Before the iconic title ever rolls onto the screen, the new Star Trek (directed by J.J. Abrams, creator of Lost) establishes what kind of film it’s going to be. The USS Kelvin is being attacked. A gigantic, black, spider-like ship has appeared mysteriously out of an immense cloud of lightning. The USS Kelvin is undersized, and under-gunned. The anonymous ship looms over the Federation ship like a tarantula about to strike at a helpless bug. The crew has to evacuate. One man stays behind to captain the ship – George Kirk.
This sets the stage for a brand new Star Trek universe. This mysterious ship has somehow altered the events of the original Star Trek universe, creating a new line of events. How the ship alters those events will not be divulged in this review, but suffice it to say that it is a genius way to reboot a franchise, and just about the only way to give it a fresh start.
We witness the birth of James T. Kirk. He grows up to be a sassy teenager who steals vintage cars and then into a self-absorbed, cocky young man who, as one character points out, is the smartest repeat offender on the planet.
After a bar fight with a bunch of Star Fleet trainees, Kirk is asked to join by Captain Pike, who knew Kirk’s late father. It’s no surprise to us that Kirk joins the fleet and soon finds himself whisked away on an adventure. The true surprise is where that adventure will take us.
Other beloved characters play starring roles here. Zachary Quinto (Heroes) as Spock is a perfect choice. Half man, half Vulcan, Spock from a young age has always had trouble reining in his emotions. The young Vulcans try and illicit anger and frustrations from the young Spock because of his part-human heritage. Quinto plays Spock with a quiet, reserved reverence, without the hint of just trying to impersonate Leonard Nimoy.
"Bones" McCoy, played by Karl Urban (The Bourne Supremacy), steals every scene he’s in. This part could have ended up being extremely over-the-top, but Urban nails it. While he’s mostly there to interject some humor into an otherwise complex plot, McCoy still has his moments of heroism and isn’t just there for comic relief. The main comic relief comes when Simon Pegg (Hot Fuzz) is introduced as Scotty, but he’s the perfect man for the job. Every line Pegg has is genuinely funny and timed perfectly.
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Article comments
1 - anonymous
I'm definitely checking out this movie.