Film Post Mortem: Star Trek

Greetings Friends,

My original plan was to see Star Trek a second time in theaters prior to writing up my review of the film. I felt like I needed to see it a second time in order to really do it justice. JJ Abrams and his team packed the film with so many references to the original series, the films, and even (as I have heard) had R2- D2 hidden in a frame. Yes, that R2-D2. But sadly I have been unable to make it to see the film again. Regardless, I feel the need to soldier on and write this up before it is no longer timely or relevant and most importantly while the film is still in theaters. My preamble is at an end, time to get to the review.

For those of you who have little interest in reading line after line of film analysis, or for those who do not want the film spoiled (those few that have not seen it yet), I am going to just give you the basics on the film here. In short, this is a very good summer film. But more than that, it is a very good film overall. There is something in this film for everyone- be it romance, adventure, humor, great visual effects, interesting characters, grave stakes, etc. What is great here, and is often not found in typical summer fare, is that all these disparate elements are blended into the film smoothly and make it a very enjoyable and entertaining whole.

For the non-fans of Star Trek. For those who have not watched any episode of any Star Trek Series or not more than a few minutes of the films, I will say this: You will enjoy this film. One of my good friends brought their teenage son to the film. Now this kid had never watched any of the series or movies. In fact, as I learned when I questioned him after the film, he had a vague idea, at best, who Kirk, Spock and Bones were beforehand. He told me that he thought the film was cool and that he would see it again. He thought Kirk was badass (his words, not mine) and that the space battles were awesome. In short, he loved the film. So to those still contemplating seeing this film, don't. Just go and give it a chance. My bet is that you will like it and after will want to perhaps ask that geeky person you know (or may be dating/married to) if you could watch the original series with them. Cause we all know the non-fans are being brought to this film by fans. It is ok, in fact it is encouraged. But I digress.

For those who have short attention spans or don't want spoilers, look away now!




Still with me, ok. I thought it best to look at the individual parts of this film that make it so great.

Actors:

Let's start with the Captain of the Enterprise- James T. Kirk- played by Chris Pine. Kirk, in my opinion, is the foundation of this film. If this performance does not work, the whole film collapses. I am happy to report that Chris Pine does not fail in this regard. He is able to capture the essence of the character while discarding many of the things that detracted from the character in the original series. Mainly I am referring to the stunted delivery of lines by William Shatner. That one aspect, that one choice by Mr. Shatner as an actor, always made the character slightly annoying to me. I just wanted to shake him and say "speak, damn it!". It also made Kirk rife for parody, which many did to great success and humorous effect on shows like In Living Color and SNL.

Pine is able to walk a thin line with this performance. On one hand, he presents Kirk as the arrogant, brash, intelligent young man we are all familiar with. And on the other, he allows us to see the vulnerable and insecure side to the character. There is one scene in particular in which Uhura asks Kirk, after he has assumed command of the Enterprise, if he knows what he is doing. He replies to the effect of "so do I". It is not just the lines here, but also Pine's delivery that conveys the uncertainty that this Kirk contends with. Overall, I cared about this Kirk and when he puts on that gold shirt at the end, I was ready to follow him on to the next adventure. That is honestly the best compliment I can give to Chris Pine and his performance.

Spock was the other absolutely crucial character in this film. But unlike Kirk, the original actor who played this character, Leonard Nimoy, was in the film as well. This presented a unique challenge to Zachary Quinto. To have to play the younger version of this beloved character while the original actor is there in the film, and in one instance the same scene with you, must have been daunting. He, like Pine, understands this character in and out. But what most interested me about Quinto's performance were the little ways he deviated from what was expected of this character.

One scene in particular stands out to me as an example of this. It is when Spock, now an adult, is standing before the Vulcan council. They have just offered him the opportunity to take a position in the Vulcan Science Directorate, which is a high honor on Vulcan. Spock turns it down to the surprise of his father Sarek. The council of course makes some racist remarks about Spock's mixed heritage and how he should be honored they chose him despite his "disability". Spock then gives his normal "live long and prosper" farewell to the council. It is the tone and way that this line is delivered by Quinto that honestly surprised me here. There is a very intentional tinge of resentment, dislike, and displeasure in the way those words are spoken. Quinto makes the right choice here in allowing Spock's all too human side to rise to the surface. As a viewer, I got great pleasure from Spock's reaction to the harsh comments of the Vulcan council. This scene, in particular, makes it clear that this Spock still embraces (or perhaps has a lack of control over) his human emotions.

