Star Trek - in cinemas now
As a sworn non-Trekkie who generally detests science fiction, I was awaiting Star Trek with some trepidation. Could I take a story seriously which claimed that the evolution of languages on other planets had so exactly matched our own that their inhabitants spoke a perfect North American vernacular? Could a film about non-existent creatures with squashed-up faces who seem bent on destruction for destruction’s sake really hold my attention for a whole two hours and seven minutes?
Well, yes it could and it did, and even this hardened cynic walked out of the cinema satisfied of having had a good time. Following… ‘Lost’ creator J.J. Abrams updates the Star Trek franchise for the 21st century with a shiny, new look and vulnerable, fallible characters with whom we can readily identify. He boldly goes where no other Star Trek director has gone before. Back in time - to the days when captain-to-be James T Kirk (Chris Pine) was a teen rebel from Iowa, tearing around the countryside on his clapped out motorbike, while half-human, half-Vulcan Spock (Zachary Quinto) was busy fending off the school bullies.
Knowing that he will never be fully accepted at home, Spock decides to enrol at Starfleet, the military wing of the federation. Kirk is also persuaded to join up by Captain Pike (Bruce Greenwood), who knew Kirk’s father before he died in command of a Federation starship.
After three years at Starfleet, the academy’s two most gifted space cadets are thrown together as member of the crew on the USS Enterprise’s maiden voyage. Spock’s home planet of Vulcan has come under attack from chief villain Nero (Eric Bana), an aggrieved Romulan from the future who is out for revenge with the help of some black hole creating red matter. The plot is engaging enough, but it’s the film’s exhilarating pace, and the clash of two elephantine egos which make Star Trek an excellent movie in its own right, rather than another drab prequel for a limited fan base. Kirk goes into every situation with all guns blazing, while the supremely intelligent Spock takes a more measured approach. Their differences are both mocked and celebrated, and the two make a formidable team when they learn to fight on the same side.
Star Trek is a fun, playful film. Breathtaking special effects are coupled with jealous personal rivalries, hand to hand combat and epic space battles. The cast are young and nimble, showing a sensitivity which goes beyond the usual remit of sci-fi thrillers. Evidently the film’s creators had a male audience in mind when they did the casting. While the men saunter about in their customary pyjamas, the young, hot women sport mini-skirts that barely cover their bum.
Zachary Quinto’s Spock is a sympathetic character, in spite of his tendency to analyse even the most horrific events in deadpan fashion. Leonard Nemoy makes an extended guest appearance as his older, wiser self. Simon Pegg’s tardy Scotsman brings a welcome comic touch when the tension gets too much. Evidently the film’s creators had a male audience in mind when they did the casting. While the men saunter about in their customary pyjamas, the young, hot women sport mini-skirts that barely cover their bum. ‘Twas ever so.
In contrast to George Lucas’s galumphing prequel trilogy, the latest Star Trek offering is fast-moving, exhilarating, fun and occasionally even moving. Throwing in plenty of old-school catchphrases, usually delivered in the middle of catastrophe, along with a fresh young cast and awesome special effects, Star Trek has something for Trek fans and newcomers alike.
