Publicity Coups
Photo Gallery: Cast of Star Trek Beamed to Kuwait
J.J. Abrams and the crew of the Starship Enterprise spent Easter weekend with U.S. forces stationed in Kuwait. It was by all accounts a brilliant launch to Paramount’s PR ground assault—even if it managed to skirt the boundaries of good taste with a videotaped message from Osama bin Klingon, who pledged “spectacular intergalactic destruction should these human footsoldiers continue their Gre’thorian efforts of peacekeeping and goodwill.”
One troop in attendance sent Ain’t It Cool News his review. It’s a thoughtful and informative critique from a rare, dignified fanboy—making me think that some of those jaded, potato-chip-grease-stained shlubs seated in front of me at Watchmen could benefit from a tour of duty or six. Then he ends on a note of hopeful idealism:
“I saw this movie in a military Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) operated theater. As with all movies shown on a military base, before the film begins, our National Anthem is played…I’d offer that up to my civilian movie enthusiast peers as something to think about and to ponder: should we do the same thing at civilian run movie theaters?”
A nice thought, but will the patrons of Harkins Theatres Moreno Valley 16 submit easily to a pre- Dance Flick rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner?” It remains to be seen.
Here’s some photos from the event, courtesy of dvidshub.net:
Eric Bana thrills a fan by filling the empty seat next to her, unaware that he’s about to be asked to autograph a Trekkie corporal’s crotch-warmed Communicator.
John Cho reassures a bereft private that Kumar isn’t actually dead, he’s just legalizing weed by order of the President.
Young Kirk Chris Pine tries not to wince when a female fan instructs him to “just make it out to Phyllis and sign it William Shatner. Thanks. My mom will love this.”
Zachary “Spock” Quinto excuses himself to phone in his votes for American Idol’s goth-glam frontrunner Adam Lambert. An equally passionate Lambert fan captures the moment for posterity.
Zoe Seldana furiously takes down directions to Iraq’s al-Anbar Province, before being gently told by handlers that her request “to see some real action” might not be completely feasible.
A homemade chocolate cake presented in honor of their special guests had a disconcerting aftertaste of Tribble.
· It’s The Second Coming of STAR TREK this Easter For Our Troops in the Middle East! [AICN]
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Posted 13 Apr 2009, 10:40 AM
so simon pegg is too good to visit the troops? i feel cheated.
Posted 13 Apr 2009, 1:02 PM
If I was a troop, this would have to be my last day, as I would get fired after being caught laughing at all of Eric Bana's jokes, even the dumb ones, and asking him how often he works out and if he wanted to get a drink after this.
Posted 14 Apr 2009, 11:42 AM
This new Star Trek film looks as exciting as the first one ever made.
Posted 14 Apr 2009, 1:08 PM
Cool!
Posted 14 Apr 2009, 1:53 PM
Tasteful. Good for the cast to do that!
Posted 14 Apr 2009, 6:19 PM
I'm glad to hear that the cast of Star Trek, JJ Abrams and Paramount decided to show the movie early to troops in the desert. Its a great morale booster. Anyone know if they are coming to Iraq?
Posted 15 Apr 2009, 6:37 PM
That's not a Corporal in the first picture, it looks like a Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class, looks like he's wearing a Seabee patch as well.
Posted 26 Apr 2009, 4:11 AM
Its very cool for the cast to do this, can't wait for the movies! love harold