I've waited 4 long years for the follow up to the successful rebirth of Trek in 2009, and I'm relieved to say it was indeed worth the long wait. There were times I wondered whether or not Paramount Pictures, and the creative team involved of JJ Abrams, Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman, Bryan Burk, and Damon Lindelof were REALLY going to get around to making a sequel. Thankfully they did.
Where do I even begin with this entry? For starters, the opening scene is like getting a taste of what the original cast of Star Trek could have had for adventures if the budgets back in the late 60s and even during the 80s had allowed them to showcase the crew doing some of what you see here. I almost felt like picturing the original actors who played Dr. McCoy, Capt. Kirk, Spock, and the rest of the gang while they race to save a planet that's about to become extinct from a nearby Volcano that's about to blow. However, you don't need to, because the younger actors portraying these characters do such a believable and wonderful job from beginning to end. As Kirk and McCoy escape the natives of this dying planet on foot, in a chase scene that harkens back to Raiders of the Lost Ark, you're instantly catapulted into this adventure. Later seeing Spock inside a volcano that's about to explode was a thing of beauty for your eyes, which is something this film has going for it throughout. It has a visual aesthetic that never ceases to disappoint, even if the camerawork is a bit jarring at times. Once the natives of the planet Nibru are saved, and the mission is complete, you see the Enterprise blasting off into the sky with Michael Giacchino's memorable theme that helps open the film in the best way possible. At this point if you're not already smiling ear to ear, then perhaps you're a cylon and you don't have a pulse! It was the kind of home-run opening to a movie you need to catch the average viewer's attention, along with the die hard Trekkie as well.
Without giving away too much of the plot, it's a classic story of revenge in which the crew of the Enterprise have to deal with a new threat they've not been tested by before. The main allegory involved with this story deals with the concept of what if governments use fear to justify the means in becoming too powerful? That's at least what I came away thinking. The villain, (well there's actually two) played by Benedict Cumberbatch, is someone you may even find yourself sympathizing with as the plot moves along. He does a masterful job portraying someone with a lot of built up anger and tension. (for reasons I won't spoil in this review) I also need to mention the great job Bruce Greenwood did once again playing Admiral Pike. For the short amount of screen-time he has, he makes it worthwhile by making you believe he truly is Kirk's mentor and father figure. Tough love being the operative term here with one scene in particular showcasing Kirk getting his ass chewed in such a way you can't but help feel like you're right in the moment with him as Pike lectures him to no end. And Peter Weller, who plays the newly established character of Admiral Marcus deserves high praise for really just flat out kicking ass in this movie. Some of his one liners are delivered so on point, I find it hard to not want to recite some of this badassery while joking around with friends. It's a shame he hasn't worked in more films the past decade, because cinema has missed his acting chops and screen presence. There's no doubt about that.
Overall if you're a fan of the original series, the older Star Trek films, or just a fan of movies that can give you a rush of excitement along with the ability to even make you feel emotion within a scene, then go see this film immediately. There's something for everyone in this movie. What surprised me the most was how well a couple of the more emotional scenes were played out in this film. Zachary Quinto and Chris Pine, playing Spock and Kirk really do hit a nerve towards the end of the film and I myself was quite stunned at how many layers of emotion were projected with one scene in particular. Kleenex may be needed for some and that's a sign of brilliant acting on their part. As far as the action goes, I have to mention this, but there's one moment where Kirk and his crew realize they may be in deep deep trouble, and it's played out to where the audience realizes it's an "oh shit" moment as well. So when you witness the Enterprise getting chased down in warp speed, you just KNOW what's coming and this kind of action moment was executed so well that even just getting to see that on the big screen was well worth the price of admission.
That being said, is the film perfect? No, but it's an awfully great ride at the cinemas. I think the only areas JJ Abrams could have done differently was maybe slow down some of the camera movements. Some of the action scenes move at a neck breaking pace, and as much as that serves to thrust the audience into the chaos, I still prefer seeing action move from point A to point B in a more methodical manner. Additionally, hopefully in the next film they add in a little more screen-time for Karl Urban, who portrays Dr. McCoy so well you'd think he was Deforest Kelley's long lost son. With that in mind I really think the creative team needs to add in some more Kirk/Spock/McCoy moments and scale back slightly on the Kirk/Spock/Uhura dynamic. The former trio is what really made Trek shine the most in its heyday. Other than that, hats off to all involved. It's one of the few films you may find yourself wanting to see again and again this summer. It has the replay value Iron Man 3 didn't have, and there's plenty of things you may miss the first time out because of its relentless pace.
Nuff said.
3 1/2 out of 4 stars.
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