'Star Trek' reboot a treat but too many Spocks simply illogical
J.J. Abrams' "Star Trek" reboot beams a fresh set of dilithium crystals into a science-fiction film franchise that has been eking by on cinematic life support since 1991's "The Undiscovered Country."
This faster, funnier, bawdier, bloodier and bolder "Trek" instantly slams us with a hyperbolic visual style nothing like its original 1966 TV series, or 1979's "Star Trek - The Motion Picture" or any of its nine sequels and four television show spin offs.
The cameras rush into scenes, push and dodge between characters, swoop over landscapes, whip-pan past space ships, then close in so tight on the main characters, it almost turns an epic tale of intergalactic revenge into a domestic soap opera.
"Trek" fans can rejoice, because Abrams and screenwriters Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman have crammed this relaunch with zillions of nerdy insider references to the TV shows and movies, including the catchphrases and clichés. (Look out for the doomed extra in the red shirt!)
Don't worry. If you've never seen a "Trek," the plot, characters and ILM's special effects action sequences stand on their own in an imaginative science-fiction action film that really does - to quote Captain Picard - engage.
But before we break out the Romulan ale and toast the movie's return to sci-fi grandeur, let's have a reality check.
After 70 fun minutes of getting to know the new Enterprise crew and the incredibly well-cast actors playing them, "Star Trek" abruptly falls into a black hole of alternate-reality confusion, time-travel gimmicks and a woefully one-dimensional villain named Nero (Eric Bana) who constantly blathers his motivation for turning Federation planets into black holes.
"For 25 years," he screeches in his best Khan voice, "I have planned my revenge against the Federation!"
A promising opening sequence shows how Kirk's father, a starship captain for 12 minutes, sacrifices himself to save his crew, wife (Arlington Heights native Jennifer Morrison) and newborn son. Little Jimmy T. grows up to be Chris Pine, a hostile, impetuous rebel who chases every woman he sees (even nonhuman ones), loves bar brawling and seems to possess a death wish.
Captain Pike (Bruce Greenwood, taking over for the late Jeffrey Hunter as the first commander of the Enterprise) talks the lad into joining Star Fleet, where Kirk instantly crosses phasers with a brilliant Vulcan cadet named Spock (Zachary Quinto), himself a troubled child of mixed heritage between an emotionless Vulcan father (Ben Cross) and a human mother (Winona Ryder. Winona Ryder?).
Spock accuses Kirk of cheating on the infamous Kobayashi Maru simulated-attack test (a plot point from 1982's "The Wrath of Khan").
Before Star Fleet bigwigs (led by Tyler Perry) can decide the case, the planet Vulcan falls under attack, prompting all the cadets to report to their ships for instant deployment.
Kirk slinks aboard the Enterprise with assistance from a new acquaintance, the already curmudgeonly Dr. "Bones" McCoy (Karl Urban, effecting DeForest Kelley's folksy southern twang).
Accompanied by Michael Giacchino's overwrought score, Kirk's impulsive nature and rejection of a no-win scenario prove to be the very elements that save the ship, and ultimately the Federation.
Clearly, Abrams has great affection for the "Star Trek" characters, brought to life with tender care by Zoe Saldana as the alluring Uhura, Anton Yelchin as 17-year-old Ensign Chekov, Simon Pegg as engineering genius Scotty and John Cho as Lt. Sulu. (OK, he's Korean-American, not Japanese-American. Get over it.)
It's no secret that Leonard Nimoy reprises his role as Spock (called "Spock Prime"), but the moment his alarmingly cadaverous character shows up, this warp-speed motion picture rapidly drops to impulse power.
Why is an old Vulcan wandering around in an ice cave miles from civilization with a burning torch in his hand?
Apparently for the sole purpose of saving Kirk from being eaten by a giant beastie.
"Star Trek" discusses how time travel creates "alternate realities," but the movie never seizes on a clever way to utilize this concept as the "Back to the Future" movies did so well.
So, take Abrams' reboot of "Star Trek" for what it is: a marvelous celebration of the characters we've loved for four decades.
Maybe in No. 12 we'll get great characters and a story worthy of using them.
Just as long as it leaves out the Tribbles.
'Star Trek'
Rating: 3 stars
Starring: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, Leonard Nimoy, Karl Urban, Eric Bana, Bruce Greenwood
Directed by: J.J. Abrams
Other: A Paramount Pictures release. Rated PG-13 for sexual situations, violence. 127 minutes
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