The “Star Trek” movie franchise has been getting old and stale for some time. But director J.J. Abrams brings new life and total invigoration to the enterprise with his rousing story of the early years. The great screenplay accelerates the plot at warp speed while still providing enough time to develop the characters and the many details of the complex tale.
Focusing on the younger days of the famous crew, some great young actors play the future Capt. Kirk, Sulu, McCoy, Scotty and the rest. But Zachary Quinto steals the show as the young Mr. Spock. In a surprise cameo, the real Leonard Nimoy makes a delightful appearance as Spock’s older self through a clever time-travel plot device.
The producers show great respect for the previous entries in this series. But this movie is a dynamic effort that can easily stand alone to capture new viewers as well as die-hard fans of the old TV shows. Special effects by Industrial Light & Magic ensure a top-notch thrill ride for the many action scenes. This might even be good enough to produce a Vulcan mind meld with Academy voters for an Oscar nomination or two. This movie is big-time popcorn fun. Go see it.
