"Star Trek (2009), a Mr. E Movie Review

(Run time: 127 min. - Directed by: J. J. Abrams - Starring: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Eric Bana, Karl Urban, Zoe Saldana)

I saw the previews, downloaded the trailers, attended a pre-release hype party, and lined up on the first night to see the new Star Trek movie. You might think I risked a chance of being over exposed or hyping a film up too much, and thus, risking an overly critical outcome…nope. Even with all the expectations this movie has not only lived up to the hype but it even surpasses it!

The movie’s about the origin of the USS Enterprise being launched from Earth into space and the original formation of her beloved crew. Kirk, Spock, Bones and Ohura graduate from the Star Fleet Academy and set off into space where the time traveling Nero, played by Eric Bana, is hell bent on revenge. The focus of his wrath is Spock, the one he believes destroyed his home planet.

Chris Pine played the young James T. Kirk. Pine captured such a realistic part of this character that not only was more believable than the original, but better, in my opinion. He truly came off as a relentless rebel and I loved it! Then there was Spock played by Zachary Quinto. Again, Zachary Quinto played young Spock so well that his performance was so good that it was a stand out even right next to the original Spock, Leonard Nemoy. I think what I liked most was the fact he was such a young and driven character, that was so true to the Vulcan way, and yet just enough human to be perfectly balanced. Bones, played by Karl Urban, was such a wise cracking, smart ass that I thought he was channeling his original counter part! Ohura played by Zoe Saldana was hot! She was so strong and intelligent that I can really see her having the entire fleet wrapped around her little ear piece.

I definitely recommend this movie to anybody looking for an excellent movie watching experience! It is probably one of the year’s best pictures, hands down! I am eagerly salivating for a sequel! Star Trek is sure to live long and prosper!"

"If you're a big science fiction fan this is as good as it gets. on of the best Sci-fi movies ever and you don't have to be a Trekie to think so. A basic understanding astrophysics will help you with the believeability of the space world that they live in. It's a story about the formation and a deep look at the characters of the Star Trek telivision program. This is what makes the movie great. More about the characters than the plot line. Some times when you tell the beginning of the story last it brings the story together and makes everything make much more sense then you could ever think possible. Compareable to Batman Begins, a fantastic movie that sets up many future Star Trek episodes. As you can imagine the special efficts were fantastic. The plot is a very well backdrop to the main characters story. Although Eric Banna (Nero) was week, Chris Pine (Kirk) and Zachary Quinto (Spock) were fantastic and another reason this movie was outstanding."

"(This review was dictated by a 7-year-old) Star Trek was a good movie. Seven- or six-year-olds might not like it because it can be a little boring. It was scary at the part where Kirk was getting chased by a giant red spider on the polar planet. The part where Uhura was getting undressed may be a little inappropriate for little kids. It was kind of scary because Nero was scary at the beginning because when the captain of the ship went to the big ship, Nero stabbed him with his sword. A little nice because the captain of the ship offered to let Nero survive. There are some bad words like "bull" and the "f" word."

"In this this new installment of the franchise, the film tells the story behind the story. It gives us what we barely got to see in the t.v. show, in a clever way too. All of the charecters return including Kirk and Spock as the two leads, renacted by Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto while they embark on adventures upon the U.S.S enterprise.

A usual film has three main parts to it. A plot, a few charecters, and a side story for those charecters. This film is definately charecter driven. They are played very well by a cast in which I have never heard of. The best scenes in the film are the ones with the main charecters on the enterprise as they simply are exchanging cleverly written dialouge. The chemistry works between every single actor here and everyone gets their moment to shine. Abrams took over a clever plot and put great actors into it rather than trying to make an add-on seqel. "Star Trek" has the best ensemble cast I have seen all year.

Now, heres what doesn't work. The side story for the charecters in unclear as it deals with the future and during about a quarter of the movie I was saying to myself "Does this side story even make sense?" Also, the villain is poorly written and the atmosphere of that charecter is boring. Everybody knows that this villain is the same kind as almost every other villain in a sci-fi epic who wants to "take over the world" and kill the "good guys."

