Fun - but viewer can turn off their brain

Rating: 7/10 (11 May 2009)

I like Star Trek - particularly the original show (TOS). This movie has a lot going for it. Good overall concept - and in general, excellent casting. Both Spock and McCoy give dead-on performances. But I ding the film in 3 places. First the story: How many Star Trek movies have we've seen about an alien/super-being coming for revenge? Let's see: There was Khan, Sorin, Shinzon, etc. Star Trek is best when it's cerebral - and when there's some element of discovery in the story. Think: Immunity Syndrome, or Doomsday Machine, or Corbornite Maneuver. When are we going to get a story like those? You don't need 2 hours worth of action - if you have a really good story to tell that makes us all think a little.
Secondly, the ship's interior design was awful. No clean lines, lots of busy, flashy, irritating equipment. The interior of a starship should be functional, understated, and give the impression of massive power under elegant, softly illuminated controls. Think McIntosh Audio equipment. The bridge, in particular, should have a futuristic-looking industrial design - without appearing like an Apple Store - as other reviewers have compared it to. Colors should be muted - noise kept to a minimum. Remember, you have to be able to think while on the bridge - you're not checking out at Best Buy. The bridge should have more of a modern cockpit feel to it I think.
Lastly, Abrams likes his shaky-cam. Could never watch Lost because of this. I give this movie a solid B. They need a better story to tell.