Anton Yelchin is great as Chekov. I worried initially that his full on embrace of a Russian accent would prove to be distracting overall. But it was not, and proved humorous in one key scene. I also really like the choice of the writers to make Chekov this boy genius and they really take advantage of that in a few great moments of peril in the film.


John Cho was not what I expected at all. My wife commented to me after the film that she really, out of all the characters, liked Sulu the best. I don't know if perhaps my wife has some secret desire for men who are well versed with the sword, or who are Korean ( I know Sulu is supposed to be Japanese, but Cho is Korean). In any event, I like Cho as Sulu. He just was not George Takei, which is ok.

Zoe Saldana was given the opportunity to play Uhura in a way that has never been done before in the original series or films. This Uhura is a strong, capable, intelligent woman who stands toe to toe with the men, and does so often. She is outspoken, she is a love interest (cool), and she is crucial to both the story and the Enterprise. I really, above all the characters, loved her the best. While I am on the subject, I loved the fact that she and Spock were romantically involved. Have no problem whatsoever with it. Great choice by Abrams and company. Saldana delivers across the board in this film, from the quiet scenes with Spock, to her humorous scenes with Kirk. She, like Kirk, is a character I would gladly follow on to further adventures.

What can I say about Karl Urban that hasn't already been said. One reviewer stated that it was if you took a 40 year old Deforest Kelley and plopped him down into the film with all these young actors. I have to agree with this assessment wholeheartedly. Karl Urban is Bones. From the first moment he shows up on screen I believed he was Leonard "Bones" McCoy. It was probably one of the best complete disappearances of an actor into a role. Never did I think "there is the guy from the Lord of the Rings trilogy, or from the film Doom". No, Urban is just so wonderful as Bones, just so much fun to watch. His interactions with Quinto's Mr. Spock in this film are priceless, just priceless.

Eric Bana is good as Nero, although he mostly yells through scenes. This is not Bana's fault in that the writers really made Nero a one note character- the man out for revenge. Nero serves his purpose in the film, which is to wreak havoc and disrupt the normal timeline. Overall, his Nero was a forgettable villain, but certainly was not near as bad as the villains in the past films (Here's looking at you Shinzon!).

Leonard Nimoy was, you guessed it, Leonard Nimoy. By that I mean he played Spock as pitch perfect as he has played him for 33 years. However, I did love the heartbreak and vulnerability he showed in this film, particularly over the destruction of his home planet of Vulcan. Spock's defenses were broken down by Nero and his actions and Mr. Nimoy did a great job in showing how this deeply affected the elder Spock. Just great to watch.


I would be remiss if I did not comment on Bruce Greenwood's portrayal of Capt. Christopher Pike. To put it plainly, Pike is the Obi Wan Kenobi of this film. He is the wise sage who pushes the hero, Kirk, toward his destiny, and once Kirk is on the path Pike gives him every opportunity to succeed. I liked the father-son dynamic between Pike and Kirk. In particular, I found the exchange between the two in a bar in Iowa, post brawl, to be one of the strongest scenes in the film. Greenwood makes Pike's lecture of Kirk here feel less like a cold, scolding lecture and more like a emotional plea. You can tell that Pike clearly sees something in the young, rebellious Kirk and believes he is capable of much greater things. I love the way Pike challenges Kirk at the end of the conversation by daring him to "do better" than what his late father had done. Greenwood makes Pike the wise father figure the story needs him to be and he made me wish my own father possessed many of the qualities that Pike does here.

Action/Visual Effects:

ILM once again showed why they are the premier effects house in Hollywood. Their work here is superb. In particular, I really loved the fact that they did away with the models. You see in past Trek films, the Enterprise and other vessels were all practical models. They would shoot motion on the models as they hung on suspension wires or were held up by poles and then integrate that into the film. In this film, however, the Enterprise and all the other ships are entirely CG. I felt that the Enterprise in particular looked better and somehow more realistic. I guess for me, I always felt and perhaps knew deep down in the previous films that the ships were models and viewed them as such.

The opening sequence, where the poor Kelvin fights for its life against the far superior Narada, was worth the price of admission alone. I loved, loved, loved the way the film opens. With us moving quickly along the surface of a vessel. We know it most likely is a Federation ship, it feels like familiar terrain, but we don't know for sure until the camera pulls back and reveals the Kelvin in all its glory. I enjoyed being thrust into the action right away as opposed to lingering in space for a moment and then panning down to the Kelvin in orbit, as they would have done in past films. Visually, this way is much more interesting and immediate.


