So I had to collect my thoughts but I want to post a mini-review.
Why is Star Trek 2009 so great?? Is it the new level of realism? Is it the tremendous scope and epic feel? The funny and engaging new actors? The fact that we have one of only TWO real space adventure universes in visual fiction come to life like never before? Yeah its all of those things. Star Trek somehow managed to take the best of the old and merge it with the new.
The story was actually much like the Berman era Trek, it helped to somewhat soften the "blow" of the changes in tone made for the new universe, but whereas the previous stewardship had let the movies aim lower, this one took everything to the next level: its not enough to destroy one planet, the fictional red matter was going to destroy multiple planets...and they showed it! Past ST started to feel safe, but not even Vulcan was safe from destruction! Spock is going to have to live with this and the death of his mother. No reset button here.
One of the potential criticisms was that much like a lot of action-adventure, this story was going to leave behind the plot and characters. Well most of the ST movies had pretty simple plots folks. Its how they are executed that's important..and this story delivers, even in the first 3rd of the movie we have touching moments for the characters..Spock, Kirk and family. This movie never forgets its heart...and all the best ST movies have some heart! There's even a surprisingly tasteful and touching love story with SPOCK AND UHURA! I just couldn't picture this, but it worked! It reminded me of the way Amanda and Sarek behaved in TOS...they were low key around the crew till a crisis and then they were more demonstrative.
Speaking of Amanda and Sarek, all the actors including the supporting ones were tremendous in their roles. Ben Cross was a favorite. Bruce Greenwood almost stole the movie for me. I loved Pike! Leonard Nimoy was treated with reverence, even the way he was shot screamed "legend". Bana was effectively menacing without being a scenery chewer. Pine is excellent as Kirk. As part of the evolution of the character, I noticed that the still fun-loving Kirk started to move and act more like Shatner as-Kirk at the end of the film as he takes the captains chair. I had wondered what happened in some of the preview scenes with Spock and Kirk fighting, et al, and I must say the movie is effective at tying up all loose ends. Each development makes sense, and that's hard with time travel stories.
From the very first moment I saw the Kelvin I was amazed...THAT was the best, most active, functional, stupendous bridge I have ever seen. It looked like something I had imagined a real bridge would look like. The one thing that really bothered me before seeing it was the "industrial" look of some of the starship interiors...well shockingly, they didn't bother me at all. The way they were integrated, updated just made sense. This has to be one of the best production design jobs ever. I never would have imagined this.
WOW(pic doesn't do the set justice):
The music was another high point, I had expected it to be less grand based on the Lost music, but it was suitably epic where appropriate. I'm not ready to say it was Trek's best ever, but its right up there.
Knick knacks: The credit and title sequences were the best EVER in ST. I watched the end credits just to see what the universe of ST REALLY looks like. It was breathtaking. No other movie in the series even rivals it.
Lens flares? Who cares, I barely noticed them.
These were the best CGI spacecraft ever committed to film.
Whoever said they didn't like the Kelvin uniforms are crazy.
In the end we are left with a new Star Trek..a familiar universe that has changes to build on. Its the ONLY way to continue this franchise in my opinion. For the first time in years (even for one who enjoyed many Berman era adventures) the universe is fresh..there are new things we don't know about the characters. There's mystery and a lot more adventure, and I for one can't wait to see the next ST movie, which no doubt will be the NEXT best ST movie ever.
A or 10/10 rating!
RAMA
id anyone dislike this movie other than me?
