Star Trek 2.0 - Sort of...

Rating: 8/10 (17 May 2009)

I am a fan of all Star Trek TV series and Films; though I do not own any merchandise, uniforms, or Vulcan ears. I grew up watching TOS, adjusted to TNG, and thoroughly enjoyed the Latest Enterprise series. Though I do like the TNG the best, I do understand the significance of TOS in regards to its tackling of social issues, as well as inspiring an entire generation of engineers to produce the technology we live with today. I've never been to any Trek or Sci-fi conventions, so I am uncertain if I could be classified as a Trekkie or a Trekker, and wouldn't be insulted if someone called me either. (Some loathe being called a Trekkie.)
This latest Star Trek film is both incredibly awesome, and somewhat disappointing. The action is great, the actors are wonderful, the special FX are excellent. The one issue I am having a difficult time coping with is the alternate universe. In essence, though this film adopts much of TOS and Enterprise's back story, it creates an impossible paradox of time travel, as well as completely altering the Star Trek universe if they decide to further this particular plot line in future films or TV series. Though the alternate universe issue is a well used device of TOS, TNG, and Enterprise; it is creating cognitive dissonance for me to attempt to reconcile these new plot points.
However, the film is great, the characters are believable and real. Plus, the film is a lot of fun as we get to meet the young Kirk, Spook, Sulu, Checkov, Scotty, McCoy, and Uhura. There is a plethora of nods to TOS to satisfy everyone's inner Trekkie or Trekker, as well as plenty of new developments to increase our curiosity. My mother, who likes Star Trek well enough, but who is not anywhere close to understanding the subtleties of the alternate universe, particularly enjoyed this film too.