"Forget everything." That's what the marketing has been telling you hasn't it? Or "This isn't your father's Star Trek." Well gang, I got news for you, J.J. Abrams has crafted a Star Trek for everyone. Never seen a Star Trek before? No problem, this movie puts it all together. Regular Trekkie? You're going to enjoy this too, at least if the big moosie sitting next to me was any indication (Please Note: It is NOT necessary to giggle like a girl really audibly at pitch perfect portrayals by actors or inside Trek jokes just to let the rest of us know how knowledgeable you are.)
The film hits the ground running, much like Abrams previous big screen endeavor Mission Impossible III, and takes you on a white knuckled adrenaline ride from start to finish. But there is so much more here, folks. Abrams is a guy whose movies I will now see without any hesitation. He can orchestrate one of the most awesome action set pieces while developing a character completely AND having a real sense of gravitas to each and every moment on film. Need an example? Check your tear ducts at approximately the 15 minute mark into Star Trek, the man is a screen economy mastermind.
But it would all be for not without the incredible script from writing team Robert Orci and Alex Kurtzman. The movie is smart, so smart that when you try and see where the movie is going, it takes a turn in the opposite direction and impresses you even more. There are so many moments within this film that the writers could have done the easy thing and wrapped the whole package up with a bow, but they fight that urge, and the newest Trek film is the better for it. Kurtzman and Orci have laid the groundwork for however many Star Treks J.J. Abrams wants to make with their reboot. And guess what? It all makes sense within the Trek universe.
But did they ruin your favorite character? I think the general consensus is a resounding: no...they did not. Chris Pine takes his moment in the spotlight and shines just as bright as he can as the cocksure, lady-killing James Tiberius Kirk. Zachary Quinto has a more layered performance as he tempers his internal feelings to remain true to his Vulcan roots as Spock. Bruce Greenwood and Eric Bana are the other real standouts as the captain of the Enterprise and head baddie Romulan, Nero. The rest of the supporting cast are all strong, but aren't given too terribly much to do beyond showing up and looking and sounding like their characters, with a particular tip of the hat to Karl Urban and his spot-on Bones.
So forget everything, or remember everything. This is certainly not your Dad's Star Trek, but it is however the best Star Trek I can remember seeing. J.J. Abrams has officially launched summer, because let's face it, Wolverine didn't really feel like it, did it?
--Greg MacLennan
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