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Star Trek: Classic Franchise beamed into the 21st Century
The film acts as a prequel to the original series, depicting the journey of the young and impulsive James T. Kirk (Chris Pine), from farm boy from Iowa, to Captain of the most advanced spacecraft this side of the galaxy. At the same time, the story focuses on the tale of Spock (Zachary Quinto), the half-Vulcan, half-Human genius who becomes a predominant figure in Kirk’s life. The film closely follows the tension between Kirk and Spock as they start off as bitter adversaries but eventually develop a deep and unique friendship through their experience on the Enterprise’s maiden voyage.
The adventure revolves around the protagonist’s quest to stop the villain Nero who has traveled back in time to seek revenge against Spock for the destruction of his homeworld. This incorporation of time travel alters the course of history in the Star Trek universe and therefore changes the lives of all of the characters. So while the characters are fundamentally the same, this mechanism allows the film, and any future films that follow, to develop different story lines from the original series (much like what the new Batman films have done). While overall the plot is very simple, this fact is hardly noticeable due to the absorbing atmosphere that J.J. Abrams has created.
More striking than anything else is the magnificent ambiance that projects off the screen and pulls in the audience. The movie produces a space setting of grand proportions that serves as the perfect backdrop for the awe-inspiring space battles featured throughout the film. The cinematography is stunning and enables the film to become the space epic that the original series never was. Star Trek is certainly one of the most visually gorgeous films in years with its dazzling array of colors and superb use of lens glare. On top of this, the soundtrack is amazing and greatly enhances the mood and style of the film.
Probably the most important defining characteristic of the quality of the film is its acting. Star Trek was always a character driven series and the new film is no different. While it is no easy task to fill the shoes of the original cast who portrayed these iconic characters, the actors of the new film live up to the high standards set before them. Most notable is Zachary Quinto and his portrayal of Spock. Leonard Nimoy’s performance as the original Spock turned the logic-fueled Vulcan into a legendary figure of pop culture and a symbol of the series. So a great deal of pressure was placed on Quinto’s performance. Yet Quinto, known primarily for his work on the NBC show Heroes, lives up to the challenge, brilliantly presenting Spock as he attempts to keep his repressed emotions under control.
Equally impressive is Chris Pine’s performance as Captain Kirk. At first impression, Pine looks like just another pretty boy with a nice body and talent, but after his first few minutes on screen all doubts of his acting ability and casting in the role are dispelled. Pine is exceedingly charismatic and brings to the role a certain rugged physicality that, frankly, William Shatner never had.
While Star Trek is an amazing film, die-hard fans of the series will be a little upset due to the lack of the social commentary and questioning of morality for which the original series is held in high regard. Yet, for the time being, ‘trekies’ will have to accept this as a necessary sacrifice in the effort to revive the series. But these fans will surely enjoy the new movie due to the repetition of classic Star Trek lines, the guest-starring role of Leonard Nimoy, and the emphasis that is placed on character development, another highly regarded aspect of the television program.
Ultimately, Star Trek is a movie that everyone should see. It adeptly walks the thin line between staying true to its roots and appealing to the masses. Thankfully J.J Abrams has boldly gone where no man has gone before and resurrected this classic from the clutches of the past.
