Star Trek (2009)

Featured Audience Ratings

• John M

  
  I was never a fan of the original Star Trek series or movies but this was one of the best sci-fi movies I have seen in a long time. From beginning to end JJ Abrams and crew did an amazing re-imagining of the Star Trek franchise.

• Melvin W

  
  Christopher Pike: You know your father was Captain of a Starship for 12 minutes. He saved 800 lives. Including your mother's and yours. I dare you to do better.  "The future begins." The first time I watched Star Trek two years ago was my first taste of the Star Trek… More
  Christopher Pike: You know your father was Captain of a Starship for 12 minutes. He saved 800 lives. Including your mother's and yours. I dare you to do better.  "The future begins." The first time I watched Star Trek two years ago was my first taste of the Star Trek franchise. I had never seen the show or any of the old movies that followed it. Since then I have watched most of the old movies and a handful of episodes, but have never gotten to into the original series. But just visiting the origins for this Star Trek made me like it so much more. The first time I watched it I really enjoyed it, but I didn't know any of the characters and how they relate to each other. My second viewing of Star Trek was even more fun then the first. It's one of the better Science Fiction movies of the last decade. What really leaps out at me while watching this is that you don't have to be a fanboy to appreciate it. Like Nolan's Batman , if this is the first of the franchise that you have seen you are still likely to enjoy it. J.J. Abrams is able to appeal to everyone with this. He makes it enjoyable for the Star Trek noob, while clearly not offending any of the fanboys who have seen every episode and movie twenty times. This may seem like no big deal, but it has to be hard to do.  Star Trek looks and sounds great. The special effects are big, but not overblown to the point where it cancels out everything else that is going on. The film features a great cast including Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Leonard Nimoy, Simon Pegg, Bruce Greenwood, Anton Yelchin, and the sexy Zoe Saldana. There's also smaller performances from Eric Bana and Winona Ryder.  With of all that put together the film is pretty epic. It's exciting, fun, funny, and occasionally heartfelt like no other Star Trek film has been. There is a great balance between dialogue and action. It never relies too much on the action, but also never provides too much downtime for some viewers to get bored in.  There's always going to be those people who refuse to watch a movie with the name Star Trek in the title. It has that connotation of being only for nerds and losers. I have friends that refuse to watch it no matter how many people tell them how great it is. All I have to say to those people are that they are missing out on quite a film.  J.J. Abrams did an amazing job bringing Star Trek to a new generation and I can't wait until we see a sequel. Let's just hope it is half as good as this one was. Spock Prime: Space: the final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. Her ongoing mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life-forms and new civilizations; to boldly go where no one has gone before. 

• Raymond W

  
  Seeing the older Star Trek movies before this may be a good idea, but it's not necessary, as this newer version covers most of it all, but I found myself confused a tiny bit only because I had never seen the originals before I saw this one. This newer one is funny, it's got… More
  Seeing the older Star Trek movies before this may be a good idea, but it's not necessary, as this newer version covers most of it all, but I found myself confused a tiny bit only because I had never seen the originals before I saw this one. This newer one is funny, it's got a great story, fantastic visual effects, and lots of action. A great movie that will be fun for the family.

• Colin M

  
  Although some may praise its merits, 2009's "Star Trek" (11) is anything but the Star Trek of the 1960s. Long gone is the intellectualism, sci-fi-ness, and amazing characterization of the legendary 1960s series and its 70s/80s films, and in its place are pretty boys,… More
  Although some may praise its merits, 2009's "Star Trek" (11) is anything but the Star Trek of the 1960s. Long gone is the intellectualism, sci-fi-ness, and amazing characterization of the legendary 1960s series and its 70s/80s films, and in its place are pretty boys, action, and dull characters, with the exception of the much welcomed and anticipated return of Leonard Nimoy as the aged version of Spock, reprising his 40+ year role. His storyline, and that of his younger self, portrayed by Zachary Quinto, is quite interesting and provides the small amount of intellectuality and familiarity in the film. However, the new Kirk's zero-to nothing resemblance in both speech, actions, and appearance to Shatner, the terrible new Bones, and the romantic tendencies of Quinto's Spock make me "yuck" and wonder why such a landmark tale had to be "modernized" in this way. However, I give it 3 stars because as a standalone film it IS entertaining, and it does have Nimoy and Vulcans aplenty in it along with the saving grace of having an in film explanation that the new reality is but an alternate universe created by the events in the main storyline of old. Star Trek will always be Star Trek from the 1960s and viewers better get around to watching Star Trek TOS on Blu Ray or DVD and realizing how much better its original incarnation truly was in comparison.

• Alexander D

  
  This (wow) eleventh STAR TREK movie just might be better than STAR WARS...but that clearly does not settle the debate.

