Space. The final frontier.
Star Trek (2009), hopefully not the final Star Trek film.
The brand new prequel to the USS Enterprise storyline of the Star Trek TV series is perhaps one of the best science-fiction films of all time. Period. Director J.J. Abrams (Lost, Cloverfield) has infused life within the ended yet beloved series of years past with fast and furious action, slapstick and gentle comedy, and an adrenaline shot to the face.
This installment of the films follows James Tiberius Kirk (Chris Pine) before his role as captain of the USS Enterprise. What's peculiar about this film, though, is its story that sets it apart from the franchise, giving any sequels to it freedom to roam about the Star Trek universe without conflicting with established story arcs. This is due to the clever time-travel arc that takes place within the story which both hardcore Trekkie fans, science fiction nerds, film buffs and newcomers to it all can appreciate. To explain the story with words like phasers, Romulan, and Vulcan may only confuse, so feel free to look that up on whatever fan-made Trek blog you can find.
Onto criticisms, its truly a feat to find a fault with the film. Not only is the new Star Trek flick able to reignite an almost lost interest within the franchise, but it appeals to all the fans of the original as well...and being able to please both ends of the spectrum isn't exactly an easy task, especially with the religiously devoted fan-base Star Trek retains. But don't be a Vulcan, nerds and nerdophobes, for Abrams along with the entire spectacular cast will have you on the edge of your seat begging for more, even when plenty is being given to you.
Technologically, Star Trek is a feast for the eyes. CGI and all the special effects are so well done, you rarely think twice about the reality of any given scene. Action scenes are comparable to an intriciate ballet in the sense of direction; a climactic opera where the fat lady is almost always belting the most incredible musical resonance.
To many, too much of a good thing is a bad thing. Somehow, Star Trek manages to cheat that idea, almost always providing a "glued-to-the-screen" scene that you usually look forward to once or twice in any given film. Trek holds your attention longer than you probably thought it would, fan or not. This is owed greatly to the cast, specifically, Zachary Quinto's mesmerizing performance as the bi-racial, internally conflicted Vulcan-Human, Spock.
Onto the negative, if anything, Star Trek seems to be a little to simple. Far be it from me, a non-fan of the original series, to actually criticize crucial story elements, but I felt as if I got the story just a little too easy. Obviously, this is to involve the newcomers as wholeheartedly as possible, but where everything in the movie caught my attention immediately, I left the theater wanting just a little bit more from the intuitively deep storyline the Star Trek universe holds.
All in all, Star Trek holds up in the history books as, debatably, the best Star Trek film to date (up with the likes of Wrath of Khan) as well as one of the best sci-fi films of the century. What Abrams has crafted seems to merely touch the tip of the Trek iceberg that lies ahead, and if that minute portion was this enthralling, its barely fathomable where the series could head. Live long and prosper, Star Trek. I have a feeling you will.
9/10
-Kyle Shelton
P.S. You may develop an unhealthy crush on at least one of the main cast members.
Star Trek (2009), hopefully not the final Star Trek film.
The brand new prequel to the USS Enterprise storyline of the Star Trek TV series is perhaps one of the best science-fiction films of all time. Period. Director J.J. Abrams (Lost, Cloverfield) has infused life within the ended yet beloved series of years past with fast and furious action, slapstick and gentle comedy, and an adrenaline shot to the face.
This installment of the films follows James Tiberius Kirk (Chris Pine) before his role as captain of the USS Enterprise. What's peculiar about this film, though, is its story that sets it apart from the franchise, giving any sequels to it freedom to roam about the Star Trek universe without conflicting with established story arcs. This is due to the clever time-travel arc that takes place within the story which both hardcore Trekkie fans, science fiction nerds, film buffs and newcomers to it all can appreciate. To explain the story with words like phasers, Romulan, and Vulcan may only confuse, so feel free to look that up on whatever fan-made Trek blog you can find.
Onto criticisms, its truly a feat to find a fault with the film. Not only is the new Star Trek flick able to reignite an almost lost interest within the franchise, but it appeals to all the fans of the original as well...and being able to please both ends of the spectrum isn't exactly an easy task, especially with the religiously devoted fan-base Star Trek retains. But don't be a Vulcan, nerds and nerdophobes, for Abrams along with the entire spectacular cast will have you on the edge of your seat begging for more, even when plenty is being given to you.
Technologically, Star Trek is a feast for the eyes. CGI and all the special effects are so well done, you rarely think twice about the reality of any given scene. Action scenes are comparable to an intriciate ballet in the sense of direction; a climactic opera where the fat lady is almost always belting the most incredible musical resonance.
To many, too much of a good thing is a bad thing. Somehow, Star Trek manages to cheat that idea, almost always providing a "glued-to-the-screen" scene that you usually look forward to once or twice in any given film. Trek holds your attention longer than you probably thought it would, fan or not. This is owed greatly to the cast, specifically, Zachary Quinto's mesmerizing performance as the bi-racial, internally conflicted Vulcan-Human, Spock.
Onto the negative, if anything, Star Trek seems to be a little to simple. Far be it from me, a non-fan of the original series, to actually criticize crucial story elements, but I felt as if I got the story just a little too easy. Obviously, this is to involve the newcomers as wholeheartedly as possible, but where everything in the movie caught my attention immediately, I left the theater wanting just a little bit more from the intuitively deep storyline the Star Trek universe holds.
All in all, Star Trek holds up in the history books as, debatably, the best Star Trek film to date (up with the likes of Wrath of Khan) as well as one of the best sci-fi films of the century. What Abrams has crafted seems to merely touch the tip of the Trek iceberg that lies ahead, and if that minute portion was this enthralling, its barely fathomable where the series could head. Live long and prosper, Star Trek. I have a feeling you will.
9/10
-Kyle Shelton
P.S. You may develop an unhealthy crush on at least one of the main cast members.
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