Star Trek (J. J. Abrams)

First of all, I shall answer the question that every die-hard Star Trek fan wants me to answer: I am a fan of Picard. As a child, I was introduced to Star Trek through “The Next Generation” and I still consider myself an average fan of that show. I like Worf, Data and other characters from that show but thanks to pop culture references, I have become familiar with the characters from the original Star Trek TV show. Also thanks to pop culture, I know most of the classic characteristic of the original show. When the movie came out, I was interested and went to see it. Thanks to J.J. Abrams’ direction, this movie comes out a big winner and has successfully reinvented the franchise. The writers did an amazing job of staying true to what people love about the original show but also made it fresh and entertaining for today’s audiences. The cast was well chosen and did a great job. Leonard Nimoy’s presence brings credibility to the project. I became a bigger Star Trek fan because of this movie.

J.J. Abrams has a style that I became familiar with from “Mission Impossible III”. We hardly see a still camera shot and almost every action shot has the camera vibrating to some extent. Even shots that were controlled digitally were made to vibrate by a device that allowed an operator to vibrate the shot outside the computer. This technique and also lighting are ways that Abrams makes special effects shots appear more realistic. I can tell that he loves lighting imperfections and lens flare. On the bridge of the Enterprise, in the space-jumping scene and in many other examples, light not only shines in the camera but there are blemishes as if the camera is having trouble capturing the image. Many of these shots of course are completely digital and Andrew Stanton was doing similar things on "WALLE" so as to create realism. It is ironic how we are trying to make shots real today by adding digital flaws. The use or rather the removal of sound in two moments in this film adds drama and creates contrast in these action moments. Abrams could have shot much of the movie on sets with green screen but instead; they filmed in beer plants and outdoor locations. I like this choice because it sets the film apart from many of today's sci-fi films. There is a further sense of realism. Abrams also loves using old special effects methods like miniatures and mirrors such as when shooting close-ups during the space-jumping scene.

I liked "Transformers" and once again, Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman have successfully rebooted a franchise for today’s audiences while staying true to the characteristics that everyone loves. Die hard fans know the back story of Kirk, Spock & all the crew and this time travel story does not destroy that beloved back story but rather creates another reality for them & for new fans. I consider myself a new fan because this is my first full length Star Trek movie. Old and new "crew members" of the Enterprise must unite under a new banner and this film is a great “new banner”. All our favorite characteristics and quotes are in this film. I love how the guy in the red shirt dies and that Mrs. Roddenberry is the voice of the Enterprise computer. Spock uses his pinch and Spock Prime does the Vulcan salute. There are many other references to the original TV show and not only are they funny, they further the story and entertain the audience at the same time. Having Vulcan destroyed is quite dramatic for any fan and I respect that risk story-wise. I love endings where our characters set off on another adventure and we have just that kind of ending with this film. The intro of “Star Trek: The Next Generation” was always awesome for me as a kid with Jerry Goldsmith’s music and Patrick Stewart’s narration. To have Leonard Nimoy’s narration and the classic music of Alexander Courage to end this movie is an equal thrill and makes you very excited for the sequel. Speaking of music, future Oscar-winning composer Michael Giacchino did some fine work on this show. I was grateful that Ben Burtt was the sound designer and sound editor.

This script comes alive not only because of Abrams but because of the cast. Chris Pine did so well in creating a Captain Kirk that satisfies fans but also is fresh and new. I found it funny when I heard that Zoe Saldana was in this film because I remember her character from “The Terminal”. It is great to see Karl Urban as well from "The Lord of the Rings". He plays a great Bones that is reminiscent of DeForest Kelley. I think the best supporting characters in the film are Chekov and Scotty. After seeing Simon Pegg in “Mission Impossible III”, I am more than happy to have his comedic genius in this film and to be the one to play Scotty. Anton Yelchin makes Chekov appealing, intelligent and a character you can trust. As mentioned, Nimoy’s presence gives credibility to this movie. His return as Spock in this film is paramount for old and new fans. He is the “Obi-wan Kenobi” of Star Trek and without him, the movie would have still been a hit but not as big a hit. His voice alone emits knowledge as it were. "Star Trek" also introduced me to Chris Hemsworth who would later become the god of thunder and even Wil Wheaton from "The Next Generation" has an audio cameo during the climax.

I hope that the sequels of this film continue to do well. Coincidentally, Abrams looked to "Star Wars" for inspiration on how to reboot the "Star Trek" franchise but the good news is that you can't really tell that. I will always be a fan of “The Next Generation” crew but now I have great respect for the original series in the franchise. “Star Trek” has a great cast, story and director. Its special effects are very impressive but they do not outshine the more important aspects of the film. I am glad the movie won Best Makeup at the Oscars. Nimoy reprising his role is so wonderful but even without him, this movie would have done fine. Hopefully, this work of art will forever “live long and prosper”.

4.5 Stars