Review of Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979) by Peter B — 12 Dec 2009

In many ways a perfectly fine star trek film - theres the brilyant characters, the stirring score, an intriguing mission. But theres no heart, no humour or warmth. And its over two hours. Its like someone pressed the slow motion button.

The characters take forever to get places and I meaaan forever. Literally ten minutes goes by as the enterprise approaches a planet thingy. Now I understand the arguments that this is thoughtful sci fi like 2001.

.....but what exactly is thoughtful about going really slowly towards something? Theres this notion that if a film has pace - especially a sci fi film - then it must be less worthy. I disagree - a ponderous film is boring not thoughtful.

Without pace, without plot, without a through line that keeps its focus then its just unengaging. Its a waste of time frankly, self indulgent and it has an air of self importance. It wants to be worthy and it thinks to do this it should take its time.

See it if you want and make your case for why its so slow but I doubt anyone can honestly claim to seriously enjoy this. Watch 2, 6, first contact or especially the abrams one for a better trek.