Star Trek Rules
I must state for the record that I’ve never been a Trekkie and never watched the original '70s series regularly, although I did enjoy the odd episode. To some that makes me unqualified to write a review of Star Trek. To others I’m the perfect candidate.
Whilst I could hear the Trek fans whisper, critically passing judgment as the new ensemble appeared one by one, I simply got to enjoy the show.
At times I could sense the actors trying to emphasis their relevant catch phrases, in particular Dr Leonard ‘Bones’ McCoy (played by Karl Urban, the baddy from the Bourne series) with his expression, “Damn it!” It was odd to see Urban trying so hard to make Bones his, but it was clear the audience appreciated his efforts.
That said, once you're past the quirks and the impersonations by 21st century actors of iconic 1970s characters, you get to the meat of the film, which hits the perfect tone. J.J. Abrams could have ruined the film quite easily if he had taken the Lost route, but he stayed true to the original. That is action: adventure, warp-speed sonic booms, and sinister looking bad guys cruising space in evil-looking ships, with some time travel thrown in just for fun.
As far as story lines go, it’s nothing new. I heard one viewer complain that there weren't any twists, but I suppose there shouldn’t be. The original part of the film is how the Enterprise team came about from what seems to be fresher’s week at the Starfleet Academy. Good times!
Eric Bana plays Nero, the man responsible for the death of J. Kirk’s father in the tragic opening scene. Without going into unnecessary detail, Bana plays his small part as an all-destroying arch-nemesis very well. His limited on screen presence allows the film to focus on the team, Kirk, Bones, Scotty, Uhura, Sulu, Chekov (with a very dodgy Russian accent) and, of course, Spock.
Star Trek is a thoroughly entertaining adventure, crafted to recreate the brand for a continuing series with this as its foundation. The easy work is done. The hard part will be the sequel, which I’m sure is being written as I type.
At times I could sense the actors trying to emphasis their relevant catch phrases, in particular Dr Leonard ‘Bones’ McCoy (played by Karl Urban, the baddy from the Bourne series) with his expression, “Damn it!” It was odd to see Urban trying so hard to make Bones his, but it was clear the audience appreciated his efforts.
That said, once you're past the quirks and the impersonations by 21st century actors of iconic 1970s characters, you get to the meat of the film, which hits the perfect tone. J.J. Abrams could have ruined the film quite easily if he had taken the Lost route, but he stayed true to the original. That is action: adventure, warp-speed sonic booms, and sinister looking bad guys cruising space in evil-looking ships, with some time travel thrown in just for fun.
As far as story lines go, it’s nothing new. I heard one viewer complain that there weren't any twists, but I suppose there shouldn’t be. The original part of the film is how the Enterprise team came about from what seems to be fresher’s week at the Starfleet Academy. Good times!
Eric Bana plays Nero, the man responsible for the death of J. Kirk’s father in the tragic opening scene. Without going into unnecessary detail, Bana plays his small part as an all-destroying arch-nemesis very well. His limited on screen presence allows the film to focus on the team, Kirk, Bones, Scotty, Uhura, Sulu, Chekov (with a very dodgy Russian accent) and, of course, Spock.
Star Trek is a thoroughly entertaining adventure, crafted to recreate the brand for a continuing series with this as its foundation. The easy work is done. The hard part will be the sequel, which I’m sure is being written as I type.
Here Is The Writer : Omer Bhatti
Omer Bhatti, Head Sales Trader of WorldSpreads and markets commentator during the week, is always happy to go to a cushy cinema and devour films on the weekend. No film is ruled out, be it French film noir, Hollywood CGI action, or Japanese Manga. Look to Omer for input on where to go and what to see, whether it’s for a first date, family outing, Sunday recovery session, or guy's - or girl's - night out. (Just don't make him watch Sex & the City again.)
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