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Star Trek by Matthew Stewart
Casting:
- Chris Pine (Jim Kirk)
- Zachary Quinto (Spock)
- Karl Urban (“Bones” Mccoy)
- Simon Pegg (Scotty)
- John Cho (Sulu)
- Zoe Saldana (Uhura)
Review:
It's no secret; the Star Trek franchise is getting old. It's 43 years old now, and despite being incredibly adaptable to the times, its utopian view of the universe is slowing being eroded away by the grim reality other shows now use. Perhaps as as a last ditch attempt to save the brand, they made this film, and, in a brain-wave I thank them for, they decided to not just use either the 2000's habit for grim and grubby sci-fi, or the 60's happy-happy joy-joy affair with space. No, they did the best thing they could; merge them.
This journey into the universe of 'Trek takes the story back to the start; to the meeting and training of the crew of the Enterprise, a federation flagship that “boldly goes where no man has gone before”. The storyline is pleasant, not too over-the-top, and it's not outwardly trying to be philosophical (For those who have read my previous review of 300, you know I dislike pretentious films). In fact, I'll go as far as to say this film is audience friendly. That's right, folks, this film might actually interest a group of non-trekkies!
As far as casting goes, it's pitch-perfect. Zachary Quinto as Spock was a brilliant idea, and he plays the role so well that he just seems like a younger version of Leonard Nimoy, despite owning the disadvantage of a typecast to “Heroes” (My friend wouldn't stop making the brain-cutting motion during the film). Simon Pegg perhaps over-plays Scotty, but he's a welcome comic relief, and Chris Pine seems to work as Kirk, his swashbuckling ways are amusing to watch, and to a Treky it's a sharp knock round the head as you remember what Captain Kirk is like; essentially a flamboyant lucky-man who simply bluffs his way through everything. Although, that said, I thought the film had a little to much angst at times. The hormones are running high, and even Spock has a girl now! I'm not saying the Original 'trek wasn't smutty, but please...
Anyway, I'll return to the theme, which I must say surprised me the most. As I said, it's a merging of 00's and 60's style, and it works very well. The ship itself looks sleek and slimline, a brilliant contrast to all the other ships (Including Federation ships) who all seem dated and almost Gothic. The inside of the Enterprise, too, is a shock. Sublime and pure where it should be, but as soon as you get to the engineering or science rooms, suddenly it looks more industrial, with steel girders holding up the lofty ceiling. It's a stunning contrast that works perfectly, and appeals to nostalgia, without drowning in it. However, to complain a little about it's CGI... Seriously, was that much glare required!? The bright lights vomit bloom into your face, and although it looks pretty, it just seems a little too over the top. Otherwise, the CGI is brilliant- the deathly silence of space, the slightly jolted fight scenes, the sweeping views over Vulcan- Who ever they hired, had scope.
Anyway, to sum it all up, it's a good film, worth seeing; especially in the cinema. In fact, why are you sitting here? Grab some friends and see it! Go! I'll be here when you get back. See it not because it's the most fantastic film ever (It isn't, just good), but see it because it's the only thing damn-well worth watching at the moment!
Rating? 8/10
Analogy: It's like if you gave the 60's a box-set of Hollyoaks, Battle-star Galactica (the new series), and decent CGI; It's powerful, nostalgic and brilliantly rendered, but the sexual tension is sometimes enough to render it into nothing more than a teen drama.
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