Where 'Star Trek' fails is in its methods as a sci-fi/action film...

Rating: 7/10 (16 February 2014)

How much you enjoy a film 'reboot' can often depend on what you saw of the original source material. Before I had seen 'Batman Begins' or 'Casino Royale', I had little experience of those franchises, and went in with no expectations of what the film should be. I am of the firm belief that my hatred of 'The Amazing Spider-Man' stems mostly from my love of the original Tobey Maguire films, and the fact that they just don't do as good a job. My experience of 'Star Trek' was almost non existent. I was very aware of the show, its fans, and really liked "Galaxy Quest", but had never actually watched the TV show. The movie's success comes in its ability to make itself accessible to an audience of non-Trekkies, while likely still pleasing the fans. Where it fails is in its methods as a sci-fi/action film.
'Star Trek' goes down the 'origins' story route, a method that should be familiar to reboot fans. We learn about James Kirk and how he became captain of the Starship Enterprise. It's an interesting, yet somewhat clichéd character arc which he undergoes – he's a wild child that has to become responsible in order to fill his destiny. However, Chris Pine plays it well, ensuring that you care enough about him throughout. Zachary Quinto is the real star as the film, and is emotionally convincing as Mr. Spock. The Spock/Kirk dynamic is something that works extremely well, and there's some great chemistry between the two characters. Also, the scenes on earth and those leading up to Kirk's arrival on the Enterprise are the best of the film, bringing light- relief and character development together very well.
Because of the need for character changes throughout, the plot takes a slightly more backseat role, and for a large percentage between the opening sequence and about halfway, you forget about the film's main villain. The visual effects are stunning, as you might expect from JJ Abrams, and do help to make the film more exciting. The 'origins' plot does mean that action is more sidelined, with few great action sequences throughout. And, unfortunately, this causes the film to drag at times.
I imagine, were I a huge 'Star Trek' fan, the film would be much more rewarding, as it seems to pay fan service frequently with references here and there, and especially the appearance of Leonard Nimoy. But as an outsider, I was frequently disinterested by the film. The film does have great moments, but I think this is one franchise which I won't be returning to. Hopefully JJ Abrams' attempts at 'Star Wars' are more like the superb 'Super 8′, and less like this.