Exhilarating entertainment!!

Rating: 9/10 (19 May 2009)

What really appeals about the new Star Trek is that one doesn't have to be a Trekkie to enjoy this movie. The story smartly introduces the viewer to the futuristic world with a brief introduction to the vital characters, builds a promising theme surrounding the protagonists, engages you into the Star Fleet and beams you into outer space with several explosions, action sequences and drama to entertain even the Vulcan mind. Star Trek is a BIG movieÂ….. Gigantic in display, sound, action, performances and sheer excitement. The computer graphics are so impressive that it would not be wrong to compare it to the Star Wars movies. J.J. Abrams, whose work in LOST, Alias and Fringe has earned him enough acclaim to create big expectations from his movie venture, completely astounds both thrill-seekers and Trekkies alike. Star Trek is so freakin good that you won't believe it's Star Trek!!
J.J. Abrams chooses to revive the series by introducing us to the origins of the original crew on Starship Enterprise. Just as we had seen the introduction of James Bond in Casino Royale and Batman in Batman Begins, Abrams takes the series to a higher level that encompasses a much wider audience than the original franchise ever managed to do. First officer 'Spock', played by Zachary Quinto brilliantly portrays his ambivalence between emotion and logic. His tumultuous relationship with James Kirk, superbly enacted by Chris Pine, is most interesting since we know that this duo will turn out to be great companions through their future adventures. On the other side of the force, if we could call it, is the evil Romulan 'Nero' (Eric Bana) who seeks vengeance against the Federation for an event that the future Spock couldn't control. Yes, Star Trek zips you through the black hole to engage you into the time travel theme just as Abrams did in a few episodes of this season's LOST.
Zachary Quinto's performance has a lot of potential as Spock's character adjusts to the new position as First Officer and he befriends his Captain, James Kirk. Chris Pine has finely enacted his rebellious, rogue character through the transition that made him a part of Starfleet and with his genius and instinct, a Captain aboard SS Enterprise. Pine's performance is remarkable because he makes the transition look like it is that of the character's and not at all his own. He is now a big movie star with Star Trek and the future of the franchise looks just fine with him in the lead role. Eric Bana as the menacing Nero is convincing and so is the supporting cast of Uhura, Scotty, McCoy and the Russian geek.
For all the loyal fans of the franchise, there is solace to be found in the fact that Abrams offers enough surprises, nostalgic moments, legendary dialogues, style of credits and the signature closing that indeed takes this movie warping through space. The strong characters, depth in plot, promise of an exciting future and loyalty to the franchise's charming delights ensure that Abrams' Star Trek has boldly gone where no man has gone before. - 9.125 on a scale of 1-10.