ROTTEN TOMATOES: Trekking With Tim, Day Eleven: Star Trek Comments

Trekking With Tim, Day Eleven: Star Trek

by Tim Ryan | May 07, 2009

Summary

We've reached the end of the known Star Trek universe, and I have to say it's been a memorable ride. Now, we arrive at the film that spurred this whole project in the first place: JJ Abrams' Star Trek reboot. First, I must offer a few words of dissention from my esteemed colleagues, who have powered the movie to a startling 93 percent on the Tomatometer. Star Trek is a good film, but it falls short of greatness for several reasons. Far be it from me to become the arbiter of all things Trek, but this new movie is a wham-bam spectacle short on the cerebral probing of the earlier movies. There's nothing inherently wrong with that; I love a good explosion as much as the next guy. However, in too many scenes, the editing is so kinetic that it's nearly impossible to tell what's going on. And though I don't require heavy-handed moralizing, this outing feels conspicuously absent of any larger socio-political context, which has long been a hallmark of the series. Back to Article

(1-75 of 75 posts) | Reply

jokerboy1991 writes:
on May 07 2009 04:39 PM

Ryan, what did you think of Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto? I liked them both a lot, Pine was pretty awesome as Kirk. I thought the script was pretty weak, too many coincidences and illogicalness (what did Nero do for all those years?!?). I also though Eric Bana was really good but really under written and was made into a generic villain.

(Reply to this)

Tim Ryan writes:
on May 07 2009 04:45 PM

In reply to this comment (#2459541)
I find little to dispute there. It was nice to see Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto not resorting to Nimoy or Shatner-isms, but carving out their own takes on the characters. Nicely done.

(Reply to this)

JUDGE DREDD writes:
on May 07 2009 04:48 PM

After seeing it today, I thought it blew every other Trek movie away. You mention that this film is more explosions and visuals & action compared to the other treks which have all been about some pondering moralising etc, well, the other films had that sure, but when were they great?
Everyone keeps praising Kahn as the best, well, that was the second film in a line-up of 11.
Personally i'm kinda glad it left the moral storylines at home, I dont wanna see them rescuing a whale or trying to make an android "Feel human" etc. Thats all been done in trek, what this film does to compensate is make Star Trek a "GREAT" sci-fi adventure, which has been missing from everything so far until now (with a few small exceptions) imo. The best of the other films to me were only half great. Take First Contact for example, great borg stuff there. But then we had the lame on planet stuff with the drunk dude, kinda let it down for me. This film stayed thrilling right the way through to the end.
And I have to say, Pine and Quinto were exceptional in it, i thought i was gonna dislike Pine, but he nailed Kirk very well, without doing a full blown Shat impersonation. I'm not much of a trekky, but i have seen them all, and this is the only one to truly float my boat. I'm almost converted, but i have to wait till JJ makes sequels before i can truly be satisfied with the rest of the series again. He sure set a high benchmark here. Look forward to seeing new sequels.

(Reply to this)

JUDGE DREDD writes:
on May 07 2009 04:51 PM

Jokerboy, i will admit that Bana was underused. Still, he was menacing in the role, but a lil more to say i guess would have been nice. I think i may have to go rewatch CHOPPER for a great Bana performance.

(Reply to this)

willpower writes:
on May 07 2009 04:54 PM

Well done, Tim. Nice to see another fan brought on board the Enterprise. The ride ain't over....

(Reply to this)

Tim Ryan writes:
on May 07 2009 05:01 PM

In reply to this comment (#2459583)
Thanks, man. Glad you liked it.

(Reply to this)

jokerboy1991 writes:
on May 07 2009 05:17 PM

In reply to this comment (#2459576)
I thought Bana was really good, I loved the look of his character too. But he just was written so generically/ I'm a bad guy and I want to kill that good guy. What was he doing for those 28 years waiting for Spock?!? I was hoping to see a scene with one of his workers saying "You know, I don't think he's coming". I've heard that they actually cut scenes that explain this, apparently Nero was arrested by Cleons, then breaks out. Why would they cut this?!? It would have helped the movie so much, if they were good scenes, which I bet they were because Bana was in them. I also wanted it to end with Spock fighting Nero and not Kirk, it would have made for a less cliche ending and it would've had a better impact, I mean Nero does want Spock dead. I kind of thought it had to many lazy conveniences- Kirk being marooned on a planet where not only Spock is there, but also Scotty. Overall though I did love the movie, despite the weak script, everything else was done so greatly. I'd give it an 8.5/10. Definitely a great way to kick off the summer for real, so much fun, I've seen it twice now.

(Reply to this)

jokerboy1991 writes:
on May 07 2009 05:18 PM

^^^^^MINOR SPOILERS^^^^^

(Reply to this)

sunsaz writes:
on May 07 2009 05:41 PM

I think I can live with a film that just "falls short of greatness." Translated, that means "it's still a great film."

As far as ranking it fifth, it's a tall order putting it higher than any of the non-Nemesis even-numbered ones. I'll have to see for myself on Sunday how it stands up.

(Reply to this)

scifimark writes:
on May 07 2009 05:52 PM

Spock should NEVER EVER be in the final conflict ina one on one battle. Its not in his character at all. I think its risky even giving him any emotion at all but i can see it as he is having an inner struggle since he is still young. That would be a total destruction of his character considering he is struggling with his human side and that would be like saying his human side won.UMM what! lol Im glad it isnt that way in the movie

(Reply to this)

John D. writes:
on May 07 2009 06:01 PM

As a long term trek fan ( Original Series as a kid in the 70's ) this movie blew me away. Abrams had a huge task, not to alienate fans and make trek accessible to a whole new young audience. And I think he succeeded. The alternate timeline means this will not suffer from the flaws of other prequels wherein we already know the outcome of the characters. This time we don't know what is going to happen. And the Nimoy role was integral and excellently done and really validated the whole movie for me. Now the question is the future of this reality may still have an old Kirk alive in it! ( Shatner for the sequel maybe? ) Maybe that would be too contrived.

