If the story fits their political agenda, to hell with research. Kind of like the Columbia coffin fiasco.

The whole story can be found at SpaceRef.com.

...What is missing from all of this is the context within which these memos were written and the relationship between the space agency and the film's producers.

According to NASA sources the New York Times article wasn't quite accurate. Indeed they got the polarity of the email's intent reversed. There was indeed an email and it was quoted correctly.

However, that email message had to do with NASA employees who had worked on the film (as individuals) proactively seeking interviews by the media in conjunction with the movie. The email had nothing to do with concerns over the editorial content or any attempt to limit response by NASA employees if asked.

The film's directors had apparently worked with NASA's Earth Science people on the script, but, after working with NASA personnel for several years, they failed to eventually sign a Space Act agreement. Signing such an agreement, as was the case with films such as "Mission to Mars" and "Armageddon" is a standing requirement for any project NASA cooperates with. In fact, word has it that NASA is waiting for the film to be released to see if it illegally uses the agency's logo.

Some of NASA's Earth science people were actually anxious to get out there and talk about the movie. NASA is reportedly ready to respond to any and all inquiries but the agency is concerned that it not be seen to promote the film in any way. It would seem that the NY Times did not follow this story to the depth it needed to be followed - and got the story wrong.

We will endeavor to get both the NASA HQ and NASA GSFC memos online - verbatim - in the next day or so.