Makes you appreciate the original series again

Rating: 9/10 (9 May 2009)

The best thing that can be said about the new Star Trek movie is that finally, after several Star Trek series inceptions and, in later years, sub-par movies, we are finally given a Trek which makes us appreciate the original series again. The film takes us through a "what if" scenario, much like something the original series would have done. Back in force is the humanity of the franchise that I feel had long been forgotten in the later movies and the varying new series.
All of the cast are fantastic here. Nobody does any mimicking, instead, they take the characters we all know and love and they stay true to how they were portrayed. Pine never resorts to Shatner's delivery (though he does do a bit at the end as a homage no doubt) as is the case with all of the other cast members. Urban is probably the closest of anyone to channeling the characterization created by the original "Bones", Deforest Kelly. Urban is every bit the cantankerous doctor we all love and remember. Again, this can be said of everyone. Zoe Saldana actually rises above the previous incarnation of "Uhura" and brings to life a full on character that Nichelle Nichols would be proud of.
Simon Pegg's "Scotty" makes his appearance midway into the film and if there is any negative I can throw at the film is his late appearance, though his introduction is a fun one. Cho and Yeltin bring new appreciation for our old friends "Sulu" and "Chekov" respectively. Eric Bana's "Nero" is totally unrecognizable. This helps keep us in this universe, as does the fact that the majority of the main players are known, but not so well known actors that their real life persona overshadows the character they play. Quinto's "Spock" is every bit of the logical thinker, yet fused with an emotional element, that Nimoy created originally. There is a new relationship "Spock" is involved in that I am sure will have Trek fans talking about for many months to come.
All of the characterization asides, this film works or fails based on the relationship being built between Pine's "Kirk" and Quinto's "Spock. This is the beginning of their relationship and it must plant the seed for what will be a lifetime of adventures that culminate with the famous line "you have been and always shall be, my friend." The film and the actors succeed in spades.
My only major complaint about the film would be the music. I felt it lacked a true "theme" and was pretty underwhelming throughout the film. We are given an update to the original series' theme, but even that seems to be less than effective when compared to the original.
J.J. Abrams should be applauded for taking a beloved set of characters and breathing new life into them and the franchise which had sadly seemed to of ran its course. All of the characters have been written and performed with a renewed life and enthusiasm. Each character is imbued with more power in their respective positions within the ship. Abrams has pulled off the almost impossible; giving us hope that once again our beloved crew of the U.S.S Enterprise can "boldly go where no man has gone before."