The prospect of a new Star Trek film is a scary proposition for many people. The general public seems to have stopped caring for the once-popular science fiction series, leaving its devotion to the legions of slavish fans who look over the blueprints for the USS Enterprise. For those fans, starting the franchise over with pretty boy Chris Pine stepping in for the legendary William Shatner as Captain Kirk sounds blasphemous, and the commercials for the film that stupidly proclaim This Is Not Your Father's Star Trek further alienate the fan base.
Now that the actual film is out, the fears of the hard core trekkies can be put to rest, and the general public can start liking Star Trek again. The latest version from director J.J. Abrams is the most entertaining film so far this year, and recreates the Star Trek universe in a way that welcomes new audiences and rewards older fans.
The film details the beginning of the friendship between James Kirk and Spock, the two most iconic characters from the franchise. The relationship starts off antagonistic; Kirk is a rebellious cadet and Spock is his logical Vulcan superior. But they are forced to work together when faced with the vengeful Romulan Nero, who wants to destroy both Earth and the planet Vulcan.
Unlike most films in the series, Star Trek is an action-packed film. The opening scene, featuring the helpless USS Kelvin pitted against an enormous Romulan mining vessel, is an instant classic. As the film goes on and the stakes continue to rise, the film doesn't let up on its excitement.
What makes the film Star Trek as opposed to just another science fiction movie is the portrayals of the characters. Pine as Kirk brings a cockiness that is right for the character, but never feels like an outright imitation of Shatner, which would be the most obvious way to go.
This respect for the characters continues throughout the cast, from Simon Pegg's Scotty to Karl Urban's Dr. McCoy, but special attention should be brought to Zachary Quinto's portrayal of Spock. His performance has to compete with the original Spock, Leonard Nimoy, who makes an appearance in the second half of the movie. Quinto does a great job balancing his own take on the character while still being similar to Nimoy's.
Star Trek is great entertainment while still being true to its roots and being non fan-friendly.
3 Culture
Ethan Goldsmith
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