OK for kids 12+
Classic franchise gets new life; OK for older kids.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that although this slick, upbeat sci-fi adventure isn't much more violent than the earlier Star Trek movies, there's a heightened feel that gives it a little bit more edge. While the action is (mostly) bloodless, it's also intense; expect lots of fights, battles, and hand-to-hand combat. At one point, the villains destroy an entire planet of humanoid aliens. Some of the comic relief scenes have a flirty, playful sense of sexuality (Kirk has always been a ladies' man), but that's balanced by the mature depiction of a relationship. There's also a bit of language ("bulls--t," etc.) and some drinking.
- Families can talk about the enduring appeal of Star Trek -- what makes people become such faithful fans? Why do you think the studio decided to make a new version? How does it compare to the older movies and TV shows?
- Talk about revenge, which is a major theme in thefilm. Ask kids whether it's ever justified to hurt others in the nameof revenge. How much of the movie's violence can be traced back to thatmotivation? How much impact does it have compared to the violence in other action movies? Why?
The good stuff
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Messages: Even with its sci-fi action and occasional flirty sexuality, the movie has positive, welcome messages about individual responsibility, collective accomplishment, institutional tradition, and working for the greater good.
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Role models: Almost every character in the film puts aside something -- regret,pain, selfishness -- for the ultimate mission, with good work as itsown reward. Zoe Saldana's Uhura is a strong female role model. Goodcast diversity.
What to watch for
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Violence: The sci-fi military-style action violence is plentiful but not especially bloody. At one point, an entire planet (with a population in the billions) is destroyed. The crews of various starships are pummeled by explosions, struck with torpedoes, sucked out of hull breaches into space, and generally assaulted. A character is impaled with a sharp-ended staff; another falls to her death; another receives several harsh pummelings. Some fistfights. Humanoid aliens are shot close-up; a monstrous beast threatens a character.
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Sex: Some suggestive talk and kissing; two female characters are seen in their underwear. An underwear-clad couple makes out on a bed. There's a joke about "farm boys having sex with animals."
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Language: Relatively mild, including "arse" (in the context of kicking), "damn," "ass," "hell," "oh my God," "bulls--t," "goddamn," and "whore." One clear (though not particularly noticeable) use of "f--king" in the lyrics of a Beastie Boys song played during a scene.
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Consumerism: The movie is set in the 24th century, but somehow Nokia and Budweiser manage to make appearances.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Characters drink beer, wine, and hard liquor, sometimes to excess.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
best movie ever! by jcn15
i really did not want to see it but my friend convinced me to go with her and i throughly enjoyed this movie. it had adventure,action,humor, and sad moments all in one. i was kept on my toes and never really k new what was going to happen next. and everyone in the audiance had many good laughs. overall this movie is worth seeing.
5
Holy Crap! by mspresdnt
I made fun of Trekkies all my life, but I might have to convert now. Star Trek was freaking awesome (both times I saw it)!
3
Great Star Trek Fan Service, Not Great Cinephile Service by Streakshooter
This movie is fine entertainment and if you're familiar with Star Trek, you'll be satisfied, if not very pleased with the result. It hits all the right notes for an action flick/sci-fi extravaganza, but is undeniably thin. The acting is solid, the roles (again, if you already know them) are unmistakable, and the story is airtight, using the tried and true "time travel and its repercussions" gimmick from the sci-fi playbook to explain the variations from the established mythos, even having key characters outright explain certain plot contrivances as if they were speaking directly to the audience. All of these relatively masterful tricks make it a very difficult movie to pick apart plotwise, but I can see how some die-hard trekkies might quibble with decisions that were made in that department. I can't give it a "must go" because little was done to serve those unfamiliar with the franchise, specifically there were far too many 5 second explanations of characters' place in the story.
5
Boldly go where no alternate story has gone before by moodrojam
I watched an advanced screening yesterday (May 5th) and I was impressed with the film, but was disappointed of the context. Trekkies (as I am one too) must suspend their faith in the franchise for 2 hours. The film is an alternate reality of events that occur before the Original Series, since Romulans go back in time and galavant around the galaxy altering the time line. The film does explain how the Romulans go back in time, but I felt it was a quick, unimaginative explanation. It didn't create an impact or an epiphany of solving a mystery as did the several TV different series had done. The story was driven, no dull moments,with drama, comedy, and suspense sprinkled throughout the overall action. It was entertaining to see an alternate history on how the group bands together. The cast was very good, but I felt they were forcing the youthful cast to attract a greater turnout. Overall I recommend this film, but be aware that franchise takes another path at the fork on the road
5
WOW! by Spidey_300
Just got back from an early screening of Star Trek and I gotta say it was mind blowing! I went with my girlfriend who knows nothing about Star Trek and she can't stop going on about how amazing it was so you definitely don't need to know anything about Star Trek to enjoy this movie. I know a little and have seen most of the older movies and I really, really liked it as well. Well worth your money. MUST GO!
