Star Trek (2009)

Here producer/director J.J. Abrams gives us what is probably the most literal franchise reboot in film history. Brought in by Paramount to revitalize and ‘broaden’ the venerable sci-fi institution, Abrams was selected no doubt because he is said to have his finger on the pulse of that which is cool, and Star Trek historically is not. So young, good looking actors are brought in to reprise the roles of the original series crew, and we get a story about how the gang all got together in their twenties, and plenty of broad appeal action and special effects sequences. This is the casual Star Trek fans Star Trek movie, Abrams obviously has an affection for the series, in the way he treats the characters and the plethora of franchise in-references for the devotees; but he is not a dogmatic hard core trekkie, continuity be dammed if it gets in the way of making the franchise hip, or limits his story telling options. In fact it’s that attitude towards continuity, audacious in its way, that will most divide hard core fans about the film. I won’t get into any details except to say that the implications of the film will be a lively source of debate on internet forums. I think I have a broad sense of where Abrams may be taking the franchise, and its got a lot of exciting possibilities, but I remain more then a little bit leery. A sequel to this film has supposedly already been greenlit, and I suspect that movie will determine the future of the franchise, and for how long it remains broad based and profitable summer entertainment, before reverting again (inevitably) to nerd dominated niche statues. 4 out of 5.