Seeing “Star Trek,” is like reconnecting with an old friend. I had high expectations as I went to see this movie and I wasn’t disappointed; this is the best “Star Trek” movie ever. Director J. J. Abrams and his screenwriters Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman go back to “Star Trek” basics and retool them for today’s audience with a story that honors the essence of that older television series. It will please both hard core Trekkers and the masses. In addition, exemplary casting of actors who not only look the parts but make them their own also assures this movie’s success. Familiar sound effects from the old TV show pop in and out, the CGI visual eye candy just pulls you in and the amazing action sequences keep you engaged. And to top it off, Leonard Nimoy plays a time-traveling Spock Prime. What more could you want?
Chris Pine, who provides Kirk with an effective transition from cocky kid to matured leader, doesn’t try to imitate Shatner yet he becomes a believable Kirk. Zachary Quinto is spot on as Spock, being a close physical match with slightly softer features that give Spock a touch more of a human look than Vulcan. The rest of the cast, particularly Karl Urban as the surly, cynical Bones – ‘I’m a doctor, damn it, not a physicist!’ – play their roles to great effect. Abrams’ brisk direction speeds The Enterprise to a rousing close, which features the familiar “Star Trek” theme and Nimoy’s variation on Shatner’s ‘Space, the final frontier…’ voice-over. This movie is full of excitement, adventure and just plain fun. See it. You won’t be sorry. 5/8/09
1 comment:
This film should have been titled "Star Trek Junior" for its youthful portrayal of the original characters. I have never been a "Trekky" and even hated some of the Trek films, especially the one with the "Whales". This one is exceptional, however. I thought the acting was very good, the casting was excellent and the film editing was almost perfect. Someone put a lot of effort and skill into this production. The musical score is Oscar-worthy and the sound should also be considered. I think it will be nominated for some technical awards and maybe even win a couple. I believe Chris Pine (Kirk) is a star of the future and I have the film as a 4 1/2 bagger (popcorn) out of a possible five.
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