It wouldn't be "Star Trek" without microscopic over-analysis by fans, would it now?

Since I, too, am a longtime "Star Trek" fan, I get into the act in today's Culture Vulture column, looking at the science-fiction franchise's fan base - which is suddenly getting much larger, with the $79 million weekend the new movie had at the box office.

Central to the fans' self-identity is the use of two words: "Trekkie" and "trekker." I have always considered myself a trekkie - though, as the column explains, my definition is a bit different than others'.

But no matter how one defines "trekkie," it's great to see these familiar characters back in a new interpretation.

Labels: movies

Orrin Hatch - United States senator, or stand-up comedian?

Utah's senior senator played both roles Tuesday, when he spoke at a luncheon sponsored by the Motion Picture Association of America, Hollywood's lobbying arm in Washington, D.C.

According to this account in The Hollywood Reporter, Hatch talked seriously about politics to the assembled audience - which included the heads of most of the major movie studios - about pushing legislation to fight "the pervasive problem of piracy" of intellectual property. Hatch also opined that President Barack Obama's budget and tax policies will hurt industry, including the movie business.

Then Hatch put on his metaphorical clown nose.

Looking at Walt Disney Studios chairman Dick Cook, Hatch said, "Disney, you meet our standards. The rest of you bums, I'll tell you..."

He also recalled filming a 15-minute scene for Steven Soderbergh's movie "Traffic," which was cut to 11 seconds in the movie. "I'm really resentful of you people," Hatch said.

Here, according to The Hollywood Reporter, was Hatch's capper:

Hatch also earned laughs with a list of things he has learned from the movies. It included: Fleeing heroes can always find cover in a St. Patrick's Day parade any day and soldiers survive wars unless making the mistake of showing someone a picture of their sweetheart back home.

Thank you. You've been a great audience. Tip your waiters.

Labels: Barack Obama, movies, Orrin Hatch, politics

So how did Utah's cultural landscape fare after the Utah Legislature finished its work Thursday night?

The big news is that the massive rewrite of the state's liquor laws - which eliminates the "private club" regulations and lets existing restaurants take down the "Zion Curtain" - passed both houses and is heading to Gov. Jon Huntsman's desk. In spite of the more annoying parts of the bill (like requiring a separate area for drink-mixing in new restaurants), the overall effect helps drag Utah's liquor laws into the 21st century.

On the other hand, a bill that would have allowed bars and restaurants to sell draft beer that exceeds the notorious 3.2 percent alcohol level was left hanging in the Utah Senate.

Video-game sellers may have to be more careful to ID their customers. A bill - written by disbarred Florida lawyer and anti-video-game crusader Jack Thompson - headed to Huntsman's desk would increase the fines for retailers who sell M-rated video games to minors.

And Hollywood productions will have more reason to come to Utah. The Legislature is kicking up the state's motion picture incentive to 20 percent (for up to $500,000).

Labels: alcohol, alcohol laws, movies, Utah Legislature, videogames

The death Friday of Larry H. Miller - car magnate, entrepreneur, Utah Jazz owner, racing enthusiast - is going to leave a gaping hole in Utah's cultural fabric.

In so many ways, the idea of going out for a night on the town in Salt Lake City - whether it's a Jazz game, a concert at EnergySolutions Arena, or a movie at one of the Megaplex Theatres - wouldn't be the same without Miller's influence.

I interviewed Miller a few times about movies, which sparked his interest as an exhibitor - his Megaplex chain covers 70 screens in Utah - and, briefly, as a movie producer on "The Work and the Glory" series.

Movie producing was foreign territory for Miller, and it wasn't a good fit for him. In Miller's experience - selling cars and building an NBA franchise - quality means success; you put out a well-made car or a winning team, and people will buy.

Movies don't always work that way. "There can be some really well done stuff - cinematography-wise, story-wise, even acting-wise - and not have it do well," Miller told me in 2006.

Then there was that whole dust-up in 2006, when Miller pulled "Brokeback Mountain" from the Megaplex 17 because he was offended by the idea of gay cowboys. With that decision was the added hypocrisy that the theater, at the same time, was okey-dokey about booking a gruesome torture-porn horror movie, "Hostel."

"It's not my favorite business, just because it's one I'm not that engaged with like the car business and the basketball business," Miller said. "I don't understand it as much as the others."

Labels: Larry H. Miller, movies, Utah Jazz

Apparently because there's not enough to do in the Massachusetts Legislature, State Rep. William Brownsberger has introduced a bill that would make "Fever Pitch" - the 2005 romance and Red Sox comedy starring Drew Barrymore and Jimmy Fallon - the official movie of the commonwealth.

Aside from questioning Rep. Brownsberger's taste in movies (c'mon, why not "The Departed" or "Mystic River" or "Good Will Hunting"?), this story got me thinking: What would be Utah's official movie?

• Would it be a movie about Utah history, like "Brigham Young, Frontiersman"?
• Would it be a movie about Mormon history, like "The Work and the Glory"?
• Would it be a movie filmed in Utah, like "High School Musical" or "Thelma and Louise"?
• Or would it be a movie made by a Utah filmmaker, like Trent Harris' "Rubin & Ed"?

Come on, Utah, what would you pick? Nominate your favorites in the comments.

Labels: movies, Utah Legislature