Roddenberry's Star Trek is reborn. Perfectly.

Rating: 10/10 (20 September 2010)

As a Trekkie, I had set very high expectations for this film to actually be a true revival of Gene Roddenberry's famous 'Star Trek'. After stepping out of the cinema, I found myself surprisingly satisfied with JJ Abrams's attempt at a brilliant science fiction, yet still managing to keep most aspects of the original Sci Fi TV shows and movies we all came to love.
Star Trek: The Future Begins, or Star Trek VI as many loyal Trekkies would prefer to call it, used an excellent combination of the prime elements in Star Trek, and fresh, original and clever ideas for a well developed Science Fiction. The theory of warp is correct, Bones hasn't lost his witty behaviour, and even Sulu maintains his fencing abilities. New comers to the franchise will also learn how Kirk managed to "beat" the Kobayashi Maru, and see his rebellious attitude. For those who have been faithful from the beginning will be pleased to see Leonard Nimoy appear as an older version of Spock, whilst the "new" Spock as been beautifully portrayed by Zachary Quinto. However, to make the universe of Star Trek more exciting to both new-comers and ye-faithful, writers Roberto Ocri and Alex Kurtzman have included time travel, unorthodox (to the Star Trek Universe anyway) action sequences, and brilliant plot twists and character development.
What we get from this is a fun, fast paced, thought provoking and original Science Fiction film, plucked from the depths of the Star Trek Universe. Not a moment goes by in this 127 minute epic where audiences, young or old, won't be on the edge of their seats. The plot flows very well, and the film strays from the seemingly new trend of cramming the screenplay with 50 minutes of pointless gibberish. We've been presented with striking cinematography which has been stunningly strung together with clever editing, well written and delivered dialogue, and a cast which couldn't be more accurate to the original unless we revived James Doohan and DeForest Kelly from the grave (or space in Doohan's case), and rejuvenate the whole cast. The acting is flawless, with brilliant character history. The film contains stunning locations helping to bring the Star Trek Universe to life. Again.
With all the above mentioned, it's hard not to praise this great product of Sci Fi, except perhaps the lack of use of the LCARS computer system. There is only one notable disappointment in this film, however. And that's the lack of Oscars it won. The directing was evidently fantastic, with the great charisma of JJ Abrams keeping everyone together. It truly deserves more praise.
It is very safe to say that all audiences, even those who don't like Star Trek, will be able to see the greatness in this amazingly orchestrated piece. There are many words to sum this film up. Epic, brilliant, astonishing are just some of the one-word praises anyone in their right mind can award this film. I can't help by saying – hurry up the sequel.