• Brad W

  
  I'm not a trekkie, but I sure want to be now. This movie takes the series and makes it cool for once, I never enjoyed the old show but this movie makes us feel awesome for seeing a nerd movie. This film was genius, JJ Abrhams is one of my favorite Directors, and the cast was… More
  I'm not a trekkie, but I sure want to be now. This movie takes the series and makes it cool for once, I never enjoyed the old show but this movie makes us feel awesome for seeing a nerd movie. This film was genius, JJ Abrhams is one of my favorite Directors, and the cast was incredible as the cast of the original Star Trek series. The effects and makeup are gorcious. In the entire series of the Trek movies, this is the greatest, and one of history greatest Sci Fis, at least to me. What a great film.

• Eric A

  
  Perfect 5 stars! What i love the most is how I had never watched a piece of Star Trek in my life before this movie, and yet after watching it I felt like I had been a Trekkie for life. It takes a a real talented director to be able to do that, J.J. Abrams is that guy.

• Jason R

  
  Probably my favorite movie of 2009, couldn't help but remind me of The Fifth Element -- which, of course, is probably in my top 3. Gotta love a movie that knows that it's a Sci-Fi action movie and boldly go(es) for it (see what I did there...?). Infinitely re-watchable and… More
  Probably my favorite movie of 2009, couldn't help but remind me of The Fifth Element -- which, of course, is probably in my top 3. Gotta love a movie that knows that it's a Sci-Fi action movie and boldly go(es) for it (see what I did there...?). Infinitely re-watchable and with characters you can't wait to see in a sequel, the 24th century has finally made its mark on the 21st century. As much as I loved this movie, I couldn't compete with my mother -- an old school trekkie who saw it 6 times in theaters. Yeah, she's real serious about Spock.

• Letitia L

  
  A fun blockbuster romp, although most of it was lost on me because I've never seen an episode of Star Trek

• Sergio G

  
  I've never been a Star Trek fan, however I used to watch the series on TV and I liked them a lot. This remake by J.J. Abrahams (Lost) probably dislike several Trekies. I loved the appearence of Leonard Nimoy. Good cast, good directing and original story, but not the best of… More
  I've never been a Star Trek fan, however I used to watch the series on TV and I liked them a lot. This remake by J.J. Abrahams (Lost) probably dislike several Trekies. I loved the appearence of Leonard Nimoy. Good cast, good directing and original story, but not the best of stories related to the USS Enterprise.

• Drake T

  
  2009's Star Trek boasts an incredible amount of accessible entertainment. (I can't believe I just said that) From action to humor to casting there are so many things done right here that pleases just about everyone, newcomers and old fans alike. Although the story lacks… More
  2009's Star Trek boasts an incredible amount of accessible entertainment. (I can't believe I just said that) From action to humor to casting there are so many things done right here that pleases just about everyone, newcomers and old fans alike. Although the story lacks originality considering the possibilities of SciFi storytelling but it's quite forgiving since we have the franchise to thank for coming up with those templates, themes and cliches in the first place. Trekkies might miss the philosophy and debate of the TV show but I dare you not to get distracted by the spectacles and humor.

• Jeff "

  
  This is the first Star Trek film that I have ever watched. I was pleasantly surprised. Star Trek is a thrilling, action packed adventure. The cast is phenomenal and the film boasts some wicked action sequences. Eric Bana is absolutely intense as Nero, the villain of this film. A truly… More
  This is the first Star Trek film that I have ever watched. I was pleasantly surprised. Star Trek is a thrilling, action packed adventure. The cast is phenomenal and the film boasts some wicked action sequences. Eric Bana is absolutely intense as Nero, the villain of this film. A truly awesome spectacle, this one of the best Sci Fi films in recent memory. I never got into the whole Star Trek phase, instead I was and still am a Star Wars fan, but this film suprised me and I thought it was very well made, and entertaining. The only thing that bugged me was that Spock seem to whine like a bitch constantly, that got on my nerves. But other than that, Star Trek (2009) is a thrilling rousing sci fi action adventure that will please anyone, whether you're a fan of Star Wars or Star Trek. This updated version of the classic tv series is an almost flawless film and theres none stop entertainment to be had. I love J.J Abrams work, and he directs this thrilling and visually stunning picture with flair. Watching Star Trek you're always on edge and thrilled to the last frame of the film. Maybe the diehard fans of Star Trek will hate it, I know a lot of them did. But to those who aren't really into Star Trek, this is a perfect film to watch. A good blend of Sci Fi and action that is sure to appeal to anyone looking for a good time. Star Trek brings credibility back to a genre that had gotten pretty much stale due to some of the Star Wars prequels.

• Jennifer X

  
  It's...okay. Too long, too jacked up on energy drinks, and too "modern," but some scenes were funny, and I loved the brief seconds I got to lay eyes on Winona Ryder.

• Kase V

  
  Maybe not being a Star Trek fan hindered on my experience, but I didn't enjoy this movie that much. I remember being confused and bored, but occasionally i enjoyed it. Easily forgotten.

• Alexander W

  
  Star Trek is the best film of 2009 garunteed by me. It will make people think differently about calling someone a Trekkie.

