Star Trek (2009): A Grand-Slam Success

Rating: 10/10 (16 May 2009)

Star Trek (2009) is an action-packed refreshing version of the classic franchise, not Trek canon, but this prequel does contain many of the core elements that have captured audiences for the past forty-three years. Good solid suspenseful story, superlative acting by the entire cast, excellent direction and the finest CGI special effects to ever hit the screen. Not so much a morality play as the original TV series, but more of a grand-slam richly-woven masterpiece of entertainment that keeps audiences riveted.
Even hard-line Trekkers have to experience that rare feeling of elation to see the young Capt. Kirk and Mr. Spock side-by-side on the bridge of the Enterprise. Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto give a great new dimension to the roles, and Leonard Nimoy (as always) is quite sensational in his portrayal of the elder Spock. Many fans of course miss seeing William Shatner and other original cast members recreate their roles and we'd like to see them all return.
Would be terrific if J.J. Abrams, Bryan Burk and Paramount Pictures cast Chris Pine, William Shatner et. al. in a different, but similarly appealing science fiction film based on the best-selling book Sunstroke by David Kagan, They would have to deal with a huge satellite--with a mind of its own-- that beams down power from the sun via microwaves, then is coerced to turn all life on Earth into crispy critters. Frightening and well-conceived.
In the meantime we're able to enjoy and appreciate Star Trek (2009) which provides a fresh new look at an exciting universe filled with unlimited promise for the future.