Now on DVD: Star Trek

When I first heard there was going to be a new Star Trek movie, I wasn't really sure what to think about it. I have never been a huge fan of the franchise. But, I have seen every movie, parts of the original TV series and (because I had a college roommate who was obsessed with it) almost every episode of The Next Generation and I wasn't sure what a "re-boot" of the series would be like.

Over the past few years, I have seen other attempts by Hollywood to start over with popular characters. Some films, like Batman Begins, weren't bad. Others, like the attempt to re-invent James Bond, weren't as successful in my opinion. Considering Star Trek has a cult following that not only includes the various characters but the actors that portrayed them, I wondered just how the writers would pull this one off.

It turns out they did a fantastic job.

I had a chance to watch Star Trek over the holiday weekend and it was fantastic. There was plenty of action, outstanding special effects and the acting wasn't half bad either. I think my only regret was waiting to see it on DVD rather than watching it at the theater.

The thing that really impressed me about this movie is how the writers managed to pull off the "re-boot." Rather than starting over from scratch and pretending we haven't seen various versions of this franchise since the 1960s, they instead decided to acknowledge the previous television shows and movies. Captain James T. Kirk was a great captain and the Enterprise had a great history. But, because of a group of Romulans slipping back in time through a black hole (I love science fiction), that history was interrupted and changed. Rather than living to see him become a starship captain, Kirk's dad is killed shortly after he is born. Spock seems to be more of a rebel than the original (Leonard Nimoy makes an appearance) and is in a relationship with Uhura. Basically, everything we know about the Star Trek universe has been changed but it is tolerable because at least we know why. And, I can't wait to see what directions they take in future sequels.

Final opinion: Whether you grew up a Star Trek fan or not, there is something about this movie that you will like.

Average Netflix Grade: 4.4 stars out of a possible 5.

My Grade: 5 stars.