Review of Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979) by Scott G — 13 Aug 2011

An attempt to elevate Star Trek into the realm, not of Star Wars, but of 2001, this movie sports some impressive special effects and sets, and perhaps some heavy concepts. However, the story itself is extremely simple, and those heavy concepts were already well traveled lands when this film came out (several times on the original show, in fact).

It is very slow paced, which I think is what many don't care for. I find myself liking the film quite a bit, though. If not always for what it does, but often for what it tried to do. With the follow-up, Wrath of Khan, Trek films became largely a science fiction action movie series.

But this was trying to be a serious science fiction film. The score is really fantastic, too. Often unfairly judged, this was really quite an accomplishment. Check it out, and try to watch it with an open mind.