The 11th film in the Trek movie series returns to the original crew of Kirk, Spock, McCoy, Scotty, Sulu, Chekov, and Uhura and succeeds in revitalizing these iconic characters by assembling a talented ensemble of new actors to inhabit them.
Working from a script by Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci, Abrams delivers an action-packed adventure that includes several outer space battles that get the blood pumping, planets being destroyed, crazy alien monsters, and a formidable antagonist - the requisite part of any Trek film.
Star Trek - Before The Beginning
The film's opening sequence involves an unequal match-up between a Federation ship, the USS Kelvin, and an awe-inspiring beast of a warship, the Narada, helmed by angry time-travelling Romulans and led by the angriest of them, Captain Nero (Eric Bana).
From that stage-setting sequence, the movie becomes chiefly an examination of two individuals - the brash, charismatic troubled rebel James Kirk (Chris Pine) and the half human/half Vulcan Spock (Zachary Quinto), who unite with the rest of the familiar crew of characters to stop Nero and his mad vengeance-laced rampage of destruction.
Along the way, a familiar face from the original series makes a key appearance - Leonard Nimoy, who returns to the role of Spock (or Spock Prime, for the purposes of the film).
Star Trek - What Works
What works best in favor of Star Trek is its casting. The actors portraying the famous crew do a fine job of capturing the essence of those characters, yet at the same time making them their own.
Chief standouts include Pine, who captures the swagger and charm of James Kirk while separating the character from William Shatner. Likewise, Quinto does a fine job of inhabiting the character of Spock while doing one better and actually acting in a scene opposite Nimoy as Spock.
Eric Bana's portrayal of Nero is primal and full of barely contained rage, making him a scary and challenging opponent, while Bruce Greenwood brings grace and gravitas to the role of Captain Pike, the first captain of the Enterprise and the mentor who convinces the wayward Kirk to join Starfleet.
The special effects are first-rate and put the audience in the driver's seat, at times conveying a real sense of motion. The action sequences on the platform above Vulcan and aboard the Narada are particular highlights.
Star Trek - What Doesn't Work (Spoilers Ahead)
For the most part, the script by Kurtzman and Orci delivers. However there are certain gaps in the narrative that are noticeably apparent, either because they weren't in the script to begin with or they were excised from the movie for time limitation reasons.
The circumstances that bring Nero and Spock Prime back in time are visually exciting but little explanation is provided as to the "how's" and "why's" of this event - which were covered in the excellent four-issue comic prequel Star Trek Countdown (For a review, click here). Additionally, the sequence of events that bring Spock Prime and young Kirk together on Delta Vega appear too coincidental and inadequately explained to allow for the suspension of disbelief.
These plot issues can be explained in part by the pacing of the film. Abrams brings a very quick pace to the movie, but too quick at times to allow for sufficient plot details and also for the viewer to take everything in.
Star Trek - Live Long And Prosper
In spite of its few flaws, Star Trek ultimately is an enjoyable film and a much needed shot in the arm for the ailing franchise, setting the stage well for more big-screen adventures to come.
