Star Trek (2009): Girls' Guide to the Movies

J.J. Abrams breathes new life into the Star Trek series with this new blockbuster. If you want the dirt on what you're really looking for, keep reading. Sex, Romance, Drama? Do they tug at your heart strings? Who loses their shirts? Is Kirk a boxers or briefs guy?

Sex
Who are we kidding? Sex sells. Aside from glimpse of Nero's well defined shoulders, there are only a couple hot and heavy moments in the film. The first covers the basic hopes and expectations of the audience, and the second is the surprising twist.

It wouldn't be Star Trek if Jim Kirk didn't find a way to lose his shirt. True to form, it's with a sexy green alien. He rolls around a bit with Uhura's roommate before Uhura returns unexpectedly. He wears boxer briefs, by the way, and he certainly wasn't camera shy about out. Uhura throws in some gratuitous body shots too, for the guys. She strips down to her bra and panties during a conversation, unaware of Kirk's presence in the room.

What was the twist? A toe curling kiss between Uhura and - - - wait for it - - - Spock.

Romance
Uhura is the focus of romantic interest in the film. She and Kirk have a playful flirtation throughout the film. By playful, I mean he pursues her and seems to be more interested in her than a typical one night stand, but she consistently turns him down. Her interest lays in Spock, and this time around Spock gets the girl.

In the beginning of the film we watch Jim Kirk's father, George Kirk, give his life to save his wife and son. It's a truly romantic gesture.

Friendship
There are plenty of tenuous and burgeoning friendships in this film. There's ongoing tension between Kirk and Spock, Kirk and Bones (even though they are close friends), Kirk and pretty much Starfleet as a whole. You root for them to work things out as the mix of stubborn differences provide obstacles. The main focus is the initial development of friendships the audience knows will become life long bonds.

Family
We start out with Jim Kirk being born as his father dies to save him and his mother. Then, we see Jim's rebellious youth. He was left to his own devises too much while his widowed mother had to go off world for work. Spock is a bit of a hell raiser, for a Vulcan, as a child. We glimpse his struggles to fit into Vulcan culture, shows of loyalty to his family and human heritage, and the support of his parents. Spock watches his mother die and is driven to a strong emotional response by Kirk. Spock's father makes an uncharacteristic show of emotion in admitting his love for Spock's mother. Family ties are a strong motivator for these two characters throughout the movie.

Humor
Even with all the action and drama, this film keeps a lighthearted feel. It is full if irony and wit, as well as a little well place slapstick. It makes the audience laugh often, and smile in between.

Strong Female Characters
Uhura is really the only female character that receives much focus. In this incarnation, she is a strong, independent, highly intelligent, and successful woman. She proves herself capable and behaves in a respectable manner.

Clothes
Well, it's Star Trek. The spend most of the movie in black shirts and pants, with different solid colored sweaters over them.

Over all, this is not a sappy movie. It down plays its strong emotional drives with lots of explosions, fighting, and clever humor. It's a good pick if you're looking for something with a little grit that will make you smile, but a horrible one if you want to feel deep emotions.