Star Trek (2009) Rank 3 Reviews

NYC Movie Guru (Avi Offer)

Exciting, captivating and thrilling with eye-popping special effects. It's an exhilarating rush of adrenaline that will please Star Trek fans old and new. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at NYC Movie Guru (Avi Offer)

Time Out Sydney (Gregory Moore)

Whether you have seen every Star Trek episode and film, or none at all, you should get out and see this, because it isn't just a great Star Trek movie: it's a great movie full stop. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at Time Out Sydney (Gregory Moore)

Time Out New York (Joshua Rothkopf)

The naturalistic asides slung among our heroes are more than compensatory, establishing both a believable, well-oiled discipline and a collegial camaraderie. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at Time Out New York (Joshua Rothkopf)

Mania.com (Rob Vaux)

Yes, it's a popcorn flick--and a first-rate one at that--but it also grants these figures a freshness they haven't possessed in a long time. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at Mania.com (Rob Vaux)

Compuserve (Harvey S. Karten)

Reaches for the stars--and mostly succeeds. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at Compuserve (Harvey S. Karten)

BET.com (Clay Cane)

...read the complete Star Trek movie review at BET.com (Clay Cane)

ColeSmithey.com (Cole Smithey)

...director J.J. Abrams successfully establishes a new beginning for the Star Trek franchise. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at ColeSmithey.com (Cole Smithey)

Detroit News (Tom Long)

A film that should appeal to longtime Trekkies, sci-fi neophytes and pretty much anybody who likes a good action flick. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at Detroit News (Tom Long)

AV Club (Keith Phipps)

It boldly goes somewhere different and makes it hard to leave the film not hoping for a return voyage soon. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at AV Club (Keith Phipps)

AMCtv.com (Eugene Novikov)

Here is the highest compliment Abrams and company could have hoped for: They leave Star Trek better than they found it. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at AMCtv.com (Eugene Novikov)

I.E. Weekly (Amy Nicholson)

Under the swoons of the orchestral dirge, you can hear J.J. Abrams stride onto the deck of the Enterprise and shout, "Welcome to my galaxy!" ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at I.E. Weekly (Amy Nicholson)

Cinema Blend

It's been a long time since the hope and optimism of Gene Roddenberry's vision have seemed this bright, this alive. This is exactly the Star Trek movie this fading franchise needed. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at Cinema Blend

MovieJuice! (Mark Ramsey)

For any child of the franchise, like yours truly - even those of us who have been less than delighted with Trek's recent TV outings - this is two hours of pure, unadulterated joy. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at MovieJuice! (Mark Ramsey)

DC Examiner (Matthew Razak)

Star Trek is what a summer blockbuster should be: well made, well directed, big budget and a fan pleaser. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at DC Examiner (Matthew Razak)

The Mercury News

Writers Robert Orci and Alex Kurtzman manage to morph the new actors into the general outlines of the original crew, but even as they slip into the old character molds, they immediately start to break out of them. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at The Mercury News

ColeSmithey.com

...director J.J. Abrams successfully establishes a new beginning for the Star Trek franchise. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at ColeSmithey.com

The Movie Kit (Kit Bowen)

If you're a fan of the original Star Trek, boldly go and revel in the awesomeness and nostalgia this action-packed prequel will elicit. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at The Movie Kit (Kit Bowen)

Emanuel Levy

Revitalizing the stagnant franchise, the gifted, visionary Abrams has performed a magical act, a movie that stands on its own merits and will recruit new fans, a work that will please the old trekkies and one that points to potent direction in the future. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at Emanuel Levy

Seanax.com (Sean Axmaker)

It aspires to be everything to everyone and it's as good as can be expected given those directives, but its prime directive is simple: have fun. It does and I did. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at Seanax.com (Sean Axmaker)

At the Movies (Ben Mankiewicz)

This is a totally character driven film with five exceptionally-cast people. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at At the Movies (Ben Mankiewicz)

Sci-Fi Movie Page (James O'Ehley)

This is Star Trek designed for people who don't actually like Star Trek . . . ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at Sci-Fi Movie Page (James O'Ehley)

Compuserve

"Star Trek" can serve as a template for an audience of women and men who have never looked at the TV series that began in 1966 and may have seen some other incarnations of the series only on DVDs placed inside a tiny, 60-inch TV screen. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at Compuserve

Ain't It Cool Movie Reviews (Moriarty)

A new mission worth taking, a spirited, energetic new beginning to a series long assumed dead. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at Ain't It Cool Movie Reviews (Moriarty)

Dark Horizons (Garth Franklin)

Reintroduces critical elements the franchise has not seen in years - cultural relevance, suspense, and a fresh sense of wonder ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at Dark Horizons (Garth Franklin)

Empire Magazine (Colin Kennedy)

The most exhilarating Trek to date marks a new future for Kirk and co. If this can boldly go on to seek out ideas to match its speed and style, a franchise is reborn. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at Empire Magazine (Colin Kennedy)

Spirituality and Practice (Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat)

Star Trek is a raft, a map and a reinvented story with a great deal of spunk. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at Spirituality and Practice (Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat)

At the Movies (Australia) (Margaret Pomeranz)

This is such a rollicking adventure, it's truly enjoyable. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at At the Movies (Australia) (Margaret Pomeranz)

Daily Mirror [UK] (David Edwards)

Overall, it makes for an entertaining, if uneven, couple of hours, although non-Trekkies may not find it the intergalactic go-see they'd hoped for. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at Daily Mirror [UK] (David Edwards)

Teletext (Victor Olliver)

By Kevin Irwin - Star Trek, the final frontier in nostalgia, a crass ploy for box office kerching or a celebration of sci-fi's most iconic forefather? Well, a touch of all three as it turns out. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at Teletext (Victor Olliver)