But luckily that is only the side story. Just about everything else in the movie works. The action scenes are intriguing and don't drag on as much as one would expect. In addition, the cinematograpghy is suprisingly good and there are some well crafted shots of the Enterprise in battle.

You DO NOT have to be a fan of the original series to like this movie. You should definately go to the movie theatre and pay your money to go see "Star Trek.""

"I've never been a 'trekkie', nor even known about the original series. But, I can now say with this film, they have a new fan.

Thinking back at this time last year, we had one very memorable action blockbuster come out, that pretty much set the standard for the whole year. If you don't recall- that was 'Iron Man'. I was now thinking, 'Wow, we don't have one of those this year'. That was until I saw 'Star Trek', which is the equivalent to last year's 'Iron Man'. To put it simply, both were highly underestimated, and opened to fantastic reviews, and a huge turn-out. Although 'Iron Man' is more fun, 'Star Trek' is just as exciting and fast-paced. 'Star Trek'- an old series, that I never followed closely- and yet the movie totally held my attention the entire time.

The movie starts out with a bang- a kind of prelude. Throughout the two-hour length-span, it drifts off a while, and picks right back up towards the finish and ends with a bang. Although the script could have been a little stronger, the brilliant, dazzling visuals and fantastic cast, will capture your attention the entire time. The cast all has great chemistry, acting chops, and looks the part. I was particularly fascinated with the two leads- Pine and Quinto. Also, I don't think I've seen a movie so visually dazzling. Explosions in space never looked better. Unlike the 'Star Wars' series, this film makes every event pop with candy-colored visuals and dynamic visual effects. On top of that, it's an incredibly exciting film.

I highly recommend- lately, I haven't seen good films in theater. For the exception of some light-weight comedies like '17 Again', there really isn't anything to go out and watch. Well, that is different now. I highly recommend 'Star Trek' not only to old fanatics, but to new viewers as well, who may be surprised at what exciting visuals, witty dialogue, and original themes this movie has to offer. "