The Enterprise, as I briefly mentioned above, was beautiful in this film. I know there are those who hate the design of this ship. To me, I don't understand the hate. This Enterprise is the best of both worlds- a great combination of aspects from the original series ship and the motion picture one. In my opinion, the motion picture Enterprise is the most beautiful vessel out of all of them. It has an elegance to it that none of the ships that followed it possessed. But anyway, I think ILM did a heck of a job with this ship. It feels like the Enterprise, only better. It is beautiful to watch in motion. In particular, I was awe-struck with how beautiful she looked as she rose from the gaseous masses near Saturn at one point in the film. In short, this is the best Enterprise put to film.


Some small points: I liked the new transporter effect. In a way, I almost think having the transporter rays (or whatever) envelope a person is more appropriate instead of trailing down their bodies vertically like fairy dust. I also thought the way the phasers on the vessels fired was much improved. I never liked the fact that anytime the Enterprise or any other ships fired their phasers that it ended up as a sustained beam. I think having the phaser fire be short bursts was a great choice by Abrams and makes for more exciting fire fights. I could go on and on about the new bridge of the Enterprise, it is that cool. Equally, I found the interior of the Narada to be breathtaking.

Liked/Disliked:

I decided instead of going on and on about the plot of the film, I would just spend some time here to pinpoint some things I liked and then some criticisms/issues I had with the film overall.

Spock bullied
I really liked a great deal the scene with Spock as a young child as he is being picked on for his mixed heritage by other Vulcan children. It is funny but I often had this thought when watching the original series regarding how other Vulcans viewed Spock. I wondered if he was bullied and ostricized when he was young. It would seem now that he was.
I am glad that JJ and the writers decided to include this in the film. It gives us an insight into the struggles that young Spock endured as he tried to find his place in the world.
I also loved the conversation young Spock and his father had after. Dispite Sarek's best efforts to respond logically to his son's question about why he married Spock's mother, we know it is because of love and not logic. In fact, JJ pays this scene off later in the film when Sarek tells an adult Spock that it was because of love. Truthfully, I loved every scene in the film between Sarek and Spock. These two had such a strained relationship emotionally, as fathers and sons do, in the original universe. It would seem the events of this film have changed their relationship for the better. A development I love.
The mind meld
This is one of the single best decisions that the writers and JJ made regarding this film. Never before has a mind meld been presented in this way. And in truth, this is the most logical approach they could have used.
I really liked the idea that a mind meld is like moving through a dreamscape, right down to disconnected voices and overlapping images. The way the audience is shown, rather than told, what happened to Nero, what happened to Spock, and why Nero is so vengeful, is truly great.
If Spock instead had sat by the fire and spit out a long chunk of exposition, it would have grinded the film to a halt. By choosing to do it the way they did, they add something very interesting visually to the film, give the audience a whole new way of looking at mind melds, and also provide valuable exposition. This was a great sequence and again a good decision by those involved.
The drill rig
This is clearly the big action setpiece in the film, and deservedly so. This is a massively enjoyable sequence. There was the falling from space, the little things like the reflection of the sky and rig on Kirk's helmet, the poor fate of Engineer Olson, the peril that not getting your chute closed presented, the rig itself, Romulans, sword fight, fist fights, beaming through solid rock. I mean this sequence had so many great things packed into it.
Some hated Sulu's retractable sword, but I dug the hell out of it. I like that Sulu comes prepared and is ready and perhaps is even relishing some hand to hand combat. I also loved the fire vents on the surface of the rig. It present our heroes with another peril beside the obivious one of falling/being pushed off the rig.
I loved, loved, loved that is was boy genius Chekov that comes to the rescue of Kirk and Sulu as they are free falling to their death. I thought it was so cool the excitement that Chekov displays as he realizes he knows how to beam Kirk and Sulu successfully aboard. I really got caught up in his excitement and was on the edge of my seat as he ran down to the transporter room to save them.
I also really liked the way Kirk and Sulu landed on the transporter platform after Chekov was successful. It was humorous, in that they were engaged in a hug of sorts, and satisfying in that they were safe.
This was just a really well executed and just plain thrilling sequence. By far, I would rate it as probably the best sequence out of any of the Star Trek films to this point.
Now on to some complaints/issues I had:
Where was the mourning?

