Star Trek 2009: A Review of the New Star Trek Movie

The first 10 minutes of the new Star Trek movie are explosive; you'll be on the edge of your seat before the prelude is over. In a word: amazing.

The visual effects are stunning from make-up and wardrobe to each digitally enhanced space fight the U.S.S Enterprise encounters.

The plot: Revenge.

Captain Nero haplessly finds his way into the past as he searches for Dr. Spock, whom he blames for the disintegration of his beloved Romulan. To exact is revenge on Spock; Captain Nero sets out to destroy the planets Vulcan and Earth with Spock's very own red matter. The only person with the knowledge that can save them is the young cadet, James T. Kirk. How does he know what to do? Leonard Nimoy makes a crucial guest appearance to provide Kirk with important information to save the present from the past. Brilliantly executed.

The actors have been impeccably cast. Zachary Quinto deserves an honorable mention in his portrayal of Benjamin Spock; he treads the fine line between Vulcan rigidity and human emotion with ease. Chris Pine is the perfect blend of wreck-loose, arrogant and leader; but much more likable than his predecessor. Last, but certainly not least are Simon Pegg (Scotty) and Karl Urban (Dr. Bones) who have transformed their 2 dimensional characters into enjoyably witty caricatures of themselves. Although I have not named each actor here I feel they have all done well to preserve and, perhaps more importantly, enhance their characters.

Overall, the movie flies along at warp speed without lulls worthy of mention. Although I do not consider myself a die-hard Start trek fan or Trekkie, I can easily and confidently give this movie four stars. It is far better than any other version of Star Trek I have seen; the characters are funnier, more dynamic and the movie is more thrilling. I can easily recommend this to any self-proclaimed Trekkie, or casual fan alike.

Be on the lookout for my favorite line in the movie, spoken by Dr. Bones and delivered brilliantly. He nails it without sounding like a watered down imitation: "Dammit, man! I'm a doctor, not a physicist!"