Special effects were amazing, action was amazing. Production design was great, Neros giant ship and Spock's ship was cool. ( not sure about the bowels of the ship looking like a submarine though ) Great character moments as well. Would love to see more cerebral moments in a follow up. Trek was as much about thinking your way out of problems as using muscle.

Now that the origin story is done, bring on the sequels. we may see some familar bad guys from the original series, but things may turn out different. Excitement and wonder has resurrected a dead franchise!!

(Reply to this)

eliot c. writes:
on May 07 2009 06:01 PM

To be honest, Tim, I think you may have done yourself a disservice by seeing all the other Trek films first. This movie was meant to act independently on its own right, so I think, as a fan, it would have been best to not have seen rest so that I could enjoy the film without having to think about, "This looks like this" or "Wow, looks what they've changed. Blasphemy!!!" I respect your opinion of course.

I think the best route, if you are going to go back and look at previous Trek, would be to watch the original series. I think that is what the filmmakers were trying to bring to the big screen. The original show and the original movies had many differences, so perhaps you would have felt more at home with that mind set. Then again, you may have already seen the series and everything I'm saying is moot, but its just my two cents.

Also, looking at the morale of the new movie, I think that is derived from the nature of Star Trek as a whole. This movie serves to reintroduce Trek, so I think its morality comes from its optimistic future. That was the unifying theme of the original series. Character interaction in the series was also a highlight which I believe was well realized here. Yes, it is truly different from any Trek movie that has come before, especially in look and style, but is it Trek? No doubt about it. This is Star Trek at its best

note: this is coming from an avid fan.

(Reply to this)

jokerboy1991 writes:
on May 07 2009 06:14 PM

In reply to this comment (#2459685)
Thats a bogus argument considering you haven't scene it yet and how would you know it wouldn't have worked in the film? I can say it would have made a lot more sense if that happened, and it would have made the finale better. It would have fitted perfectly in with the story, and it would have made the ending less cliche.

(Reply to this)

jokerboy1991 writes:
on May 07 2009 06:18 PM

SPOILER- Well if you have scene it then explain why that it wouldn't work? Your argument is obviously a big nit-pick, if they did have Spock fight in the finale it would have worked. Plus you see him fighting so much in the movie, I don't get why you would think it wouldn't work in the end where he is already involved in the battle.

(Reply to this)

Looselycult writes:
on May 07 2009 06:25 PM

Personally i'm kinda glad it left the moral storylines at home, I dont wanna see them rescuing a whale or trying to make an android "Feel human" etc. Thats all been done in trek, what this film does to compensate is make Star Trek a "GREAT" sci-fi adventure, which has been missing from everything so far until now (with a few small exceptions) imo.

Batfink: That's very good news and I couldn't agree with you more. All of the Rodenberry utopian moralizing has been done before and it's so boring now. And I think we already have enough of that going on in this country now as it is. Now if we would just stop printing money and have a cashless society we could get Starfleet up and running. Give me a break.

(Reply to this)

BatsInTheBelfry writes:
on May 07 2009 06:42 PM

I liked the film quite a bit, but it ranks fourth for me behind First Contact, Wrath of Khan, and Undiscovered Country. That's not exactly anything to be ashamed of, those three are fantastic movies. Star Trek could've used a bit more time to flesh out a few characters and other things of that nature, but I'm sure most people will find this as a huge success for re-launching the series.

(Reply to this)

ledawg1138 writes:
on May 07 2009 06:44 PM

Well, Tim, good job on it. Next series...Halloween! Here's my ranking.

1. The Wrath of Khan - (10/10)
2. First Contact - (10/10)
3. The Voyage Home - (9/10)
4. The Undiscovered Country - (9/10)
5. The Search for Spock - (8/10)
6. Generations - (7/10)
7. The Final Frontier - (3/10)
8. The Motion Picture - (3/10)
9. Nemesis - (3/10)
10. Insurrection - (2/10)

May you live long, and watch more Star Trek.

(Reply to this)

reavus4983 writes:
on May 07 2009 06:58 PM

I have a friend who has just gotten into Star Trek and watched all the movies this week, and then saw it tonight. He loved it, as both an semi-'outsider' to Trekkieness and a new fan who wants consistency.

The only common complaint that I've been seeing about is the coincidences with old Spock, but he basically said that old Spock was so awesome in it that it didn't matter. Besides, it's sci fi, so come on and go with it. Would've gone myself tonight, but I promised my dad I'd see it with him tomorrow....it was torture to say the least.

I'm also not too upset about the lack of a moral dilemma (although the optimism and cooperation I think serves that purpose enough for me). There's no room for that in this movie...but definitely in the next ones it's required on some level.

(Reply to this)

Matthew W. writes:
on May 07 2009 07:10 PM

I had fun reading these. Where the TNG movies really missed their mark was endearing the viewer to the core cast of characters and their relationships outside of Picard and to a lesser extent Data and Worf. I suggest that if you really want to understand what's so great about TNG, you should try watching the series. For a long time I ignored it and had no desire to watch it and even scoffed at it, but one day I caught a particularly good episode on a Saturday afternoon and was immediately hooked.

Just be careful, the first season has some serious camp value at times and when Dr. Crusher is replaced by Dr. Pulaski for a short time, it can be hard to watch, but in season 3 it hits its stride and never looks back.

(Reply to this)

star 2. writes:
on May 07 2009 07:30 PM

This was one of the best Trek movies ever. As a fan of both Star Trek and Next Gen, i think JJ Abrams did such a great job capturing not only the sense of adventure of the originals but also the emotion each character feels... like Spock (if you watch the movie you will know what i mean)The cast was great!!!!
Keeping the Trek vision alive for a whole new generation of Trekies , that i am grateful
Thanks JJ and Cast
Live Long and Prosper v

(Reply to this)

niall1 writes:
on May 07 2009 07:31 PM

In reply to this comment (#2459541)
generic is right

and YEAH I THOUGHT THAT TOO..what the hell did they do for all those years..

also, this wasn't trek..like if you removed the characters names and the title, it would just be a sci-fi action film..it wasn't terrible, abrams knows how to make stuff blow up real good, but still it wasn't trek..