The entire planet of Vulcan was sucked into a black hole, killing its entire population numbered in the billions. Now besides Spock, there is no other expression of sadness from the crew of the Enterprise. I understand that they can't linger on the crew in mourning. It would slow the momentum of the film down. But at the same time, they couldn't have cut in a short scene showing the crew reacting to the destruction of Vulcan. For them to just move on and conduct business as usual rang false to me. Billions of people just died and they saw it happen, you can't tell me that the bridge crew would not be shaken up by that. By not including some mourning, it robs this tragic development of alot of it's emotional weight. It makes the crew's committment to their duty seem more like apathy. Truly a missed opportunity.


In addition, why was there no scene at the end of the film in which the people of Vulcan are remembered in some way. Perhaps a ceremony on Earth, with both Spocks in attendance. I know that Abrams and company wanted to portray the bright optimism and can-do attitude that Roddenberry envisioned for this world. I just feel that again an entire world was destroyed. Billions of innocent people are dead. There needs to be some sort of weight to that, there needs to be repecussions felt over the whole of the Federation. As it stands now, it seems as if Starfleet is ready to move on as if nothing ever happened.


I don't feel a scene of mourning would have diminished the overall tone of adventure and fun that the film conveys. In fact, it would have added again some emotional weight to the proceedings. I don't know if a scene of this nature was contemplated at one point and then dropped. But it should be in here, simple as that.



How dumb is Starfleet?

So Vulcan is destroyed and the first thing Starfleet thinks to do is regroup at some agreed upon location away from Earth. Umm, Kirk even knows better and predicts that Nero is headed right to Earth next. Why is it that Starfleet Command does not issue orders for all vessels to return to Earth to defend it against possible attack by Nero.
Also, why doesn't Earth, or Vulcan for that matter, have some kind of advanced planetary defense system. Is Starfleet that naive that they believe they will never face a large scale attack by a hostile race. It was too easy for Nero to march in and destroy Vulcan and then to fly right in and attack Earth. I know, I know... Nero mentions some defense grid when talking to Pike on board the Narada and that he needs Pike to give him the information to disarm it. But we never see this defense grid mentioned again nor do we see Nero and company disarm it.
I mean if Earth is this poorly defended, it is gonna be easy for the Romulans, Klingons, and even perhaps the Borg to just come in and eliminate it. To me, this is lazy screenwriting. There is no reason there couldn't have been a scene in which someone on Earth reacts to the arrival of the Narada. That someone activates alerts and mobilizes forces. It doesn't necessarily have to be a long scene, just one that established someone is home down on Earth. The same goes for Vulcan.
Also, in relation to Vulcan. Why was it reported to Starfleet that there was an electrical storm above the planet. The Vulcan people, using their advanced technology and sensor grids, would have known it was a large vessel in orbit. Why not send a distress signal that they are under attack. I understand that the fact it is reported as an electrical storm is key to Kirk making the connection between this incident and the day his father died. But why not have an image of the Narada show up on screen and Kirk recognize it from the descriptions his mother gave him of the vessel when he was young.
The only thing that may make sense here is if the Narada jammed all outbound transmissions from Vulcan and then sent the distress signal instead. That probably is the case. But it is never really made clear in the context of the film.