5
Saw the New Star Trek Movie opening night ... by DavidBlaineFullerton
Wow, I was quite impressed. I really believe this will reboot the franchise. It was above and beyond what I expected. I think Abrams and Associates excelled at revising the characterizations to fit more modern times. Also, some of the warm-fuzzies were there for the tried & true fans, yet newbies could still enter the show and really appreciate the re-envisioned cast without having to know any background (as did the person that went with me). She found the new adaptation to be more character-driven, action-oriented, and less philosophical which really brought her into the production without having any preconceived notions of the characters. Now, she's a big fan and wants to go back and watch all of the prior material. Thanks, Abrams & cast, Bad Robot sure did a good thing this time. More sequels, franchise profits, and opportunities for the branding to continue.
5
Definitely TREK! by Pikachu
I have to start off by saying I am an original Trekkie, having been a fan since the show premiered in 1966. When I heard that the studios were cranking out yet another Trek, I sighed, especially after I found out this was a "when Kirk met Spock" movie. I was SO determined not to see it.
Thank God, I never do what I say I will...that movie was GOOD!! Lots of fast-paced, explosive action, great ships and FX, sneaky little quirks and bits to make you laugh, and the actors have done what I thought was impossible: they pulled off the characters without parodying them. Don't wait for it to come out on DVD...you need to see this at least once on a huge screen, and you may find yourself wanting to go back again, because one viewing just wasn't enough for me.
I hope they make another one, because this was definitely a winner. Go with an open mind, and judge it on its own merits.
3
Original series - it's not by formalpenguin
A so-so+. Enjoyed the original series, and was hoping to see the actual origin of the characters, not an origin altered by time. That being said the film was just ok. Way too much phony digital stunts, just not believable. Way too graphic bar fight for my tastes. The story was decent. Good to see Nimoy. The actors who played McCoy and Spock - outstanding, Scotty - very good, Kirk and Uhura - just ok. Sulu and Chekov - horrible. Decent story (not great by any means). Spock and Uhura making out just way out of character (even altered origins). Needed more character developement, less digital blue screen acting and stunts. Soundtrack awful. A good get out of the house, because there's nothing to do kind of movie.
5
Absolutely awesome! Fun for everyone! See it even if you're not a fan of the franchise! by cylarz
For anyone who's been even remotely interested in any of the 5 'Trek' TV series or 10 prior feature films released over the years...this latest incarnation is simply a "must-see, can't miss." Everything about it is simply incredible - the acting, the directing, the audio and visual effects, the "ha-ha!" moments, and the writing. The plot twists evaded the prediction even of a diehard fan like me, and a group of actors (of whom I've seen little before this) does a masterful job of portraying the characters that many of us have come to know and love over the years. And the appearance by Leonard Nimoy is more than just a cameo - his classic, timeless Mr Spock is integral to the plot. Though he's clearly no longer a young man, seeing him on the screen felt like saying hello to an old, cherished friend. The man truly is a legendary actor, and his "new friends" are clearly rising stars as well. This movie does so much more than just play to old fans, however; it truly has something for all.
5
Abrams gives her all she's got, and it works! by frodohana
So I got a chance to see a pre-screening of this film in IMAX and WOW. I have never really been a Star Trek fan but growing up in America, one can't help but catch a Trek episode or movie at some point in life, and be familiar with lines such as "live long and prosper" or "I'm givin' her all she's got captain." So I went into this film with moderate expectations that J.J. Abrams would give me something at least entertaining. Well I was not disappointed. From the most avid Trekkies to the person like me (formerly not much interest in Trek at all) this movie will make everybody feel as though they didn't wast their money. It brings new style and humor while preserving the most beloved lines and characters. It is full of heart stopping action that is sure to keep you fully drawn in from opening titles to the ending credits. This movie is fantastic in digital but the best way to see it by far is in IMAX because the higher resolution and superior sound quality will blow you away. A+