"To boldly reboot like no series has done before" is the mission of Star Trek, and it fairs pretty well.

Despite the Star Trek universe being vast and complex, this movie is simple, as it should be. It starts with James T. Kirk's father dying on the U.S.S. Kelvin to save the lives of hundreds, including Kirk’s mom, who was pregnant with him. We quickly see the bold, cocky Kirk (Chris Pine) as a young man preparing to join Starfleet.

The movie basically tells how the original Star Trek characters came together on the U.S.S. Enterprise, and there's something absolutely refreshing about these young versions of the Enterprise crew.

Kirk is joined by Spock (Zachary Quinto), Dr. McCoy (Karl Urban), Uhura (Zoe Saldana), Sulu (John Cho), Chekov (Anton Yelchin) and Scotty (Simon Pegg). Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto dominate the spotlight and bring convincing life to Kirk and Spock. Kirk is arrogant, intelligent and entertaining all at once. I can't think of a better person to play Spock.

Not only were the characters interesting to watch, the look and sound of Star Trek are a blast to take in as well. From the score to the visual and sound effects, they all came together as part of an engaging universe. I can't be the only one who fantasized as a kid about what Star Trek would look like with special effects superior to those we grew up watching.

My only criticism really is the fact that Nero (Eric Bana), the Romulan who wreaks havoc around the universe, isn't that menacing. Sure he's got a big ship, but he never gives that villain sense.

Also, the movie's humor worked well, but they went overboard with it in parts. It was great in the first half of the movie, but many times during the second half it felt forced or out of place.

Star Trek pays homage to the franchise without going overboard. It will succeed at recruiting a fresh, new audience and re-energizing its loyal fanbase.

J.J. Abrams has taken a legendary franchise and made it current. It's enjoyable to even those who’ve never heard of the Vulcan death grip or witnessed Kirk engage in romantic encounters with green women.

Kary Bowser is a producer for the Matt & Ramona radio show (107.9, The Link). Read more of Kary's reviews at kbowser.wordpress.com. Email: kbowser@mattandramona.com.

Sign up for our Weekly Email Newsletter Email: For Email Marketing you can trust

Other Ways to Share Twitter Del.icio.us MySpace

Discussions and Submission Agreement