Star Trek ***1/2 (3.5 stars)

Star Trek - *** ½ (3.5 stars out of 4)

Silence is a rare beast in the summer. If heard, it is often because some 14-year-old projectionist with the physique of a manatee let the reel slip and could not paw it properly back into place. But not this time. This is the silence of space before man, a silence of excitement and anticipation. It is a silence that makes you lean forward and breathe in slowly: a silence that precedes joy. More importantly, as all true fans are wondering, it is a silence of respect, a nod to a history beloved that here is not only paid homage, but given new and exciting life.

That doesn’t mean the film is perfect. If you are a die-hard Trekkie, there are parts of this movie that will bother you. Probably deeply. But there was no way you could win anyway, not with a series reboot, so please keep your complaints contained to your message boards and conventions. To the rest, and let this be emphasized: this is a good movie. A very good movie. Not just in terms of summer relativity, but in terms of actual quality. This is a well-written, well-directed, well-acted and brilliantly cast movie. Yes, there are moments that push the limits of suspended disbelief, even by science fiction standards, but they are only moments and they are easily forgivable.

Now that basics are done, let’s skip the predictable prattle about this movie going “warp-speed.” Every other critic in the world has said that already, so there’s no point. Especially since they’re wrong. This film does not go “warp-speed.” It isn’t that monotone. 130 minutes at warp-speed would be boring and leave you tired. This movie moves at a pace far more exciting: one that varies. It builds and ebbs, taking time to both develop characters anew and pay homage to classic moments and lines of Star Trek history. It feeds us numerous scenes of intense, exhilarating action and surrounds them with beautiful visuals, yet never presumes that such bursts of adrenaline–causing uproar would be enough. It respects the intelligence of its audience. These days, that counts for a lot.

The acting, as previously stated, is top notch. It is not an easy task to recreate a beloved character. Attempts usually result in ugly, miserable failure, ala Steve Martin’s lobotomized take on Inspector Clouseau, or the entire cast of Gus Van Sant’s Psycho. Such was the mass fear upon entering this movie. Hands clenched up and down the aisle as people prepared for the worst (how could you blame them after Wolverine?) but after a few minutes the grips relaxed. Heads leaned forward and eyes opened wider. Somehow these performances work. Somehow each of these actors found a way to pay homage to the portrayals that came before, yet still managed to make each character personal. In particular, former pretty-boy Chris Pine and Heroes arch-villain Zachary Quinto embody the roles of James T. Kirk and Spock with powerful confidence, bringing strength and excitement not seen in either character in twenty-seven years. By contrast though, why was Eric Bana in this movie? Yes, Bana is a talented actor, but he wasn’t needed. The role wasn’t complicated. It mostly involved just looking angry and yelling with tattoos on his face. No denying that he really needed to be part of a movie that was actually successful. Or good. But it just seems like a waste. Anyways.

Before, there was judgment. Now, there is none. J.J. Abrams is a talent. Whether or a fan of Lost or not, whether you hated or loved Alias, whether or not MI:3 made you want to kill cute things or just lean your head into traffic, the 33-year-old Abrams has a gift for creating stories worth watching and characters worth knowing. His mistakes are visible, but he learns from them and has the skill to not to make them twice. He has done the film world right and created a movie not only worth watching, but one worth watching twice. Few movies are worth that honor, especially during the summer. This one earns it. Thank you J.J. for reminding us how fun imagination can be. Thank you for showing us again that you don’t have to take everything so seriously to still be respectful. Thank you for bringing quality writing back to the world of Science Fiction. Above all though, thank you for making me actually be excited for a sequel. Outside of Batman (which I don’t count), that hasn’t happened in a decade.


Directed by J.J. Abrams
Written by Roberto Orci & Alex Kurtzman

Starring:
Chris Pine – James T. Kirk
Zachary Quinto – Spock
Leonard Nimoy – Spock Prime
Eric Bana – Nero
Bruce Greenwood – Capt. Christopher Pike
Karl Urban – Dr. Leonard ‘Bones’ McCoy
Zoe Saldana – Nyota Uhura
Simon Pegg – Scotty
John Cho – Hikaru Sulu
Anton Yelchin – Pavel Chekov
Ben Cross – Sarek
Winona Ryder – Amanda Grayson
Chris Hemsworth – George Kirk
Jennifer Morrison – Winona Kirk
Rachel Nichols – Gaila
Faran Tahis – Captain Robau
Clifton Collins Jr. – Ayel
Antonio Elias – Officer Pitts