Star Trek means different thing to different people be it a series of Science Fiction shows to people speaking Klingon; whatever your notion maybe Star Trek is unquestionably a Science Fiction icon with a long past, deep back story, and extremely devoted fans. The largest differenced in opinions is most frequent when dealing with the Star Trek movies. These feature films (eleven including this entry) have been a mixed bag from the fan favorite “Wrath of Khan” to the seldom mentioned “Final Frontier”; to add to the mix “ Star Trek: The Future Begins” is a prequel which is designed to reboot the Star Trek franchise. Will J. J. Abrams’ venture to boldly go where we have been before be a success?

Star Trek: The Future Begins is a re-envisioning of the origin of the classic Star Trek universe (from the 60s television show). The movie follows the lives of James Tiberius Kirk and Spock from early childhood to their first mission together. It juxtaposes Kirk (portrayed by Chris Pine) who chooses to rebel against society, against Spock (portrayed by Zachary Quinto) who is an outcast on the alien world of Vulcan due to his mother being Human. These two men who begin diametrically opposed to one another, journey and struggle side by side to eventually create friendship. One of the things that this movie does well is that it helps the audience gain a better understanding of the character Spock not only through his dialog and actions but those around him; of particular interest is Spock’s relationship with Nyota Uhura (Zoe Saldana).

The movie also tells of how the famous crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise first comes together (headed by Bruce Greenwood as Capt. Pike) and the perils that bond them together. The film has a good mix between action, character development, and light hearted humor which is sure to keep the audience engaged. Abrams version stays true to the vision of series creator Gene Roddenberry’s idea of Star Trek being cowboys in space in the sense that the crew of the Enterprise is trailblazing mavericks that can overcome the exciting new challenges that exploring uncharted space can/will bring them. Since this is a reality touched by time travel any inconsistencies with the original 60s television series can easily explained away allowing this new series of Star Trek films the ability to not be bound by the classic continuity if they so choose.

From Star Fleet Academy, to the alien landscapes, to the beautiful effects, each was greatly enhanced by the IMAX experience which gave an overbearing presence to the already behemoth renegade Romulan ship Narada and its captain Nero (the film’s antagonist portrayed by Eric Bana). The scale for everything seems so grand when watched in this format, from the Federation ship yard to the space dog fights. Although the effects were breathe taking the close combat felt confined and Closter phobic, luckily there is very of these scenes.   

If you are a fan of the original series then you will enjoy all of the in jokes and nods to the television show that started it all. If you are a casual fan or someone who is not acquainted with the Star Trek in general, you will enjoy the fast paced action and the fact that you will not need to know anything about any of the incarnations of Star Trek to enjoy it. The story moves quickly and keeps the audience engaged through the two hour ride. To add to the sites is the score which in a similar sense has re-envisioned the music from the classic television series and related films.

 The brass tax is that J.J. Abrams has created a Star Trek movie for fans and casual audiences alike and regardless of your past feelings for Star Trek; this re-envisioning is fun and entertaining for the whole family. If this is a sign of future movies, then Paramount’s new Star Trek franchise will surely live long and prosper!

CraveOnline Rating: 8.75 out of 10