Star Trek review

After more than 40 years, six television series and 10 films, Star Trek boldly goes where it has never gone before: back to the beginning, back to the birth of James Tiberius Kirk and the maiden voyage of the U.S.S. Enterprise. And by going back so brilliantly, director J.J. Abrams has guaranteed that the sci-fi phenomenon has a future.

From the opening scenes of the spaceship U.S.S Kelvin under attack from the Romulan's immense, tentacled craft, Star Trek never lets up. For the next two hours it's a fast-paced roller coaster ride of adrenalized action, stunning imagery and engaging humour. Though the film's occasional campy and corny tone might be inclined to upset the more reverential Trekkies.

Perhaps the film's greatest achievement is successfully establishing a new cast in the roles of Star Trek's most iconic figures. Without resorting to mimicking, the likes of Chris Pine as Kirk and Zachary Quinto as Spock, are recognizable interpretations of the original characters, but with the addition of their own distinct personalities. Helping to make the transition easier and more plausible is the script by Robert Orci and Alex Kurtzman that involves a parallel universe to the one inhabited by the original crew.

Although it's easy to enjoy Star Trek with the minimum knowledge of the series, the greater your familiarity will determine how many of the references and jokes you'll get. Though even those with the most casual acquaintance will enjoy the moment when Scotty (Simon Pegg) utters his signature line, 'I'm giving her all she's got, Captain.'

It's the introduction of the series' main characters that forms the central interest of the film, which revolves around the plot of Kirk avenging the death of his father at the hands of the Romulan leader Nero (Eric Bana). Seeing Kirk as a tearaway child then a wayward youth before he joins Starfleet and meets Spock is an engaging element of the films. Much of Star Trek's success rests squarely on the shoulders of Pine in the role of Kirk. His easy charm and mischievous smile aligned to his possession of Shatner's good looks and casual irreverence make him the perfect choice.

One of the film's charms is its blending of modern effects with more traditional methods. Abrams has resisted the temptation to utilize CGI at every opportunity and the more low-tech approach recaptures the rather quaint nature of the TV series. Costumes are styled on the originals, but with a contemporary edge. Adding to the film's respectful nod to its roots is the inclusion of Leonard Nimoy as the ageing Spock. Even with Nimoy's looming presence in the film, Quinto is still able to establish himself as a legitimate heir.

Simon Pegg provides plenty of comical moments as Scotty, while the young Russian, Anton Yelchin, effects an hilarious cod Russian accent in his portrayal of Chekov. The film's rather lightweight tone may upset some, but it's in keeping with the spirit of the series, which never took itself too seriously. In capturing all the best elements of the enduring franchise, Abrams has not only created a thoroughly entertaining film, but insured that Star Trek will, in the immortal words of Spock, 'Live long and prosper.'

Kevin Murphy