AND K BEST PERFORMANCE IN THE MOVIE WAS KARL URBAN..he embodied deforest kelly i thought..

(Reply to this)

reavus4983 writes:
on May 07 2009 07:32 PM

In reply to this comment (#2459858)
Season 1 is pretty bad, 2 an improvement, and then after that it just gets better and better. Anyone looking for a prologue to this movie should possibly check out Unification Parts 1 and 2 from Season 5 (I think), which gives some backstory to Spock's Romulan involvement and his role in the future he comes from in this movie.

(Reply to this)

ledawg1138 writes:
on May 07 2009 07:37 PM

In reply to this comment (#2459919)
Anyone remeber "Encounter at Farpoint"? The creators sais it's so bad it's officially non-canon. How's a certain charater saying "OH SNAP!" or "YEAH BOY!"*Geordi said it! It's the sad truth*

(Reply to this)

Sputnik99 writes:
on May 07 2009 07:39 PM

Star Trek is an acquired taste (the franchise, not just the new movie). I've seen every episode of every series and every movie (save the new one) multiple times. I'm a Trekkie, and there is a lot of Star Trek that I love and a lot that I can't stand, but as a whole, I'll love Star Trek forever.

The latter series and movies really took a crap on Gene Roddenberry's ideals and visions, which, IMO is why they failed. Berman was out to make a buck, not help society. Bad. If the new Star Trek movie is all about high-speed adventure without an ounce of Roddenberry's ideals in it, then I'm honestly worried that I will have to agree with Roger Ebert and give it a thumbs down.

But no, I haven't seen it yet, and hell, I love Star Wars, too. Maybe I won't give a crap about visions once my adrenaline starts pumping.

But I hope not.

(Reply to this)

Shaun822 writes:
on May 07 2009 07:51 PM

So I haven't seen the movie yet so I'm saving all my judgments until tomorrow around 6 pm. However, the fact that there is no overriding theme isn't entirely true. The overriding theme is revenge. That is the same overriding theme from Khan which is generally considered one of the best two in the series. Both are space swashbuckling adventures. I just hope this one is almost as good.

(Reply to this)

planetawesome writes:
on May 07 2009 08:07 PM

Tim, as with Bond, a great series of reviews. It... was... fun...

(Reply to this)

davenet writes:
on May 07 2009 08:32 PM

The idea was to invigorate the franchise, make it exciting again, draw in new fans and it worked on all 3 of those levels. I will expect more character development and a deeper more emotional storyline in the next movie. 8 out of 10.

My Ranking of the Movies now to date:

1) The Wrath Of Khan
2) First Contact
3) Star Trek
4) The Voyage Home
5) The Undiscovered Country
6) The Search For Spock
7) Generations
8) The Motion Picture
9) Nemesis
10) Insurrection
11) The Final Frontier

(Reply to this)

Andrew H. writes:
on May 07 2009 08:39 PM

Tim, I appreciated reading your comments on the movies. They were very insightful. While I do disagree with you on Generations because I basically grew up on TNG, I agree wtih your assessment of the other movies.
That said, I definitely recommend you check out some of the television episodes. I never watched TOS all that much, but there are some brilliant TNG episodes, such as both "Best of Both Worlds," the pilot "Farpoint Mission," and, my personal fave, "Darmok." Deep Space Nine is also highly under-rated as a series, I think. Sure, the first couple seasons are mostly character introduction and get a little slow, but once they introduce the Dominion, the series becomes awesome. The Dominion is a pretty incredible villainous race. Don't bother with Voyager, though.

(Reply to this)

ck100 writes:
on May 07 2009 08:45 PM

Well I'd like to extend kudos to Tim for going on this journey. The entries have been fun to read and it was enjoyable to go back and look at the series. It was also fun to interact with everyone here and talk all things Trek.

No doubt this new film will gross a ton of money and we'll get more movies. I just hope though the series doesn't end up all style and no substance. I mean Trek wasn't just about special effects and action. It was about the characters, story, topical events, the human condition, emotions, exploration, etc. I hope everyone behind this new "reboot" doesn't forget why Trek was such a success in the first place.

I understand the need to want to bring in a new audience, but I don't want things "dumbed down" that old fans feel like the integrity is being compromised. It seems from the reactions so far that this movie is a winner although it has its flaws. Hopefully Trek will continue and avoid the trappings that have jeopardized the franchise in the past.

"And the adventure continues......."

(Reply to this)

Andrew W. writes:
on May 07 2009 08:50 PM

Since this was an origin/reboot film I think it was wise to leave out any social-politico commentary. They can get into those matters in future installments.

Ryan, I think you should see this film again in a theater with fans and non-fans. It gets better on the second viewing IMHO. The audience I sat with tonight laughed, cheered, and gasped... As I left the theater overheard several comments from folks on the good story. Some musings on a sequel.

Sure some scenes may seem contrived. But I don't think the script is weak at all. Sometimes those of us here get a little too cynical because we've seen/critiqued so many movies. Star Trek XI worked well at entertaining both fans and non-fans.

Unlike Ebert, I give this film two-thumbs way up!

(Reply to this)

ck100 writes:
on May 07 2009 09:04 PM

In reply to this comment (#2460198)
That's what I figure here, Andrew W.. I mean when "rebooting" a franchise like this it may actually be wiser not to get too "deep" with the first movie. Perhaps the strategy here is collect as many fans, old and new, as possible and then hit them hard with the next movie. In other words, make the first movie as accessible as possible for the old and new fans and then really capture them with the next movie.

