Superb Acting, Spot-On Characterization, Ridiculous Plot

Rating: 7/10 (24 May 2009)

As a person who saw the Trek franchise wither and die of old age over the years, I had no intention of seeing this movie. But the positive early reviews coaxed me out to the theater, and I was pleased but perplexed. This is probably the best-acted Star Trek vehicle of any type (movie or TV) I've ever seen. The actors recapture the original Trek cast nearly perfectly; the only exception is Kirk. And there's the rub. There is no way in any universe that the brave but utterly irresponsible James Kirk portrayed in this film would ever be put in any sort of military command, let alone that of a starship. He needs about ten more years of growing-up before he'd be ready, but the movie makers needed to end the film with him in command to re-launch the franchise. So, it seems they started writing it at the end with him in command, and then worked their way backward.
The result is a nonsensical, forgettable plot that overwhelms the viewer with explosions and fast-moving objects, but which nevertheless does its job of introducing the characters and throwing them together on the same ship by the end. Luckily, the actors transcend the script and turn in great performances that leave us wanting to see them again very soon for more adventures. And since the writers won't be burdened with having to work backward from an unbelievable premise, hopefully the next movie will be much better written.