"They all have something unique to bring to the team." That line is from the 2000 sports comedy The Replacements, about a bunch of scab football players hired to play for the Washington Sentinels when a players' strike hits. But it could easily be from J.J. Abrams' new Star Trek reboot, which takes the classic scifi franchise and turns it into a cross between Star Wars and an underdogs-make-good heartwarmer. True, the two films would ordinarily never be spoken of in the same sentence, but it's still worth checking out the ways in which they're similar -- and to see which underdog flick takes the gold at this particular big game.
Our Hero's Struggle for Leadership
Star Trek: Although his destiny is to be captain of the USS Enterprise, Kirk must overcome his own recklessness, as well as a challenge by his chief rival, Commander Spock (Zachary Quinto).
The Replacements: Although he's been hired to Quarterback the team, Falco must overcome his own lack of assertiveness on the field, as well as a challenge by the team's original quarterback, Eddie Martel (Brett Cullen).
The Winner: Star Trek. Let it never be said that Mr. Spock is not a formidable opponent.
Fear-Mongering Mumbo Jumbo
Star Trek: The infamous Kobayashi Maru Starfleet training
exercise is designed, in Spock's words, to make a potential captain
"experience fear -- fear in the face of certain death." Because fear is
necessary for leadership.
The Replacements: "A real man admits his fears" is Coach
McGinty's motto. So much so that he makes his team discuss what scares
them on the field during a team meeting. Because fear is necessary for competition. Or something.
Winner: Star Trek. Barely.
Bar Fight!
Star Trek: When Kirk hits on Uhura at an Iowa bar, all hell breaks loose.
The Replacements: When the striking players come into a bar where our heroes are having a post-game drink, all hell breaks loose.
The Winner: Neither. Can we just retire the bar fight plot development from movies altogether?
Verdict
The Winner: Star Trek. Breathe easy, fanboys.
