Star Trek: Resurrection...

Rating: 6/10 (9 May 2009)

Let me just start off by saying this is NOT your grandpa's Star Trek, or your older brother's Next Generation. This is a completely new and refreshing take on the beloved series of old, and, man, it sure delivers!
I am NOT a Trekkie, although I've seen most of the movies. Having said that, the story is well-told, the screenplay by Transformers penners John Brancato and Michael Ferris is solid, and there are fine and loyal performances abound. The standouts are Zachary Quinto as Spock, wise as ever, but most surprisingly Chris Pine as Kirk. His performance is one of the very best factors of the movie; not only does it show his characteristics in the series, it also adds a new trait to his already recognizable character; adrenaline junkie. The rest of the cast deliver (again) fine performances; Karl Urban as Dr. McCoy, Eric Bana as the truly villainous Nero, Zoe Saldana as the gorgeous Uhura, Anton Yelchin (in a somewhat ridiculous Russian accent) as Chekov, John Cho as Sulu (good to see Cho in his first action scene), and Simon Pegg as Scotty (which is one of the very best comic-relief film characters in YEARS). Rounding up the cast is a surprise appearance by Winona Ryder as Spock's human mother, Bruce Greenwood as the Enterprise's first captain Pike, and last, but not least, Leonard Nimoy as the original Spock, whose character bridges the gap between the old and the new Trek.
I'm surprised that a summer blockbuster has its plot driven mostly by strong characterization, not to mention making some cheesy moments smart. I'm even more surprised that the cheese factor is very low for this one!
The cinematography is big in scope, the editing is fluid, and the production design is beautiful. But there are three technical aspects that deserve the highest merit for making this film great:
1. The special effects. Eye popping from start to finish. Immediately after the studio logos end the action starts on the screen and rarely relents from then onwards. Superbly designed, colorful, and sumptuous nonetheless, the SFX makes the action more thrilling, as the CGI is crisp and extremely realistic. So far this is a future contender for a Best Visual Effects Oscar.
2. Michael Giacchino's orchestral score. His music is simply epic. Throbbing, dynamic, and glorious, the man knows how to make music and definitely how to make it work. It adds tension and excitement to the film.
3. The film would not have been the success it would have been had it not been for one man and one man only. And that man is director JJ Abrams. Not only is he the right man for the job, his epic direction puts all the elements together to make one hell of a summer blockbuster. Really, if not for J.J., who else? So, to pen off, this is the first REAL blockbuster of 2009 (it beats the living CRAP out of the merely OKAY "Wolverine"). It has enough action to put in three blockbusters, and it has enough effects to fill two. It has strong character development, excellent action and timing, brilliant special effects, and something new and familiar for Trekkies and non-Trekkies alike. This is the Star Trek film I've been waiting for. No cheesy lines or cheesy action. No (too) melodramatic speeches. I may not be a Trekkie, but I will definitely consider myself and others who like this film a "Neo-Trekkie", and will look out for the next voyage of the Enterprise, so as long as the cast and/or Abrams stay on board.
Welcome to the "new" Enterprise.
Entertainment value: 10/10
Overall: 8/10