(Reply to this)

ck100 writes:
on May 07 2009 09:12 PM

For future sequels, I hope J.J. Abrams and co. can remember to "explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to bodly go where no man has gone before......."

(Reply to this)

Tim Ryan writes:
on May 07 2009 09:39 PM

In reply to this comment (#2459858)
Thanks for the warning. I'm definitely curious now.

(Reply to this)

Tim Ryan writes:
on May 07 2009 09:42 PM

In reply to this comment (#2460025)
Oh my....

Thanks for the kind words. This wasn't the easiest thing to do, but it was definitely rewarding.

(Reply to this)

AniMill writes:
on May 07 2009 10:09 PM

Tim - thanks for re-igniting a much dimmed flame from my childhood. It was my Mom who introduced me to the original series and from that day on we had a special bond that my dad never understood (he hated SciFi and Trek). Following your reviews and insights has rejuvenated my love of this series; the first one, TNG, and now the new Trek. I can't wait to take my mom to see it - this will be much deserved acknowledgment and reward of all she has done for me.

(Reply to this)

AniMill writes:
on May 07 2009 10:16 PM

P.S. Hey everybody - they had a trivia contest before the showing and I answered the first question asked: Can you believe hardly anyone in the theatre knew who "the father of warp drive" was?!!? Sad, Sad day... I mean that I still hold on to stuff like that in my knogan. :-) Got's me a Trek cap and captain's shirt.

(Reply to this)

Tacroy E. writes:
on May 07 2009 11:15 PM

I also enjoyed this series of articles.

I just wanted to quickly respond to one comment you made by saying that many people, particularly those whom one might consider to be "in the know," consider Deep Space Nine to be the best of the lot, if the most unsung. So seriously, watching it all the way through might just be a great idea! THe only issue is having to slog through the first few seasons, which admittedly are comparatively dull, so you have all the necessary background for when Ron Moore makes his entrance after the TNG finale and starts rocking the house. DS9 is the parent of Moore's Battlestar Galactica in many ways. Or, to upend the metaphor, it's kind of like what would happen if Star Trek got together with the new BSG and had a baby. Seriously, it's good. I highly recommend giving it a go :-).

(Reply to this)

shane1jat writes:
on May 07 2009 11:30 PM

Um, I have to say something here. Did we watch the same movie? Were you guys just so excited for a new Star Trek movie (like I was) that you just lost your marbles? I'm sorry, but this movie is not that good. Um, changing the timeline? Spock and Uhura? Spock's emotions? I mean, one of the best things about the universe was the humor between Spock and McCoy, that mostly dealt with Spock's emerging humanity . . . well, that is gone. It was just weird watching it unfold. This was just a step back for me personally. Great effects, etc. But . . . the essense is gone. We will be forced to redicover who they are. Then again, maybe that is the point. I just was not expecting it.

(Reply to this)

Josh P. writes:
on May 08 2009 01:40 AM

Gotta say Tim, I do envy your position these past couple of weeks. I've seen way too much Star Trek for way too long to have any real perspective on its quality.

As a college newspaper film critic for the last 3 years, I've made it my business to maintain objectivity when critiquing films. But when it comes to Star Trek, I pretty much **** my pants with excitement anytime I hear phaser fire, the mention of the word "Federation", or any sentence out of Patrick Stewart's mouth.

Still, I think you pretty much nailed it with your reviews, and served in a way to re-validate the passion of many a Trekker, including myself. After all, there's nothing better than watching others watch something you love, and seeing them enjoy it in the same ways you do. Nicely done.

(Reply to this)

Mr.SAM writes:
on May 08 2009 01:44 AM

My only wish, is that we don't have to wait another 6.5 years for another Trek film.

My Trek Film Rankings:

1) First Contact
2) Undiscovered Country
3) Wrath of Kahn
4) Voyage Home
5) Generations
6) Nemesis
7) Insurrection
8) Search for Spock
9) The Motionless Picture
10) Final Frontier

(Reply to this)

Michael S. writes:
on May 08 2009 04:02 AM

I will be seeing it on Saturday so as to give myself some space from the opening day hype machine. I'm a huge Trek fan, to say the least and after feeling burned by the most recent Trek movies and having seen the promos for this new one and having heard the score, I'm going in with low expectations. I'm expecting a film with characters who look/talk something like what I'm used to, but I question the underlying themes being true to Trek. Star Trek is great at using the exploration of the universe to explore man. That's the beauty of the show when it's done right. It's not the sole ingredient, but it IS what makes Star Trek in ANY incarnation, Star Trek. The most elegant Trek themes that various films in the franchise have dealt with are aging, sacrifice (good of the one...), loyalty, etc.

Anyway, I'm writing this pretty damn late, but I wanted to tack on my current Trek 10:

1. Wrath of Khan - If you dont rank this here, you're missing the point of the franchise :) For everything I've read/heard of the new movie, I'd like to know one thing this new movie does that money can't buy that Khan doesnt deliver on. Super score, top notch villain.
2. Undiscovered Country - Great swan song. I read the original script before Roddenberry rejected the character of Saavik turns out to be a conspirator, forcing Meyer to create Valeris. It's basically same movie, except with Saavik..and I think it would have been WAAAAY more shocking of a conclusion. (Why isnt Nick Meyer being considered for more regular work in Hollywood?)
3. First Contact - Obviously best TNG film. It hints at being what I'm concerned new Trek will be - action catchphrase first (remember "Assimilate this"?) Overall - excellent villain, best acting overall other than Khan.
4. Search for Spock - That's right - I'm putting an odd ahead of an even. It's vastly underrated. Not terribly threatening bad guy, but well acted. I love how the crew sticks together through "death and life together". This is where we're truly reminded of the things that make Kirk, Jim Kirk - he argues with a superior officer, he fights the bad guy hand to hand and he outwits the enemy.
5. Voyage Home - Okay,the whale thing bothers me. And while i find the movie funny, I find it no better than a good solid B episode of the first season of the original series.
6. Motion Picture - While it's visually drab and craves to be Trek meets 2001, it is more like the original series pilot "The Cage" in tone and style than anything else. It's heavy on cerebral concepts and expects you to know the characters. The score rocks and the villain...well is just as metaphoric as everything else. This is the OTHER extreme from the new film I'm sure.
7. Generations - Again, it requires too much knowledge going in about characters and this Nexus thing is annoying. Movie starts to get interesting just before Picard enters Nexus. This was certainly a discarded TNG episode that was rewritten. Feels like it at least.
8. Insurrection - Hokey, but moved well. It's just kinda there.
9. Final Frontier - Yes I watched it again, and there's 2 things going for it - it's so cheesy its funny and the score is actually pretty damn good. I would rank it last, but at least it tries to be something light.
10. Nemesis. It tries to be dark. And instead it's funny. Ughh. And it's boring. And I swear when I saw it in theaters, I saw part of the Romulan ship set wabble oh so slightly when the doors to the room open. Nothing to see here.

