I saw Star Trek tonight and it was pretty amazing. I will have to watch Star Trek II: The Wrath of Kahn again because this new one might be the best Star Trek movie yet. It really is a remarkable film that in many ways captures the essence of the characters that Gene Roddenberry created in the original series. The casting was spot on, especially for Spock and McCoy.

 

The story itself is relatively simple and involves revenge and time travel (two good Star Trek themes). It is wonderfully set at the time of the maiden voyage of the USS Enterprsie when her crew was just out of Starfleet Academy. I think one of the reasons this movie works so well on so many levels is that while it stays true to the core of Star Trek it takes significant risks to update the show for our current generation and in this way this new Star Trek is very much like intrepid Enterprise Captain James Tiberius Kirk in character – the ultimate risk taker.

 

Speaking of the Enterprise, the movie does an amazing job showcasing the beauty of the original series design. Some nice close ups of the NCC 1701 really do move an old trekkie’s heart. For you hardcore trekkies out there there is a brilliant scene that involves an unknown character in a red outfit – I know you know what happens to this character if you are a true die-hard. Other nice touches were found in the musical score. They did a nice job incorporating similar sounds and themes from the original series music without simply ripping it off. In the fight scenes the music is definitely reminiscent of the standard fight music from the old series.

 

There is much to love about this new Star Trek especially the fact that it will single handedly revive the dying franchise. There is no doubt that more movies will come and I look forward to them – as well as to seeing this movie endlessly and introducing Star Trek to my kids and watching them get acquainted to the greatest characters across the Star Trek universe – Captain Kirk, Spock, Dr. McCoy and the rest of the crew – especially the old NCC 1701 – the USS Enterprise.

 

Fantastic movie.