Synopsis: The story of a young James T. Kirk and how he came to be the Captain of the USS Enterprise takes place in Star Trek.
Release Date: May 8, 2009 MPAA Rating: PG-13
Genre(s): Science Fiction, Action Adventure
Film Review
Production
As a prequel and reboot to the former Star Trek films and the Television series, Star Trek is anything but a strictly fan-focused endeavor. It offers something for everyone regardless of your experience with the history of Star Trek and the tone is much more lighthearted and fun than you may expect. As a whole, Star Trek delivers plenty of action, comedy, and a great mix of characters that make it easy to sit back and enjoy the show.
Special Effects
In one word: Phenomenal. The use of models and CGI fit together so perfectly that you forget Star Trek is a fictional creation of an alternate world. It all seems so real and within reach for the viewer. There is absolutely no fault with the effects employed; they are crisp, clear, distinct and at times breathtaking to behold.
Chemistry
Assembling a cast of this size that works seamlessly together is a difficult feat. Those behind the casting of Star Trek have accomplished that and more. All of the characters fit perfectly together. They each bring something different to the story but work together so well that you can feel the beginning of a long and fulfilling journey together. With their mixture of sarcasm and comedy and a dose of drama thrown in it is a thrill to watch them all on screen together. It is also worth noting that the chemistry between Spock and Kirk is excellent. They are a pair that you thoroughly enjoy seeing on screen together, as their relationship begins and changes you cannot wait to see what the two of them will bring as Star Trek develops.
Sound
The sound throughoutStar Trek is done very well. There are two uses whose execution is excellent. In the first act of Star Trek sound bridges are employed with on and off-screen action. By doing this the plot moves along quickly but it does not sacrifice understanding from the viewer.
The other great choice in sound and excellence in sound editing is that of the lack of sound in outer space for there is no sound in space. When a character finds themselves in actual space all sounds disappear. The silence of these scenes, or the bare sound of breathing within a space suit, gives a more dramatic edge to the action on screen.
Action Sequences
Even though Star Trek is a part of the science fiction action genre the actual action scenes are not all that exciting. They are fun and get you going but it is more of a mental action and developing moments of fear for the lives of the characters when under attack. You can expect decent moments of action but do not expect anything over the top or highly original in Star Trek.
Cast and Crew
- Director(s): J.J. Abrams
- Screenwriters: Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman
- Cast: Chris Pine (James T. Kirk), John Cho (Hikaru Sulu), Simon Pegg (Scotty), Zachary Quinto (Spock), Winona Ryder (Amanda Grayson), Eric Bana (Nero), Leonard Nimoy (Old Spock), Zoe Saldana (Nyota Uhura), Ben Cross (Sarek)
- Other Crew: Maryann Brandon, Mary Jo Markey, Daniel Mindel, Scott Chambliss, Michael Kaplan, Michael Giacchino
- Country Of Origin: USA, Germany