Staring down the barrel of relaunching a franchise as storied as Star Trek has to be as exciting as it is terrifying. The culture that has evolved from the original series and the later incarnations has become a mythology, a nigh-religion unto itself.
Daunting as it must have been, J.J. Abrams has used delicate hands in crafting a tale that pays homage and respect to the passion of the fans and established a platform that allows for a new take on these now-deified characters.
From the get-go, you are drop right into it. Star Trek is what summer movies should be. It’s packed wall-to-wall with action. When it lets you up for air, there’s wonderful mirth and lighthearted fun that plays on the familiarities with these characters. It might be obvious. Or, it might be gratuitous, but it is so delicious. Bones and Scotty spouting their catch phrases. Nods and winks at details from episodes, like Sulu’s fencing. It’s so good. Finger-licking even.
A huge high-five to all of the actors. Each stepped into well worn shoes and they never appeared as caricature. They respected the role and presented the perfect telling of the younger versions of Enterprise crew. Of course, at the heart of the story was Chris Pine’s Kirk and Zach Quinto’s Spock.
It’s hard to imagine that these two were ever anything but friends. Think back to the end of the Wrath of Khan. Spock sacrificed his life to save the ship. Kirk watches his friend die. Bromance has never been captured so purely as in that scene.
However, the circumstances presented in this Star Trek puts them at odds and their initial animosity creates a sound foundation for their relationship to grow into what we know. It doesn’t end with them buddy-buddy, but it puts them on a path.
I think everyone can be happy with this movie. Whether you have pointy, rubber ears in a drawer somewhere at home (I don’t, for the record), you’re a casual fan who enjoyed the TV shows or movies, or if you’re just in it for the popcorn and biff-pow-zap-zoom, it’s enormously fun. It satisfies all wants and needs from a Star Trek movie or summer action movie.
I was talking to my brother earlier this evening. He lives in Boston. Married, father (an eight month old magnificent little SOB named Will), lawyer. A general success in all senses. However, said professional and personal successes impede things like movie-going, a ritual that many Rowes undertake weekly.
When he asked what I was up to tonight, I think he was hoping for some sort of gallivanting and/or carousing. When I mentioned I was going to check out the new Star Trek movie, he sounded aggravated and worried.
“Whoa! You’re seeing all these movies and there won’t be anything left for Arizona,” he said. He was referring to a golf trip we have planned with our father and younger brother later in May. Yes, there will be golf during the day, but our evenings are sure to be occupied by the movie theater. It’s always a bit daunting when we come together and try to find that one movie that no one has seen. It’s why my Dad and I ended up seeing Twilight one night.
Not to worry, brother. I would gleefully see Star Trek a second time. Or maybe it will be a third. I might go again this weekend.
I have memories of the 70s TV show that come in hints and glimpses. I remember the terrible stop-motion dinosaurs and slow-moving Sleestaks. I can picture father Marshall and son Will with matching white guy afros. And I recall that a Mark McGrath of Sugar Ray played monkey-boy Chaka.
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