(Reply to this)

BUCK69 writes:
on May 08 2009 05:33 AM

I saw Star Trek last night and I thought it was fantastic. I've been a fan since the original series. I saw it with my boy, who is 16 and who to my knowledge has never seen a full episode of Star Trek, yet, like most people, he knows who Kirk and Spock are. He thought it was great too. Abrahms and the writers have hit a real trifecta in my book. They've crafted a re-boot that satisfies long-time fans, brings in new ones, and appeals to the masses in general. Pine, Quinto, and the entire cast are amazing. Towards the end of the movie I started thinking how long are we going to have to wait for the next voyage?

(Reply to this)

ploodie writes:
on May 08 2009 06:51 AM

I hope you'll go back and give NEXT GENERATION a watch on DVD, though they can be expensive to buy. If you can look past the fact that they were made at the beginning of the availibility of digital effects for TV, the storylines and character growth are really quite remarkable.

If nothing else, I would strongly STRONGLY recommend you find a copy of the NEXT GENERATION series final (ALL GOOD THINGS) - it's a fantastic piece of science-fiction in its own right concerning alternate realities. It does have more impact if you are familiar with the series already (such as long running nemesis 'Q,' who was never even mentioned in the films, and crew member Tasha Yar, who died in the middle of the first season). Anyway, just thought I'd throw that out there.

(Reply to this)

RBatty024 writes:
on May 08 2009 07:24 AM

Definitely check out DS9. It is the last good series in the franchise.

(Reply to this)

RBatty024 writes:
on May 08 2009 07:26 AM

Also, All Good Things is arguably the best season finale ever written. I can think of no other series where the last episode is arguably their best episode.

(Reply to this)

Ralph F. writes:
on May 08 2009 07:53 AM

Just saw the new Star Trek. I was ready for a rebirth, but unfortunately all I got was a two hour rehash. The cast was great but limited to portraying characters exactly the way they were done (brilliantly I might add) in the original series. Why it was necessary to have all of the old cast of characters meet at the same time seemed a bit of a stretch. It was a lost opportunity to add new characters and new twists to old characters. The story was unremarkable, in fact I can't tell you what it was. I, for one, was ready for a total re-imagining of the Star Trek series akin to what was done with Battlestar. Of course that would involve risk and change and in the end this is a very safe Star Trek whose mission is apparently to go exactly where Star Trek has gone before.

(Reply to this)

closetmovielvr writes:
on May 08 2009 09:42 AM

SPOILER ALERT: What I like about this new Trek movie in terms of nods to the fans - 1) Some of the old sound effects from the original series, 2) Got to get one of those sexy green alien girls in there (I forgot what planet they are supposed to be from), 3) "I am and ever shall be your friend", 4) Actually putting Pike in the movie convincingly, in fact awesomely, 5) The new guys for Chekov and Sulu, who I was skeptical of, actually worked, and 6) Simon Pegg as Scotty a stroke of genius - "I'm giving it all she's got!".

What I didn't like about it - 1) Don't ask me why, but I was kind of bothered by the fact that the phasers shot like guns as opposed to, well, phasers, with a longer continuous stream of energy (I know that's nitpicky), 2) The soundtrack throughout the movie was a little too "in your face" for me, as was the highly kinetic camera activity in some scenes, 3) Went through birth-childhood-manhood for Spock and Kirk REALLY fast, so for example we didn't really have time to bond with Spock's mom to be very affected when she died, 4) Romulans as badguys never quite works for me - I always hope they can throw in the Dominion as movie badguys - I think they could have some fun with shapeshifting enemies. Not sure if that is ever possible though.

Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed the movie, but I think I felt a little like Tim in that at some level, it was missing something distinctly Trek. But Abrams had a tall order to fill and he did a very admirable job. Since I've been waiting for a good Trek movie for years, I'm still going to see it four times.

(Reply to this)

closetmovielvr writes:
on May 08 2009 09:44 AM

SPOILER ALERT AGAIN: Forgot to say how awesome was it how they handled warp drive in this movie?

(Reply to this)

Racer Z writes:
on May 08 2009 09:46 AM

Having now seen it, I can say with full confidence that the Wrath of Khan is still the best. What really bothered me about this new one is, yet again, the use of time travel as a plot device. No less than 4 films have utilized this tired storytelling conceit, not to mention the COUNTLESS television episodes over the years. I think it's time we stop calling it Star Trek and admit that it's actually Time Trek.

(Reply to this)

Arthur F. writes:
on May 08 2009 10:11 AM

In reply to this comment (#2459570)
I totally agree! This was the best Trek movie yet. The reason why Batman Begins was so good was because it didn't hang on to all the old crap from the previous movies. Look at Superman Returns! Enough of stinkin Lex already! This movie would rock forever as an all time sci-fi great if it was the first we ever heard of Star Trek....and it does rock! My wife and I are huge Star Wars fans. That's how we met. I convinced her to go see the movie last night( found out it opened a day early and couldn't wait)even though we bought tickets to see it tonight with our friends. Twice in 2 days. She was worried she would hate it tonight if it stunk last night. After the movie she turned to me and said,"Great, now you're turning me into a Trekkie" She loved it even though she was never a Trek fan. Hope to see many sequels like this. It was awesome!

