The Ultimate Reboot...an absolutely stunning sci-fi action film that will endear Star Trek to hordes of new fans

Rating: 10/10 (12 July 2009)

I do enjoy Science Fiction films, but I am far from a Trekkie. Still I have always enjoyed the Star Trek films and thought the new one looked wicked but I never dreamed that it would exceed those expectations and turn the Star Trek franchise into a brilliant reboot that will make legions of new fans. Dealing with a franchise like this is just near impossible let alone trying for perfection and yet the film creators along with director JJ Abrams come as close to perfecting a reboot, redux, remake of Star Trek that anyone could have ever done. They single handedly turn the world's biggest name in Science Fiction into an action powerhouse that creates a whole new amazing cast but still pays an amazing homage to the original series and film. The best part is the film can appeal to anyone, I think that Trekkies can really appreciate it and love the film but the average film goer will love it. Abrams and writer Roberto Orci who has a long list of great films to his credit managed to avoid any judgment on their story by completely changing the Star Trek time line. It might make hard core Trekkies cringe but they can't argue that anything goes when the timeline changes.
Chris Pine leads the young, hot cast as the young, wise cracking, risk taking James T. Kirk. He is a far cry from Shatner's Kirk and takes the character in a completely different direction BUT manages to pay true homage to Shatner with a few one liners delivered with perfect Shatner precision but it does not come across as mocking but rather a respectful shout out to the man that made the role famous. Pine is really terrific and he is sure to jump start a huge Hollywood career with this role. I would have thought out of the entire cast that there was no way anyone could do justice to, or pull off the role of Spock. How wrong could I be? Zachary Quinto is absolutely mind blowing as Spock. The rest of the cast is great but Quinto as Spock gives the performance of his career. Karl Urban breathes life into a young, much less composed Bones. The chemistry between him and Pine is terrific in their respective characters. Zoe Saldana doesn't get quite the screen time as other characters but she does great and I hope they give her character some room to expand in sequels. Simon Pegg is absolutely brilliant as Scotty. The most unfortunate part of his role is that he doesn't join the cast until half way through the film. He isn't over used and in fact you want to see more of him. John Cho and Anton Yelchin round out the cast in small roles and do an equally terrific job. There is one rather weak link to the cast sadly but it doesn't drag the film down at all. Eric Bana is very weak compared to everyone else as the "evil" Nero. He just doesn't have a real strong presence and he's not big and bad enough to feel his threatening nature.
I wish I could go on and on about this phenomenal cast. Combined with the constant non-stop action, the brilliant special effects, and the well thought out plot this movie will blow your mind. It was an amazing kick off to the summer blockbusters!! The entire concept of seeing the background of Kirk and the others was the perfect add in for Trek fans or even someone like me with a little knowledge of the Star Trek Universe. Spock is heavily focused on giving Quinto a chance to flourish and he does that with ease. The background and the incredible new story revolving around Spock and his family and The Vulcan people. Also it was truly great the way they added in the significant cameo by Leonard Nimoy playing his legendary role. The role is not forced and actually fits very well. For the record I think Shatner should have been given some sort of cameo. Anyways you must check out Star Trek because I think this is the beginning of a brilliant new series. One of this years best films!! 10/10