Star Trek

I like Star Trek. I never thought I would write those words, but let me tell you, the latest addition to this storied franchise, isn't your daddy's Star Trek of years gone by. The new movie from J.J. Abrams impressed me on all levels. The writing was solid--funny, too. The actors, while not exactly Oscar-worthy, were cast extremely well and played their roles near flawlessly. And most of all, the action-packed explosions, graphics and sound made Star Trek a great movie to not just watch, but experience--especially in IMAX.

I can remember hearing through the grapevine many months ago that Abrams was planning a new Star Trek movie, but with a fresh, updated look and feel. Even though I was not a Star Trek fan growing up, I still have great respect for its impact on pop culture, so I was intrigued as to how he might do so. His casting of Zachary Quinto, fresh off his break-out role in Heroes, and funny-men John Cho and Simon Pegg, really got me excited. And when the reviews came back positive after early screenings--from Trekkies and non-Trekkies alike--my interest was at its peak.

I'm no Siskel or Ebert, so I have no rubric for rating movies involving appendages. But if I did, it would be elbows. Star Trek gets two elbows up. It entertained me and I think it will entertain you, too. Do yourself a favor and pony up the $10 or $12 for a ticket, another $12 for popcorn and a soda, and go see Star Trek in the theater. I'll be shocked if you are disappointed.