Star Trek is at the top of its game.

Rating: 10/10 (11 May 2009)

Premiering on television airwaves in 1966, Gene Roddenberry's "Star Trek" was an allegory towards contemporary society; within this utopian future, a group of men and women of all races, free from the clutches of racism and sexism, would unite together "to boldly go where no man has gone before." "Trek" was powerful in its storytelling and reaffirmed the bold, unique powers of science fiction. Though "Star Trek" ran a measly three seasons, this failed television series boosted an influential legacy. With ten feature films under its belt, six TV series, comic books, and even a short-lived animated series, there's no doubt of the massive, influential impact this mythic universe had on popular culture. Warping to 2009, in an age where reboots and remakes run Hollywood, newbie director J.J. Abrams (creator of "Lost") leads a hip, modern cast in a new, ultra stylized reimagining of a television classic. Though Abrams' reboot is low on plot, "Star Trek" never fails from being a high-octane, hair-raising, pyrotechnic displaying, laser-tag chasing, visual effect showcasing thrill ride. "Star Trek" is at the top of its game.
Twenty-two years after the heroic death of his father, James T. Kirk (Chris Pine), an intelligent and often reckless young man, fills his time slurping beer and looking for trouble. After failing to womanize Uhura (Zoë Saldana) in an Iowan bar, Kirk, yet again, lances himself into a brawl with a group of overly confident academy students. Noting the fierce determination Kirk possesses, and his father's inherited bravery, Captain Pike (Bruce Greenwood), commander of the U.S.S. Enterprise, encourages the young, misguided Kirk to join the Starfleet. Knowing what little he has, Kirk, slightly hesitant, joins the Academy where he meets Dr. Leonard McCoy (Karl Urban), a loud mouthed, paranoid physician who fears the coldness of space. Years later, Kirk, still up to his old, devious ways, is put on academic suspension after strangely passing Spock's (Zachary Quinto) exigent flight simulator. When a distress signal is beamed from the distant planet Vulcan, Kirk, dodging academic suspension, is smuggled onto the U.S.S Enterprise with the clever help of Dr. McCoy. Once on the sacred Enterprise, Kirk's journey towards captain of the Enterprise and the formation of his aggressive, platonic friendship with the half-human half-Vulcan Spock begins.
Let's be honest here, over the years, "Star Trek" has been reduced to ridicule by the vast majority who think the series' mythology is one big, fat joke. The term Trekie (or Treker depending who you ask) even carries a negative connotation, we assume some middle-aged, convention attending, pimply-faced virgin, is the show's only target demograph. Unfortunately for those bashers, they never truly understood the power of this show or the power of the science-fiction in general. However, luckily for this franchise, J.J. Abrams' reboot, which is being marketed as "not your father's 'Star Trek,'" is surly to induct a new set of followers into this long established cult.
One of the reasons why this film is works is because of its hip, modern cast. From Kirk, Spock to Scotty (ingeniously played by Simon Pegg), each member of the cast brings a newly-formed resonance to its character. "Trek's" modern cast are not the scripted-punching actors of the 60's, the revamped update features fierce, spontaneous characters who are driven by mesmerizing performances. It's genius in its casting. Even the villainous Nero (Eric Bana), who gets little screen time and quite frankly a microscopic amount of villain time, brings an enormous amount of energy to the picture. Zachary Quinto, of Heroes fame, too, is able to confidently recreate Leonard Nimoy's initial creation.
Not only is the cast a marvel, but the film's technicality is amazing in its execution. Drowned in vibrant colors, slick architecture, and astounding set pieces, the film's production design is the stuff that dreams are made off. Director J.J. Abrams, who clearly has respect and enthusiasm for the source material, adds an alluring cinematic quality to every frame of this picture; he reaffirms the daring, stunning magic of movie making. "Trek's" Composer Michael Giacchino even manages to create an iconic score, replicating the unforgettable orchestrated sound of John Williams, is bound to take audiences back to the classic days of science fiction.
It's an exciting movie that proves not all Hollywood movies have to be reduced to cheese. It's cold, hard hitting entertainment of the highest order; it's entertainment done right! In fact, this is the type of film that deserves to be seen two, three or even four times on the biggest screen you could find. Headed by a competent cast and crew, "Star Trek" is a rock solid production.