It's official: Star Trek is in good hands

Rating: Null/10 (8 May 2009)

I just got back from Star Trek. I said I would come to this with an open mind and I did. My conclusion in a nutshell?: The critics have it right, the purists have it wrong.
First, let me just say that if you absolutely abhor fast paced action, suspense, and adventure, you will be disappointed. Because this thing is packed to the gills with it! This is far and away the most suspenseful Star Trek there ever was and J.J. Abrams pulls it off expertly. In fact, that and the flawless comedy were my favorite aspects of the film.
Here's the thing: This is an ORIGIN film. That's the biggest drag on this movie, as far as I'm concerned. Origin stories/movies are never very interesting. The fact that J.J. Abrams and company can turn a normally dull and drab origin story into something entertaining is a testament to his craft. I'll tell you right now, throwing in a lot of suspense and action and comedy to boot into the mix is and was the only possible way the Director and writers could have made this movie entertaining. Otherwise, I could guarantee you that it would have been a flop much like the first Star Trek Motion Picture. So the fact that J.J. Abrams effectively used these tools to gin up the story was a very wise thing to do.
I think I now understand why Ebert gave this movie a mixed review. Much like Spock is a hybrid Human/Vulcan, this Star Trek is a hybrid between Star Trek and Star Wars. I think Ebert is one of those old fogies who only wants it one way or the other. However, unlike Ebert, I have absolutely no problem with it. I like both styles to begin with and turning it into a hybrid of sorts makes it completely unique. A lesser director would have failed miserably at combining the two, but J.J. Abrams effectively melds the two together so that it seems like both parts naturally belong in this new Star Trek universe.
Finally, the purists should thank their lucky stars that J.J. Abrams made such a great film. This is going to light a fire under the Star Trek franchise like you wouldn't believe! And by the end, it was VERY Star Treky. I can almost see the new and interesting adventures this newly minted crew will experience beyond the origin. The sequel to this feels like it's going to be even better and more interesting. I can't wait.
Oh, and one more thing. The acting was absolutely SUPERB in this movie. The young actors did an exceptional job. Unlike the prequels to Star Wars that had the worst wooden acting I've seen, the actors in this movie disappear into their roles allowing me to truly enjoy the story. Their comic timing was flawless, as well.
Go see it, already!