2009 In Restrospect - Best Movie Based On A TV Series

I consider myself a Half-Trekkie. I never really appreciated the earlier TV Series (with Shattner and Nimoy). And although I am fine with the earlier movies (i.e. Star Trek 1 - VI), I'd still prefer Star Trek Generations. Be it due to Jean Luc Picard, Ryker, Data, LaForge or Deanna Troy (highly likely due to Marina Sirtis), I'd still can relate much to the latter series.

And so, I didn't really have much high hopes on this one. I heard that it's going to be a prequel. But, right from the opening sequence, I was mesmerized by the action sequence, the drama that unfolds subsequently and the solid portrayals by the new bunch of actors.

Directed by Jeffrey Jacob Abrams, or better known as J.J. Abrams, the creator or co-creator of the television series "Felicity", "Alias", "Lost", and "Fringe", the movie appeared to be sensibly produced with careful thoughts on character development. Apart from paying homage to the original TV Series, it also has more than just mind blowing and powerful action sequeces. Staying true to the source material, fans of the original TV Series would certainly appreciate this version. And for the newbies, you don't need to be a Trekkie to enjoy this movie. The screenwriters have done quite a wonderful job by developing a background and history to each of the main character, allowing the viewers to get to know them better.

Relatively young actors were lined up to play the ever-so-well-known characters - Chris Pine as James T. Kirk, Zachary Quinto as Spock, Karl Urban as Dr. McCoy, Zoe Saldana as Uhura, Simon Pegg as Scotty, John Cho as Sulu and Anton Yelchin as Chekov. There is also a cameo by Leonard Nimoy as the 'older' Spock and a most surprising turn by Eric Bana as the Romulan Nero.

Both Pine and Quinto did a terrific job playing the famous duo. Pine came across as a rebellious and arrogant chap quite similar to the traits of the original James T. Kirk that we've grown quite accustomed to, and Quinto would have made Nimoy so proud with his turn as the brilliant Vulcan. However, I personally felt that Winona Ryder's presence in the movie was slightly off-key and a miscast. She looked a bit young to play a mother. A slightly elderly actress would have done much justice to the character of Amanda Grayson.

Nevertheless, this is definitely a good treat for action movie fans and a remarkable effort to re-produce a franchise to move along with changing times.