Casual fan now in love

Rating: 10/10 (26 May 2009)

I will try not to spoil anything with my simple opinion. This is from of one who has grown up watching the show and most of the movies.
First of all it is more than just the flashiness. It is a very beautiful movie but the only time I remember ever thinking about is during the middle action sequence.
Three things that made the movie for me: the acting, the humor, and the plot.
Acting- The acting was spot on. Karl Urban as Bones was so much like Kelly (the original doctor) that I remember everyone laughing in the theater just because he was so good. Quinto as Spock was a very good casting choice, though he can't beat good old Nimoy. Pine was equally good but never really felt like Kirk until the third act, but that was explained in the movie. As for everyone else, not one person was underused or wrong for the part.
Humor- One of the best things in this movie. The fast plot it broken up by lots of humor. Some people may not like the slapstick, but, as one who usually doesn't like it, I laughed at all of it. Simon Pegg was great as Scotty, bringing in a little joy just like the show.
Plot- The most important part to a movie was nailed. It isn't perfect but I loved it too much to care. I didn't understand the love between Uhura and Spock. Nero, the villain, should have been developed a little more; I still like him as a villain however. You will find it takes from the second Star Trek movie a lot, which I find a good thing. It also takes from Star Wars a lot. For example there is the theme of destiny and coming-of-age which was never in regular Star Trek. There are a lot of heavy themes in this movie such as friendship, revenge, the value of being human, and hope in darkness; all Star Trek themes I have grown up loving. Best of all you see Kirk and Spock grow. Plus, Nimoy had an important narrative role.
I hope this review is helpful, and I hope this movie will make you love the series as much as I do.