Star Trek

The Star Trek series consists of eleven films of varying quality, and this one is up there with the best of them. The film is a prequel of sorts to the original TV show, as we learn how Kirk, Spock, Bones, and the rest of gang all met and bonded. Chris Pine plays the yet to be Captain Kirk with all the brashness that you would expect of the young Kirk, although unlike the TV show, when he fights, his shirt manages to stay on. Zachary Quinto is quite good as the young Spock and Leonard Nimoy should be proud that his creation is in such able hands. The Romulans are the designated bad guys in this film, and they are represented by Captain Nero, played by Eric Bana. The Captain blames the federation for a disaster that has befallen his home planet, and he is out for some payback. The plot also brings in time travel, which allows Leonard Nimoy to make an extended cameo, while his younger self is still coming to grips with his emotions. The plot while important, isn't necessarily the main draw of the film, as it's the chance to see old friends in a different perspective, while adding to the legend that many of us love. There's a lot of fun in the film along with the action, and the scriptwriters made sure that all of the main characters spouted a "signature" line at least once, and the audience responded with respectful applause to every one of them. You'll want to beam up for this one.

Rating - 3 1/2 Stars