Science Fiction and general TV fans alike around the world would be hard pushed not to have missed an episode, story or film about the gargantuan Sci-Fi phenomenon of Star Trek. The success and familiarity of this tale about the future of the galaxy has influenced many writers, film makers and tv shows ever since it's conception in the mid-sixties. The latest film to try and cash in on the popularity see's a different twist on things, in the shape of a new cast with a modern high octane feel to it. Here are my thoughts on the 2009 Star Trek DVD release, the 11th Star Trek film. --For God's Sake Jim, I'm a Dwarfer not a Trekkie!-- Although I am a big ...  Read the complete review

With the recent trend for cinematic reboots - Batman, James Bond - it was only a matter of time I suppose until the ailing Star Trek franchise received a similar rebranding. The Next Generation run of films had long fizzled out to indifferent box-office numbers and Enterprise, the last television series, was axed after just four 'seasons', adding to a general feeling that Star Trek, as an overall product, had gradually disappeared up its own metaphorical black hole. Star Trek just hadn't been a big deal for a long time so in came JJ Abrams of Lost and Mission Impossible III fame, essentially charged with making the franchise lucrative and trendy, more mainstream and ...  Read the complete review

It took me a while to see Star Trek, as it had its cinematic release whilst I was away on holiday, and I only got round to viewing it last week. Having heard only positive reviews about the film, I was sure it wouldn't live up to my expectations as I've occasionally found myself hating films that come with high recommendations from others. Directed by JJ Abrams, the story works as a prequel to the original TV series, and we join the film in an action-packed intro sequence showing the birth of Kirk during an unprovoked attack on the ship which his father was captaining. The film then splits into a duel narrative; and the viewer is shown the exploits ...  Read the complete review

When it comes to Star Trek fans, there is a mantra: Odd numbered films - bad; even numbered films good. J J Abrams' franchise reboot breaks that pattern - it's an odd numbered film that works. Sure, it has its flaws, but it shows there is still plenty of life left in the franchise. Attempting to reinvent a franchise like this is fraught with problems. Star Trek fans are notoriously protective of the characters and hate changes. Yet to be commercially successful, the film needs to break out of its traditional fan-base and appeal to a wider audience. It's a tricky balancing act, maintaining hard core support, whilst attracting new fans. Yet Star Trek ...  Read the complete review

I must admit I've been thrilled at the previews of the new film and couldn't wait to see it. And I'm very pleased to say, it's as good as I hoped. The film plunges the viewer right into breathtaking action. It begins with a huge Romulan mining vessel, the Narada, emerging from a black hole in space. The Romulan ship's captain, Nero (Eric Bana) is on a mysterious mission of vengeance. When challenged by Captain George Kirk of the U.S.S Kelven, the Narada begins a deadly attack, ending in the heroic death of the Captain. However during the attack, his son James Tiberious Kirk (Chris Pine as the adult) is born. After that it swiftly skips through James Kirk's ...  Read the complete review