Star Trek
Director: JJ Abrams
Writer: Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman
2009
There are hardly words to describe how much I love this film! It’s one of the few films I can watch multiple times in a row and will still amaze me every time. First of all, Star Trek has everything in it to illicit every single emotion from the viewer. You’ll laugh, cry, get angry (at the Romulans!), be amazed, and even get your mind blown with the way the plot turns out. JJ Abrams has done an excellent job at keeping the integrity of the franchise intact while making Star Trek his own. I won’t reveal the too much of the plot because you really must see this for yourself, but I will say that each of the actors bring a special interpretation of the iconic Star Trek (TOS) characters, and along with Abrams’ directing they draw you into the story so much so, you really feel like you are there with them along for the ride. Star Trek is awesome, and what makes the film even more awesome, is the editing and spectacular sound that permeates the diegetic space of the film. What Abrams does, is juxtapose action sequences with almost operatic/classical music to create a ‘space ballet’ of sorts rendering the scenes highly dramatic and simply wonderful. It is true that anyone would potentially enjoy Star Trek, however I do believe TOS fans or those who appreciate that show will enjoy the film much more than TNG fans (or franchise fans thereafter), because let’s face it, TOS is the best Star Trek franchise, featuring the best characters, and now one of the best films with the original crew.
For awhile,I thought i was concerned Star Trek was a passing away franchise. Then JJ Abrams came along. Great touch. The scene with kid Kirk was too quirky in the film, though it was sizzling hot in the trailer. Star Trek XI breathed new life into this favorite Roddenberry universe. I’d like to see all of this Enterprise cast returning for further outings. I was raised with the first series. Heck, my father got us a color TV just so we could see Star Trek each and every Friday afternoon. At this moment, I’m stuck on these new actors. In MHO, they’ve breathed life into their characters and made them their own. I, personally, am looking towards more.