The Finest Star Trek/Prequel!

Rating: 10/10 (8 May 2009)

This rebirth of another seemingly over-dragged franchise is not only the best Star Trek out of the eleven films, but ranks as the most outstanding prequel of all time. Like many critics and film fans as myself, I yawned at yet another remake into a film franchise that was past its sell by date, until I watched this film because it is without a doubt a fantastic, mind-blowing film experience.
Full credit must obviously go to J.J. Abrams who has finally established himself as one of the most promising and gifted directors in Hollywood today. After creating Lost and Cloverfield, there was clear talent from this director, (who also directed the brilliant Mission Impossible 3) and its clear here that he took note of other successful previous prequel's, e.g. Batman Begins & Casino Royale.
To all those who weren't particular fans or just too young to remember (myself being nearly forced to watch certain episodes and previous films thanks to my father's massive fan base), will no doubt be aware of its popularity, and only appealing to those who enjoy science-fiction, but the movie ticks all the right boxes in regards to some of the most unforgettable special effects/action sequences, e.g. space attacks, planets sucked into black holes, chases, monstrous aliens (Abrams who is no stranger to this, thanks to his Cloverfield creation).
The film although at two hours, moves at a terrific pace, with a typical script of good versus evil, with Eric Bana (Chopper, Munich) portraying a brilliant and yet unrecognisable role as the bad guy leader of the 'Romulan Nero Empire,' bent on taking revenge due to the destruction of his planet by blowing up first the Vulcan planet, and then Earth.
The script feels fresh as it goes back to basics with how all the famous members of the Starship Enterprise crew becoming who they are by joining the Starfleet Academy, e.g. Captain Kirk (played brilliantly by an unknown Chris Pine), Commander Spock (a touching performance by Zachary Quinto, showing barely any typical emotion as a half human/Vulcan), Simon Pegg as chief engineer Scotty (with a witty and yet typical funny character, and reasonable Scottish accent), Karl Urban captures the determination and loyalty of Medical Officer Leonard 'Bones' McCoy, and the very attractive Zoe Saldana as Lieutenant Uhura (another unknown, but this picture will launch her career).
Good cameos as well by Winona Ryder (playing Spock's mother) and the legendary Leonard Nimoy as an 'older' version of Spock.
The film is not just a science fiction film, there's funny sequences involving Kirk having an allergic reaction which causes him to have 'BIG' hands at one point, and even emotional scenes where both Spock and Kirk encountering one another's feelings that escalates.
Some people will say it's cheesy and predictable, but I loved every minute of it, and was never bored, that should appeal to all people a-like, and one that I would highly recommend.
Boldly bring on the next picture that will be very tough to beat but can be done, e.g. The Dark Knight went one better than Batman Begins! An exhilarating and brilliant entertainment picture.