"Star Trek: The New Generation, a movie for all ! By: Randolph G. Johnson Stardate 0510.9 Mothers’ Day as it is on the Planet earth, this Trekker went to see the new Star Trek movie with my friend, Kristen and her daughter, Amanda. All and all we loved it. As for myself I am a devout science fiction fan and having the experience of enjoying all that the ST franchise has produced unto, this movie successfully brought together all the elements which has made Star Trek a social entertainment icon. When I was a kid the original series was in syndication on the local television stations, by 5 o’clock in the afternoon I (or one of my friends whose house I happened to be at at the time) would commandeer the set (at the disgruntle of our siblings and parents) and faithfully absorb ourselves into the universe of Kirk, Spock, McCoy along with their subordinate counterparts, whatever premise they were written into to save themselves, the Enterprise or some alien other worldly place. Even though by today’s television standards ST themes are played campy to the extreme, the sheer interest of going someplace aboard a starship that would take you to galaxies far, far away had me locked in front of the tee vee every weekday afternoon. Captain Kirk played the ultimate alpha male (especially if some evil guy or tried to overthrow his authority take his crew or ship) who took on enemies and problems head on and this no self motivated heterosexual male could ignore! He always shot first and asked questions later either with an enemy or female conquest. Like a true space cowboy, his diplomacy always worked. And in real life it made William Shatner into icon himself culminating into “Denny Crain “ and the “Priceline Negotiator” ….but those are two other franchises! Chris Pine does a great job at making the role his own. He carries the movie in his own unique way in this 2009 advent to the ST franchise. The young James Kirk (portrayed by Jimmy Bennett) is not unlike any boy in his situation, (in the original series you don’t get the background of Kirk’s youth) rebellious and delinquent! When Chris Pine appears, as Kirk in his twenties, he is just as careless and irresponsible even though his father was legend (of which that overshadows James own life) he is doing what most straight single guys do at his age. Get drunk, chase s and fight. It isn’t until Captain Pike (played by solidly by actor Bruce Greenwood) reminds the young Kirk of his family’s devotion to Star Fleet and the Federation where he decides to join up. If I may digress , during my twenties I would go out at night and raise hell then always make it home in time to see the late night reruns of ST: TOS (and then in the eighties came ST:TNG,the nineties, ST:DS9,ST: Voyager and ST: Enterprise, not forgetting the franchise movies either!). So I could definitely relate to Chris Pines’ portrayal of Kirk as a young man. During the run of ST: TNG, I enjoyed observing Cmdr. Will Riker, which in my opinion brought some of the Kirk mystique to that Enterprise crew. Don’t get me wrong Captain Picard got his share of womanly associations in his command (most every Captain in Star Fleet does, even female Officers too! Eventually, everyone was getting some everywhere in the ST universe!) But he was in no way to confused as such a pursuer as Kirk! Now we come to Mr. Spock who is portrayed with great individuality by Zachary Quinto. He is also the only character whose character is rejoined by an original cast member and I mean the one, the only, Leonard Nimoy. Because like in all ST franchises one of hazards of duty roleship is you may be exposed to time travel! And that is all I am going to say about that! Mr. Quinto plays the role with distinction. We know Spock and the duality which his character has always wrestled with. Which is another social statement made by Roddenberry’s ideals in ST. Spock is basically a biracial individual child who is trying to find in which world he belongs and this is a social issue which is an issue as old as humanity itself. Star Trek endeavors to state that all life has a universal importance. The needs of the one but not as self importance but as in giving of oneself with empathy and compassion to help one help themselves. Quinto has a sublime connection in recreating Spock, as Kirk said about Spock in ST 2, “In my travels, out of all the souls I’ve encountered his was the most…human!” Director J.J. Abrams let’s Quinto’s Spock display that humanity and passion , along with its conflicts at it’s beginning to the audience no matter which level of Trek you’ve enjoyed over the years. My next fave character is Lt. Uhura. She is portrayed smartly by actress Zoe Saldana. One must remember that most of the actors in this flick were born after the original series was cancelled so their portrayals are quite intriguing and Zoe’s work is just so. In this film, one gets to learn who these endeared icons began their fictional life after thirty plus years of the entire franchise. Ms. Saldana brings Uhura’s character into life with intelligence and intensity. Remembering Nichelle Nichols portrayal, in the series and movies is recreated by Zoe very precisely. Lt. Uhura is a bridge officer aboard the flagship of the Federation and everyone knows anyone with that grade of authority is in a position that takes guile and guts and Uhura had both. Of course she has great looks too! Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy is played by actor Karl Urban. Karl states the he actively pursued the role from director J.J. Abrams. Karl brings McCoy’s character into life flawlessly. The best thing about all ST shows and movies is that they incorporate real social and personal issues into the characterizations. McCoy’s joins Star Fleet after getting divorced from his wife, (remember how in Stewart of Khan we learn Kirk has a son?!) McCoy clambers aboard the departing shuttle regarding his disapproval of space travel and how his ex wife took the “whole g-damn planet!” in their divorce is why is joined the fleet service. As the movie unfolds, McCoy displays his trademark mannerisms, through Karl Urbana’s license, with fluidity and adhesion to the DeForest Kelley essence of the character’s portrayal. Commander Montgomery Scott makes is played by actor Simon Pegg. He appears in the last quarter of the film but his presence accents the cast and the film itself. Here are other ST characters whose background that was well anticipated. Mr. Pegg portrays Mr. Scott with amiability and chemistry unto the role. He has transcended into the character which James Doohan played on ST: TOS. One relates intimately the feisty and dispatching demeanor of Scotty in Mr. Pegg’s portrayal. Lt. Hikaru Sulu is played by actor John Cho whose best known as “Harold” in the film “Harold and Kumar” movies. John plays Sulu with ease and consideration of the character established by George Takei. Sulu is the helmsman aboard the Enterprise and his support in that role is solid. He flies the ship but he is also a fighter and he gets to display those skills when he joins Kirk in stopping an attack by the film’s evil Romulan villain, Nero played by actor Eric Bana. During the film we see how Sulu becomes the pilot we come to relate to from ST: TOS and the franchise movies. Mr. Cho has reassessed the role and incorporated his own rooting into the character of Sulu. Finally there is Ensign Pavel Chekov played by actor Anton Yelchin. Mr. Yelchin really became Chekov in this film as much as Walter Koenig was in the role. Although in ST: The Wrath of Khan, Ricardo Montalban’s character states the he “never forgets a face” , recalling the ST:TOS episode “Space Seed” in where Khan first appeared aboard the Enterprise and meeting the ship’s navigator but Chekov character had not been written into the show until after that particular episodic season. Of course, we still enjoy the portrayal by Mr. Yelchin and the essence of what Mr. Koenig created in the role and Mr. Abrams license established for this ST film. Mr. Yelchin creates a good combination of Chekov’s thick accent and comedic stature for the film, not unlike the colorful recreations by the entire cast. All in all this Star Trek film is a vivid and intelligent production. The film moves smoothly in its premise and background stories of characters incorporating the power and interesting themes ,which has made ST films what is today, and all moviegoers of any age or level of Star Trek knowledge will enjoy. Peace and long life! RGJ "

