Star Trek (2009)

3.0

SCIENCE FICTION/ACTION
U.S. Release Date: 05/07/2009
Running Length: 126 Minutes
MPAA Classification: PG-13 (Violence, Sexual Situations)
Theatrical Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Cast: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Leonard Nimoy, Eric Bana, Karl Urban, Simon Pegg, John Cho, Zoe Saldana, Anton Yelchin, Bruce Greenwood
Director: J.J. Abrams
Screenplay: Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman, based on the series by Gene Roddenberry
Cinematography: Daniel Mindel
Music: Michael Giacchin
U.S. Distributor: Paramount Pictures

Review by: Carter Moulton

05/14/09

Note: I am totally unfamiliar with the “Star Trek” franchise; my only experience with the series is the .4 seconds of William Shatner I’d see while flipping channels. Therefore, I’m reviewing Star Trek as purely a motion picture, and, because of this, my insight may or may not be helpful.

“Space: the Final Frontier.” Finally, a movie that addresses the fact that there is no sound in outer space. In the opening scene, as lasers and beams fill the screen, we see a member of Starfleet fall off the ship and into the silent abyss. It was refreshing to see this for some reason—don’t worry; there are laser noises (“beew beew”) throughout Star Trek, a film that successfully reintroduces and organizes storylines and characters for people who have been living underground (such as myself).

J.J. Abrams, the mastermind behind “Lost” and Cloverfield, takes charge as director and producer, and his approach is straightforward: introduce the characters, compose adrenaline-filled action scenes, and reference the old series while adding a 21st century spin. He does all of these things. The film feels a bit rushed at times because of this ambition, but things never get out of hand with Abrams at the helm.

Photo © Paramount Pictures

As for the acting, (almost) everyone is on board, so to speak. Anton Yelchin is a standout as the fast-talking, energetic-yet-nervous Russian Starfleet officer Pavel Chekov. Chris Pine gives a breakout performance as James T. Kirk as well, but perhaps the most impressive is Zachary Quinto as Spock—not because of any award-worthy scenes per say, but because of his ability to embody Spock without any campy or “look at this Leonard Nimoy wannabe” moments. My only complaint is Eric Bana as Nero, the cold-blooded Romulan villain. Where rage should saturate the screen, Bana gives Nero a whimper—coming off as a poor-man’s Christian Bale. Bana is a fine actor, don't get me wrong, but perhaps this wasn't the best casting scenario. Some scenes are better than others.

I’m not going to pretend; I didn’t understand everything about Star Trek—the black hole births and the future time-travel—but that’s okay. The film still delivers an entertaining two hours of character development and action. Seeing Leonard Nimoy as Spock was delightful, although it seems Spock has gone a little crazy (referencing a scene towards the end of the film): spoiler Spock says that he’s found a nice location to restart the basically-extinct Vulcan race. How does he plan to reproduce by himself? Interesting Spock. He does mention taking the "elders," so it should be a fun time either way. end spoiler.

So, take it for what it is, but Star Trek engaged me more than the show ever did—and if the series continues on the big screen, which appears to be the case, I will most certainly see the future installments. There is material to love if you’re a “Trekkie” (from what I’ve heard), and even if you aren’t, Star Trek is an exciting time at the theater.