Movie Review: Star Trek

So, in an effort to relax a bit before the start of finals, I went to see the new Star Trek flick with a friend of mine this morning. That's right, this morning. And let me tell you, the clientele for a Star Trek movie in the morning is everything you can imagine and more. No one was in their Starfleet uniform, but I don't think there were any women there. Mostly, it was single, mid 30's, balding, fat men. Plus myself and Corey. Fun times.

Now, I am not a Trekkie. Or a Trekker, if that's the name you prefer. But as many of you may know, I do have a certain, ahem, dark side when it comes to science fiction movies. I am not ashamed to say though, when I was a child, I used to watch Star Trek - The Next Generation. And I'll admit it, it was entertaining. In fact, I wouldn't mind watching it again. But point being, I am not a diehard Star Trek fan. And I still thought this movie was absolutely fantastic.

In a way, maybe not being burdened by Star Trek lore is a help, because you don't have to worry about being disappointed by anything. But as far as I can tell, this new movie stays true to spirit of the original. One really cool thing about Star Trek is the sort of utopian worldview it takes. That's not so prevalent in today's post-Cold War society, but can you imagine this in the 1960's? Black and white, American and Russian, men and women, human and aliens working together in harmony for peaceful exploration? What a great idea.

Anyways, to the movie. The acting is superb, and it's really striking how similar some of the actors and actresses look to the original TV cast. Spock especially, man, spot on. Spock and Kirk especially bring a very nice nuance to their roles. The conflict in Spock between his human emotion and Vulcan logic is really, really well done. Another really neat bit is the fact that Leonard Nimoy shows up! As, and you'll never guess, Spock! Yes, that's right, there are two Spock's in this film. And I know, it sounds sketchy, but it works out really really well. Nimoy brings an element of gravitas to the film that helps ground some of the more "out there" moments. Plus, he acts as such a poignant link to the noble history of this franchise. Well done.

As far as visuals go, this movie gets thumbs up. I always thought the Enterprise was such a cool looking ship, but to see it re-imagined in modern computer graphics, it takes it to another level. It's really such a graceful ship. It doesn't emanate aggression, or anything like that. Instead, it's more of an exercise in diplomacy and the importance of common understanding. Anyways, aside from sweet looking spaceships, the space battle scenes and other assorted space scenes just look fantastic as well. And there's a very striking, Alderaan-esque scene as well.

The story, I'll be honest with you, some parts of it I really don't know what the hell was happening. I know it was all a big excuse to create an "alternate reality" so they could make up this new story without destroying the entire past canon of the TV show. But in any event, it's an engaging story, and it works. Like I said before, the acting puts this over the top, and even makes some of the more ridiculous moments seem realistic. Kudos.

As an aside, I always thought "Live long and prosper" was such a legitimately great way to end a conversation. I mean, really, what a nice thing to say to someone. If it was socially acceptable, that's how I'd end all of my conversations.

As a further aside, I can do the Vulcan gesture with not only my right hand, but my left hand too. Suck on that bitches.

So yes, this movie is highly recommended. Even if you're not a science fiction fan, I think you'd be entertained by this film. It is smart, funny at times, visually stunning, and even emotionally resonant. A great reboot for a uniquely American pop institution.