" J.J. Abrams' Star Trek is one of the most exciting Trek films since Wrath of Khan and the Search for Spock. Years after a Romulan attack that killed his father, a thrill seeking farm boy, James T. Kirk (Chris Pine) joins Star Fleet. He doesn't take it seriously and cheats on a test. Which doesn't impress Spock (Zachary Quinto) much since he's all for going by the rules. They don't get along, but a Romulan attack on the Enterprise they're on might just be enough to force them to work together.

I really enjoyed this movie. The cast was a lot of fun and everyone did a good job in their roles. I was surprised how well Karl Urban played Bones. He wouldn't have been my first choice for the role either. Zachary Quinto comfortably plays Spock as well and plays the part perfectly. While Chris Pine is more of a gun-ho Kirk than I'm used to,. He is perfectly cocky as him though. Zoe Saldana wasn't bad as Uhura but my only problem with the movie is how she was used. I mean, I don't remember a Spock, Kirk and Uhura love triangle in the original series or movies lol. Spock making-out with her just felt wrong. But I was still entertained by the look on Kirk's face witnessing it.

I'm not used to a Star Trek film where Spock is a stud or one with some bad language either. While the space battles were a bit better in previous films. I still found a lot of the film exciting and fun though. Which is something I haven't felt watching a Star Trek film in awhile. Especially not the last 2 Trek films."

"I can't say that I'm a Trekkie, but I followed the series pretty closely. None of the spin-offs appealed to me. Having said that, I very much enjoyed this movie. I thought it was a very clever reboot to the franchise. The pacing was excellent. It managed to re-introduce us to the character of the characters and maintain high octance action. I'm glad it didn't weigh itself down trying to convince me with an extended who-was-who salespitch. Everyone got adequate screen time and maximized it fully. Personally I didn't think anyone could replace Shatner, and actually I've yet to see anyone do so...this new Kirk is an adequate reinvention. Everyone else was so good that I'm willing to give him a pass. I'll reserve my opinion on him after the sequel. Now he seems unlike Kirk in that he's a rash hothead while Kirk was somewhat methodical and cool in his approach to problems. "

"Typical, so typical. When it was about philosophy, moral dilemmas, cultural and racial differences, when it was meant to be as critique of modern society, another words, when there was a story with a point behind, nobody liked it! And now when it's all about action, firing lasers, blowing ships, when there is no drama, no characters, no story, suddenly it's movie of the year! Everybody likes it, so called fans, critique, public... everybody.

It just shows in what world we are living today, leave your brain at home, and go and have some fun. Go on and make four more parts of Die Hard if you have to, but don't destroy something valuable and with quality, just to make money. Star Trek franchise was never meant to be mainstream, it was always for freaks and geeks, but it was intelligent and smart, and that's way it was cult. Now it's a mainstream action packed, MTV, CGI, cool sound effects brainless, soulless, fun,fun,fun, junk!

There is not much to say about movie itself, poor young actors, it's not their fault. Nobody gave them something to work with, and they did the best they could. Nevertheless, I think that somebody with little more experience maybe would make something out of it.Director probably did what the producers asked him to do. Cool cinematography,great colors, great effects and camera work, but that is only two tenth of a movie. And finally, POOR, POOR scenario, it was probably written on ten pages, but I guess the producers wanted it that way.

