sequel to the prequel that is better than the prequel, and the original

Rating: 9/10 (6 May 2013)

This was the 'surprise showing' at Event cinemas and it cost $20 3d and the best cinema, with sofa seats and lots of knee room. Worth every cent. I hate 3D. I went to see Avatar in 3d, and was dizzy and headachey for hours. But this went better. I sat with my eyes closed for 5 mins at the end of the film. I still weaved like a drunk for a while, but so far, an hour and a half later, no headache. I swear I ducked space debris. I was in space wrecks and bomb attacks (I really have been in a IRA bomb attack, the difference is that a forceful wind pushes you off your feet as debris flies past and thank god, over you.) I found myself studying the bad skin of Chris Pine(Kirk) and flawless skin, but beard shadow of Zackery Quinto (Spock)If they were wearing make up it was very well done. Not only do you need perfect skin to survive 3D, but perfect acting responses, blink in the wrong direction and this format up close and personal picks it up. Quinto is channelling Nemoy 100%, and Zoe Saldana is Uluhu as she was, short 60s skirts and high boots. Why did it take so long to discover this actress? She is more than interesting. Chris Pine is Kirk and that is not a good thing. Sulu is a different person, and not better or worse for it, just different. The casters went out of their way to put all human types/ethnicities/colours in all the bit parts as well as aliens. Yes, this is a totally believable future world. Benedict Cumberbach is a busy guy, he is in everything, and on stage, and here he is an outstanding villain. Looking nothing like the older version, nor sounding like, but so menacing! the storyline is totally expected, see skyfall! But well told and the special effects are awesome. Humour and seriousness in equal measure, great acting and a fresh take on the franchise with fresh faces who respect the tradition of the original.