• Albert K

  
  I am absolutely amazed that "Star Trek" received such high praise because unfortunately, I was not entertained. First off, the CGI was absolutely gorgeous. The performances were all solid. Unfortunately, the movie's charm streams from cringe-worthy humor. It started… More
  I am absolutely amazed that "Star Trek" received such high praise because unfortunately, I was not entertained. First off, the CGI was absolutely gorgeous. The performances were all solid. Unfortunately, the movie's charm streams from cringe-worthy humor. It started reminding me of a cartoon show called "Animaniacs". There were too many slapstick scenes within "Star Trek" that have been done in other past movies hundreds of times. Not only this, the movie was riddled with Hollywood cliche's. I did not enjoy "Star Trek".

• Jameson W

  
  Absolutely fantastic! I know nothing about the previous Star Trek films or shows so I do not know where this film fits or whether or not it does justice to the saga, but regardless....this film was great. One of the best of 2009!

• paul o

  
  Never the biggest fan of Star Trek but this movie was action packed gold. With a fantastic cast and beautiful visuals, Chris Pine shows off his acting skills as Captain Kirk, leader of the U.S.S Enteprise and bound to his future friend Spock. The only issues were Eric Bana's… More
  Never the biggest fan of Star Trek but this movie was action packed gold. With a fantastic cast and beautiful visuals, Chris Pine shows off his acting skills as Captain Kirk, leader of the U.S.S Enteprise and bound to his future friend Spock. The only issues were Eric Bana's acting and some story flaws but apart from that, well worth watching!

• Michael E

  
  a pretty fantastic film during "action summer season of 2009"

• Conner R

  
  Every time I see this I love it even more. It never seems to get old or stale, but become more interesting and fun. The amount of information and detail put into this is just marveling. This just flat-lines the majority of movies like it because it exceeds on every level possible. It… More
  Every time I see this I love it even more. It never seems to get old or stale, but become more interesting and fun. The amount of information and detail put into this is just marveling. This just flat-lines the majority of movies like it because it exceeds on every level possible. It has a ton of action, great dramatic characters and situations, amazing cinematography that is totally unique, a bit of comedy and romance as well. Being more of a Star Wars fan, it was surprisingly easy to accept this and totally fall for it. The feeling emitted from watching this is like no other and I can only hope it continues as a movie series. I will say that Chris Pine's Kirk is without a doubt my favorite part, he is just way too cool and easy to admire. It takes a niche series and expands the audience ten fold, there is no exclusion from average moviegoers. All you have to do is want to have a good time and this will blow you away. It's partly such an interesting and exciting movie because it has so many universal themes and varying characters. A lot of the movie has to deal with one of the more basic story concepts, coming-of-age. Throughout the movie, Kirk is trying to find himself as a person and connect with his past. At the same time, Nero's revenge on Spock is a driving force to the movie. It is because of his rash decisions that destroy Vulcan and make Kirk fatherless. These are very relatable and familiar territory for viewers to connect with and accept the changes in atmosphere and shot composition. While Star Trek is without a doubt a sci-fi movie from a visual standpoint, it isn't hard for anyone to pick up on and get lost within the persona journey. Especially for people new to the franchise, this movie is extremely inviting opposed to the other movies in the series because it starts a very fresh story. Most of the people going to see it were new to the franchise and maybe don't know the history. There is such a large amount of characters and cultures present that you are never left out of the loop or not being able to relate to a main character or subplot within the film. This is very much an ensemble in the fact that you can theoretically connect with multiple people. While James T. Kirk is definitely the main protagonist of the story and the driving force of the plot, characters like Spock are still just as well developed and endearing. We can relate each of their issues to modern ones, such as racial discrimination in the case of Spock and his Human/Vulcan identity crisis. The writers, Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman, seemed to be conscious of a possible new generation of fans when creating the concept of the movie. There are not many ties to previous films or TV episodes, nor are there a great deal of history lessons that would put exposition before an actual plot. Likewise, the cast is all new with the small exception of Leonard Nimoy having a small part as an alternate Spock. A lot of the cast is composed of familiar faces, but no one that is too big of a star outside of the film. We are able to adopt these new faces as the iconic characters. The special effects in this movie only enhance the already strong narrative it has. Seeing Vulcan being destroyed before our very eyes or watching an intergalactic battle take place only brings weight and resonance to the events. It isn't just about nonsensical action sequences that take you out of the story. In fact, not one bit of CGI or special effect is without purpose. The sequences take place to further the character's wants/needs and often show their more courageous sides. Even Kirk's encounter with the snow-beast was done to show that he is not nearly as strong without his crew members and needs teamwork to prevail. The modern special effect devices allow for this very obscure future to look realistic and believable to an audience. Most of the planets, spaceships and sets look incredibly real and as if they could function at some point in the future. What is also done to show their importance is the blending of them with extremely recognizable landmarks, such as The Golden Gate Bridge. It creates the illusion that this could be a reality in the future and it allows the audience to sink into the story even further and get involved with the characters.

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