Crazy question? Not really. Ron Howard's megabudget Angels & Demons did indeed take in $48 million on its opening weekend, enough to just squeeze ahead of Star Trek in its second week. But read between the lines and you don't quite come up with a success story. That $48 million gross for the sequel to The Da Vinci Code, once again starring Tom Hanks as Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon, is substantially below the $77 million that Da Vinci took in on its debut weekend in 2006. Dan Brown's Angels & Demons was a definite bestseller, but it only sold half the 80 million copies of Brown's Da Vinci Code. Worse, it barely stirred up an iota of controversy. Da Vinci posits that Jesus was married with children, making Angels' claim of anti-scientific bias in the Catholic Church seem like small potatoes. Ironically, the faster-paced film version of Angels received marginally better reviews than the slogging chunk of anti-cinema that was The Da Vinci Code on screen. But if money talks in Hollywood, it's writing a dimmer box-office future for Angels & Demons.
On the other hand, look at Star Trek, which is defying the odds that blockbusters open big and sink like a stone in the followup weekend. Hello-goodbye, Wolverine. And yet here's the critically acclaimed reboot of Star Trek taking in a huge $43 million the second time around and damn near crushing Angels in its opening assault. That's power, baby, word-of-mouth power. Audiences are liking Star Trek, talking about it, and telling their friends to see it. You can't buy that kind of clout. In just two weeks, Star Trek already has $148 million in the till and may rival the juggernauts of Transformers 2 and Harry Potter 6 as the summer's hottest ticket just by letting slow and steady win the race. Which brings me to a question I've been hearing lots of folks arguing about. Who is the Most Valuable Player in the new Trek universe? Is It Chris Pine's Kirk, Zachary Quinto's Spock or another member of the crew? I want answers. Are you voting Kirk or Spock?
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Jane | August 18, 2009 7:34 AM
I'd go with Quinto because the character was really at the heart of this movie. I loved a lot of the supporting actors too, but I can't really imagine the movie being successful without the perfect Spock. Pine was also fun and charming as Kirk but I know that Shatner's portrayal in the originals was never much lauded critically or by fans so I think Pine had an easier act to follow. Nimoy, on the other hand, was not only praised to the skies for his Spock performance but is also IN THIS MOVIE too. The fact that Quinto made the role his own following that act and having the legend himself in the movie is quite a feat.
Kate | June 11, 2009 9:16 PM
quinto as Spock amazing deep and moving he had the harder job he had to act against the man we all know as Spock, respect what Spock while giving us a new younger spock and he did it all.
jeslil7 | June 5, 2009 6:46 AM
Spock, all the time.
JPT | June 1, 2009 4:18 PM
Spock all the way! Zach Quinto nailed the part, and the scenes with Zoe Saldana (Uhura) were both beautiful and touching. The whole cast did an excellent job.
Liz | May 26, 2009 1:56 PM
Zachary Quinto wins but just barely. Quinto has a classic, more manly beauty than Chris. Chris Pine was delightful as Kirk but Quinto was so deep and moving. Truly, it's like asking what is more beautiful ... the ocean or the sky. Each has it's beauty and neither would be as grand without the other.
raspberry | May 24, 2009 6:56 PM
Zaaachary! SPOCK all the way. His performance was brilliant; not just a rehashing of Nimoy's mannerisms, but an artistic lesson in how to become and breath new life into a character. He didn't play Spock, he WAS Spock. The whole cast was great. Quinto just took the next step.
Blackholesun | May 22, 2009 5:13 PM
It's a tie. You can't have Kirk without Spock cuz subspace is a two-way street.
Thadd | May 22, 2009 1:53 AM
It's Kirk all the way. Nemoy was great playing Spok, but Shatner blew chunks and the new Kirk shows us a character we can actually relate to. Not some arrogant jerk who's head is always in the clouds.
daxve | May 21, 2009 9:15 PM
Everyone is talking about the dudes what about ohura's replacement?
Smart and Hot
I rather watch her than a bunch of dudes....the cast kicked ass i hope they do a run of movies for a long time...Bring in KHAN!!!!
Kira | May 21, 2009 5:02 PM
Spock all the way. Zach was absolutely fantastic; he really made the whole movie fit together. The whole cast was great, but Spock was the driving force.
Amanda | May 21, 2009 2:39 PM
I think spock was the best.
Val | May 21, 2009 2:15 PM
The second I saw Zachary Quinto as Spock I knew I was going to be there opening day.
So what if it put me a day behind on studying for Finals, it was totally worth it.
Live well and prosper.
