“Star Trek” is a flawless reboot of a dying franchise, the young enterprise crew is impressive.
Of course, I have to be upfront and honest about two things: I am a “Star Wars” fan… and while I haven’t seen a new Star Trek movie since 1991′s “The Undiscovered Country”, I did see dozens of episodes from the original series from 1966-1969, the animated series, and a majority of episodes from “The Next Generation” (1987-1994).
Here’s the thing: you don’t have to be a “Star Trek” fan to like this movie, because J.J. Abrams delivers a sci-fi action movie that Trekkies will love and even Star Wars fans can respect.
I’m not going to spoil the plot of the movie for you, but this movie does what other re-boots or spin-offs or backstories 0r prequels have tried and failed: it makes minor changes and directly or indirectly addresses them and it embraces what worked in the past.
All the science fiction fantasy and adventure of space is there, the tension between the good guys and bad guys, the witty barbs between Kirk and Spock, and the classic lines from Dr. McCoy and Scotty.
But here’s what this movie has that the all the “Star Trek” movies, except “The Wrath of Khan” (1982), didn’t have: an injection of youth, vigor, intensity, epic scale, genuine comic relief, a believeable out-of-this-world feeling, and real action and suspense.
“Star Trek”‘s cast features a talented group of household names and up-and-coming actors that quickly fill out this new universe: from Chris Pine who is solid as the younger James T. Kirk, to Zachary Quinto (Sylar from NBC’s “Heroes”) who seems born to play Spock like Leonard Nimoy before him, to Eric Bana who turns in a solid turn as the villian, Romulan Capt. Nero.
The special effects, sound, and editing are great and all worthy of Oscar considerations. The cinematography, costumes, makeup and art direction aren’t bad either.
There are some nice touches like Kirk flirting with a green-skinned alien woman, an actor from the old series and movies has a part in this movie, the traditional opening line “Space, the final frontier… to boldly go where no man has gone before” appears at the end of the movie, and the continual hints of the traditional music and sound effects.
If that’s not enough, the song “Sabotage” by the Beastie Boys is in the soundtrack.
THE BOTTOM LINE:
A tip of the cap from this Star Wars fan. This Star Trek movie has energy, action, excitement that make it more than just a great movie for this franchise, its a great summer blockbuster… I give it 8.5 out of 10… but Star Wars fanboys can still have some respect seeing this film: the famed and honored sound designer/sound editor from the Star Wars franchise has the same duties in this one… and the force is with him. No need to revoke my Star Wars fan card.
“Star Trek”
(2009) (rated: PG-13 for sci-fi action and violence, and brief sexual content)
(2 hr, 6 min)
Starring: Chris Pine (Kirk), Zachary Quinto (Spock), Leonard Nimoy, Eric Bana (Nero), Bruce Greenwood (Capt. Pike), Karl Urban (Dr. McCoy), Zoe Saldana (Uhura), Simon Pegg (Scotty), John Cho (Sulu), Anton Yelchin (Chekov), Ben Cross, Winona Ryder
Director: J.J. Abrams
Genre: Sci-Fi/Action/Adventure/Star Trek
The Plot: A chronicle of the early days of James T. Kirk and his fellow USS Enterprise crew members.
So what did you think? Please post a comment!
“Star Trek” poster courtesy Paramount
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