forgive them for the previous shoddy work. You see here on IMDb, many of them had never been involved in ANY film or program prior to volunteering for duty on ST:NV. The best way to learn anything is by actually doing it, so it appears those first 2 episodes were just getting their feet wet, for now they are fully in the water and starting to hit their stride.
I also watched "World Enough And Time," starring George Takei. I think having the original actors on the set was the best thing possible for this crew. Either Walter and George gave acting tips to the new actors, or simply by being in scenes with them, it raised the emotional commitment (and thus believability) of the "newbies." I had genuine interest in the characters, laughed at the appropriate humor and camaraderie, and even had tears in my eyes seeing the innocence and pain of Sulu's daughter. Production value has gone WAY up, the the only comment I have is they might need to throw a bit more lighting on some of the set pieces, or open the aperture of the camera a bit...seems kinda dark.
That being said, I can't wait to download "Blood And Fire" to see where this Trek goes next. Plus, they re-casted Uhura, and I know Kim Stinger personally, having worked together before...small world, I guess...which is perhaps one of the lessons of Star Trek afterall.
Bottomline: Congrats to James Cawley and the whole Team. You're making Trek live, and with the renewed interest in the Franchise, I'm sure internet viewers will keep tuning in to see what happens to our beloved characters.
However, seeing that Walter Koenig himself was going to reprise the role of Chekov, I went ahead and downloaded "To Serve All My Days." I'm glad I did, because it was a 175 degree change in direction (not quite a complete turn-around, but a VAST improvement). Seeing what this team is truly capable of, I can (in hindsight) forgive them for the previous shoddy work. You see here on IMDb, many of them had never been involved in ANY film or program prior to volunteering for duty on ST:NV. The best way to learn anything is by actually doing it, so it appears those first 2 episodes were just getting their feet wet, for now they are fully in the water and starting to hit their stride.
I also watched "World Enough And Time," starring George Takei. I think having the original actors on the set was the best thing possible for this crew. Either Walter and George gave acting tips to the new actors, or simply by being in scenes with them, it raised the emotional commitment (and thus believability) of the "newbies." I had genuine interest in the characters, laughed at the appropriate humor and camaraderie, and even had tears in my eyes seeing the innocence and pain of Sulu's daughter. Production value has gone WAY up, the the only comment I have is they might need to throw a bit more lighting on some of the set pieces, or open the aperture of the camera a bit...seems kinda dark.
That being said, I can't wait to download "Blood And Fire" to see where this Trek goes next. Plus, they re-casted Uhura, and I know Kim Stinger personally, having worked together before...small world, I guess...which is perhaps one of the lessons of Star Trek afterall.
Bottomline: Congrats to James Cawley and the whole Team. You're making Trek live, and with the renewed interest in the Franchise, I'm sure internet viewers will keep tuning in to see what happens to our beloved characters.