At the end, even thou I'm a big fan of Star Trek universe, I can't score this movie more than poor, because there is nothing substantial in this movie that you can hang on. I would surely like that this new Star Trek era would end here, but I'm afraid for all the true fans, that it's going to last."

"I have learned not to keep my hopes too high for movies with lots of hype and expectations. I just assume it will be a letdown and be overjoyed if its not. That worked with the recent remake of "The Day The Earth Stood Still", which is one of the worst stinkers in recent years. With "Star Trek", a franchise near and dear to my heart, I especially kept a guarded hope. I am very happy to report that, despite a few flaws, it came through and then some. With clever casting and editing, it captured both the power of the original series and todays culture of fast pace effects and action, as well as throwing in a few surprises along the way. At the heart of this entertaining popcorn epic is Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto. Their dead on versions of a young Kirk and Spock will leave even the most loyal fans very satisfied. Although to a lesser degree, the rest of the original crew characters do a good job. The drawback are obvious ones. A complicated over the top video game like plot that so many of todays sci-fi movies like to have could have been done to a smaller degree with the same results. The other would be, and kind of ironic at that, the appearance of the original Spock, Leonard Nimoy. It is great to once again have the legend in character. But the idea of bringing back Spock again from the past or future or whatever, has been done several times before in movies and TV shows, and has got somewhat stale. These are some of the weaker scenes in the film. It's time to let the Nimoy version,(as well as the other original actors,) go and live on forever in our hearts and reruns. I for one am excited about this reboot idea, and can't wait for the sequel,with guarded expectations,of coarse."

" At The Movies

Star Trek (G) * * * * *

Warp Speed!

By ROBERT WALDMAN

Summer has already begun. At least at the cinemas it has. First off the blocks came X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Hot on its heels is an even better popcorn flick: Star Trek. Similarities between these two blockbusters don’t end there. Both movies chart the origins of the famed characters that have built-in global audiences. Under the tutelage of director J.J. Abrams the new Star Trek movie clearly breathes life into the fabled Paramount franchise. Beam yourself over to the Oakridge Cinemas, Fifth Avenue Cinemas, Esplanade 6, Empire Studio 12, Colossus and Famous Players Silver City cites around the universe to partake in this festive offering.

You want action – you got action – big time. Fun is the order of the day as we begin our journey with the introduction of a young Spock and James T. Kirk. Scenes showing the two lads growing up really set things in motion. From the plains of Iowa we see a cocky James T. Kirk getting into loads of trouble and having fun with the ladies – something he carries with him to, shall we say, very young adulthood. Spock, on the other hand, is the exact opposite: aloof, intellectual and a force to be reckoned with.

Whether Vulcan and Earthling will come together forms part of the fun in this dynamic movie that takes off at warp speed and never falters. Full of great jokes, menacing music, and an evil villain not to be taken lightly this 126 minute movie simply rocks. Non-believers and non-Trekkies will feel right at home here as the filmmakers have come up with a brilliant introduction to the beloved characters and filled the movie with a great futuristic atmosphere.

Casting here is the underpinning to this movie’s chances of success, as it is with most films, only considering the pedigree of this series and franchise this task is all the more daunting. Luck was on the side of Abrams and moviegoers when he nailed Chris Pine (Bottle Shock) to play Kirk. Pine is brilliant as the rough around the edges smart aleck teen who must assume manly tasks in a hurry. Equally compelling pointed ears and all is Zachary Quino who shines as the misunderstood Spock.

Great sets and superior designs make this film look truly futuristic. Down earth fun on a host of souped up vehicles makes the story feel all the more genuine. Fine support work from Bruce Greenwood (Double Jeopardy), John Cho (Harold & Maude Escape from Guantanamo Bay) and Eric Bana (Munich) as tattoo-faced madman Nero spell trouble and total enjoyment for audiences.

Fresh, funny and enticingly cleverly written Star Trek boldly reaches for new heights and succeeds beyond belief.

Read more reviews by Robert at www.moviereviewssite.com "