Overall Rating: A
Filmmaking/Artistic: A+
Storytelling: A
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Overview
Clearly the best Star Trek movie ever made, this movie is a stand out, for both fans and non-fans of the original late 60′s series. JJ Abrams, the wizard behind the TV show Lost, skillfully combines action, humor, and character development in this two hour thrill ride.
Full Review
First, the biases. Your Movie Monkey is a fan of the original Star Trek series, and a fan of Lost, the brainchild of JJ Abrams, who directs this movie. But Your Movie Monkey saw the film in the company of 9 other people, some of whom were not fans of neither, and all found it riveting.
The film opens with the birth of James Kirk… but, in true JJ Abrams fashion, in a way that is both contradictory to, and consistent with, the original series. For those other Lost fans out there, one can immediately feel the pleasant familiarity of what you like about the TV series… the emotion mixed with action, the camera shots, everything.
This particular film depicts Kirk as a rebellious kid, who ends up joining StarFleet after a barfight with new recruits. Brilliantly acted by Chris Pine, Kirk is a believable version of the overacted character we all know from Shatner. Smarmy and sarcastic, possessing all of Kirk’s confidence without the distracting method acting pregnant pauses, Pine portrays a street smart fighter, overconfident with youth, yet clearly leader material.
At the academy we meet the younger versions of Dr. McCoy, Uhura, and the (in)famous green girl. We also learn more about the backstory of Spock, as he grew up to the prejudice of being of mixed race, even on logical Vulcan. Captain Pike (of the one-vs-two blink full body wheelchair for those of you familiar with the original series) also plays a good role in the film, and we get to know the young Sulu, Chekov, and (although not nearly as young) Scotty.
The magic of the movie is how it references the old films, but not in a corny way, while being completely unique. The action makes the story interesting, and the “sci fi” elements are present, but not overwhelming (no takion fileds, Krieger waves, etc.) It’s easy to follow, and yet Abrams gives us plenty of reason to be in suspense, because, for reasons Your Movie Monkey won’t give away, it is not guaranteed that any of the film’s characters will survive. (Think Lost, but not so complicated, and no smoke monster.)
There’s no real sense in describing the story here. It’s not a terribly original storyline, but it doesn’t matter, because characters and action drive the movie. Fans of action type shows will likely love it, as will fans of the original series, and pretty much movie fans everywhere. The acting is fantastic, (Simon Pegg absolutely steals all scenes as Scotty), for the most part better than the original, and the story keeps you intrigued for the entire two hours. Even Eric Bana is, for the most part, tolerable. (The weakest link for sure, but it won’t be too distracting.)
Your Movie Monkey hasn’t gone into as much detail as he usually would, but thinks you should see it for yourself.
In terms of objectionable material, if they cut maybe 40 seconds, it could be PG instead of PG-13. Some brief objectionable language, and a brief “adult situation” render this show inappropriate for kids under 13, at least IYMMHO.
Your Movie Monkey hopes that those of you who see it will truly enjoy this nice opening to the summer action season.
Great acting. Great