Where is Kirk's mommy?
This is a rather small nitpick and one I know many of you reading this will dismiss. But I would have loved to have seen Winona Kirk one more time in the film. Perhaps on Earth when Kirk was a young boy or even better at the end when her son is being honored. It has been said by the writers of this film that Kirk's mom was a Starfleet officer and that is why she was on the Kelvin while pregnant. So why not have her in the crowd at Starfleet command when Kirk is being honored for his heroism. Or perhaps have her be the one who presents Kirk with his medal. By showing that she and her son have both persevered, despite the loss of their husband/father, would again play into the general themes this film embraces of optimism. As it is now, I had to wonder where she was. Was she dead? Did her and her son have a falling out? What happened?
In a related note to this....
Why was Spock not honored at the end with Kirk?
I have to admit that I was kind of disappointed and confounded by Spock's absence from the award ceremony. Wasn't Spock's actions just as heroic and selfless as Kirk's? In fact, if Spock hadn't done what he did, wouldn't Nero have won? I mean it was Spock who severs the drilling rig from the Narada, it is he would lures the Narada away from Earth, and it is he who crashes the Jellyfish into the Narada, severely crippling it. To me, without Spock's actions there is no awards ceremony, in fact there is no Earth.
I think again that this was a missed opportunity and a bad choice by the writers and Abrams. I think it would have been great to have Spock and Kirk side by side at the end, honored for their heroic actions. It would have driven home the point that these men started out as adversaries and in the end came together despite their differences. I know that Spock, being a Vulcan, is not vain or prideful and would not desire nor seek recognition. But you could still be true to that idea and have him be awarded anyway. Perhaps have Spock illicit no reaction to the recognition or something along those lines. It would have worked and the film would be better for it.
Why does engineering look like a factory or a brewery?
This is a common complaint of many of the reviews I have read. I understand and agree with Abrams desire to make engineering look more industrial than the sleek, clean-lined bridge. I like the idea of this dichotomy on a starship. But by using found, real life locations, Abrams ran the risk of taking the audience right out of the film. I have to admit that my wife, who had no idea that the engineering department was shot in actual locations, was never taken out of the film. Neither were many of my friends in attendance. But unfortunately I was. My advice to Abrams for future installments, build a set that looks futuristic and industrial at the same time. In short, avoid actual locations. Or if you are adamant about shooting in real locations, try to mask them more.
The coincidences?
This is not a criticism at all. In truth, I don't have as big an issue with the coincidences that take place to bring these people together as many others do. I happen to be a big believer in fate and destiny and think it perfectly reasonable that there were forces at work here to restore things to the way it should be. I believe this crew was meant to be together, that Kirk was meant to be Captain. The universe, God, or any other entity you believe in was course correcting. What if in all known variations on this universe the crew of the Enterprise is exactly the same. That Kirk is always Captain with Spock and Bones at his side. I am willing to give a pass to this all and find the infusion of fate and the spiritual into this film to be refreshing.
The only complaint I have on this point is that I think elder Spock should have made an allusion to fate or from a scientific viewpoint- the mathematical likelihood that these people would come together no matter how much changed around them.
Thanks for sticking with me here. I know this is a long review by conventional standards. But I felt it fair to be complete in my thoughts here. If you care to continue reading, I would like to list five things Abrams and company should consider regarding the inevitable sequel.

1: No Knan and limited Klingons
I know that the writers, the studio, and even JJ Abrams himself are very interested or at least tempted by the idea of bringing Khan into this new universe they have created. Please don't. Khan has been adequately explored and represented in the original series and Star Trek II. There is no need to present his story again. Even if you decide to add variations to Khan's story, due to the new universe, it will still feel like a re-tread.
In addition, it will take away from the great performances of the late Ricardo Montalban. To me, Montalban is Khan. I can't envision nor desire any other actor to play this role. JJ Abrams and company, please leave this character alone and allow him to rest in peace much like the great actor who played him. There are plenty of new and interesting villains you could use in a new film. Give us something different here.
As far as the Klingons, I know or suspect this is another thing that all involved are keenly interested in using in this new series of films. Like I mentioned at the top, I am ok with the Klingons being included in the films. But use them sparingly. Don't make them the main villains in the sequel.
Another reviewer floated the idea of opening the next film with the Enterprise in the midst of some action packed situation. To have the new film have an opening montage/sequence much like the Bond series has. I love this idea in fact. I also feel that an opening action sequence is the perfect place to use the Klingons. Perhaps have Kirk and company engaged in a firefight with several Klingon vessels as they work to rescue some vessel, science station, or starbase. If you do it this way, then you give the fans some Klingon fun and also allow a new villain to emerge for the main story. This may be the best solution to this problem in my opinion.
2: Give Kirk a love interest
I know, I know, Kirk is not the settle down type. He is a galactic lothario. I understand that. But I also feel that Kirk has never really been given a strong love interest in any of the films in the previous series.
One of the best episodes of the original series was The City on the Edge of Forever. That episode had a strong love interest for Kirk in Edith Keeler. Seeing Kirk in love was refreshing and the tragedy that befalls Keeler and by extention Kirk made the episode compelling.
You see if you give Kirk a love interest, it raises the stakes alittle. You see they could have this love interest be someone serving on the Enterprise and therefore create conflict while Kirk tries to hide their relationship from his crew, wanting to project an image of strength. Or even better, she could serve on another vessel and that vessel could be put in peril at some point in the film, forcing Kirk to take decisive action and create a strong emotional investment, for both Kirk and the audience, in the outcome.
The addition of a love interest could also add humor perhaps, or allow the audience to see Kirk's softer side, it could serve to round out his character, or add something new to the dynamic of the big three (Kirk, Spock, McCoy). This is just something that I think is absolutely necessary for the next film. Simple as that.
My nomination for this love interest is Carol Marcus. I had read that a young Carol had been included in the original draft of the current film, but that it was ultimately cut out. I would say bring her back in a sequel. JJ Abrams has said often that in this new universe some things will happen as they did in the other universe, only at a different time or place. Why not have Kirk meet Carol Marcus sooner than he had before, or in different circumstances.
I think Carol is a recognizable enough character to please the fans, but is also is a great character for the unintiated to meet as well. She is a strong, independent woman that holds her own against Kirk in many ways. To me, she would be a great addition to a sequel. Wouldn't it be cool if she is pregnant at films end with David? I think so. JJ, take notes...bring Carol in.
3: Slow down a bit

