Movie Review: Star Trek, Starring Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto
I absolutely regret NOT having seen Star Trek 
In fact I am tempted to rig up some sort of home based cinema, in order to fully appreciate the absolutely mind blowing visuals featured in this movie.
The era of the ‘pre-quel’ (the opposite of a sequel) began really, for me with Episode 1 of Star Wars. You know the trend, that movies have nowadays where instead of taking the story further, they do a ‘prologue’ or ‘before the time’? Since that movie, there have been various attempts at pre-quels some good (The Phantom Menace) and some not so good, (The Young Indiana Jones).
I’m happy to report that as an avid Sci-Fi fan, Star Trek was a big, BIG hit with me! Even if they hadn’t chosen to feature Leonard Nimoy (the original Spock) in the movie, it would still have been great, but this way at least the die hard Trekkies got to glimpse their hero give his signature finger signal and say, “Live Long and Prosper”.
What I found particularly interesting was how they showed us, how the friendship between James T. Kirk and Spock was borne out of a mutual dislike, and at its most basic a bitter rivalry, fueled by the raging testosterone of both young men. Both Chris Pine (Kirk) and Zachary Quinto (Spock) do excellent jobs as the younger versions of their more famous older characters and one can imagine that it must have been somewhat of a thrill for them, probably having seen some of the original series as young boys. Say what you like Quinto, but I know you got a kick out of donning those famous ears!
Also a pleasant surprise in the movie (for me personally) was the appearance of Karl Urban (Eomer from LOTR!) playing McCoy (Doc). He had the original McCoy’s dry sense of humour and slightly pedantic (though ironic) tone of voice down perfectly.
Again, another pleasing appearance was John Cho (of Harold and Kumar, and American Pie fame) playing Sulu. There is a moment in the movie where he volunteers for a ‘dangerous mission’ saying that he’s had hand to hand combat training.
Then, in the shuttle on the way to the mission, Kirk asks him, what kind of training he’s had, and he replies with perfect comedic timing, “Fencing“. I just love that he made him out to be a bit nerdy.
Until we actually see him fight.
Then the joke is on us.
Nice one.
Zoe Saldana (best remembered by me, for her role as the ballerina with the attitude in Centre Stage), plays a very hot Uhura, who as it turns out, has a thing for Spock! Didn’t see that one coming either. Again, very nice.
Lastly, when I first saw the movie, I didn’t realise that the guy who plays George Kirk (James T’s father) is none other than Chris Hemsworth, of Australian Soap “Home and Away” fame. I’m guessing after *this* movie, he may stay out of soaps for awhile!
Yet another familiar face, this time playing the part of the very memorable Scotty, is Simon Pegg (Hot Fuzz, How to Lose Friends and Alienate People, Mission Impossible III). In fact I would say that the casting of this movie is so incredibly accurate and true to type that it must have played a very, VERY large role in the success of the movie.
Ben Cross (hands up those of you who also always immediately think of the ding ding ding of the Chariots of Fire theme when they hear his name?) also puts in an appearance as Spocks Vulcan father, and frobs above, Winona Ryder plays his Human mother.
Last but not least, had I not seen it in previews, I would have never guessed (with all that make up) that Eric Bana plays the part of the super villain, the Romulan “Nero”. Pity there was no reason for him to remove his shirt in this one ladies.
It’s a definite thumbs up for Movie Night in our household, so much so, that we’re getting the DVD. We may just have to upgrade our television too, to fully appreciate the dramatic sweeping depth of field scenes of far distant planets and incredible action.
Trust me when I tell you to watch this one, and better yet, buy it
