Saturday, May 9, 2009

My Latter-Day Star Trek Family

Plus a Little Movie Review


Star Trek (2009) poster


Back in 1966 when Star Trek, the original TV series, appeared on NBC I was an avid fan. My family had to watch the show on a 13" black and white screen, but I loved it. My favorite character was Spock, who may be the best science fiction (fantasy) character ever. The word "Trekie" does not apply here, but "great fan" does.

My family consists of three boys, ranging from ages 14 to 28. Yes, we spread them out. (Son#1 is married to a Returned Sister Missionary and they live out of state). We are a Church-going family, and you would think that maybe our family discussions would center on Bible stories or theological controversies. No!!

Instead, our family discussions for years (guided by my boys) have mostly concerned such intense issues as:



1. Is Star Wars better than Star Trek?

My boys' answer: Star Wars wins big time.
Their Dad's answer: Star Trek is better by far.

2. Can Superman beat up Batman?

My boys' answer: Depends upon whether Superman is contaminated with kryptonite or not.
Their Dad's answer: Only if it is necessary for the storyline.

3. Can Porter Rockwell beat up both Superman and Batman?

My boys' answer: Yes!
Their Dad's answer: Yes!


In other words, our family is NOT too philosophically sophisticated, at least when it comes to dinner table conversations – or at other times for that matter.



*****


Now I do NOT mean to suggest we never get to the important stuff. We do.

For example, the Mormon trek of 1846 to 1869 has been a significant metaphor for our family life.

We have gone to Nauvoo, probably dozens of times. We live near it. Also, our home is just a few yards from handcart trail.

At the bottom of this blog is a scan of a picture that is posted in several places in our house. It says:

Daily Steps on YOUR Mormon Trail

1. Rise early.
2. Pray for the power.
3. Pack the handcart.
4. Head for Zion.
5. Endure to the end.


This five-step plan pretty well summarizes Mormon life philosophy to me.



*****REVIEW*****


Did I like the new Star Trek (2009) movie? Yes! A big yes!

The movie is NOT very philosophical, but it develops the early lives of the characters extremely well.

The movie is non-stop action, with a good sense of humor. The young actors are extremely talented and very faithful to their Star Trek personalities.

The cast has charisma and chemistry. The new Spock is wonderful. I did not think the character could be redone by anyone other than Leonard Nimoy, but I was wrong.



*****Messages*****


FIND the hidden messages from the Faux Star Trek family, and you will be rewarded. You may need to explore (where no one has gone before) and click.

The pictures below were produced by www.trekyourself.com.



Message #1:



Dad as Spock, of course. The make-up makes me look
like Errol Flynn more than Spock. Yes!


Message #2:



Son#1 speaks his mind. What else?


Message #3:



Son#3 speaking like a bossy Federation Ensign


*****


Copyright 2009 S.Faux (Email: foxgoku54 [at] gmail [d0t] c0m; URL: http://mormoninsights.blogspot.com). Readers may distribute this post for noncommercial purposes provided such distributing is of the entire post, including author's copyright and contact information. All other rights reserved.


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*****

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8 comments:

Elizabeth-W said...

My husband took off work early so we could go to an afternoon show.
(I've developed a love--maybe love is too strong a word?-- of Trek during the last 12 years of marriage--probably never saw an episode prior to marrying him.)
We got to the theatre, and there were rows of guys there, and two women-I made it three.
Loved the movie! And I have major crush on Dr. McCoy now. :)

S.Faux said...

Elizabeth-W:

Great. I am glad you enjoyed it. Yes, McCoy was super cool.

I am looking forward to the next episode.

Anonymous said...

Dad, we have never discussed if some....what was it rockwell can beatup Superman and Batman....please....and there is no way the kids would say yes

son #1

Movie Spoiler Alert Below******




Spock Shouldn't Be Making out with a Girl!!!!!

Nomad said...

the new Star Trek freakin rocks; love the new energy and and more "youthful" feel

S.Faux said...

Anonymous Son#1:

When you guys were kids, I was an adult. Therefore, I contend my memory is better than yours. At least we agree on two of the three.

And, yes, I like the fact that Spock kissed a girl. He is half-human, remember. The beauty of Spock is that he thinks his Vulcan-side dominates his character, but actually, the audience knows his human-side has the greater influence.

Spock is fantastic.

Anonymous said...

Which is cooler, Star Trek or Mormon Trek?

Mormon Trek, of course!
;-)

S.Faux said...

Anonymous:

I agree.

Anonymous said...

Woah woah woah, wait a second. You don't have my Star Trek face up there!


Haha thats ok, I don't think mine turned out very well.

Son 2