Boldly going where no other Trek film has gone before

Rating: 10/10 (9 May 2009)

Boldly going where no other Star Trek movie has gone before. Upon coming out of the new J.J. Abrahams I felt both joyful and saddened. Joyful because this is, very easily, the best thing I've seen this year and saddened because it may have just replaced Wrath of Kahn as my favourite Star Trek movie of all time. Seriously folks it's just that good. For anybody who doesn't know the general outline this new Trek movie works both in and out of the continuity of the original series. Mission: Impossible III director and Alias creator J.J. Abrams resurrects the classic science fiction franchise created by Gene Roddenberry with this feature film that embraces the rich history of the influential television and film series while also exploring some uncharted territory. Heroes star Zachary Quinto assumes the role of the Federation Starfleet lieutenant and Vulcan made famous in the original series by Leonard Nimoy (who also appears in an older incarnation of his original role), Spock, with Anton Yelchin stepping into the role of USS Enterprise navigator Pavel Chekov, Zoe Saldana assuming the role of communications officer Uhura, Simon Pegg keeping the ship in top shape as chief engineer Montgomery Scott (aka "Scotty"), and Eric Bana tormenting the benevolent space explorers as the villainous Nero. Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle co-star John Cho also boards the Enterprise as Hikaru Sulu, with Chris Pine and Karl Urban assuming the legendary roles of Captain Kirk and Leonard "Bones" McCoy, respectively.
The summer officially stars here; forget what happened last week, as far as I'm concerned last week's "bad star" could have very easily been erased from my memory after watching this. This is everything and more that a Trek fans could have asked for flawless in its execution of its characters, battles and dialogue. Granted if you've never seen an episode of Star Trek in your life (god help you) and you feels repulsed by the very thought of sitting down and watching this movie, don't be. This works equally as well for newcomers as it does for fans flitting in between of spectacular set piece to yet another spectacular set piece the true heart and nature of the film becomes present, the love between Uhura and Spock becomes tender and the as the troubled friendship between Spock and Kirk becomes more prominent even those who fail to see the emotional drive in the series will undoubtedly notice it hear. The main feat that this movie accomplishes, and a one that I doubted it for, is its casting. I mean Karl Urban as Bones, you've gotta be kidding me? Holy crap Karl Urban is Bones. It's that astonishment that left me with shivers as every actor nails each of their performance with grace and passion, even if they didn't look like their TV show counterparts they embody what it means to be that character.
"Live long, and Prosper." Calling the special effects groundbreaking is a huge understatement; the visuals are exciting, refreshing and filled with such flair you would get from a less competent director. They blend seamlessly within their environments (unlike Wolverine) adding a sense of atmosphere rather than to simply look pretty, this is how you use special effects to tell a story. And what a story it is. If there were ever a series that were devoted to certain the best story possible it would most certainly be the Star Trek series. The plot is crafted with grace and complexity throwing plot twists at us left right and centre and not to mention what could possibly be the greatest cameo of all time by none other than Spock himself. All of which works a charm up against a beautifully orchestrated score that echoes with the same majesty that the film carries. Bringing together what could very easily be the greatest movie this summer.
Those who will nod knowingly (or shiver with excitement) at the appearance of Captain Pike or the reference to dilitheum crystals and those who remember that Sulu can fence will be reassured that any anomalies or inconsistencies with canon are cleverly explained away and by the appearance of one key member of the original cast. Those who are new to the franchise will be reassured that the story is self-contained. They may wonder why people applaud and laugh at a few in-jokes or the inevitable origins moments of first encounters between characters whose future interactions and relationships are as well known as their own (possibly better), but there is so much happening on screen they will not have time to wonder what they are missing. Indeed, there is so much that I have seen it twice already and look forward to seeing it again. I loved it so much I wanted to Vulcan mind meld with it.
Verdict: The best movie of the year? Most likely! The best movie of the summer? Undoubtedly! Star Trek is safe with its properties yet extraordinarily entertaining. Director J.J. Abrams hits it straight out into hyper space. Anyone left reeling after years of not having a Trek film to drool over, your wait is finally over. An epic adventure that deftly captures the spirit of the original series, while succeeding utterly in charting a new course. For my overall rating I give Star Trek an outstanding 5/5.