Star Trek times a Trillion!!!...lens flares that is :-(

Rating: 8/10 (8 May 2009)

I had my doubts about going to see Star Trek. I've been a fan of Star Trek The Next Generation, Deep Space 9 to a lesser amount, Voyager had its moments and Enterprise was just getting good when they cancelled it. The thing with the original series in the UK, they always played the "Miri " every time I happened to come across it. Never the less all the characters and stories seeped into my sub conscience and became part of our cultural DNA. With the preconception that this would be another unresolved story line with a thousand plot holes, like every other JJ Adrams venture...Lost...Cloverfield and Mission Impossible III. I was dreading what crucial plot device would never be explained in this re- imagining of Star Trek for the 21st Century. How wrong I was! I was amazed to find myself screaming at the screen with delight as another "In joke" was suggested or casually thrown in. Gripping my arm rests as another amazing space battle was revealed in a new and exciting way. Every story and sub-plot was satisfactorily rounded off. George Lucas could learn a thing or two from JJ about how to tell an exciting story when the audience that already knows the outcome. A few twists and re- tellings of old episodes may cause some hard core fans to object, but the level of imagination and care and above all ...love put into this movie deserves more than one viewing. However most of that love and attention to detail with be forever lost to the fans who want to love this movie as much as they should. Why? I hear you say...because of Daniel Minel. Daniel Mindel, the cinematographer and his lighting crew who shone lights into every composition, every beautiful ship, stunt and cast member. Lens flare is not what people want to see when they go to see a movie! For decades Directors of Photography have come up with ingenious ways to counter light refracting in the elements of a lens. One would think by the 23rd Century it would not be a problem for bridge crew to have to work with a pair of welding goggles! Otherwise good job JJ, I look forward to the inevitable sequels...or prequels.