Pub.lished Movie Reviews
Star Trek (2009)
J.J. Abrams' "Star Trek" is a fantastic reboot that breathes new life into the beloved franchise. This new take captures the spirit of Gene Roddenberry's original "Star Trek" from the 60's, a nostalgic touch that may not be what recent Trek TV show fans anticipate, but certainly appeals to fans of the classic series.
The story begins in 2233, when the Federation starship USS Kelvin investigates a peculiar "lightning storm" in space. Out of the storm comes a Romulan ship, Narada, which instantly attacks the Kelvin. The hostile ship demands that Kelvin's Captain Robau board their ship to negotiate a truce. When questioned about the current stardate and an "Ambassador Spock," whom he doesn't recognize, Captain Robau is killed by Narada's commander, Nero. The Kelvin, now under the command of George Kirk, is again under attack from Narada. With the ship's autopilot disabled, Kirk bravely pilots it on a collision course with the Romulan ship, sacrificing his life to save his pregnant wife Winona who is in the process of giving birth to their son, James Tiberius Kirk.
Fast forward seventeen years later to the planet Vulcan, where a young Spock has just been admitted to the Vulcan Science Academy. However, upset by the academy's view of his human mother, Amanda, as a "disadvantage," Spock chooses to join Starfleet instead. Back on Earth, Kirk grows into a reckless but highly intelligent adult. After a bar fight with Starfleet cadets accompanying Nyota Uhura, he meets Captain Christopher Pike, who encourages him to join Starfleet Academy. At the Academy, Kirk forms a bond with the doctor Leonard McCoy. But when Kirk is accused of cheating during the Kobayashi Maru simulation by Commander Spock, he argues that the simulation was designed to be unbeatable. Their disciplinary hearing is interrupted by a distress signal from Vulcan. With the primary fleet out of range, the cadets are called into action.
Kirk, realizing that the "lightning storm" observed near Vulcan is similar to the one that occurred when he was born, convinces Pike that the distress signal is a trap. Arriving at Vulcan, they find the fleet destroyed and Narada drilling into Vulcan's core. As Narada attacks the Enterprise, Pike surrenders, delegating command of the ship to Spock and promoting Kirk to first officer. Kirk, Hikaru Sulu, and Chief Engineer Olson perform a daring space jump onto the drilling platform. Despite losing Olson mid-jump, Kirk and Sulu are able to disable the drill, but can't prevent Nero from launching "red matter" into Vulcan's core, forming an artificial black hole that destroys Vulcan. The Enterprise manages to rescue Spock's father, Sarek, and the high council before the planet's destruction, but unfortunately, Amanda falls to her death before the transporter can lock onto her. As Narada heads for Earth, Nero tortures Pike to gain access to Earth's defense codes.
"Star Trek" is a thrilling and engaging reboot that weaves a complex narrative while staying true to the essence of the original series. J.J. Abrams has successfully revived a beloved franchise with a fresh and exciting perspective.
- You are not a fan of science fiction or action films.
- You prefer character-driven dramas over plot-driven storylines.
- You get motion sickness, as there are some intense, fast-paced space flight scenes.
- You are unwilling to invest time in understanding the Star Trek universe and its terminologies.
- You dislike movies that use time-travel as a plot device.
- The movie is not suitable for children under the age of 13, due to some violent scenes and adult themes.
Warning: The following may contain spoilers:
What's the deal with "Star Trek," (2009)? They've got a ship that can travel faster than light, teleportation technology, and a computer that seems to know everything. And yet, they still can't figure out how to get a decent haircut!
I mean, have you seen Spock's bowl cut? It's like they've mastered intergalactic travel but the concept of a barber shop is completely alien to them!
Interstellar (2014)
If you enjoyed the interstellar voyage and scientific elements in Star Trek, then "Interstellar," directed by Christopher Nolan, is a fantastic choice. This film delves into concepts of time and space with breathtaking visuals and a deeply emotional story about a group of explorers who leave Earth to find a new habitable planet.
Inception (2010)Drawing upon complex theories and a fast-paced narrative similar to Star Trek, Inception, also directed by Christopher Nolan, is a sci-fi thriller with a layered plotline. It's a love letter to dream manipulation and layered realities, told through stunning visuals and compelling characters.
The Martian (2015)A Ridley Scott film based on a bestselling novel, The Martian combines intense survival drama with a celebration of science akin to Star Trek. When an astronaut (played by Matt Damon) is left behind on Mars, he must use his wits and spirit to survive while awaiting rescue.
Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)Guardians of the Galaxy, directed by James Gunn, blends comedy, action, and space adventure in a way that's reminiscent of Star Trek. The film features an ensemble cast of characters with disparate backgrounds coming together to save the galaxy, much like the crew of the USS Enterprise.
Blade Runner 2049 (2017):Like Star Trek, Blade Runner 2049 grapples with philosophical questions about humanity while delivering stunning visuals. Directed by Denis Villeneuve, the movie explores a future where synthetic humans are integrated into society.
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