AMB Reviews

Star Trek: 8/10 Stars

Release Date: May 7, 2009

Content Advisory: Rated PG-13 sci-fi action and violence and brief sexual content. There is constant gunfire, space ship battles, and fist fights. A man is chased by huge, insect-like creatures. There are several explosions, and many are killed. However, it all remains bloodless, except for the fistfights, in which men are seen with bleeding faces. A man and woman make out atop a bed (he's in his underwear, she's wearing a bra and underwear). Though the film keeps up a tense feeling, it's all very cartoonish action violence, even if it is constant.

Review:

I'm just going to come right out and say it: I have really only seen one or two Star Trek episodes, and even those are blurry in my memory. But... I could tell that this film was going to be a summer blockbuster (it beat the Dark Knight's opening record). So, I just had to review it. Here goes...

In Short:

I'm just going to come right out and say it. I have barely watched any Star Trek in my short life. Yep... you heard it. I have seen maybe two episodes. That beings said, I still had enough knowledge that I knew who most of the characters were. Was I intelligent enough to pick up on the sly references to the old TV show? Heck no. But that didn't really seem to matter while watching the film, as it kept my interest throughout. The acting was great, the plot was both original and unoriginal and the special effects were tremendous! Absolutely phenomenal! I wouldn't go as far as one of my friends, who declared it her favorite movie... but a solid B+ will do the trick.

In Full:

The plot in this film was simple yet hard to follow. For me. Then again, "The Bourne Identity" confused me. James Kirk is a delinquent who loves to start bar fights and break the rules. Spock, on the other hand, was raised in a strict society that rejects emotion. As you probably know... they are forced to team up out in space and together, must lead their crew into unfathomable danger... all in one piece. They must try and defeat Nero, an evil and very creepy villain bent on destroying their home planet. Now... it's not that this plot was confusing. It's all very simple and unoriginal, if you ask me. But it felt like there was so much going on at one time that it was hard to follow. Is this a good thing? Yes and no. Yes, because it made the plot seem so much more intricate than it actually way. No, because I had a hard time keeping up with it.

One of the film's strengths, however, lied in its acting. Chris Pine, whom I had only seen in chick flicks, "Just My Luck" and "The Princess Diaries 2" did not seem to be the best choice for Kirk. After all... he starred alongside Lindsay Lohan. Enough said. However, he overcame my doubt with a solid performance. It wasn't Oscar-worthy, but it was enough to tell me that he can do more than simply chick flicks. The other main character, Spock, was played nicely by Zachary Quinto. There had been much buzz over his role, as Quinto had also starred as the villain in the hit TV show, "Heroes." Either way, he was great at the role. The rest of the ensemble cast rounded the film out nicely, with such actors as Zoe Saldana, Leonard Nimoy, and John Cho.

The film's greatest strength, however, lies in the visuals. Though most certainly overdone... they were absolutely astounding. They just seemed to get better and better as the movie progressed. From the explosions, to the gun battles, to the space ships fights... it all amazed me. Yes, tons of the acting was mindless and simply put in there to add to the special effects, but in this case, it didn't really matter. The visuals were done so well, that I never really cared whether the explosion taking place had any rhyme or reason to be there. It was just there... and for once, it was a good thing.

Though it's hard to pinpoint any exact cons in this film... I would have to say its weakest aspect was its plot. As mentioned above... it just didn't seem to have enough substance. Yes, Nero wanted to destroy their planet and kill them all. Yes, Kirk and Spock must go and fight Nero and try to stay alive all the while. That was pretty much the basis of the story line. There were some tender moments and some points brought up that are sure to make you think... but overall, it just didn't feel like there was any depth to it. Any of the thought-provoking moments seemed to be added in there on a whim, and though the visuals were quite astounding... they couldn't make up for all of it.

Wrapping it all up... I gave this film 8/10 stars for its solid acting and wonderful visuals. The plot could've definitely had some elaboration, but then again... I wasn't really expecting too much of a plot walking into it. It's a fast-paced, intense, and very gripping summer blockbuster, filled with non stop fights, explosions, and gun fire. You won't find much substance inside this one, but there's enough fluff to fulfill your craving for some action. The fluff won't stick with you long after you have it, but it's enough to leave you satisfied and feeling great while you do have it with you.