Director: J.J Abrams
Starring: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Leonard Nimoy, Eric Bana, Simon Pegg, Zoe Saldana
Released: 08/05/2009
Rated: 12
Having not been a fan of the Star Trek phenomenon, I was unsure of what to expect when seeing this film. Were they going to use references to the television show that I would not understand or was it going to be a film for hard-core enthusiasts or ‘trekkies’ to enjoy? Well I’m pleased to say that this film is not only accessible to those outside of the realm of Star Trek fandom, but also it is by far one of the best action films this year. It is a re-imagining of the Star Trek franchise and no prior knowledge is needed to follow the story of Captain Kirk and co.
The action starts immediately with an exciting yet very emotional beginning, which takes us straight into the story and shows the tragic fate of Captain Kirk senior. It is here where we are introduced to the enemy Nero (Eris Bana) who wants to exact revenge on Captain Spock for reasons that become clear later. As this is an origin story the characters are introduced to us and we see Spock (Quinto) and James Kirk (Pine) grow from children to Starship enterprise teammates. After the death of his father, Kirk rebels against the expectations bestowed on him from his father’s death and he is seen joy riding and engaging in troublesome behavior. The more interesting story is of Spock who is born half-human and half-Vulcan and struggles with his two identities. While he wishes to be Vulcan and to educate and lead the fellow starship crew in doing so he must hold back his human emotions and feelings for a fellow Starfleet member.
Filling Spock’s shoes is Heroes bad boy Zachary Quinto. His deadpan delivery is effortless and he plays his character with great ease making it the standout performance of the film. Chris Pine while no doubt attracting the ladies fills the shoes of William Shatner earnestly and there is a great chemistry between the two leads. As the film’s only female presence, Zoe Saldana more than holds her own against her male counterparts she is given a strong empowering role and is not just the film’s eye candy. Simon Pegg also stars as Scotty and delivers some terrific one-liners in what is already a surprisingly funny film. All the actors give great performances and considering that director JJ Abrams took a gamble when hiring familiar yet not A-list actors they make the characters their own. We are introduced to a new crew and one that we can expect to see more of in the future.
JJ Abrams guides the ship and armed with a great script makes the story accessible to new fans of the franchise. The film is well structured and doesn’t let up on the action for a second, while the cinematography and special effects also deserve a mention for making the film truly come to life. It is a moment of pure escapism when we are taken into the scenes in space, which are so beautifully shot. Accompanied by a wonderful score Star Trek is a thrill ride and no doubt will convert some non-believers. It works in it own right as an ambitious blockbuster, epic as well as pleasing the existing fans. With action humour and even a budding romance Star Trek is definitely no longer just for nerds.
Rickee Bhardwaj
[Originally published on Tuesday, 12 May 2009]
Tags: leonard nimoy, sci-fi, star trek
This isn’t an attack on the reviewer at all, merely a way for me to express my thoughts on this film. So ust to shed a few thoughts..
I don’t consider myself a trekkie, I never went that far. However, I’ve watched many episodes of The Original Series and I own all seven seasons of The Next Generation, and I pretty much hated this film. To me, what JJ Abrams and co have succeeded in doing, is merely squeezing out everything that made Star Trek what it was and replacing it with sleek action, forced humour and special effects; Essentially, trying to make the franchise “cool” and as you say “accessible”. Hollywood cinema is already packed with “accessible”, predictable and shallow action films, we don’t really need anymore.
While in the sci-fi genre, this is indeed an impressive film in terms of general acting performance, and boasts more than incredible special effects, I don’t think it does Star Trek justice whatsoever. Star Trek has a huge stigma attached to it as you have clearly demonstrated in practice “Star Trek is definitely no longer just for nerds” [harsh?]. It is infact a very decent series, with some brilliantly developed characters, interesting political messages and an immersing universe. What it lacked in style [although it was advanced at the time], it made up for in substance.
You say “the film is well structured and doesn’t let up on the action for a second” as if a let up on the action would be a bad thing, but I don’t think it is. I don’t really think this film does much to separate itself from any other Hollywood sci-fi action blockbuster; stylized scenes, attractive male leads and heroicism and predictable romance.
Additionally I don’t think that casting Simon Pegg as Scotty was a good idea at all. Scotty was supposed to be a jolly but hardworking guy, not a laughing stock used as an outlet for Peggs awkward ironic humour.
It’s certainly been one of the best received films of the year, but it miffs me as to why mostly for the reasons stated above. It’s a solid film, but in terms of doing Star Trek [and everything it stood for] justice, in my opinion it has greatly failed, which is what I expected before walking into the cinema anyways.
I got this on DVD for xmas and thought it was fantastic, paying plenty of respect to the original star trek spirit and breathing new life into what was very much a tired franchise.
I think the previous comment is summed up very well on the last line
“in my opinion it has greatly failed, which is what I expected before walking into the cinema anyways.”
With that attitude what chance did it have?
hi i wrote the review it was simply from the point of view of someone who is unfamiliar with the star trek frachise. i have watched a few episodes since and do agree it is a good show. However there are going to be enthusiasts who feel that JJ abrahams has betrayed the original series which is fair enough. But he has also reintroduced the franchise to those who haven’t seen it and thought it was for ‘nerds’ or ‘trekkie’ (sorry but the stereotype still exists). I think this is a ster trek for the 21st century and i myself can’t wait for future sequels.