A dream come true for big fans, but will satisfy none fans just as well

Rating: 9/10 (7 July 2009)

STAR RATING: ***** Saturday Night **** Friday Night *** Friday Morning ** Sunday Night * Monday Morning
Not being an obsessive fan of the original series/films, I can't go into a massive rant about how faithful/unfaithful this new film has been to Gene Roddenberry's original vision. The whole point of it in the first place was to revamp and relaunch it for a new generation (many of whom, of course, weren't even around when it first came out.) And so director JJ Abrams has given us his new vision of the series, and actually appears to have both kept the spirit and tone of the original series alive, whilst also giving the first film in the new series an edginess and vitality that may have been lacking first time around.
The considerable length is matched out by a lively cast list to match the institution the original stamped. Each of the new actors brings their new roles to life with that bit more edge, from Chris Pine's wise cracking, smart arsey but fearless Kirk, to Zachary Quinto's brilliantly nerdish, unfeeling Spock (with Leonard Nimoy popping up as him in the future!) Likewise, supporting players Bruce Greenwood, as kidnapped Commander Pike and Eric Bana as the villainous Romulan Nero, give added gusto in their respective intrepid good guy/ruthless bad guy roles. Plus there's Ben Cross, instantly recognizable as Spock's dad and Simon Pegg clearly having a great time as a less chubby Scott. Winona Ryder was also in it, but I must say I didn't recognize her...
The opening takes it's time to grow on you, with not the most interesting dialogue or snazzy writing (which doesn't improve much further into it, really), but stick with it and as the film's considerable length waves on, it will slowly absorb you, drawing you more into the story as it goes on, with, as expected, some fantastic special effects and costume design. Should just about appeal to 'trekkies' and non trekkies alike. ****