Myviewing's Movie Review of Star Trek

Rating of
4/4

Star Trek

Star Trek (2009) Review
Myviewing - wrote on 12/01/09

This movie is intended to be a reboot of the franchise by going back to the roots that made Star Trek what it was, and offering a totally new origin story for the classic 1966 series. This much is certain, after 7 years of all but losing its credibility, this was a "do or die" scenario for the series. This would either be the final nail in the coffin, or the kick in the rear that it needed to get back on course. What I'm really, really, pleased to say, is that J.J. Abrams chose to give the series the later option. I say that's a good thing because J.J. has set up a universe for a promising new beginning with the movie.

The movie is something spectacular for sure, be it in terms of a visual feast for the eyes or someone looking for a great 2-hour time killer with a need for action or an enthralling story. Star Trek's greatest appeal is the fact that it's an origin story that redefines the entire Star Trek universe, so even if you haven't seen a Star Trek movie or tv show before, this is something that's sure to win over the most diehard Star Wars fanboy who's been fighting Trekkies back in the day.

I'll give you the bare bones of what the story is like, the movie begins with a bang, the USS Kelvin is under attack from a Romulan mining vessel. In this scene, the crew is escaping, while George Kirk is ordered to see everyone off, including his pregnant wife. In their last few moments over a telecom chat, they decide to name him after Winona's father, James (Chris Pine) (Apparently they thought Tiberius was too odd of a name). After the escape scene and the destruction of the Kelvin, we're treated to seeing James getting himself in Juvinile Detention when he drives a car off of a cliff and manages to jump out at the last minute... He's pretty young at this point too... About 8 I'd guess.

We also get to see the iconic Spock (Zachary Quinto... and guess who else?) grow up with his "disability" as a half-Vulcan, causing him to reject his membership at the Vulcan Science Academy, thus leaving him only the option of joining Starfleet Command on Earth. What ensues afterwards is a space opera involving the old cast of characters reincarnated to appeal to the new generation. We even get a guest visit from Captain Christopher Pike (Bruce Greenwood) of pre-series establishment fame. Not only are the characters likeable, but the storytelling is epic, the humor allows for camp sessions but remains consistent just like in the previous shows, there's even a huge nod to the original series at a point in the movie, and the casting is very well done to boot.

I wasn't too worried about Zachary Quinto since even though I've only seen one episode of "Heroes," I knew the show itself was very well casted. What really had me staying observant though was Chris Pine as James, since if you look at his bibliography he's a pretty new actor, his first movie being Princess Diaries 2: The Royal Engagement, and stared only in romantic comedies afterwards. Not only does Chris Pine work as the new Kirk, but the rest of the cast with their trademark personality traits are here as well. Checkov has the accent and he can beam up people, Sulu is Asian and is the pilot, it's basically all the same from the original show, the only real difference being that Pike is the Captain while Kirk is under service to the Enterprise.

If you're familiar with Star Trek's storytelling, you'd know that it can be campy, epic, and provoking at the same time like the Star Wars movies. Star Trek pulls this off very well, there are serious moments that the crew encounters at times and sometimes they pull off a little tongue and cheekyness, but it's not done in heartfelt situations that don't call for it.

The movie also ends on a note showing that the Star Trek universe is now left to be written in both Star Trek universe terms and in real life terms. Star Trek is a very welcome addition to the summer line up considering the last sci-fi movie that had me as enticed as I was was Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, and it's been four years already. That's too long for me since I can't name many other space operas off the top of my head besides Serenity and The Fifth Element. I can only hope the movie does well in theaters and the end result is sequels.

So on my three point scale, I'd overall say, "See it!" Star Trek (2009) is a very compelete movie that offers a new future for the classic franchise. It has a wide amount of appeal and not much to complain about. Let's hope that with this movie in place that new entries to the series are made based off of it.

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