Franchises: Star Trek

JJ Abrams nailed it. What is it with this generation of filmmakers rejuvenating old franchises? From Batman to James Bond and now Star Trek, these prequels have all gotten it RIGHT. Their attention to story and character is what's most impressive. Star Trek has the perfect blend of both action and drama. The actors perfectly pay tribute to their well-known classic characters and fittingly Kirk and Spock are the two that shine the strongest. Never mind the impeccable special effects and stirring new score, this film had me in tears within the first ten minutes. And I'm not even a Trekkie! There are so many wonderful lines throughout the script and the tension never lets up for a second. Plus, the film has countless self-reverential moments that never seem to come across contrived. They work totally organic to the story. This Trek film is also, hands down, the most action packed of the series. Lastly, what's most impressive is how the writers managed to come up with not just a prequel but an actual sequel to the original series. Instead of just trying to re-start the franchise by ignoring everything that's come before; they've continued the series in a new direction, while enhancing what's come before. Truly brilliant.

The most emotionally engaging Star Trek movie. Nicholas Meyer knew how to capture the magic behind this series. Dynamite set pieces with wonderful characters. The real surprise is how well written it is. Death, aging and re-birth are the dominant themes here. From Kirk's initial words to Spock, "I thought you were dead," to his final words, "I feel young," there is a sweeping scope to the drama. Trekkies must have absolutely loved this entry - it has everything! It even includes the first ever CGI: the Genesis demonstration. In the end, this may very well be Star Trek's finest two hours on screen.

The most intelligent Star Trek script. A wonderful farewell to the old crew of the enterprise. From start to finish this is a flawless entry. The action is suspenseful, the characters truthful and the story solid. We'll miss you guys.

The original Star Trek movie borrows heavily from 2001 and gives us a more artsy and slow-moving odyssey. In fact, one of the highlights is how Wise takes his time in introducing us to the characters and in particular, the Enterprise. Considering how long-lasting this series is, it's an emotionally moving moment. It had been ten years since the original TV series and this "motion picture" certainly brought back the nostalgia and created an almost mythic movie. Huge credit must go to Jerry Goldsmith who elevated this film into a much more grandeur experience. (Love the overture!) Naturally, bringing back the cast is a real treat. Sure the film has its flaws and it may overstay its welcome but nonetheless, it remains one of the most special Star Trek movies.

The final installment with the Next Generation crew may just be the best of the four. I feel that some audiences were unnecessarily harsh with this extremely thoughtful and dark entry. John Logan's script is smart and detailed. The visuals are easily the best of the Next Generation films - finally, it doesn't just look like one big TV show. The effects are remarkable and best of all, the action quota is through the roof. This is where some Trekkie fans may object the most. It's easily the most action-packed Trek film since '79 and perhaps this is not what Star Trek is supposed to be about (the entire final 30 minutes is one giant action set piece). Personally, I thoroughly enjoyed the progressive complications. Plus, it's not as if the story is shallow. The characterizations are quite complex. Lastly, it's also wonderful to have Goldsmith back doing some stellar work.

After the hugely successful predecessor, The Search for Spock had a lot to live up to. Highlights include our heroes defying Starfleet command and stealng the Enterprise, only to have it be destroyed! Brilliant plot point. However, the rest of the film lacks punch. Personally, I would have liked to have Spock remain dead for just a while longer. Why not ressurect him a couple films later? This would have lent Wrath of Khan more weight. What's the point of his sacrifice if they're going to ressurect him in the very next chapter?

Star Trek turns comedic. In this highly entertaining chapter, our favorite characters get a chance to run around modern day San Francisco. The "fish out of water" factor makes this film very watchable. However, there isn't a great deal of action and the plot is a little bit silly at times, making repeat viewings not very appealing. The message, although important, comes across a little contrived and preachy as well. Still, credit must go to Nimoy for not just repeating the same old formula. On a interesting side note: the alien life form that threatens humanity may have come to earth before mankind was ever around. Whales would thus be the smartest creatures on the planet. Could the alien life form (resembling a whale) be returning to communicate with its potential ancestors?

Shatner's directorial attempt at Star Trek is one odd and quirky movie. He has most definitely increased the action quota. There are also some genuinely affecting character moments. The premise is intriguing but unfortunately the film meanders and comes across clumsy and awkward. Still, it's very well shot - lots of shadows lending the story a more cinematic quality. Ultimately though, there are one too many silly or contrived parts, making this one of the weaker Star Trek entries.

Generations is the first Trek film that feels less like a film and more like a feature-length TV movie. Still, it's well worth seeing if only for the historic meeting of Kirk and Picard. The moments shared between the two of them are undoubtedly the highlights of the movie. Data also has some pivotal moments that are risky for Trek lore and unusually humorous. The central action sequence during the midpoint is remarkably epic but sadly the rest of the film's action is lackluster and frankly cheap. Ultimately, the film suffers but for Trek fans, it is essential viewing due to the bridging of two monumental Captains.

Gone is the clunkiness of Generations and instead First Contact has a suspenseful and smart storyline. Picard has the most character development and Stewart does a remarkable job. In some respects, this is a quintessential Star Trek Next Generation movie. Still, one can't help but feel that it is an extension of the TV show. It is also the only entry that requires the TV episodes to fully appreciate the emotional weight of the film. Also, First Contact lacks some serious action sequences. There aren't many set pieces worth raving about; instead we get clever dialogue and strong character moments. Ultimately, for non-Trek fans, it may seem a little dull. For Trekkies, it's a definitive entry. I fall somewhere in between.

Insurrection is not as consistently suspenseful as First Contact; the first hour in particular drags and is bogged down with too much dialogue and wasted plot points. However, the conclusion does have some thrilling effects and epic action moments that may just save the film. It's also a clever script with a decent message. Ultimately though, the later Star Trek films tend to feel more like good TV episodes, rather then capturing the grandeur and awe of some of the better motion pictures.