It's Star Trek Jim, But Not As We Know It...

Rating: 8/10 (20 May 2009)

The re-imagining (royalties go to Ronald D Moore for that words introduction into sci-fi) of the classic cult science fiction series is nothing short of a Hollywood bonanza, fusing together the sensibilities of the original show with an "updated" and "modern" out look, as Kirk and co's modern counterparts begin their outings as the new standard bearers for the franchise. Normally any Hollywood influence to any prequels, sequels or remakes certifies that it's going to be a money making venture with no real substance as a film, and coming across as an explosion action-packed case study in Michael Bay-ology, however in this instance, for once, it pays dividends.
Firstly, credit must be given to the writers and director who take a very sympathetic approach to the original source material that they are using for their 2009 experience. Star Trek (2009) as a result is not a "remake" but what can be attributed as being a "second generation" creation. J J Abrams, manages to tell a tale where he can use the preconceived characters but yet alter them, the ship and various other aspects ever so slightly to fit his retelling whilst it still being a Star Trek tale, in that it has the characters of Kirk, Spock, McCoy et al. By interlinking the two universes or "generations" through the old science fiction staple of black holes and time travel he justifies his new creation while taking nothing away from the originals which many hold dear to their hearts.
So with the original series careful wrapped up in cotton wool, Abrams gives himself the ability to create his universe as he sees fit, and it possesses a very contemporary feel. It's a very flashy experience, utilising the vast amounts of money that Hollywood can literally warp at the directors but it pays off in its own unique way. The new feel lifts the premise of the film, it takes it from a thing which people would have been mocked for being a fan of into being something cool and attainable by all. This in itself may be a backhanded slap to the Trekkies, and they may feel aggrieved by a new wave of fan that adore this new outing but cannot stand the original, but even they must appreciate that it still harbours the very essence of all things Trekkian. We still have speeches on quantum mechanics, warp fusion cores and all the other facets that comprised many minutes of television time, but it no longer is the driving force behind the story, but more importantly it is no longer the alienating force it once was either. Once again, the "faithful" may find it blasphemous and be on forums the web over typing up how disgusted they are but it makes a much more enjoyable experience, a more inclusive experience whereby invisible answers which have no grounding in our understanding of the world are not used to solve problems far beyond many peoples comprehension. By simplifying the premise they heighten the enjoyment, this does not feel like an extended edition on a television episode, this feels like a thoroughbred film as it oozes coolness from every angle, in basic they've made the franchise more believable.
While the story isn't exactly the deepest ever conceived, a mad man who has been wronged demanding retribution for acts upon him, it is held together by an excellent cast which the production and directorial teams should be commended for. The use of a character from the original series tightens what little plot there is creating a believable experience, but the re- imagined individuals set this apart from many other attempted recreations of famous franchises. Chris Pine's Kirk focuses less on the philosophising action man in space elements of his former self and turns him into more of an Indiana Jones character, a wrong place at the wrong time but always able to get through it - man, which brings out a playful side and endearing quality not previously seen before in the Enterprises' captain. Zachary Quinto is undoubtedly the star performer bringing forth a vulnerability and charm that was not truly seen in Spock until "The Wrath Of Khan" while Karl Urbans' "Bones" is replicated perfection and goes along way into helping the audience becoming absorbed with the outing. The supporting cast provides warmth and charm in their roles reminding us that we don't need to get caught up in the technological and spacial faux pas. In all each other actors make the roles their own, they put a new slant on each while also leaving them still resembling their "generation one" counterparts. It is safe to say they carry a film which is low on plot and make it a thoroughly enjoyable roller-coaster, turning a film that I was worried would be like a Michael Bay film into a sci-fi/action film of space-age substance and charm.
J J Abrams has given Star Trek the "Batman Begins" treatment, taking a concept with a hardcore fan base but a mass appeal that has somewhat waned in those outside that niche grouping. He has taken the very best parts of what made that first series so successful and fused it with a sense of entertainment and willingness to entertain that could have failed, turning it into nothing more than an action-schmaltz, yet succeeded. The 2009 version of Star Trek is more Return of The Jedi than Revenge of The Sith, more Solyaris than Solaris and more Aliens than Alien vs Predator 2. It isn't trying to compete with that original series from which it basis itself, it isn't trying to out do it and it isn't trying to make it obsolete, it's just a fresh spin from a director who has fresh ideas who has made this first installment a highly engaging (pun intended) experience, allowing everyone to join in with the voyages of the Enterprise.