Space is back!
No, not the kind of space a significant other may tell a person they need, but the kind of space that has spaceships with lasers, evil aliens that are in need of a brutal beating and of course heroic captains! You know, the final frontier.
“Star Trek” is the name, and trying to save the universe is the game.
The film, which is directed and produced by J.J. Abrams (“Lost”), is the 11th installment in the “Star Trek” series, exciting action fans and trekkies alike with exceptional actors, special effects and a thrilling storyline.
Writers Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman (“Transformers,” 2007) stay true to the “Star Trek” legacy, satisfying the sci-fi needs of diehard trekkies while making it easy for casual fans to follow along as well.
The movie is neither a continuation nor remake of a past movie, but is a prequel to the entire series with a brand new storyline.
Where does one find a cast to fill such big space boots?
Playing the role of Captain James Tiberius Kirk is Chris Pine (“Just My Luck,” 2006), who does an admirable job portraying the rebellious young captain, without being too cheesy about it.
The role of Spock is played by Zachary Quinto (“Heroes”), who magnificently portrays the half human, half Vulcan hero. In the film, Spock struggles with the fact that he should not show any emotion because he is a Vulcan, yet he cannot fight it because he is still half human. And Quinto does a fine job being able to play a character with this inner conflict. Scene after scene, he shows nothing but great acting and even throws in a couple of decent punches.
Not only does the movie tell their personal histories, but the film goes into how they ended up being associates in the Starship Enterprise and how they become friends, all while battling Romulan nemesis Captain Nero, played by Eric Bana (“Munich,” 2005).
And while there may not be a lot of familiar faces for “Star Trek” fans, the actors who took over such roles as Sulu (John Cho, “Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle,” 2004), Scotty(Simon Pegg, “Shaun of The Dead,” 2004), Bones (Karl Urban,
“Doom,” 2005) and Nyota Uhura (Zoe Saldana, “Guess Who,” 2005), also deserve a lot of credit for playing the younger versions of the much-loved characters.
The legendary Leonard Nimoy (“Star Trek”) even makes an appearance and plays his role as an older Spock.
The special effects really complete this movie and take it to another level. The CGI was realistic and beyond impressive. A scene that really stands out is the final battle between the Starship Enterprise heroes and Captain Nero. Let’s just say this movie ends with a bang. A really big one.
Prepare yourself to leave the theater wanting more; trekkies will feel inebriated with satisfaction, while casual fans will find themselves with a new obsession.
So, may the force be with you.oh sorry, live long and prosper!
My Rating: 4 ´ out 5 stars
