J.J. Abrams delivers another hit in the Star Trek Legacy sure to please Trekkies, create new fans
Posted by The Skyliner on September 2nd, 2009Jordan Ecarma
Staff Writer
It was a summer of so-so blockbuster sequels and a dazzling prequel. Most movie franchises furthered themselves by tacking on another piece of the saga. The problem with this method is that sequel efforts rarely live up to the original.
Perhaps director J.J. Abrams (co-creator of Lost) and his creative staff had this anomaly in mind when they decided to make the new Star Trek—a movie that went back to the beginning. Doing this allowed for a fresh, young cast and a chance to see the story before the story. The movie shows the birth of the important relationship between Kirk and Spock, as well as aspects of characters only referenced in the original Star Trek series. This brought new life and new fans to an old franchise.
When I went to see this movie, I had never watched a single Star Trek episode. I had vague ideas about the show itself, but did not know the characters. But I ended up thoroughly enjoying the movie.
The film was well-cast, featuring Chris Pine of The Princess Diaries 2, as young, brash, not-yet-captain Kirk; Zachary Quinto, of Heroes as the logical Spock; Zoe Saldana of Guess Who as Lieutenant Uhura and Spock’s love interest; and Eric Bana of Troy as the misguided villain bent on revenge. The actors worked well together, creating a chemistry that was natural and unforced.
In the special effects department, the film was also stellar, showcasing space ships, explosions and action sequences without inhibiting the story. Not overplaying elements of the film is perhaps one of director Abrams’ greatest strengths. Many movies that include special effects as a component hide superficial plots behind empty noise. But Star Trek doesn’t stoop to this. It even gives us characters that we can care about and maybe identify with.
The major themes of the film are loyalty and courage in the face of danger. The crew of the Enterprise sticks together and works through their differences. One scene features Kirk risking his life to save a crew mate. Another theme is the importance of staying true to oneself. Spock is ridiculed as a child by fellow Vulcans for being half-human. He is given the choice to “purge all emotion,” and essentially give up his non-Vulcan side. But he and his human mother (played by Winona Ryder of Mr. Deeds) have a loving relationship, and he decides to keep that connection to her, because it is part of who he is.
From a Christian perspective, the “religion” of the Star Trek world is distinctly humanistic, as we see in most movies and television shows today. However, I was able to relate to the themes of this film because they are values that are also important to me. The film is clean for the most part, with minor expletives, action/adventure violence and a couple (mostly humorous) sensual scenes.
Star Trek is a film for lovers of the franchise, but it is also a film that can be enjoyed by almost any moviegoer. “Trekkies” can enjoy a performance by Leonard Nimoy, the original Spock. And new fans can simply sit back and boldly go where so many have gone before. Star Trek is rated PG-13.
Tags: Fall 2009, Vol. 109 - Issue 1