Generational gap

Rating: 4/10 (19 June 2009)

Times they are a changing. This new flavor of Trek will appeal to TOS fans because they shares some similarities. It's just as cheap (although not low budget), but then again completely lacks the originality of TOS.
The fans of TNG will find it absolutely abhorrent. Like a version of Macbeth where characters, although dressed in XVI century garb, are constantly jumping on trampolines and singing show tunes. (you have to remember though that what was once considered mere light entertainment is only now considered high art)
Then again this movie is clearly targeted at the new generation, if you pardon the pun. The same audience that seems to enjoy the new Batman, new Indiana Jones, the latest X-Man and Transformer movies. And The high rating is clear proof that its doing that job well.
The cast was not bad I have to say, especially Spok and Uhura, although Nero and Kirk could have been better. The look of it isn't bad either, the costumes, graphics and event the action sequences are all good form a purely technical point of view. However, the movie fails utterly when it comes to writing. Although there are numerous examples of the garbage the actors had to work with throughout the movie, none stands out as much as the "Scotty" sequences. Many have come to blame the actor, but even Alec Guinness would be unable to do anything good with those lines. Other more obvious examples include the "green chick", Kobayashi Maru (some things work out better as just a reference, like explaining the meaning of a joke spoils it), Scottys helper, young Kirks car ride, young Spocks fight, the glacier chase, the list goes on and on. And the villains are somewhat lackluster, even more so then in Nemesis and somewhat reminiscent of them.
Keeping in mind that it's entertainment targeted at a young male audience and not art, it is more than decent. However as a TNG fan I came to expect something more than just pretty visuals and familiar characters, there is clearly no food for thought here, nor any real drama, plenty of action and bad jokes though. 4/10