Tom in vegas | May 21, 2009 12:00 PM
First I have to say, the overall casting may be the start of the movie, extremely well cast all around. My choice for best, Karl Urban as Bones. He just nails it, without going overboard, he captures both the character, and his own predecessor, DeForest Kelley. I can say pretty much the same for Simon Pegg as Scotty, hell to a point I can say that about just about all of them, but Urban stuck out for me.
ginseng | May 21, 2009 1:04 AM
Spock. Definitely Spock. I want him to be nominated for a Best Supporting Oscar. His performance was light years beyond Nimoy's.
s3an | May 20, 2009 11:50 PM
Simon Pegg deserves props for his role as Scotty.
Brian | May 20, 2009 10:47 PM
Kirk
jess | May 20, 2009 10:04 PM
The ONLY reason I delayed studying for two of my Biology midterms was to see Zachary Quinto embody Spock.
Hands down best performance and light years ahead of everyone else.
Eduardo Balerdi | May 20, 2009 9:44 PM
captain Pike
Ancient Lilbit | May 20, 2009 5:47 PM
Scotty and Spock. Marvelous. But I don't mean to take anything away from the rest of the cast. For me, it was like seeing old friends once again.
gunner | May 20, 2009 2:39 PM
I think everyone did a great job. Karl nailed Bones from the first word, Quinto was everything I hoped he would be, but not knowing Chris Pine I wasn't too sure what to expect. He had a difficult task of honoring the character but not taking it too far. Who hasn't done that with Kirk over the years? What I enjoyed most about his performance is that it was very subtle and you realize toward the end of the film that his is becoming more kirkish. In other words there is development there. Everyone was amazing and I am so happy these characters live on. I also love the fact that we are now dealing with an alternate future so anything goes in the movies to come. It is wide open as far as story development is concerned. Well written. Very well written.
Teorwyn | May 20, 2009 10:43 AM
I was impressed by everyone's performance, but my vote goes for Zachary Quinto as Spock. I think he did an incredible job.
lauren | May 20, 2009 7:56 AM
Quinto as Spock...it was a more challanging role, the being of two races and fitting in with neither. Pine as Kirk was excellant, but the role was simple. Pointy ears and a hand gesture do not a perfect Spock make.
John | May 20, 2009 3:31 AM
Chris Pine as Kirk and John Cho as Sulu...the diving, fighting, and hugging scenes were all great!
RW | May 19, 2009 11:23 PM
Spock would get my vote. I enjoyed the movie more than I thought I would. I could easily see it again.
Samantha | May 19, 2009 8:52 PM
Chris Pine, without a doubt. The minute his face appeared on screen, you are just glued to him. He was able to play Kirk as charismatic, sexy, intelligent, resourceful, brave, and funny. I couldn't take my eyes off him, and I was glad he wasn't just this gorgeous face. This guy can act. Quinto was also very good, but the fact that he looks so much like Nimoy, in my opinion, makes his performance easier to pull off. Pine really had to make you forget about Shatner or at least make you love him just as much, and he succeeded in spades. Chris Pine had a star making performance.
kfawv | May 19, 2009 8:11 PM
he....is....SYLAR!!!
fuck spock
Mandela | May 19, 2009 6:33 PM
I'd have to say the only performance I could not quite say was great was Urban's as Bones. He was good, but having to say those old lines (Damnit Jim!) and obviously feeling obliged to imitate rather than recreate the good Dr., his performace came just shy of parody, without the humour, which wasn't good. Everyone else seemed to either dwell easily in or stretch out the shoes of their characters without any awkwardness like Urban's. Still, he was good and will be better next time around. My vote is for Pine. Many could have put on the ears and been Spock, and I recognize that Quinto's performace was one of those where in retrospect you cannot imagne aynone else of his generation in the role, but I think the pretty boy Pine had a lot riding against him in taking on Kirk, yet I think he completely assumed the role with a great comic ability that made the transition smooth. Most would have taken on the role and either fill the role or a more known actor would have tried to act his heart out to seal the character, but Pine just steps up and IS Kirk in his youth. Besides, is the new Spock not very similar to Sylar? I know this is blasphemy, but really, watch Heroes and Star Trek and try and convince yourself that he doesn't act them both the same way, but at different decibels, and varying degrees.
Steve | May 19, 2009 6:31 PM
Engineer Olson! He continues to carry on the important legacy of all the Red Shirts that died before him.
I'm kidding! It's Pine. He had to turn around a part that Shatner turned into pure ham and make it cool and relevant at the same time. He succeeded very well.
bozz | May 19, 2009 6:16 PM
Simon Pegg, no doubt about it.
SajiNoKami | May 19, 2009 5:55 PM
They all had their moments and as a collective brought the crew together.
Quinto as Spock...
What stood out with me, after seeing the movie for the 2nd time about an hour ago, he says so much with his eyes, as was mentioned in a post above, the point he declined the council... the f*-u vibe, so came off him.
