DVD Reviews

Star Trek

• Rating:
• Director:
• Starring: Chris Pine
• Details: USA / 126mins/ (12A)

After numerous failed attempts to reignite the franchise, first with the original cast, then with the popular crew of The Next Generation, it's taken a man with no connection to the Star Trek universe to breathe life into this sleeping beast - JJ Abrams. The numerous films and TV shows always held a cult following, but this reboot should achieve the seemingly unobtainable feat of appeasing the fanboys, and playing like gangbusters to audiences unfamiliar with the world of these characters. This is a hugely entertaining two hours at the cinema, whatever your Sci-Fi persuasion.
The plot, surprisingly, links wonderfully from the old Trek universe, as it opens with the heroic demise of James T Kirk's father, as he sacrifices his own life to save that of hundreds of others - including his wife and newborn son. Years later, and Kirk Jr. has grown up to a bit of a charismatic rogue, with a liking of the broads - regardless of their planet of origin. Soon his potential for greatness is spotted by Captain Pike, a gung-ho leader of his own ship, The Starship Enterprise. Spock meanwhile, is a man torn between two worlds; that of his Earth born mother, and Vulcan father - this, naturally, causes him to carry a bit of a chip on his shoulder as he wows the hierarchy of Starfleet. Very much a two-hander, with the origins of Kirk and Spock nicely explored, the action kicks in when Eric Bana's Romulan wrong sort carries a grudge through a worm hole.
Absolutely zipping along, this bold production is one of the most crowd pleasing blockbusters in recent memory. There's your attractive, engaging cast; the return of Leonard Nimoy, and some really wonderfully handled action. Pine looks like he's having a blast on screen, and this translates really well to the audience; he's almost offensively handsome, but congenial and very much a man's man. Quinto's Spock is his logical counterpart, baring a striking resemblance to Nimoy, and nailing the part unequivocally. This film would not have worked without chemistry between those two - luckily, they have it in abundance. Supporting players are well cast too, offering nicely placed sporadic comic touches.
The bulk of the credit here must go to Abrams, though. There's a dynamism to his direction that makes this film incredibly easy on the eyes. His simultaneous grasp of the spectacular action, and inherently tricky plot is commendable to say the least. He's crafted a genuine blockbuster here, and after the false start of Wolverine, this should delight cinema-goers well into blockbuster season.

Review by Mike Sheridan