Star Trek

While trying to create a catchy introduction to the latest “Star Trek” film, numerous catchphrases from the historical series inevitably come to mind. In many cases, having your phaser set to stun or getting beamed across the galaxy by some guy named Scotty sounds pointlessly cliched to mention alongside this newest entry. While that might be true for many other situations, there’s simply no better way to describe how director JJ Abrams has boldly taken the “Star Trek” franchise where no film has gone before.

In more ways than one, the latest reincarnation of the beloved “Star Trek” franchise is one that solves a nearly impossible task for franchise filmmakers. It is one of the only films that appeases the die-hard followers just as much as the unknowing newcomers. While the film seemingly starts at the beginning by chronicling the maiden voyage of the USS Enterprise, the spirit of the original series remains fully intact.

The Starfleet remains a futuristic peacekeeping explorer of the depths of the universe under the command of humans and aliens. Among them are the hopeful newcomers: a human named James Tiberius Kirk and a Vulcan named Spock. While Abrams and his creative crew take so many respectful liberties with the origin stories of these characters he benefits in a film that is both a tribute and a revitalization of a timeless masterpiece.

While “Star Trek” experiences a welcomed makeover among its difficult circumstances, the most notable element adding to its success is the incredible cast. For anyone who ever exits a theater tired of seeing so many films with the same classic actors, “Star Trek” marks the first glimpse of a distinct and promising future of talented young actors.

Not only are the lead roles of Kirk and Spock performed with eloquent respect for the past by Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto, but they also come with an aggressive approach that has each actor fully owning their respective roles. Therefore, the next time you hear the names Kirk or Spock, you wont immediately think of William Shatner or Leonard Nimoy. Even as Pine and Quinto’s on-screen duo is endlessly entertaining, their interaction with the remaining cast is surprisingly just as charismatic. Quinto develops a gripping and emotional relationship with another key character while Pine is able to spark humor out of nearly every situation.

Above all, it’s science-fiction films like this that redefine a purpose and direction for the erratic genre. So many recent films, including all three of the newest “Star Wars” episodes fail to put focus on a character driven story before elaborate effects. With “Star Trek” having single-handedly brought science-fiction movies back into a respectful spotlight along with an array of mind-blowing special effects, George Lucas is one person who should be eternally jealous.

Star Trek

Rated PG-13 for sci-fi action and violence, and brief sexual content

Runtime: 127 min.

Starring: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Eric Bana, Bruce Greenwood, Karl Urban, Zoe Saldana, and Simon Pegg

Directed by J.J. Abrams