Beam me up Scotty! I'm ready to be a Star Trek fan.

Rating: 9/10 (11 May 2009)

My Take: This new STAR TREK is bound to recapture the hearts of its fans, while also being accessible to a wider audience.
I usually go see movies in theaters when it's worth it. As much as possible, I really don't want to see a movie I can see for free on television. If I only get to go in theaters this year, I'm glad, thus far, that among them is STAR TREK. It's one of the biggest and, in my opinion, one of the very best movies of the summer so far. If this is the only movie I see this summer, I still wouldn't feel so swindled.
Let me start by pointing out that I'm not a Trekkie (Trekker?), but I did see enough Star Trek movies, even loved a few (STAR TREK III and IV so far), to familiarize me enough with these characters. Other than that, my loyalties to this are extremely limited. But it turns out, I could buy a ticket and not know anything about STAR TREK, and I still will come out having a grand time at the movies. I always thought STAR TREK as a film franchise, whilst not exactly strong blockbuster contenders, have mostly been interesting on the big screen, alternating spaced-out action sequences with space opera and Shakespearean villains, but this new STAR TREK is probably the best so far, particularly because the film opens its doors to other than its fans. Trek fans may reunite, but everyone will still have enough fun with STAR TREK. I sure did!
The movie serves as both a prequel as well as a reboot to the screen franchise, while it's also a great way for fans to catch up with the dangling threads left behind by their beloved characters. The movie opens with the introduction of George Kirk, the first officer of the federation ship The Kelvin, who takes command of the vessel when it's attacked by Romulans, led by the vengeful Captain Nero (the scenery-chewing Eric Bana). He's, of course, none other than the father of the then-famous James Tiberius Kirk. Forward 22 years later, grows up into a rebellious youth (Chris Pine), wasting the good name of the father he never really knew. But during a brawl in a bar, he is inspired by a Captain Christopher Pike (Bruce Greenwood) to enlist in the Starfleet Academy. It's so nice to see everyone's favorite characters refreshingly enjoyable again. Though it's a stretch, it's nice to see Kirk as a sort of rebel without a cause and Nyota Uhura (then played by Nichelle Nichols) as a sexy, miniskirt-clad Zoe Saldana. It's also nice to see "Doc Bones" McCoy (Karl Urban), Hikaru Zulu (John Cho), Chekov (Anton Yelchin) and especially Montgomery "Scotty" Scott (who else but Simon Pegg) in their younger forms after (or is that before? Never mind) their shoes were worn by the late DeForrest Kelley, George Takei, Walter Koenig and James Doohan. But perhaps the most delightful is Zachary Quinto's impression of Mr. Spock, baring both a sort of uncanny resemblance and impersonation. When he does an impression of Spock's trademark eyebrow raise, I cheered.
One of the main reasons I liked the original STAR TREK movies is the camaraderie and quirky relationship between these characters. These characters probably wouldn't be nearly as effective as individual folk, but are always so good together. Seeing them, as if for the first time, on J.J. Abrams new STAR TREK is having that very same feeling Michael J. Fox' character in BACK TO THE FUTURE felt upon seeing his parents as teenagers. It's nice to see these characters we know and love, yet being acquainted with them in a different way. For anyone looking for a more contemporary comparison, Batman fans felt the same feeling when they saw BATMAN BEGINS and later, THE DARK KNIGHT.
The plot is a stretch to be sure, taking place in the past while creating a sort of alternate reality that changes the outcome of the future events portrayed in the previous movies, but in such an event, plot contrivances don't matter as long as the plot can carry the film's 126 minutes and is able to reintroduce us to these characters we have known and loved. There's even a cameo/bit role by Leonard Nimoy, reminding us of the things of the past (or is that the future? Whatever). But fan you may be or not, STAR TREK is a fast, highly entertaining and exciting blockbuster with some genuine excitement and a few great laughs along the way. This 'Trek' is a nostalgia trip at warp speed that's bound to live long and prosper in all of us for years to come.
Rating: ***** out of 5.