Stunning and By all Means, a Relevant Work of Art

Rating: 10/10 (2 June 2009)

It's midway through the year, and it might not be illogical or inaccurate to start referring to this film, and one of the possible candidates for best production of the year. If we free ourselves from the typical restraints and expectations that such choices have to be a reflection of some attempt to canonize an important individual, a special act by an important social figure, or some misdirected, excuse the pun, portrayal of important themes, and if we are to judge a book by its contents and the outstanding components that make it a special film, we have to recognize that this film is a relevant movie, and that, after capturing our interest and earning our respect, it will be a film that many will look at for inspiration, for analysis, and most of important for giving us what most films nowadays seem to miss, a good movie that is both impressive and entertaining.
People go to the movies to be part of a communal experience, to enjoy a satisfying time in the darkened atmosphere of a movie theater, with a movie that has among its elements: a great storyline, very smooth direction, a terrific music score, some of the most exciting special effects in history, and to help achieve almost perfection, some excellent performances that are able to bring freshness to the iconic characters and pay tribute to the essence of a fantastic and visionary universe that has earned the devotion of millions.
Throughout its various reincarnations, "Star Trek" has captured the imagination and respect of many, and looking back at the original series, it is impossible to deny how visionary some of its elements truly are; some of the science fiction might turned out to be very real, as time goes by. Going back to a new beginning might have been a very dangerous move, and coming out successfully is even a more impressive feat.
The relationships between humans and vulcans is at the heart of the series, and Zachary Quinto's portrayal of the Spock character is one of the biggest gambles in this film, and the results pay handsomely; as we see an actor who understands the character, exposes himself even more than the original ever did and somehow prepares us for new and more exciting possibilities by keeping the old and fusing it with the possible new adventures, this crew might encounter.
In "Star Trek", a new plot device enables the filmmakers to create an "alternate" reality, which will open the way to fresh and exciting story lines, still paying tribute and respecting the original sources. As we can see from the remarkable art direction, the ships, uniforms, and the beloved look of the Enterprise remain pretty much intact. Seeing those uniforms in a brand new light was exciting, and looking at the laser guns, seeing the transition into warp from a different angle is a rush that takes a few hours to dispel. Most important is the fact that we have all the relationships still going strong. Though incidents in the new film decimate the numbers of vulcans and Romulans, their interaction survives, and to know that we can revisit the Klingons, and heaven helps us, see Khan again gives you the chills.
One big important detail about this new entry is how much fun it is, as it unfolds the new storyline, pays tribute to some of the films that have come before it, and it makes us raise the question, why is it that action, comedy, and adventure are rarely considered outstanding film-making and they are rarely recognized with the awards they deserve. As "Star Trek", moved at warp speed in front of my eyes, I couldn't help by recognizing the frantic race of Indiana Jones, trying desperately to outrun a more powerful threat, the vast and sterile, yet dangerous icy worlds of "Empire", the hope and possibility of learning so much, as the ramp allures you into Spock's ship, much like "E.T."'s own craft tempted and scared us in that film, and there's of course, hangars' resemblance to one important scene in "Star Wars", the design of Nemo's ship to the threats in "Alien", and did anyone miss the Tolkien references in Vulcan; mix in the bravado of "Top Gun" and "An Officer and a Gentleman", and throw in some truly romantic interludes to see how this can be so appealing and satisfying.
This is the third time I am able to experience this amazing film, and I think it demands to be revisited and most importantly, enjoyed, over and over. Let's hope that when it is time to recognize brilliance, originality, and some original approaches, we can put aside our prejudices and see clearly what is in front of us. I shudder to think that in this day and age, Shakespeare and his love for fun, history, and the mystery of human nature would never earn him the golden prize because while he was probably shooting for the stars, he understood that what makes history and human nature remarkable and fascinating is that it all originates in the simple joys and aches of the human heart. Just look at Scott's face every time he looks at his mother in this film. Case closed.