And just so they can show how "clever" they were, they even put a dedication to the post-9/11 veterans. (To make sure you get the point).
The first half of the movie is fairly decent but the last half goes off the rails into trutherism and the plot is just as nonsensical. That's the first time I've ever walked out of a Star Trek movie thoroughly disgusted (and I saw Nemesis...)
Yeah yeah... it’s “just me” From some user comments around the internet
“I liked that the movie had something to say to us in our time, like trek had always done, making statements about the times in the past. The deceptive trickery to start up a war with the klingons was obviously a metaphor for America’s pre-emptive strike against Iraq. Scotty’s concerns about things going overly militarized is something that most of us have been feeling since 2001. The Kirk speech at the end was clearly speaking to us, in our time, about the response to terrorism and our need to get back to the character that made us what we are, as opposed to this monster driven by vengeance. “
“I think a lot of people missed the film’s message about militarization in response to acts of terror. This is especially relevant after the attack in Boston, where we shut down an entire city and marched police down the streets to search for one man (and of course, America’s post 9-11 policies/wars).”
“I love that they put this theme in the movie. Over militarization needs to get more mainstream awareness. “
“In a time where we have the PATRIOT ACT and drone strikes, I appreciate the message Spock was trying to say.”
“The banter between Spock and Uhura was fantastic, and the underlying post-9/11 commentary came across as philosophical as any of the original 6 Trek movies (pardon my ignorance as they are the only ones I’ve seen up to now). “
“This is a film, set i an alternative Universe, wherein the pre “5 Year Mission” crew are involved in a tale about how much of the enemy’s tactics you shoulld be willing to use if you are “the good guys.” Due Process? Terrorism?preemptive strikes, drones etc. Does use of all of this make you as bad, or worse, than “the enemy”?”
I have no clue what movie you watched, and I have to wonder if your understand what “Trutherism” is. Trutherism suggests that Bin Laden had NO involvement in the events of 9-11 and the attacks on the WTC and Pentagon were all inside jobs perpetrated by George Bush and the “military industrial complex.” This movie makes ZERO comparisons to the events.
Khan blows up the Section 31 facility to exact revenge for Admiral Marcus’ capture of Khan’s compatriots. He then attacks Federation HQs to eliminate all of the senior staff whom he knows are gathering to discuss Starfleet’s response. Marcus uses the events to further his own plan to draw the Klingon’s into a conflict. Sure the movie asks the question whether an organization meant for exploration should be actively trying to begin a war, and whether or not you agree with that premise it’s asking a political question here, not unlike the old show.
You basically fell into the trap the writers laid for you when Khan gives his speech in the brig trying to sway Kirk to his position by pointing out that he, like Kirk, are simply pawns in a larger game perpetrated by Marcus. He tries to come off as a figure to be pitied, not feared, and he’s banking on Kirk’s compassion... heck he even tells Kirk that his compassion is his weakness. It’s abundantly clear by the final act that in no way was Khan ever really a pawn, and he was simply using Marcus and the resources of Starfleet to build his superweapons then he would revive his crew and eventually rule Earth again. Both men were using each other to further their own agendas.
The reality is JJ Abrams has never, ever made any comments regarding 9-11 to suggest the national tragedy was Bush’s fault, what an inside job, or that Osama Bin Laden was a patsy. In fact, Abrams has been a very vocal and active supporter of military vets and their families. One organization he’s actively involved in is “The Mission Continues.” Four vets (including a Navy SEAL) appear at the end of the film folding the Federation flag during the Enterprise re-christening ceremony.
Sure JJ may be a lib, but he’s one of the better guys in this industry.
I just read a review (spoiler-laced, I might add) from Harry Knowles, the guy behind Ain't It Cool News. He saw it from the same perspective that you did, but from the OPPOSITE end.
Read this if you can stomach it....