Pine as Kirk...
There is just something about him, this impish quality that really plays well to the character.
But truly it was how the actors could play off each other, as the old cast did, that really made this movie a success.
I hope they get more Spock and Bones interactions the next one. That was always a classic in the old.
Christina | May 19, 2009 5:48 PM
Star Trek was definitely a surprise. The film was MUCH better than anticipated.
mememe | May 19, 2009 5:16 PM
ZACH ZACH ZACH QUINTO!!!!
Mad breakthrough big-screen acting skillz there, and all around.
Sara | May 19, 2009 5:07 PM
Zachary Quinto was amazing as Spock. Definitely the stand out.
toooo | May 19, 2009 3:40 PM
Chris Pine was the best i loved his rebellious performance
he rocks
Loving Zach | May 19, 2009 1:04 PM
The cast did a wonderful job (tribute) to the original cast ... but its Zach Quinto that I've been dreaming about ever since! The touching scene/sexual tension between Spock and Uhura had my legs crossing.
Eric | May 19, 2009 11:46 AM
Karl Urban was terrific. Chris Pine got the essence of his character perfectly. Sulu, Chekhov, and scotty were all good. The only character I had a problem with was Zachary Quinto, his spock was very different from leonard nimoy's and I didn't like it.
darkelflass | May 19, 2009 11:45 AM
Spock. Spock. Spock. But the rest of the cast was spot on.
shena | May 19, 2009 11:27 AM
i love checkhov, everyone in the ovie theater was laughing with him
mrs quinto | May 19, 2009 11:04 AM
ZACH ALL THE WAY 4EVER!!
Luke | May 19, 2009 10:13 AM
Personally I loved Simon Pegg as Scotty because he stole every scene that he was in.
Jess Short | May 19, 2009 9:48 AM
Zach is great! Definitely him!
Nevidge20 | May 19, 2009 8:43 AM
Zach Quinto as Spock. Most definatly the best character in the movie :D
HelloJackToad | May 19, 2009 6:51 AM
Karl Urban as Bones. More please.
Paty | May 19, 2009 6:37 AM
Zach Quinto as Spock! He's the perfect Spock and he did a brilliant job!
Nea | May 19, 2009 5:21 AM
This is easy! Zachary Quinto as Spock. Ya, the whole cast was really great, so so good. But still, Spock.. was perfect.
Leyla | May 19, 2009 4:28 AM
Zachary Quinto as Spock. Of course the whole cast is great, but Spock made the movie.
Geo | May 19, 2009 2:17 AM
Simon Pegg as Scotty. Nuff said
Mandi | May 19, 2009 1:43 AM
Uhura's boyfriend.
mollow | May 19, 2009 12:50 AM
me
TREKIE | May 19, 2009 12:27 AM
karl urban is bones!
ryangibsonstewart | May 19, 2009 12:00 AM
Tough call...but Spock wins it by an ear.
Ron | May 18, 2009 11:34 PM
Spock! Quinto is perfect.
Sheindie | May 18, 2009 11:33 PM
Zachary Quinto is amazing and has a huge worldwide fan base...he was born to play this part ... and his major fan group, SArmy, agrees :) He is the MVP
viggolover | May 18, 2009 11:06 PM
Zachary as Spock!! Karl Urban was great as Bones. Third Chris Pine as Kirk
Pam | May 18, 2009 10:48 PM
1) Zachary Quinto
2) Karl Urban
3)Everyone and everything thing else that makes me want to see this movie a fourth time.
sugarloaffrankiej | May 18, 2009 10:08 PM
"The ex-wife got the whole damn planet in the divorce..." Pine and Quinto excel, but Urban made the day!! Civilians don't realize that it has always been about Spock AND McCoy completing the triumvirate with Jimmy-boy :-) I thought the most touching (and most hilarious) moments of friendship in the movie were when Bones got Kirk on the Enterprise-- LMFAO "Will you STOP that?"
Nat | May 18, 2009 8:46 PM
Quinto absolutely, hands-down the best!
It was great because was NOT a mimic of old spock (I was just rewatching some old episodes actually) but it was SO fitting, Quinto portraying Spock's turbulent path. '
While I thought Bones, Kirk, and Scotty were all great as well, the storyline was essentially about Spock and his story with Kirk just leading a fight.
I think Spock's character was just explored more in depth and Quinto brought that characterization out perfectly.