(Reply to this)

ARTaylor writes:
on May 08 2009 10:19 AM

"This new movie is a wham-bam spectacle short on the cerebral probing of the earlier movies. There's nothing inherently wrong with that; I love a good explosion as much as the next guy. However, in too many scenes, the editing is so kinetic that it's nearly impossible to tell what's going on. And though I don't require heavy-handed moralizing, this outing feels conspicuously absent of any larger socio-political context, which has long been a hallmark of the series."

Yes, gone is the Roddenberry style of the slow pacing that makes the action sequences even grander. Hello to the more Lucas style of filling the entire screen with visual candy and keeping the characters in constant danger never giving them, nor the audience, a moment's rest.

My question ever since they announced any story was why a prequel? Why mess with canon? If they wanted to revitalize the franchise why not do like The Next Generation and go a hundred or two-hundred years into the future? TNG was so successful because it wasn't just more Kirk and Spock. It was Star Trek but of a different kind. This film could have easily gone to the 25th or 26th century, gone this entirely new direction, and not had to change any established history. And I know Kirk and Spock are teh awesomests but did we really need more? Why mess with them? Why go back to them when audiences have everything they need and want from them? It's like they were just trying to leech off the success that Roddenberry fought tooth and nail for. The alternate universe explanation just seemed like a poor excuse to reinvent the wheel.

As far as the movie on its own goes, it was enjoyable but never felt like Star Trek. Everything felt like I was watching a more well made version of the Star Wars prequel trilogy. The villain was lackluster. He's menacing and all but uninteresting, about the same level as Ru'afo from Insurrection. The story was ok but generic. Like you said, it lacked any Roddenberry social commentary. The timeline moved too fast for my taste. It could have easily just dealt with their time in the Academy. Seemed like all they wanted to do was get Kirk in the captain's chair, when his early life was just as interesting as the one we (again) already know and love. There were plenty of references to previous series and shows, though many felt forced. It will be interesting to see where they go, but I'm still ticked they felt the need to completely erase TOS, TNG, and all the films just for their own style when they could have simply added on to the exact same effect.

(Reply to this)

Tim Ryan writes:
on May 08 2009 11:27 AM

In reply to this comment (#2460664)
Thanks so much. I understand that feeling: what I wouldn't give to see "Pulp Fiction" for the first time again! What I liked about this project was that I was walking into this vast pop culture world, so there was a lot to discover. And with the TV shows, should I ever check 'em out, there are vast expanses still to explore.

(Reply to this)

Josh C. writes:
on May 08 2009 11:39 AM

I apologize for the following rant but is your memory really that short?

This movie is an origin story and therefore doesn't need to involve all of the political, racial and scientific issues and philosophies that the show and movies are known for. This movie needed to set up the characters and provide them all with ample screen time. It is meant to be an entertaining story and mission that brings these characters together for the first time.

Again, why does every movie have to have this in order to be considered a great movie? I understand that you liked the movie but still, you had so much negative. I urge you to wait until the next movies that will undoubtedly come from this first, amazing contribution. The next movies will have plenty of time to dig into the story because the characters are already set up. The next movie will make you care about them even more and put them into situations where you really don't know what's going to happen. Remember, although fate dealt its hand and all of the characters ended up in the place they were meant to be, it doesn't mean that this alternate universe will follow the same rules. When characters are put into dangerous situations, don't always assume that they'll survive... I loved this movie and I can't wait for the sequels to come out!

(Reply to this)

Adidaz788 writes:
on May 08 2009 12:42 PM

In reply to this comment (#2459637)
If you got the Star trek Countdown Comics. Nero had a pretty fleshed out background. The whole prequel comics series basically centered on Nero's back story. But yea If I hadn't read them before seeing the movie i may have thought he was underused as well.

(Reply to this)

shane1jat writes:
on May 08 2009 01:05 PM

In reply to this comment (#2461611)
THAT is what bothers me the most. The wipe out of everything. I mean, everything. This was not a "prequel," it was a complete reboot with new characters (who have the same names) who will never face Kahn an the Borg, We will never have logical Vulcans, whose race now has been wiped out . . . they will all have to face their emotions now which puts a damper on the humor. Scotty not on ship as an engineer? The future with a Chekhov whose first attempt at talking to the computer is unrecognizable, because of his accent? Jeez. Sulu having to countdown when an action (like going to warp) is about to happen? Huh? Spock and Uhura as lovers? Again, Spock and Uhura as lovers?! C'mon! These are not the characters we loved anymore. The only charater that was decent was Dr. McCoy . . . that guy nailed it. Everything else is completely different. The film was action-packed but was not real Trek. That . . . is gone forever and it kinda makes me a bit ticked.

(Reply to this)

Dave G. writes:
on May 08 2009 02:00 PM

Hey Tim, nice job. I would say this, DO go through all of Deep Space 9. This was the last series where the writers could actually do their thing, without having people look over their shoulders, worring about this demographic or that. It's a 7 season story arc that explores such taboo subjects as religion and politics. It's not your usual Star Trek, which makes it the most unique of all the star trek series, and I love all of them for the most part. But Deep Space 9 was by far the best and most creative in my opinion. Hope you check it out.

(Reply to this)

ledawg1138 writes:
on May 08 2009 03:00 PM

In reply to this comment (#2459924)
Wait, "Farpoint" was good. It was something else...Ferengi's and a knight were in it. Anyone remember?

(Reply to this)

Bigbrother writes:
on May 09 2009 09:07 AM

I have to agree with the other guy Jokerboy, Spock is not the guy who slugs it out in fistfights like Kirk. Kirk is the man of action so it was appropriate for him to be duking it out with Nero while Spock is piloting the ship which only he can pilot btw.

