Plot fails to reach escape velocity

Rating: 6/10 (18 May 2009)

When I first heard Sylar would become Spock, I was already keen to see this movie. And it is indeed a very sticky bit of popcorn - a tasty snack with no food value at all.
One of the strange beauties of this film is that it will certainly fail as a DVD seller because the plot is execrable. As an entertainment device, it holds up for an hour or so - but it could not possibly survive multiple viewings. Quite an inversion from the norm.
Most science fiction is a crucible for social politics, and this alternate Star Trek fares well here. Beyond the great visuals and jaunty dialogue, selected characters have a vague inner life and back story. The original Trek cannon is adhered to on occasion, and this provides some backbone though by the end of the film even Salman Rushdie would be seeking less magic realism.
Due to the pure entertainment value the film delivers, this will probably spawn a franchise - but only if the plot is not taken from scrawlings on the lavatory at Walmart.