Review of Star Trek (2009) by Steven A — 28 Feb 2016

Pulling back on the reigns of the out of control and deteriorated Starship concept, Director J.J. Abrams beams new life with this tightly packed and carefully sifted exhilarating adventure.

Paying reverential homage to true trekkie fans whilst bringing a quality introduction to a generation of newbie Star Trek virgins, this is a dangerously accessible and exciting film with its overabundance of young energy.

For all intensive purposes, most critics (me included) have been waiting gleefully for the opportunity to sceptically nitpick at the inevitable mediocrity of this new instalment.

However, according to internet blogs and magazines alike, my fellow reviewers and I are finding it not only hard to rip shreds of the flesh of this material, but we are actually struggling to provide a viable and detailed insight without wanting to warn against a spoiler alert.

In a time where sequels are prequels we are transported back to the very beginnings of the intergalactic saga to witness the initial meeting of the crew and the maiden launch of the U.S.S Enterprise.

We are introduced to a rebellious young anti-establishment James Kirk (Chris Pine) who reluctantly joins Starfleet prove his worth under Captain Christopher Pike (Bruce Greenwood).

As well as a conflicted and bullied half human - half vulcan child, Spock (Zachary Quinto). Although his "disadvanages" Spock is in line to become a race leader, however bucks the system and enlists in Starfleet.

However, when the fleet is attacked and cadets must independatly man new ships, these two highly gifted but diametrically opposed cadets egos collide, instantly take an intolerable distain for each other.

Boldly facing the wrath of Nero (Eric Banna) a psychopathic Romulan foe from the future determined to exact his revenge during an unsuspecting timeline, their gnawing gripes and differences are absolve to present a united front.

The plot itself is fast-paced and keeps viewers entertained no matter their predisposition to the topic. Pine's embodiment of a cocky red-neck conflicted veneer, transcending the clichéd swagger to a higher destiny has greater depth than expected.

Abrams choice to cast Quinto as Spock was brilliant, running deeper than physical resemblance; he dynamically conveys the inner turmoil and barley suppressed stark emotional fragility of a logic-led Vulcan famously.

Taking in Spock's eloquently advice, "things must be analysed logically".

Positives - The simplistic and base explanation for each character is endearing and encourages further investigation. The intermingling of an intense and clean script with recognisable goofy one-liners is well balanced and nothing ever seams out of place. The music and sound design is impeccably shaped without being overpowering and too familiar.

This stellar special effects ride takes off at warp speed finding a unique balance that doesn't derail any of its predecessors. The new modern look of sleek glass and slick white finishes complete with touch screens appears natural and within scope.

The chemistry between not only the leads but the supporting cast is worth the ticket alone. Zoe Saldana is the decisive Lt. Uhura, John Cho is just passable as Sulu, Anton Yelchin is mildly over-pronounced as Chekov but the definite standout is Simon Pegg as the comical blundering Scotty.

Negatives - Although the movie was well timed, there were a number of lulls in the pacing. The camera angles were interesting but distortion and lighting flares were a recurring issue. The check-listing introduction of characters lacked depth and impact and as always things just wrap up too clean and neat.

The Verdict : As point of contention for over 40 years, aficionados dedicated to the idea, icon, spirit of "Star Trek" and the sub cultural significance of this franchise has been shunned by non trekkies.

However in this instalment, JJ Abrams has cleverly banished the pompous ironic overtones and even poked fun at the inherent cynicism of it all. Congratulations to Abrams for understanding the black hole this franchise has been in, finding a way to thrust all boasters and deliver with an air of actual coolness not just another a mind-numbing CGI fest .

As Leonard Nimoy's original overly pointy-eared Spock would say "live long and prosper".

Published: The Queanbeyan Age.

Date of Publication: 22/05/2009.