Star Trek (2009)

O Masterpiece

O Excellent

X Good

O OK

O Mediocrity

O Avoid

Review by Jason Pyles / May 8, 2009

Writing about a universal phenomenon like “Star Trek” can incur the wrath of Khan, the Gorn captain and trekkies across the galaxy. Luckily, the kind of people who wear pointy ears to conventions and movie theaters typically aren’t that intimidating, so I’ll risk it.

Such dedicated fan-boys and fan-girls will likely have split opinions in the extreme, either loving or hating this new film, depending on whether they’re among the camp that has an unconditional love for anything related to Starfleet, or the half that gripes about every little incongruent detail that they perceive as inauthentic.

In actuality, J.J. Abrams’ “Star Trek” lies somewhere in between. Sure, the critic within us all can always have qualms, but this blockbuster succeeds in capturing the spirit of the series and entertaining with flashy, loud, sci-fi action.

“Star Trek” begins with a poignant curtain raiser, where we witness the valor of George Kirk — James T. Kirk’s father — as he makes an unbearable sacrifice. The conflict surrounding this opening incident sends ripples throughout the movie.

Technically, this “Star Trek” installment could loosely be called a prequel — and though Kirk and Spock aren’t generally considered to be superheroes — it’s also an origin story, of sorts. The primary plot depicts the young Enterprise crew trying to deal with a Romulan aggressor (played by a nearly unrecognizable Eric Bana), and his dismal designs which involve drilling into planet cores.

Naturally, “Star Trek” has  mind-melding, Vulcan neck-gripping, a She-Hulk look-alike, and of course, some “colorful metaphors.”

Since the series began in 1966, “Star Trek” has had an uncanny way of conjuring uneasiness within its viewers: Typically, some deadly dilemma is presented to the crew of the Enterprise, and time is given for that danger to ruminate with us before we see it play out. To its credit, this movie is able to reproduce that same tension.

“Star Trek” is fairly well cast, but there are always unavoidable discrepancies when altogether different actors take on the roles of familiar characters. The appearance of one of the original cast members, however, surely lends more validity to the film. But in order to accommodate the actor’s aged appearance, the screenplay  incorporates a time-travel plot line, which leads to discussion of alternate realities, which leads to our doubting whether this prequel actually is the real story or just one possible reality.

As with any good action flick, “Star Trek” also has its share of humor, including in-jokes for the faithful, but even the simpletons who call it “Star ‘Track’” and expect to see swordplay with “life savers” will get some laughs. 

Oh, and there aren’t any surprises after the end credits finish rolling, so don’t bother waiting around.

Directed by J.J. Abrams

Chris Pine / Zachary Quinto / Eric Bana

Sci-fi     126 min.

MPAA: PG-13 (for sci-fi action and violence, and brief sexual content).