Review: J.J. Abrams' STAR TREK
J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek demonstrates the right way to “reboot” a long standing film franchise. Abrams uses the essential elements of Gene Roddenberry’s original creation to create a version of Star Trek that is comfortably familiar yet very different from the films and television shows that preceded it. The result is a work that is not without flaws but easily stands as one of the best of all the Star Trek movies.
Since the intent of this review is to remain relatively spoiler-free, it is best to summarize the story line in one long sentence: Abrams’ film, which begins where the Star Trek: Countdown comic series ends, is basically about the life of an aimless youngster named James T. Kirk (Chris Pine) who develops into a respected adult. The difference between Abrams' approach and that of the other Star Trek films is apparent early on. The scenes of a Kirk as a boy are perfuse with youthful levity and whimsy that seems atypical for a Star Trek story. These scenes work but the scenes of Kirk as a drunken angst-ridden teen who fights in loud bars and hustles young ladies come across as a bit too hip. The parallel development of the young Spock character (who is played as a young adult by Zachary Quinto) provides a needed balance to the "wild man" Kirk material.
The film remains earthbound throughout the first act as the story and characters are developed and introduced. Once the crew unites to embark on the first Enterprise voyage in the second act, the film takes on the gravitas and that is more typically associated with Star Trek. This is also where the film shifts into technically accomplished blockbuster mode. The film moves from space battles to adventures on alien planets at a furious pace. Star Trek is generally thought of as talky and cerebral (if only superficially) but Abrams' accelerated approach is a welcome change from previous films. This pace is maintained throughout the second and third acts.
It is apparent that the original Star Trek television show was used as model for how to approach some of the performances. Some members of the young cast manage to capture the nuances in the original actor's approaches without collapsing into slavish mimicry: Zachary Quinto appropriates Leonard Nimoy's piercing gaze, Chris Pine replicates William Shatner's self-assured posturing, and Karl Urban really captures DeForest Kelley's manic intensity. There is a nice chemistry between Pine and Quintro that helps establish the beginnings of a deep but tense friendship. The supporting cast members are generally solid. Lt. Uhura (Zoe Saldana) gets lots of screen time and figures prominently into the story. Neither Sulu (John Cho) nor Chekov (Yelchin) are given much to do but these characters have always served as steady hands. Nero is not the most compelling Star Trek villian but Eric Bana does a good job with the role. Leonard Nimoy has a significant part, which is difficult to discuss without spoiling the film.
Aside from the flaws already mentioned, Star Trek has a few other defects worth noting. Scotty, who is well played by Simon Pegg, enters the story in the third act through a short series of unlikely steps. Also, the way in which Kirk rises from rebellious youth to starship commander is a little too easy. Finally, time travel figures into the overall plot but in a way that seems overly convenient.
In sum, J.J. Abrams’ film is a mostly clever and reverential synthesis of various elements of the Star Trek universe that should please many, but certainly not all, adult fans. The film, which is rather kid friendly, also provides a new generation with a strong introduction to the Star Trek mythos. A sequel is already in the works, which indicates that Paramount is trying to build a new Star Trek franchise. This first installment bodes well for the overall success of Paramount's efforts.
