May 14, 2009
-
Star Trek 11
I usually don't do reviews, but the latest Star Trek movie totally blew me away. I'm quite a trekkie, mostly focusing on series from The Next Generation, Voyager and Deep Space Nine. The 11th installment of the Star Trek movie is based on the characters from a series before those I am familiar with. Initially, I was quite grossed that they wanted to remake the original series, with a perception that the original cast - who are primary shareholders of the Star Trek franchise simply wanted a movie to reflect their long lost glory. Their shot with the latest series - Enterprise, which didn't last very long was proof of it. Anyway, the reviews on the web from CNN and Rotten Tomatoes changed my mind and boy, it was well worth it. This movie is not just for the fans, although being one is a great bonus. Anyone can watch it. Even if you have no clue of what Star Trek is. For fans, I'd recommend you dig up the books and revise the facts, it would be more fun to watch (e.g. Who is Kirk's dad? How did Kirk become captain? etc). For non-fans, especially those with Star Trek stigma - I brought two of my housemates, one has no clue what Star Trek is and the other hates sci-fi altogether - they both enjoyed it.
The 11th movie is set before (or rather the day of birth of) James T. Kirk, the hero and icon of original franchise. Romulans from the future, distorts the timeline and seek to destroy the Federation (typical for everyone to destroy the most peaceful race. Why not destroy the Klingon Empire or Borg or something). The movie gives a fresh look at Star Trek, putting in more detail, relevance (in terms of technology) and pure humour. The cast selection was great! I mean, hello Sylar and Mr How to Make Friends and Alienate people!
Warning! Spoiler
The only regret I have from the movie was the fact that the Planet Vulcan was destroyed. Vulcan plays a huge HUGE HUGEEEE part in the Star Trek universe. I felt Spock's pain when it got sucked into the artificial black hole. Man.
I'll give this one a full 10/10.
They managed to give a fresh concept without distorting the essence and canon of Star Trek, realistic and quality special effects, good humour, good plot, off the scale action, good acting and fantastic selection of actors. This is a big one guys. Go watch it!
