I enter JJ Abrams’ second Trek film with little more than a film critic’s eye and a movie-lover’s heart (I also brought along a Trekkie guide to answer my endless questions). And boy, was I impressed.
By Keeva Stratton.
The film begins with a young James T Kirk (Chris Pine) defying protocol to save the life of his dear friend Spock. As a result of his actions, he faces a demotion—just as a new enemy emerges (the wonderfully wicked Benedict Cumberbatch).
The enemy, it seems, is one of their own, and it will take someone with the cowboy antics and fearless chutzpah of Kirk to chase him half way across the galaxy into a known war zone. To take on this apparent suicide mission, however, Kirk must first convince his crew that he can be trusted after his most recent deviance from orders.
With some making the journey and others not, Kirk has the weight of expectations and responsibility for his crew on his debonair shoulders. As the mission unfolds, all is not what it seems, with the line between good and evil becoming increasingly difficult to judge. What is clear is that he’s in for one serious battle, and his faith in his own instincts are more important than ever before.
Whether you’re a fan of the series or otherwise, this latest film has plenty to offer its viewers.
As a piece of cinema, the film marks a new high for 3D films. As a medium designed to foster our voyeuristic urges, Abrams has cleverly employed 3D’s possibilities to cater to our desire to be immersed in the film.
At one point while watching a scene of a crew briefing, you find yourself amongst the crowd being briefed; at other points, you find yourself on the deck, or in the galley. Rather than merely use 3D as a party trick, here it successfully draws you deeper into the action.
The other worlds and their beings are equally spectacular. Despite being a generation that is spoiled for special effects, this film once again takes us to glorious new heights, as we travel the galaxy through rich and inspired visuals. Here we have a genuine big screen film—a cinematic feast that requires the megaplex— and simply no home screen can possibly do it justice.
If you’re a Star Trek aficionado, then I’ve no doubt you will be happily rewarded by this new chapter. If you are like me and are relatively new to the tale, then I’d still strongly recommend taking the voyage.
The magic of cinema is alive and well under Abrams’ deft directorial hand, and the characters, past references and swashbuckling space age adventurism, all add to the fun and visual feast.
It would seem that Abrams (this generation’s Lucas or Spielberg—take your pick) understands what makes the movies a truly magic place to be.
Directed by: J.J. Abrams
Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana
Rating: PG
Runtime: 132mins
Release Date: May 9
Reviewer rating: 4/5