The first film was breathless and lots of fun. With the second film, Abrams and company should slow things down a bit. Now I am not advocating slowing things down to a coma inducing crawl like the Motion Picture did, but rather just allowing there to be short reprieves between action. Allow this crew to interact with one another a bit more before thrusting them into the next dire predicament.

I want to spend some time with the Enterprise at warp and not have every warp jump be instantenous. I want there to be some build up to the conflicts in the film. There should be a sense of dread that hangs over the crew as they approach the enemy or the unknown threat. I also want the fire fights to last longer. Give us some real juicy space battles and allow Kirk to demonstrate how great of a strategist he is when engaged in battle. Slow down JJ and allow us to really spend some time with these characters.

I know JJ Abrams had a strong desire to make the pacing of the first film resemble that of Star Wars. I would say he was successful. But if he wants to stay with the Star Wars model, he then needs to expand the scope in the second film, he needs to add new characters, up the stakes for our heroes, and further develop them. He needs to also end the film on a tragic note, which brings me to my next point.

4: Kill off a main character

If this series is going to be a trilogy, and all signs indicate that is the case, then the second film has to end on a down note. Or at least end on a mixed note, with our heroes successful but at a great personal cost.

Now I know what you are thinking, I am advocating for Spock to die again. The truth is why would I. It has been done. No, I would rather see Chekov die. Think of how tragic it would be for the boy genius to sacrifice his life for the rest of the crew. Or better still, Uhura could sacrifice herself in order to save Spock, leaving him conflicted emotionally at film's end.

In any event, this second film in the trilogy needs to up the stakes big time. The first film, like all first films seem to be, are introductions into a world. Now, with the next one JJ and company need to kick the drama to 11. Give the audience high stakes with real and tragic consequences. JJ Abrams has been quoted as saying that he isn't afraid to kill off a main character. I say prove it. Prove that anything is possible in this new universe, that no character is safe.

For the record, I don't get great pleasure from seeing death on screen as what I have written to this point seems to imply. Rather, I want to see JJ and company really take some chances with the material and break down barriers and give the audience a film unlike any in the previous film series. I want them to make the audience fearful that their favorite character may die. You see when you are certain all the main characters are going to live to fight another day, it can make the proceedings rather dull.

Do what no previous writers or directors in the previous films were able or willing to do: kill a main character and make it permanent. Like McCoy says in the current film, "Space is disease and danger wrapped in darkness and silence". JJ Abrams and his crew should embrace the good doctor's view.

5: Give us a truly great villain

I know I said No Khan and I meant it. Abrams and the writers need to create a completely new character that is just as charismatic, sociopathic, dangerous, and intelligent as Khan was. They need to give Kirk a real adversary, one who presents a great threat to him and his crew.

One idea I had on this was to have the villain be a Starfleet officer. Perhaps someone Kirk knew from his academy days. I have always been intrigued by the idea of having one of Starfleet's finest turn against them and then become a grave threat. What would make this even more compelling to me would be to have this officer's reasons for turning be completely plausible and perhaps even justified. I thought having Pike turn might be interesting, but it also might seem forced and stretch plausability a bit.

In any event, we need a great memorable villain in this film. I feel pretty confident that this point above all will be something JJ Abrams will deliver on.
With that said, this review has come to an end. I thank you for reading this all through to the end. If you have any suggestions of your own on what should be included in the inevitable sequel, feel free to add them in the comments section below. Otherwise, fans we should be pleased, Star Trek is back in a big way! Thank you JJ and company.