Rent Star Trek (2009)

A let-down - Star Trek review by Mehitabel

I was disappointed by this movie. We were promised a witty tale of the early years of the Star Trek characters and I was expecting something a bit different from the usual inter-galactic gun-firing. Instead, it was more of the same, but with younger leads. Had we seen more of Kirk & Co actually being cadets at Star Fleet Academy, watching their personalities, strengths and weaknesses develop -- which is the film I was expecting -- it would have held my interest, especially with a good script. This didn't.

Too much is asked of our suspension of disbelief, too. While I could cope with most of the confusions of time travel, the idea that Spock could go back in time and have a mind-blowingly banal conversation with his younger self, was absurd. I was also distracted throughout by the ease with which an academy cadet was able to assume command of not just any old ship, but the Enterprise, with not a single voice raised in dissent. But then, I found Chris Pine's whole authority-flaunting swaggering maverick schtick tiresome after about 5 minutes. I did like Zachary Quinto's quiet Spock, though, and could have wished Simon Pegg as Scottie, with his rather too good accent, could have made an earlier appearance.

So all in all, if you like watching spaceships zip around firing at each other, and young men posturing, you might enjoy this. But if you were hoping for an original, well-written movie which would shed light on our favourite tight-jerseyed beamers-up, don't bother.

Top Gun In Outer Space - Star Trek review by CP Customer

J.J. Abrams brings his customary visual flair and ability to create accessibility to the Star Trek franchise, in what is a successful reboot. This is the best Trek adventure in light years, but that’s not really saying much really. Fans of the genre will lap it up and those in need of a shallow romp will be relieved at the lack of traditional Star Trek diplomacy and customs, instead focusing on action. Despite the hype Star Trek is good but nothing more, yes it delivers on special effects and its epic portrayal of space, but the plot is full of holes, which prompted that old Hollywood trick. You’ll know what when you actually see the film, as a dynamic is called upon to get scriptwriters out of a loophole. For the most part I could not shake off the feeling that this is Top Gun in outer space with Kirk playing Maverick, a young and over confident know it all, pitched into combat whilst still in school. It’ll be interesting to see where the franchise goes next.