After the disappointment of X-men Origins: Wolverine Ijust had to return to the cinema and see another film to make up for it. Upon reading enthusiastic reviews I felt Star Trek directed by Lost’s J.J.Abrams might fit the bill. However before I tell you my thoughts on the film I shall enlighten you with the general plot.
The film opens with the birth of James T Kirk (Chris Pine) and the death of his father aboard the USS Kalvin at the hands of the villainous Nero (Eric Bana). We then witness the upbringing of both Kirk and Spock as they enlist in starfleet and train their way onto the Enterprise led by Captain Pike. However upon their maiden voyage they discover that they have walked into a trap as they witness the planet Vulcan under attack. After Pike is captured by Nero and the other Romulans, the Enterprise is left captainless leaving it up to Kirk and Spock to decide on the next course of action. The story develops onwards leading its way up to a suitable spectacular climax. So what did I think of it?
Overall I am wholly satisfied with this film. It is a genuinely exciting thrill ride that truly defines what one might want from a summer blockbuster. This is a refreshing change from previous Trek film (which I enjoyed) and the first time the franchise has elevated itself to a fast paced action adventure. If you only get one film per year that blows you away in terms of action and excitement then this is it.
This is a bold new move for the franchise and not just in terms of action but in terms of direction style as well. J J Abrams has deployed a very modern handheld camera approach very similar to many films of the modern day, a trend very common with directors such as Paul Greengrass. This also applies to the sweeping panoramas of the various backdrops depicted throughout.
Another thing worth noting is the abundance of CGI but rest assured this is CGI done the way it should be making the audience really feel as if they too are part of the adventure, in fact every single establishing shot of the Enterprise is just as sweeping and epic as the last making you as a viewer truly appreciate it for the juggernaut it is.
This film is also a succuss from a casting point of view. Despite initial scepticism from some fans and critics alike Chris Pine has proven that he is capable of filling William Shatner’s boots whilst never trying to imitate him, in fact he brings his own edge to it, portraying Kirk as a reckless, arrogant youngster. Zachary Quinto is pitch perfect as Spock expressing his conflicted inner vulcan/human emotions well whilst also proving to have good chemistry with Pine's Kirk. The story of how they turn from rivals to friends is at the basic core of this story.
Another successful character is Karl Urban as Leonard 'Bones' McCoy portraying the crankiness that DeForest Kelley brought to the role some 40 years earlier. The other regular characters are on top form as well in a script that gives everyone something to do; Uhura features in a love triangle between Kirk and Spock, Chekov proves himself a genius, Sulu becomes action packed and Simon Pegg's Scotty provides the comic relief. In fact the script allows each cast member to play their roles like they are beginners at Starfleet, slipping up on their first day on duty. There is even a moment when the Enterprise fails to go into warp speed as a result of Sulu forgetting to push a particular switch.
The film also boast a number of impressive set piece, one such sequence involves Kirk, Sulu and a crew member in a red shirt (no guesses who dies) fighting atop a planet destroying super weapon whilst the Enterprise faces off against a Romulan warship, an extensive sequence of set pieces that goes on for 20 minutes and never lets up. It is through action sequences like these that Star Trek really hits its stride. Sequences like this, as well as the film’s sense of fast paced adventure make it more akin to the original Star Wars instead on Star Trek.
In fact if one wanted they could pick out similarities between this film and the original Star Wars; farm boy gets caught up on space adventure, there is a bar room brawl, planet gets blown up, main spaceship turns up at the last minute to save the day, oh and there is a snow monster about half way through similar to the wampa monster in The Empire Strikes Back. But rest assured this film is merely borrowing ideas to tell a good story rather than just copying ideas.
Overall this film has proven itself superior to your average Star Trek adventure and I would rank it higher than the superb The Wrath of Khan. Abrams has truly re-invented the franchise whilst jettisoning none of its original charm. I definitely recommend viewing this film. Would it be wrong of me to give this 5 stars?......ah what the hell!
5 STARS
Leonard Nemoy appears by the way. Live Long and Prosper!
