Better than I was anticipating.

Rating: 9/10 (3 May 2013)

I haven't had an "anticipation buzz" like this waiting to see a movie since TMP. I was primed and ready to go with an open mind. I had read "countdown" before I watched it.
I've been saying all along "it all depends on the story" I think they pulled of the necessary "transition" very well. Those comments from JJ... "this is not a movie for Trek fans" was hog wash. This entire movie was crafted in respect for trek canon, albeit they intended launch it in a new direction. That was obvious to me as I watched it. They did pay attention to detail in their effort to take these characters into a new time. They had to "know" what these characters were to us. Bravo!! The good: Casting. Wow, all were just perfect in my book.
Nero: The only casting and performance that was not good. Not impressed, the story was weak. 25 years in wait? ...but we won't see him again, so nothing lost really.
I'm so relieved that we now have these actors playing our beloved TOS characters.
Sound effects: Caught a couple "Star Wars" sounds. Spock's ship with the red matter sounded like Annikan's racer. Again and again throughout the movie we were treated with sounds from TOS. This is something that "new fans" might not appreciate, but I took notice and really appreciated the detail.
The story: I'm a little surprised with my reaction here. "it all depends on the story" I said time and time again. I think I was wrong; the story was pretty weak I thought. Especially if you hadn't read Countdown beforehand. It was just another "Save Earth" storyline. What surprises me is it perfectly accomplished the goal I think. It was a vehicle to reintroduce our beloved characters in a new light. So while even Vulcan being destroyed did seem to resonate with me like I thought it might, the "story" wasn't what made this move good; it was how it was crafted to accomplish the goal.
Our new 1701: To start, it's apparent to me that 1701 will not be portrayed as a beloved character as it was before. They didn't "present" it like I thought they might (or I was hoping). 1701 was as much a character to me as Kirk and Spock were in TOS, so I was a little let down here. The exterior look was fine I thought. I'm not a fan of the bridge. It is too bright and the lights were too strong I think. The shape of the Captains chair was a nice nod to good old 1701 though. Where I was most disappointed was Engineering. WTF - really. It looks like a freaking building. Maybe it will take better shape as we get a few more movies, but I'm not a fan of Scotties baby looking like the inside of a paper-mill. I'm also not a huge fan of multiple "guns" and launching points of what looks like "flares". Trek star-ships have always been unique in the sci-fi realm with regard to their offensive weapons. This is a change I'm not fond of. I suppose it will have to grow on me. Maybe just another way to bring in a "new generation".
Music: Initially I didn't take to Michael Gucciano's score, but it definitely has grown on me. Enterprising Young Men is awesome and I did enjoy the ending music.
To summarize, I'll give this movie a 8 out of 10 solely riding on the casting and performance of the characters. Maybe that was their intent all along with this movie. I think they did what they needed to do; they gave us our characters back so we will long to see them again. I didn't honestly think that was possible. When I first heard of this movie and what they were planning, I was angry, "Shatner is Kirk!!, Nimoy is Spock!!", etc... I said time and time again. I am both surprised and pleased that they have changed my mind. Someone else can play these characters and most importantly I think, they can play these characters with respect for our original ones. The biggest plus for this movie was, not to sound corny here but, it's "fun" again. Humor throughout the movie in a positive light. Not "forced", but from a Trekkie's heart I thought. The audience time and time again erupted in laughter, young and old alike. Above all, this movie was "fun"; something I think the other movies, aside from Data's classic lines and an occasional Worf quickie, had lost since TVH. This movie was most obviously crafted to bring us old Trekkie's along for the ride, and this Star Trek fan is most appreciative.
So JJ, cut down on the lens flares and shaky cam and upgrade Budineering and everything will be alright.