I took the "coincidences" to be indications of the hand of fate. Despite the fact that everything has changed these guys are meant to be a crew, Sulu is not destined to get sucked into a laser drill, Scotty is destined to be engineer of the Enterprise, etc, etc.

Do agree that Nero was a bit underdeveloped, but thought the 25 year wait did add one aspect to his character, it helped establish him as a fanatic.

Disagree though that Urban's performance as Bones was the strongest. He was the only cast member who attempted to mimic his predecessor and it's always been my opinion that it's easier to mimic than it is to interpret a characters nature like the other cast did.

(Reply to this)

Sommo P. writes:
on May 09 2009 09:44 AM

Spock should NEVER EVER be in the final conflict ina one on one battle. Its not in his character at all. I think its risky even giving him any emotion at all but i can see it as he is having an inner struggle since he is still young. That would be a total destruction of his character considering he is struggling with his human side and that would be like saying his human side won.UMM what! lol Im glad it isnt that way in the movie

[URL]http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/star_trek_11/news/1819219/trekking_with_tim_day_eleven_star_trek[/URL]

(Reply to this)

Sputnik99 writes:
on May 09 2009 04:18 PM

In reply to this comment (#2461873)
Why won't they ever meet Khan or the Borg? Khan still launched his ship in 1996, and the Borg are still out in the Delta Quadrant somewhere. The Star Trek Universe from the movie's stardate forward is changed, but nothing before it was changed. They'll meet the baddies differently than they did in the TV series' to be sure, but there's no reason that they couldn't still meet, IMO.

(Reply to this)

Bigbrother writes:
on May 09 2009 06:16 PM

In reply to this comment (#2464195)
I agree Sput, looking at it from my hand of fate take it's a genius plot device. It allows you to keep what you want calling it destiny and whenever something changes it's much more effective than a wizard did it. On the downside it will at least for a while kill the hobby of all the nerds who base their lives on nitpicking holes in canon for the BiMonSciFiCon.

(Reply to this)

marvel-fan writes:
on May 09 2009 06:20 PM

In reply to this comment (#2459541)
jokerboy1991, nero went into a blackhole and it sent him years into the future. he didnt just wait years until he decided to take action. i disagree with you on the script. the writing and story were gold, but i agree with you on pine. i find him easier to watch then shatner, pine brings humor and familuarity which helps with a film so futuristic.

(Reply to this)

jokerboy1991 writes:
on May 09 2009 11:54 PM

In reply to this comment (#2464566)
Wait what? Spock even said that what took seconds for him took 28 years of waiting for Nero. Also I'm not going to excuse those coincidences because of the idea of destiny/fate, it was sloppy writing. I just thought Nero was so under developed and just a run of the mil bad guy despite Bana being pretty good. I thought Scotty, Sulu, and Uhura were pretty under written. I thought that the romance between Spock and her was really shoe-horned in and felt really unnecessary. I still think they should have had Spock fight at the end, he fought so much during the movie that it would have made sense, also since Nero is trying to kill him but they decided to go for the cliche ending with Kirk facing off with Nero. I still think it's a really solid movie, I've seen it twice, but the script held it back from being great for me. Even a scene like Scotty being in that water thing was unnecessary, maybe thats just me, but I sat there just thing why is this scene needed?
Also how did Nero know he killed Kirk's dad? Remember he said that to him while they were fighting. I did love that line though "James T. Kirk was a great man, but that was another life!"
Super fun movie, but I thought the script was meh.

(Reply to this)

Bigbrother writes:
on May 10 2009 06:55 AM

Maybe that's how he killed time for those 28 years, surfing the net for people he'd killed :).

(Reply to this)

Mister S. writes:
on May 10 2009 11:55 AM

Hey Tim, I really enjoyed this review series! Welcome to the Trek world, it sounds like you had fun with it. Here's my opinion of the films:

1. The Wrath of Khan

2. Star Trek (I'm a sucker for great soundtracks and I thought the new darker timeline for Kirk and Spock was a stroke of utter genius.)

3. The Motion Picture (I know, I'm the only person who likes this film.)

4. First Contact

5. The Search for Spock

6. The Undiscovered Country

7. The Voyage Home (It's a great film. It's just too darn cheerful. I'm a grumpy old man.)

8. Insurrection

9-11, in any order because they all suck.
The Final Frontier (oh please), Nemesis (after two viewings I remember nothing, fell asleep the first time), Generations (WHOOPIE! NOOOO!)

Live long and prosper, and stuff. Peace

(Reply to this)

dj Mark writes:
on May 10 2009 12:33 PM

If anyone has had a chance to catch the Onion spoof about Trekkies who are disappointed in Abrams' Star Trek because it lacks a heavy-handed message or stiff acting can appreciate how myopic hardcore fans can be about their beloved franchise.

After 40 years, 10 movies, and 5 TV series, it's refreshing to get a movie that focuses more on adventure than moral. "Been there, done that" just wouldn't have worked right now. But as thrilling as the movie's action and FX are, the heart and soul of the franchise is alive and well in the characters, and that's what many fans are reacting positively towards.

Star Trek is not a perfect movie at all. Some of the humor, while not goofy, does overstay its welcome in places. And Bana's villain feels a bit too one-dimensional. Those were very minor criticisms. My greater problem was with the basic setup as an origin story.

Exposition is a limited story-telling device, no matter how epic the visuals may be. And while those visuals certainly are awe-inspiring, I found myself wishing that I could immediately watch a sequel to this film, where the story is more free to go in any direction the writers can imagine.

But Star Trek still works remarkably well as a first chapter in a new film series, and has set the bar ridiculously high for future installments.

(Reply to this)

John S. writes:
on May 10 2009 01:22 PM

I would view the ranking slightly differently.

1. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan

2. Star Trek: First Contact

3. Star Trek

4. Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country

5. Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home

6. Star Trek: Insurrection

7. Star Trek: The Motion Picture

8. Star Trek III: The Search for Spock

9. Star Trek: Generations

10. Star Trek: Nemesis

11. Star Trek V: The Final Frontier

Personally I thought the new film was better than The Undiscovered Country and the save the whales picture, as well as ST V being the worst of the lot. Otherwise I tend to agree.

(Reply to this)

Sir_Ffej writes:
on May 10 2009 03:38 PM

The new Trek was just what I hoped for: Heroes, Lost, Star Trek, and Simon Pegg put in a blender. It's is the most wholey enjoyable movie of 2009 and, for me, the TRUE start to the summer movie season (Wolverine was just okay). Great reviews Tim! I enjoy these (the Friday the 13th break down was also fun). Rock on!

(Reply to this)

figmillenium writes:
on May 11 2009 12:25 AM

As a life-long Trekker, I completely agree with your ranking of the films. Great job!

(Reply to this)

Bigbrother writes:
on May 11 2009 07:45 AM

In reply to this comment (#2466452)
I liked the SNL weekend update skit with Quinto, Pine and Nimoy..."Chris I'm sure with time trekkie's will come to love you as much as the original and Zach I'm sure in time people will come to love you just a little bit less than the original Spock"

(Reply to this)

Dave J. writes:
on May 12 2009 12:41 PM

JJ Abrahms very clearly stated that he is neither a fan nor does he even care about Gene`s intent. This movie is Star trek by name only. Also, there is alot of interpretations of what his version of Star Trek really is, fair amount of people say this is an prequel, according to JJ Abhams he says it`s an alternate universe. I tend to side with the director since he did have the opportunity to bring Kirk back on Kimmel live and that the reason he did not is that it would mean the changing of the whole script.

(Reply to this)

ARTaylor writes:
on May 13 2009 11:19 PM

In reply to this comment (#2471573)
"JJ Abrahms very clearly stated that he is neither a fan nor does he even care about Gene`s intent. This movie is Star trek by name only."

Therein lies the fundamental problem with the movie. Thank you for putting it so simply, Dave.

(Reply to this)

erik c. writes:
on May 26 2009 09:15 AM

JJ Abrams star trek which was easilly the best film not just in the trek franchise but of 2009 is without question a masterpiece.
if the other films in this franchise were considered art, than JJ Abrams movie is the ****ing Mona Lisa, Sistine Chapel and Michelangelos David all rolled into one.
the film deserves to be at the TOP of tims list as it did something no Trek film since Voyage home has done.
#1 it was Entertaining as HELL
#2 IT PULLED IN NON-TREKKERS AND MADE A TON OF LOOT.
#3 i wasnt lulled into falling into a deep sleep like during Inssurection.

the new vision for star trek is simple. High on charachter interaction and pacing, and light on the Boring crap that defined the last 17 years.
Star trek Inssurection, Voyager and Nemesis represents Rick Bermans and the Trek fans themselves growing stale, old, complacent and stuck in their inability to recognise that Red Dwarf, Farscape and Star Wars was leaving it in the Dust.
ive heard it all, The new star trek isnt as cerebral as the Next generation, it goes away from what gene roddenberry invisioned,i would have made a Voyager film, blah blah ,blah.
STAR TREK was a dying franchise that needed NEW BLOOD to give it life.
Paramount chose WISELY by not listening to the fans, geeks, trekkers, Tim, the Okudas and kept Rick Breman as far away from it as possible.
and look at the RESULTS. BEST FILM OF THE YEAR.
Trek needed new blood that cared little for the Data Dull Technobabble of Voyager and the Geek beloved Rick Berman era.
star trek 2009 is a return to the Bold Heroic star trek of the kirk and spock era and thank god for it.

(Reply to this)

erik c. writes:
on May 26 2009 09:36 AM

STAR TREK 2009

BEST FILM OF 2009 AND BEST STAR TREK EVER.

DO YOURSELF A FAVOR..
if you and your girlfriend or buddies only see ONE summer blockbuster, see STAR TREK.
Forget about anything you think you might Know about that TV Show with the bald guy, the Priceline.com guy or whatever else you are thinking.
people who HATE star trek, people of all ages and Ethnic groups have left the theatre in AWE of this epic piece of
film making.
JJ ABRAMS of televisions Lost, has weaved an intricate Action movie that is more Die Hard in space than those talky boring Next generation episodes and movies EVER WERE.
the first 10 minutes Alone set the tone for what is next to come in an Exhilerating Rollercoaster ride that NEVER lets up.
this is this years Dark Knight.
Star trek will make you laugh, cry and cheer out loud.
this is THE Film of 2009.
Star Trek sheds the baggage of 17 years of Boring Technobabble and Malaise that has attatched itself to this once great franchise and morphed into first rate entertainment on par or above even last years Dark Knight and Iron Man.
perfectly cast, Written, Directed and acted Star trek does something that movies havent done since the Empire strikes back and 1978's SUPERMAN.
it makes you genuinely CARE about what happens to the people you are watching onscreen and makes you feel like a KID AGAIN.
as we all get older we lose a lot of things, but for this film to make a jaded 40 year old feel like a 7 year old once again is unprecidented.
think im making this all up?
I DARE YOU TO PROVE ME WRONG.
Do yourself a FAVOR....SEE STAR TREK.

(Reply to this)

vorbaden writes:
on May 29 2009 02:21 AM

I went to see Star Trek the other day with my kids. I have to say what a great film, not only a good Star Trek film but a good action/sci-fi film. What I most like is with the other films there seemed to be a lack of investment and the films always seemed to be done a little on the cheap. The latest Star Trek film fleshes out the Star Trek universe and does the franchise service by providing a good and at times funny story and pouring enough money and love into the film to ensure it always looks and feels convincing

(Reply to this)

Related Links

Star Trek

Related Articles

Most Discussed

Latest News

Latest Interviews

Latest Features

Sponsored Links