Sean | May 18, 2009 6:18 PM
Quinto, without a doubt. While the other stars, all with film credits in their resumes, each had a moment or two to shine, Zachary carried Spock with a lonely grace. Truly playing to a character caught between two cultures, Quinto never let a bit of Sylar (his Heores character) slip into his performance. His genuine talent made him fit so comfortably into the scenes that it made everyone seem as though they were playing a part, while he was living it.
norma | May 18, 2009 6:09 PM
Everyone was excellent! However, Simon Pegg as Scotty, Quinto as Spock, and Pine as Kirk were all standouts for me.
Liz | May 18, 2009 5:51 PM
All of the actors in this pic are great:) My vote still goes to Quinto. His role is more difficult to make interesting.
Nakira | May 18, 2009 5:18 PM
They are both awesome, but I am a little bias when it comes to Zachary Quinto, so I'm going to go with Spock.
Oli | May 18, 2009 4:58 PM
Zachary Quinto as Spock. Although Chris Pine did an excellent job as Kirk.
EG | May 18, 2009 4:53 PM
I'm definitely going to go with Chris Pine's interpretation of a young Kirk. Spock's portrayal was just a mimic of Nimoy's performance in the series. Pine took the character of Kirk and made it his own.
calico | May 18, 2009 4:50 PM
Loved them both. They have great chemistry together, and the support crew were good too. Excellent, excellent movie. Can't wait for the next!
Hollie | May 18, 2009 4:44 PM
I liked Star Trek very much, but I'm in love with Spock and Zachary.
Matt | May 18, 2009 4:42 PM
The only emotion I wish to convey is gratitude. Thank you, Council, for your consideration. Live long and prosper (extend middle finger). His line gave me chills. Spock. But everyone else nailed it too!
CrazyWater | May 18, 2009 4:35 PM
Treker: What was so dismal about Jeffery Hunter's portrayal of Capt Pike? Bruce Greenwood was excellent but did not surpass Hunter because they two actors interpretation of the characters were very different.
Treker | May 18, 2009 4:22 PM
Bruce Greenwood was terrific in the role of Captain Pike of the Enterprise. He recreated the character as a strong Captain, unlike the dismal character in the TV show.
K | May 18, 2009 4:03 PM
Chris Pine as Kirk. Although, Zach Quinto as well as the supporting cast were great too.
JP | May 18, 2009 3:53 PM
The real MVP is the supporting cast. Simon Pegg and John Cho have been leading actors in other movies. They know how to carry a movie. Karl Urban and (forgive me) the actress who played Uhura all create sparks that both Chris Pine and Zachery Quinto play off of and to make them look good.
Bo | May 18, 2009 3:46 PM
Winona Ryder!
Not, two screen minutes or so aren't enough for qualifications. (Although I've seen some photos from scenes with her but not in the cinema cut.) I am going for Chris Pine as Kirk.
pete | May 18, 2009 3:24 PM
nobody's gonna give props to simon pegg as scotty??!!?!?!?
come on! the dude was hysterical, and he totally nailed the "i'm giving all she's got!"!!!!
but, besides that, pine gave a star-is-born performance as kirk. quinto was the coolest as spock, but pine was the driving force of the movie.
bones was great as well.
morgan | May 18, 2009 3:01 PM
Both quinto and pines seem to play off eachother..
so luckily they give equally great performances for their respective characters..
tie ! lol
Although that foreign speaking german dude was annoying as hell......
Velveetahead | May 18, 2009 2:58 PM
I thought pine and quinto did a great job but karl urban was superb!
pola07 | May 18, 2009 2:54 PM
zachary quinto as spock was great!
Sue | May 18, 2009 2:38 PM
Zachary Quinto. He's in a different league to the others.
helen | May 18, 2009 2:38 PM
Quinto as Spock. He gave an incredible performance. He's a fantastic actor.
Karl Urban would be second on my list and I hope we see more of him in the next film.
Pine's performance was ok but not THAT memorable.
Bones | May 18, 2009 1:48 PM
Damn it Peter, I'm a doctor, not a pretty boy actor.
dgk | May 18, 2009 1:47 PM
SPOCK
Bess | May 18, 2009 1:20 PM
Karl Urban as Bones, though I agree that Pine was a surprise (in a good way).
iLly | May 18, 2009 1:18 PM
Haven't seen it yet. I think I will see Angels and Demons first, though. It's the one my dad wants to see.
Frank | May 18, 2009 1:06 PM
I was predisposed not to like Chris Pine if only for the fact that he was replacing the ultra hammy William Shatner. But I'll be damned if wasn't superbly charasmatic as the new Captain Kirk. Of course, Zachary Quinto is a fine Spock, but anyone who's seen the first season of Heroes already knows that Quinto was born to play this part.
jammer | May 18, 2009 12:45 PM
Karl Urban as Bones. Hands down the best. Pine was a pleasant surprise, though.
Lettrek | May 18, 2009 12:10 PM
Spock, of course.