Star Trek (2009)

Being born in 1984 means that I grew up surrounded by a fair share of Star Trek.  Even though the original Star Trek series had ended long before my birth, there were several spin-offs on TV.  I never really got into any of them, save for some episodes of Star Trek Next Generation.  As for the old Star Trek movies, I really like them (though Star Trek 5 The Final Frontier is deeply flawed).  They have the rustic/non CGI feel of the old Star Wars trilogy, some cool action scenes, and interesting sci-fi plots.  The cast was unique and well suited for the material.  After Star Trek 6 The Undiscovered Country, four Next Generation movies were released.  Only number 8, First Contact, was actually good.

Now here we are, where modern times have produced a modern Star Trek.  And go figure, it not only totally rocks, but it also may well be the best of the eleven Star Trek movies.  The movie’s biggest asset is a young, talented cast that is very believable as younger versions of the old cast.  It’s easy for both new and old fans to like this cast and the characters being portrayed.  To director J.J. Abrams’s credit, he keeps the characters extremely close to the original but makes some slight changes that really paid off.  For instance Chris Pine’s Captain Kirk is more aggressive and brash than in past renditions of the character, which makes the movie more intense.  Zachary Quinto’s Spock is more in touch with his feelings, which makes his character more unpredictable.  Zoe Saldana’s Uhura is sexier and more flirtatious, which needs no explanation.  You get the picture.

The plot is simple if a little hard to understand completely on first viewing.  It has to do with crazy Romulan Nero (Eric Bana) seeking revenge for the destruction of his home planet.  To do this he must travel back in time, which alters the course of time so that the new films don’t have to match with the old in every detail.  Bet George Lucas wishes he thought of that (R2-D2 with rockets anyone?).  As Nero’s plan unfolds, the Enterprise crew is slowly but surely formed.  By the time the final battle occurs, the Enterprise crew is operating together effortlessly to fight off a villain, something I’m sure will happen a lot more in the future.

As a reboot to an old franchise, this movie excels.  As an origin story, this movie excels.  And as a good old-fashioned movie that entertains and leaves you with a smile, this movie excels.  The only reason I would not give this movie a perfect score is because the villain (Nero) is pretty weak.  Not only as a character, but also because he seems silly and not physically intimidating.  But oh well, this movie is about the Enterprise crew coming together anyway.

Star Trek:  A-