Star Trek fans around the world waited in anticipation for the new Star Trek installment, released last Friday.  Some fans questioned it would live up to the hype.  J.J. Abrams, the director, was admittedly never a Star Trek fan.  He made the movie not with the fans in mind, but rather movie-goers in general.  However, this movie has seemed to unite fans and non-fans across the globe, earning $72.5 million opening weekend.

The movie commences with the Federation Starship USS Kelvin investigating a “lightning storm” in space when they are approached by a Romulan mining vessel led by Captain Nero (Eric Bana).  The captain, Richard Robau (Faran Tahir), leaves for the vessel and into a trap, leaving first officer George Kirk (Chris Hemsworth) in charge as the new captain.  In order to save the crew and his wife and unborn child, Kirk sacrifices himself and slams the USS Kelvin into the vessel, but not before learning his wife has given birth to their son, James Tiberius Kirk.

As an adult Kirk (Chris Pine) meets Captain Christopher Pike (Bruce Greenwood), who talks him into joining Starfleet Academy, after saving him from a bar fight over Uhura (Zoë Saldana).

Uhura picks up a distress signal by the Vulcans, and teams leave to help, including the USS Enterprise, led by Captain Pike.  Though suspended after cheating on a test, Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy (Karl Urban) sneaks Kirk on board.  Both Spock (Zachary Quinto) and Uhura are also on the ship, joined by Hikara Sulu (John Cho) and Pavel Chekov (Anton Yelchin).

Kirk realizes that the “lightning storm” is a trap similar to what happened when his father died and must convince Pike and the crew.  However, they are too late to stop the destruction of the Vulcan home world.  They must stop Nero in time to stop the destruction of his next targeted planet – Earth.

Having never seen a movie or episode of Star Trek, I went in to the theater not expecting much.  However, despite my reservations, I was quickly drawn into the story, forgetting why the franchise always turned me off.

The story itself was exceptional, involving black holes, time travel, and alternate realities that any science fiction fan can enjoy; however, it was not so convoluted to become unintelligible, even if much of the science was more fiction than science.  Though there were some references only Trekkies could appreciate, I did not feel left out of the loop which often happens in franchises of this magnitude.  (Although even I can appreciate the humor of the officer in the red shirt (suit) that you knew would not survive.)  I also enjoyed seeing a more human side of Spock, and got a kick out of the fact that he, not Kirk, got the girl.

The casting of the movie was excellent.  Chris Pine plays a brilliant Kirk to Zachary Quinto’s stoic Spock, and the tension between the future friends is well played and often amusing.  Another actor who deserves a mention is Simon Pegg, who played Mongomery Scott (“Scotty”) and brought humor to the movie in his scenes.  Karl Urban also did an excellent job as Dr. McCoy – including his comical fear of flying. Leonard Nimoy’s cameo as future Spock was also enjoyable.

The directing was what one would come to expect from J.J. Abrams – a wonderful ride.  Even without being a prior fan of the franchise, Abrams managed to make a compelling movie that both old fans and new will enjoy.

As expected, the movie had an excellent atmosphere.  The CGI models were fantastic, such as the ships and the mining drill.  There were also great explosions and other such special effects.  The sets were effective, including the ice planet - even if the creature attacking Kirk was somewhat comical.  The score also added to the atmosphere –original music by Michael Giacchino.

Whether a seasoned Trekkie or someone new to the franchise, Star Trek is an enjoyable ride.  It also sets up the possibility of another movie in the future.  This movie will almost certainly prove to be a blockbuster as it continues to stay number one in the box office.