George Takei Says New STAR TREK Films Are Just "Surface Entertainment"

When it comes to Star Trek films, George Takei prefers the stories of Gene Roddenberry over the new films. The actor spoke to Radio Times and said he feels the original show and films have an added dimension of depth, and the new films are just "surface entertainment."

"With Gene Roddenberry's shows you can see beyond the surface action-adventure, the surface humour and entertainment. You were able to also guess at 'Oh, that's what they're talking about: it's the Cold War or it's climate change'. Star Trek IV [The Voyage Home] was not just about our flashing back in time to San Francisco in the 20th century, it was about the key role that whales play in our environmental chain. That is what made Gene Roddenberry's Star Trek so enriching and so challenging – you look for that additional dimension. With the rebooted films, it's just that surface entertainment."

That's a true statement, but have times changed? Trying to make a political statement with your films anymore only seems to cause unrest. By the time your film hits theaters, there will have been so many editorials, behind the scenes banter, and commentary that people have made up their mind before they even see the film! I'm not sure the new Star Trek series would be better served by making whatever "statement" Takei thinks the first films made.

I will agree that the films are skin deep in some regard. Not having a television series to spin off from forces all the introduction, development, and attachment of characters into under eight hours of cinema. That's a big disadvantage considering how well established the other Star Trek crew was on television before their films. 

What's your take? Does Takei have a point, or do you think he's just one of the old guard defending his work? 

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