Star Trek - Where more than one man has gone before, but we still want to go.

Rating: 9/10 (23 May 2009)

Star Trek is a franchise that was created in the 60s, but seems to have a timeless quality. It echoes all great literature in humanity; from genesis stories of ancient Persia, to Shakespeare, and exceeds any science textbook ever written. For that reason it has become the quintessential science fiction work of all time. Campy, primary colour TV show, to 90s special effects and sci-fi pioneer, to the current 11th film created by Hollywood sweetheart JJ Abrams.
Star Trek was created by Gene Roddenberry. Over the years, it has been taken upon shoulder like the world on Atlas' shoulder, and taken in new, but not always welcome, directions. Star Trek: The Motion Picture took a small show to the big screen. Nimoy and Shatner bolstered the films in new and often fun ways in the continuation of the original series on the big screen. No one could have predicted the impact of the Next Generation. Headed by over qualified Shakespearean actor Patrick Stewart, Star Trek the Next Generation introduced the intelligence and polished future of Star Trek to a new and welcoming audience, allowing the brightest writers and special effects artists to ply their trade on prime-time television. This new movie, however, is something completely different.
I remember the campy optimism of original Trek. I loved the exciting and unique adventures of the cast of the Next Generation. I tolerated and was sometimes pleased by the following series. They always made you think, even if you new that the potential had been long gone.
The new movie is a new adventure. The characters are the same, but they look different, they move differently, they occupy a different universe. It isn't the flip-switch or microwave oven touch screen of the Star Trek you've seen before. The set isn't perfectly lit and exquisitely sculpted in some kind of futurist dream. It's a wild west of unknown space and the best technology available - which means that nothing works as it's supposed to, and only the stuff these ensigns has learned on their own can help. In keeping, only the natural instincts of James T. Kirk can allow them to survive. There's no intellectual discussion of theoretical physics or rewiring of futuristic hardware. The characters have to use their strengths to get them through. Do you want to join them, or would you rather watch Deep Space 9 reruns? Answer that question, and you'll discover whether you'll love this movie.
I liked it, but I'm looking forward to more. JJ, read up and start writing boldly about new life, civilizations and new places where no one has been before. I know it will look good.