Much like the vaunted Enterprise, navigating the murky seas of deep space, I will attempt to navigate this review completely spoiler free...
No small task. Let me be honest here. I'm not the biggest Star Trek fan in the known universe. I'm of the rival Star Wars faction, not accustomed to all these Starfleet regulations and such. But what I am most assuredly, is a fan of science fiction. I was worried most of all that J.J. Abrams reboot/retelling/rewhatever of the Trek franchise would be little more than porn for the already converted, leaving those of us who are just looking for a fun space romp out in the frozen wastes like a Tauntaun.
I needn't have worried.
It's been over a week since I first caught Abrams' latest. I waited because I wanted to see if the feeling of euphoria evoked from the experience would abate even a little. It hasn't. What Abrams has created here is the freshest, exhilerating piece of space fantasy I've seen in years. You might mistake that for hyperbole, but I assure you it's not. I'm on record here on this site saying that I think these types of movies have been making a big comeback lately, what with Danny Boyle's Sunshine and Serenity topping the list. But they didn't have the sheer amount of baggage that this movie has to contend with. Not only did Star Trek have to appeal to the old schoolers, but also appeal to the guys like me lookin' to get a foot in the holodeck, so to speak. And boy, does it ever.
Without spoiling too much, I can say that Star Trek revolves around the formation of the original crew that we know and love. Cast in the familiar Starfleet uniforms are a young, good looking cast of recognizable faces. Zachary Quinto(Heroes) amiably takes over the role of Spock. Chris Pine(Smokin' Aces) was the biggest question mark for me. My concern being that he would try to emulate Shatner's unique cadence and mannerism. Fortunately, that never becomes an issue. Everyone puts their own unique spin on these characters, making them both new and familiar at the same time. Everyone melts into their roles seamlessly. Well, except for Anton Yelchin as Chekhov, who I thought was straining to hold on to his Russian accent. Not enough to bother me, though.
As for the story itself, it's probably a bit more convoluted than is necessary, but that's okay. Eric Bana as Nero is the type of villain that I absolutley love. He's got a real reason to seek vengeance against Starfleet, and the technology and firepower to see it through. He's obviously evil, but his point of view has merit considering what's been done to him. Honestly I didn't even recognize Bana, and he seems more into this part than he has since Munich in '05.
Not all is sweet smelling roses, however. I gotta take issue with one little(read: HUGE) problem. Tyler Perry. No, I'm not about to go off on a rant about why his movies suck ass and keep down an entire people during a Star Trek review. So why do I bring him up? He's in the movie. Yes. THAT Tyler Perry. Cross-dressing Tyler Perry. And what's worse, we get no warning. I expect that if Tyler Perry is going to stick his raisinette-lookin' dome in the middle of a movie he's got no business being in that we should get fair warning. Stamp that shit in big letters during the opening credits so I can clench my teeth in preparation. To top it all off he's in here twice! We're practically bookended by that bamma! Aaargh!
Whatever. I can deal with that only because of how great this film is. To quote my friend Margot(who got me in to the screening in the first place, Thanks Again!!) "J.J. hit the ball out of the park." It's funny, action-packed, gripping, and any other buzz word you can throw at it. I might just be ready to trade in my lightsaber for a phaser.....
Nah, not quite.
9/10
