Star Trek (M)
Having boldly gone seemingly as far as anyone could go, the Star Trek franchise put its thrusters into reverse for a prequel, returning in time to tell how Kirk, Spock, Bones, Scotty, Sulu, Chekov and Uhura came together aboard the USS Enterprise – and director-producer J J Abrams (TV's Lost) pulls it off.
The film has freshness to go with its familiarity and never lets the action overwhelm or deflect from the story's main trump card – the relationship between Kirk and Spock, effectively played by Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto.
The story is a typical Star Trek tale of revenge, involving warp speed, phasers set to stun, time travel, imploding planets, black holes, last-nanosecond escapes and plenty of action and special effects. It's an entertaining ride – and you could see it without ever having seen a previous Star Trek and enjoy it.
Wisely, there's no cameo by William Shatner but the film does find space for Leonard Nimoy to show up and give his salutation that's become Star Trek's signature: "Live long and prosper".
Sponsored links
Memorial service for shooting victim
Staff begin strike action to push pay claim
Editorial: Where a whole lot of lolly is at stake
Alas, poor rivers, we knew them
Strong Superboat lineup boosts Kiwis' chances
Contest for young Tiger hopefuls
Baristas in national battle for the best brew
