Review of Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979) by Phillip M — 30 Oct 2012

I saw this movie several years back, when my dad tried to get me into Trek for the first time, but I was too young to understand it. So I vaguely remembered it. But then, years later, after developing an interest for the franchise, I watched it again.

Some Trek fans didn't like this film as much as others, and I have to agree, it could have been better for the start of the movie series. But at the same time, it wasn't so bad. I thought it was good, but not great.

This takes place about a couple years after the the five-year mission, and we have a new, refit Enterprise, with new uniforms (that look like pajamas) Then we have the mysterious entity which calls itself "V'Ger".

And of course, the Enterprise is the only ship around that can do anything, just as always. This movie had an epic, and intriguing scope. It felt a lot like an episode, and I would say in this case, that's not such a bad thing.

It was a way for fans of the original series to return to the Star Trek universe. The reason it was more like an episode, however, is because it was originally going to be the pilot for the planned TV show, Star Trek: Phase II.

But after the success of Star Wars, the project was canceled. In a lot of ways, this movie felt like it was trying to be the next 2001: A Space Odyssey. This had some elements from the Original Series we remember, and it goes to show that a science fiction movie doesn't have to be an action movie for it to be enjoyable.

Star Trek, in a general overview, is not supposed to be an action franchise, and this movie is a great example in that sense. This movie wasn't bad for starters, I suppose, but I must say, I am glad the movie franchise didn't continue in this vain, and approached the next movie very differently.

As for this one, very slow paced, but not bad. If you are open, it'll probably at least keep you from being bored.