Star Trek (2009)

director: J.J. Abrams

writers: Alex Kurtzman, Robert Orci

starring: Chris Pike, Zachary Quinto, Eric Bana, Zoe Saldana

genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-fi

I have never been a trekie. But this film has gone where few Trek films have gone before. Only First Contact, Wrath of Khan could be called equivalent .But because the franchise going with a fresh take it had the opportunity to excel even more in action, effects and with J.J. Abrams at the helm it can really take Star Trek to the final frontier.

This is a prequel and new beginning of sorts. So anyone not familiar with Star Trek will not have any problems catching up. We follow our lead characters James T. Kirk (Chris Pine) and Spock (Zachary Quinto) and how they grow up to be great men. I will not give many details as not to spoil the film. Here the story deals with time travel and the menacing Romulan Nero (Eric Bana) who is out for revenge against the Federation and Spock. We find out his connection to future Spock and his role in the fates of our dear enterprise crew. But the film is most importantly about the rise of our beloved Kirk, Spock, Ohura, McCoy, Scottie, Chekov and Sulu and how they all come together to live new adventures on their Star Trek.

Some of the feelings I had after viewing the film are of relief and admiration. Relief that this didn’t go bad as it could have and admiration for the contribution of everyone in the production of doing a swell job. This is how action films should be made. With great momentum, epic scenery, character confrontations. This shows to the new generation that Star Trek can not only be for geeks but everyone. From the music of Michael Giancchino who does the score for Lost you feel the epic sense the picture has. Also there should be much praise for casting selections. None are big stars, but all up and coming talented actors.

Trek fans and new fans should just fell lucky that the right guys were given the opportunity to make this film. Both writers are big Star Trek fans and are completely respectful to the films and the original series Also the choice of Abrams who is very good director and has showed that action is his fortay but he will never let the story or characters take second place to the action. Picking him as the director as he is a casual Star Trek fan was a wise choice so they could make this film more open to newer fans.

As good as the film is it’s still not perfect. It lacks in some areas this perfection. One problem for me is the villain. I’m not going to say that he’s not a good Star Trek villain or that Khan was better. As I was never a big Khan fan. But Nero was not scary for me or even memorable. I didn’t feel threaten by his presence. Eric Bana plays the part well. But didn’t deliver more than what was on script. Another problem but logical because it’s the first film is that I didn’t feel so emotionally connected to the characters. And I don’t mean I didn’t care about the characters. But I never felt that they were in danger. But as one of the developments in the film this will change in further films.

Pleasantly suspired is the best feeling you will get after seeing this film. As now that summer is coming blockbusters will keep on a rolling. And Star Trek is just the start for you to get excited and become a trekie.

Personal Rating:

Review by Paul