Volumes Could be written about what a disgrace this film was...

Rating: 2/10 (28 May 2014)

Honestly, I could fill university text books with how this film is not only terrible as a stand-alone film, but also an insult to the Star Trek legacy. For purposes of efficiency I have itemized the major downfalls based mainly on the lack of clear conceptualization of plot and character rather than the lack of a talented cast, although in all fairness horrible acting did contribute to my overall disdain for the film. The absolute main concern I have with the film, and I feel the majority of TOS fans have, is that nothing about the films uphold the ideals and values of Star Fleet or the United Federation of Planets. I know it sounds oober nerdy, but stick with me here, Star Trek owes most of it's success to these elements of peaceful quests for knowledge and a responsibility of Star Fleet personnel on behalf of an advanced human civilization on Earth and Earth colonies on other planets. It is a character driven show whose greatness is amplified by fantastic stories as told by master storytellers. As great as the science fiction sets and effects were for the time, they were merely tools implemented by the storytellers. All of this being said, it is clear what direction this review will follow:
*Captain Kirk: Captain Kirk is an honorable man. He is occasionally mischievous, but always in a calculated and clever way in order to benefit the greater good (The Enterprise Incident). He is in no way a common street thug, as portrayed in this film. His bravery and passion for adventure is due to his deep devotion to the Prime Directive, not a deep urge to rebel and cause chaos.
*Mr. Spock: Mr. Spock is a fan favorite for many obvious reasons. His expansive knowledge combined with a quick wit and a rare emotion makes him a very likable character. Also, he is an alien, a friendly alien who is not feared but respected by his counterparts. Occasionally there are characters with a dislike for him, but that is generally turned around within the span of an episode. The new Mr. Spock is seeping emotion, even when he is trying not to emote, he is projecting anger.
*Dr. McCoy: I know I said I would not bring up acting, but really, there is no way not to on this one. As bad as the others were, this role was not essential enough in this film to focus on anything but this horrible acting. DeForest Kelley actually had a southern drawl, naturally, it was not just part of the character, it is what he brought to the character. Karl Urban has very forced emotion and an extremely forced southern accent. Even down to facial gestures and body movement, it is like watching a high school play with an overzealous lead.
*Lieutenant Uhura: This was just... a tragedy. Lieutenant Uhura is a strong, self-assured woman. She is usually the only female and only African American aboard the bridge of the Enterprise, yet she strives in this environment. She is occasionally playful, but all within the realm of respect to her duties aboard the ship and the role she plays in the productiveness of the bridge. She is a leader and an inspiration. The new film managed to take all of the meaning from this role. In this film, she is nothing but a love interest. By playing up the (ridiculous) relationship she has with (an over- emotional) Spock, it belittles the importance of her individual character.
*Story Vs. Effects: A film should never have these two factors playing against each other, bidding for favorites in a battle for popularity. In that respect, the story lost. I would love to do a survey, right after closing credits, "In your own words, what was this film about? What were the details of the plot and the main focuses of the film?". I am positive most of the answers would be somewhere in the ballpark of "not quite sure". It was the major complaint I've heard about the film. Story faults aside, the filmmakers spared no expense in the visual effects department. It was all top of the line, most advanced, and completely useless computer generated effects. By making the focus of the film the science fiction favorite effects of phasers, space crafts, and outer space, creators lead the film even farther from what Star Trek stands for and what it means to fans.
As well-received and possible well-liked as this film is, I think that it failed among true fans. There were simply too many flaws in too many essential aspects of Star Trek mythology. It is a black hole in the Star Trek universe, but fortunately for it, it is not a lone failure. As generation after generation try in vain to recreate the success of Star Trek The Original Series, this franchise reboot will most likely go on until it is not longer profitable. Even after this chapter is closed, true fans will always have TOS.