PLOT:
J.J. Abrams STAR TREK explores the early years of James T. Kirk and the rest of the crew aboard the USS Enterprise. When Spock, Bones, Uhura, Sulu and Chekov are all assigned together, they find themselves at odds with a villainous madman who is searching for Spock. Not expecting the life or death battle they have fallen into, the gang must learn to work alongside each other for the first time in order to take on this powerful enemy. And as they say, the future begins.
REVIEW:
I am not really a Trekker. While I absolutely respect the STAR TREK universe, I would really just call myself a minor fan. I’d watched some of “The Next Generation” and occasionally the original series. But I was most impressed with STAR TREK 2: THE WRATH OF KHAN which was an absolutely terrific entry. It is a true science fiction classic, with one of the most fascinating screen villains of all time. While it might be debatable which film is the best, depending on who you ask, I have a feeling many a Star Trek fan will find solace in J.J. Abrams’ glorious return to the Enterprise. From the opening moments of a massive siege, to a very satisfying conclusion, this will surely be remembered as one of the very brightest voyages of the Starship Enterprise.
While there was almost as much STAR WARS as there was STAR TREK in this re-boot, fans and newbies alike will enjoy the experience. It all begins with a birth and a death. The birth introduces us to a character named James T. Kirk. The death, I’ll let you find out for yourself. We learn a little bit about Kirk as a young boy who steals a car for a joyride, with a little Beastie Boys for listening pleasure. And then we dig further into our hero as a young man who is searching for self worth, and a way to get some action with the lovely Uhura (Zoe Saldana). One of the many priceless moments throughout the film includes Kirk’s (Chris Pine) introduction to Dr. Leonard McCoy… that would be ‘Bones’ to you. Karl Urban is fantastic as the put upon doctor who is not a magician, or whatever position he is asked to take on. He plays the character with sincerity and charm, giving an exciting and very funny performance. He did DeForest Kelley proud.
As I was watching a screening of the film over at Paramount, I found myself fully invested in this world. There were several moments that I felt giddy at with little bits of dialogue that will most certainly please fans of the original crew. It seems that Abrams and screenwriters Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman spent quite a bit of time with the classic series while working on this. They succeed at making a film for the fans that can easily be enjoyed by people who only know that Spock has pointy ears. It is fun, exciting and exuberantly entertaining. I don’t want to expand too much on the story, not that I feel it is so incredibly deep, yet for some reason I feel like it would be a disservice. You know basically what you are going to be seeing. And to see Spock (Zachary Quinto) and Kirk from the very beginning is worth savoring, and both actors are up to the task at hand.
Abrams has crafted a very successful entry into the Star Trek universe, but in many ways, this feels a little like the original STAR WARS films as well. It is certainly better then the last three, and yes, that means REVENGE OF THE SITH. All the elements are here and Abrams has the sheer audacity to take it a step up with some of the most exciting moments I’ve seen on film in quite awhile. From a towering drill that Kirk and Sulu (John Cho) take on, to a ghastly ship covered with tentacles that drifts through space and time. It is a stunning spectacle that makes for a groovy ride. And it also sports a nasty bad guy looking for revenge. I mentioned Khan as one of the greatest villains of all time. But I have to admit, Eric Bana’s Nero is also a very compelling fellow. This is a guy filled with some serious vengeance and rage issues. His reasons for his evil doing works, even if there might have been a more productive way of taking out his enemy, he is extremely effective, thanks to Bana's creepy performance.
As much as it surprised me, I think watching this re-envisioned tale has me longing to look back at some of the earlier films and the series itself. While Abrams story pumps up the action and the effects, it doesn’t lose sight of the strong characters who make this world rich and complete. I must admit, and I don’t normally say this, but I one-hundred percent want a sequel. I really want to see this continued. If this doesn’t jump start the franchise, I don’t know what possibly could.
My rating
9.5/10 --
JimmyO
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