Sure, I’m counted in the Star Trek closet club. I watched the original, errr, not originally. I enjoyed Star Trek the Next Generation. Star Trek Voyager happens to be one of my favorite TV episodes of all time — what an ensemble class with some great plots. As for Star Trek movies, First Contact rates just behind The Wrath of Khan for top honors; however, this weekend I took in the new Star Trek movie (late show on Sunday night) and was pleasantly surprised.
You won’t find any plot spoilers in this muse but I have some observations about the general tempo and fabric of the movie. Speaking of tempo, they sell you the whole seat but you only need the edge. The plot is rolling almost immediately and doesn’t let go until the end credits slip past. That isn’t a bad thing by any stretch of the imagination and is a successful formula for any sci-fi flick.
They have changed the fabric of the Star Trek universe. Gone are the clean lines and pristine engine rooms of the past. The new Star Trek adds a Battlestar Galactica feel with beaten up shuttle craft, engine rooms the size of warhouses, and weapons that rip a man open. Though it takes a moment to grapple with, I happened to like the different texture of the universe.
My last comment centers on the characters. The cast seems rock solid with only one exception: Pavel Chekov. Too hammed, too over the top; however, the rest, from Spock to McCoy have been faithfully reproduced with fascinating mix of homage to the past while updating everyone for the new look.
All in all, I must say the movie left me wanting more and it certainly sets the stage for future adventures. I rate the movie a solid 8 out of 10. Very good but a few convenient plot points keep it from getting a 9. Enjoy.