Excellent movie, although I have some qualms.

Rating: 8/10 (9 May 2009)

As a comparatively casual Trekkie, for me the Original Series is the epitome of the franchise. Everything about Star Trek that is noteworthy and definitive is to be found in those very first three seasons. The most prevalent quality being that it was a true science fiction story. The episodes were even written by legitimate science fiction writers.
It did have flaws, obviously the most noticeable being the low budget and often laughable effects. Abrams' Star Trek makes up for that plenty.
Some of the qualities that these two Star Trek universe dualities share is a strong cast and emotional substance. The latter of which being something that the Original Series melded with science fiction "braininess" quite aptly, for me. The prime example of this being the very first Star Trek pilot episode, "The Cage." Abrams' movie could have recreated that rare mix of attributes had it stayed a bit closer to Star Trek's true science fiction roots. Unfortunately though I think it wondered too far into the realm of crowd pleasing. Don't get me wrong, I admire that Abrams has made Star Trek accessible to way more people than anyone would have thought. It's stupid to condemn that accomplishment. However, I think it could have been accomplished without leaping away from science fiction and into space opera.
Yes, it was an amazing movie. Did it feel like Star Trek should, to me? No. The one thing that captivates me about the Original Series is that in spite of the low budget and the corny effects, it was clever. Every episode (okay maybe save a few... like that one episode with the giant cat? wow.), was intelligent. And it always pulled me in even in the midst of that paper thin set. Abrams' movie does have good character development as well as some commendable plot elements. But it lacks the intelligence, cleverness, and true science fiction feel of what Star Trek is all about.
So again, amazing movie. I will no doubt own a copy as soon as possible and will definitely enjoy watching it several more times. But when I need a real Star Trek/sci-fi fix? I'll still be breaking out you guessed it, do I even have to say it? The Original Series.