J.J. Abrams' Star Trek – Film Review
Modernized Star Trek Movie Time Warps Back To The Final Frontier
All "Star Trek" moviegoers will be entertained by the blend of comedy, romance and suspense, so beloved in the original television series, in this deep space actioner.
For The Newbies To The Star Trek Franchise
This slick futuristic fantasy introduces a young and inexperienced crew that is thrust aboard the maiden voyage of a starship, called the U.S.S. Enterprise. Jockeying for leadership positions are a brash cadet, “Jim” Kirk (Chris Pine), and the ship’s novice first officer, a half-Vulcan /half-Human, called Spock (Zachary Quinto). The fledgling space explorers are challenged to prevent an intergalactic tragedy, created by a time-traveling nemesis from their future.
In the real time of the alien villain, Captain James T. Kirk and Spock are legendary as Starfleet leaders. Starfleet is the scientific, diplomatic and military arm of “The Federation”, an interplanetary peace-keeping agency. Despite their two distinctly different personalities, Kirk and Spock have combined their talents to boldly lead their crew through numerous dangerous missions. In fact, the former rivals have bonded as brother in arms.
The villain, Nero (Eric Bana), a Romulan mining ship captain, blames the elder Spock (Leonard Nimoy) for the destruction of his home planet. Captain Nero vows revenge on both the pointy-eared Vulcan and the entire “Federation” organization. Through his disruption of time and space, by going back into the past, the Romulan creates an alternate universe. Thus, the galactic crisis befalls the younger Kirk and Spock.
For The Trekker In Us All
Gone are the poor production values and cheesy special effects of the low-budgeted, '60’s-style TV show. Yet, the revamped movie version remains true to established Trek lore, in respect of longtime devotees of the sci-fi cult phenomenon.
The films’ action-packed opening title sequence reveals the backstory of Captain James Tiberius Kirk’s birth during his father’s short, but courageous time in power as a Starfleet captain. The plot continues to recount the individual development of both Kirk and Spock, -from childhood to adolescence to early adulthood.
Kirk and Spock first collide with each other at the Starfleet Academy. Both are drawn to the beautiful, but tough Uhura (Zoe Saldana), a brilliant linguist. The instant adversaries confront each other, again, on board the U.S.S. Enterprise. During these encounters, we also discover the genesis of each favorite crew member. It is especially amusing to hear them say the phrases that made their Star Trek character famous.
The movie could benefit from more character development of both Chris Pine as Kirk, the young, emerging leader, and Zachary Quinto as the "logical versus emotional" conflicted Spock.
Starfleet Crew
The ensemble cast is headed by Chris Pine (Bottle Shock, Smokin’ Aces), Zachary Quinto (TV hit series "Heroes”), Zoe Saldana (Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Center Stage), Eric Bana and Leonard Nimoy.
Joining the actors on the bridge, are John Cho as Sulu, Karl Urban as Dr. “Bones” McCoy, Anton Yelchin as Chekov, Simon Pegg as Scotty. “Star Trek” also stars Ben Cross, Bruce Greenwood and Winona Ryder.
The film is directed by J.J. Abrams (Mission: Impossible III, Lost, Alias). Written by Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci (Transformers). Based upon the original 1960’s television series, "Star Trek", created by Gene Roddenberry.
Produced by J.J. Abrams and Damon Lindelof. The executive producers are Bryan Burk, Jeffrey Chernov, Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman. Photography directed by Dan Mindel, ASC. Production designed by Scott Chambliss. Edited by Maryann Brandon, A.C.E. and Mary Jo Markey, A.C.E. Costume designed by Michael Kaplan. Visual effects & animation are by Industrial Light & Magic. Music composed by Michael Giacchino. Original "Star Trek" theme by Alexander Courage. Released by Paramount Pictures.
(Running Time: 126 min)
(Rated: PG-13, for sci-fi action and violence and brief sexual content.)
Spock and James T. Kirk in STAR TREK
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Uhura at the Bridge
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