Star Trek(2009)
J.J.Abrams vision of the Star Trek universe is both unique and faithful. It brings a youthful energy to a familiar cast of characters.
It was dangerous territory. The Star Trek franchise can be credited with the most diehard fans around. Not the usual blood, sweat, and tears fans found in the sports world for example; but fans that immerse themselves in the fictional universe and all the details it has to offer. Crossing facts or redefining characters can result in your product being labeled a pariah, banished from the Star Trek lexicon. It takes a bold new approach sometimes to put to question what details really matter. J.J.Abrams Star Trek is a prequel that points the crew of the enterprise in a new direction using a familiar plot device to fans of the franchise, Time Travel. Through a careful incision, Abrams changed the course of history and opened up a new universe of possibilities. The film opens to the moment Abram’s makes his mark and inserts the villain Nero (Eric Bana) into an unsuspecting universe. Just as the viewer is knocked off balance by the stunning visual effects and quick pace, so too is Nero knocked off balance and left looking for his own justice. It is this same insertion of misfortune that results in the new cast donning the mantle of crew of the Enterprise to seek out and address this threat.
Little time is wasted reviewing the who’s who of the Star Trek familiars. For most, even if their exploits are unfamiliar, the names and personalities of these icons has permeated pop culture. Kirk (Chris Pine) the brash and fearless captain, Spock ( Zachary Quinto )the cold and logical science officer, Scotty ( Simon Pegg )the dutiful engineer, we have heard the names before and for the most part understand their place. It is here that Abram’s Star Trek shows it can be more. Abram’s and writers Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman take their own knowledge of the Star Trek franchise and layered the movie with references to the past. They skillfully dropped homage’s to the character’s and the original series. From Sulu’s sword fighting prowess in “The Naked Time” to Kirk’s weakness for green women like in “Whom Gods Destroy” there are plenty of ties to its predecessor. As well, they leave their mark on the franchise by providing new insights into familiar characters like the origin of the nickname “Bones” for Dr.McCoy ( Karl Urban ). Abrams’ chose to focus on the emerging friendship between Kirk and Spock ( given a slight nudge by the original Spock, Leonard Nimoy ). One that, even though the universe is profoundly altered, seems destined to occur.
Through the new faces, modernized effects, and faster pace, Abrams delivers a space adventure that can stand on its own. The balance between loyalty and innovation is delicately walked and results in an excellent film that stays true to it’s namesake. Star Trek was an ambitious project and Abrams boldly led it into a new world.