Boxoffice Magazine (Richard Mowe)

It's guaranteed to start a box office stampede. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at Boxoffice Magazine (Richard Mowe)

Jam! Movies (Jim Slotek)

This, indeed, may not be your father's Star Trek, but I hope it won't kill the buzz if he likes it anyway. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at Jam! Movies (Jim Slotek)

Entertainment Spectrum (Jolene Mendez)

J.J. Abrams proves his masterpiece can translate into great work on the big screen that all Trekkies will love. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at Entertainment Spectrum (Jolene Mendez)

filmcritic.com (Sean O'Connell)

With one film, J.J. Abrams has made Star Trek younger, flashier, sexier, funnier, and less intelligent, but more exhilarating than it has been in decades ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at filmcritic.com (Sean O'Connell)

Las Vegas Weekly (Josh Bell)

Let's hope hardcore Trekkers can suck it up and embrace this new vision, because there's no doubt everyone else will. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at Las Vegas Weekly (Josh Bell)

Little White Lies (Jonathan L. Bowen)

Star Trek used to be smarter. But it was never this fast, fresh and exciting. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at Little White Lies (Jonathan L. Bowen)

eFilmCritic.com (Rob Gonsalves)

...a full-blooded and busy adventure, a promising restart. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at eFilmCritic.com (Rob Gonsalves)

Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC) (Ken Hanke)

It has some significant flaws and missteps, but on its own merits, it's entertaining -- and in one instance, it's even a little more than that. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC) (Ken Hanke)

ComingSoon.net (Edward Douglas)

Star Trek should quench all your Trekker geek desires, but make no mistake, this is still very much the same Star Trek, just with a younger cast and a lot more money thrown at it. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at ComingSoon.net (Edward Douglas)

Mansized (Chris Laverty)

The very definition of what a reboot should be. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at Mansized (Chris Laverty)

Sunday Mail [UK] (Mickey McMonagle)

A genuinely entertaining thrill-a-minute sci-fi romp, whether you loved the series or not. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at Sunday Mail [UK] (Mickey McMonagle)

jackiekcooper.com (Jackie K. Cooper)

Full of excitement, adventure and just plain fun. Everything old is new again! ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at jackiekcooper.com (Jackie K. Cooper)

Sky Movies (Rich Phippen)

This is impressive stuff. Abrams moves the plot at breathtaking speed, yet still has time to feature heroic acts from all the original show's key players. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at Sky Movies (Rich Phippen)

Orlando Sentinel (Roger Moore)

It took decades of increasingly mediocre TV series and Data-dull movies to beat Star Trek to death. But J.J. Abrams brings it all back to basics. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at Orlando Sentinel (Roger Moore)

Arizona Republic (Bill Goodykoontz)

A new creation, one that serves as a self-contained film and a launching pad for a continuation of the franchise, one that should live long and prosper. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at Arizona Republic (Bill Goodykoontz)

Oregon Herald (Mark Sells)

Mixing warp speed action with tongue in cheek humor, this Trek beams brighter than a supernova. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at Oregon Herald (Mark Sells)

Film Threat (Pete Vonder Haar)

Not Trek? The movie has gaping plotholes, a skirt-chasing Kirk, time travel, and a BS pseudo-scientific resolution to a life-threatening situation...it's totally Trek! ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at Film Threat (Pete Vonder Haar)

New York Times (Manohla Dargis)

A bright, shiny blast from a newly imagined past. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at New York Times (Manohla Dargis)

Channel 4 Film (Matthew De Abaitua)

It's Star Trek, Jim, but not as we have known it. A masterclass in how to rebrand and relaunch a franchise. Sign us up for more alien girls, punch-ups, phasers, photons and misbehaving black holes. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at Channel 4 Film (Matthew De Abaitua)

Metromix.com (Geoff Berkshire)

A near-perfect template for what a summer thrill ride should be, Star Trek is great fun that doesn't forget its brain, heart or sense of humor. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at Metromix.com (Geoff Berkshire)

CHUD (Devin Faraci)

JJ Abrams is a miracle worker. He has taken a script that is so bad and so dumb as to be almost a disaster and made a movie that's a lot of fun and actually quite good from it. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at CHUD (Devin Faraci)

CinemaBlend.com (Katey Rich)

It's the kind of franchise opener that leaves you giddy for a sequel, stuffed with ideas about where to go from here. It's the kind of blockbuster that makes you happy movies exist. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at CinemaBlend.com (Katey Rich)

Oscar Guy (Wesley Lovell)

While entertaining as a space soap opera, the film dismantles much of what made Star Trek once great. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at Oscar Guy (Wesley Lovell)

Seattle Times (Jeff Shannon)

You couldn't ask for a less ponderous, more rollicking time. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at Seattle Times (Jeff Shannon)

Miami Herald (Rene Rodriguez)

Take note, George Lucas: This is how it's done. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at Miami Herald (Rene Rodriguez)

USA Today (Claudia Puig)

hen it comes to sheer spectacle, Star Trek, as re-imagined by J.J. Abrams, delivers. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at USA Today (Claudia Puig)

Washington Post (Ann Hornaday)

We thank thee for imbuing Abrams with taste and conscience enough to guarantee that "Star Trek" will once again live long and prosper. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at Washington Post (Ann Hornaday)

Globe and Mail (Liam Lacey)

It's also a pleasure to report that, not only have Gene Roddenberry's ideas stood up pretty well over the decades, so have Spock's ears. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at Globe and Mail (Liam Lacey)

MovieCrypt.com (Kevin A. Ranson)

Yes, the genie is back out of the bottle. Well acted, expertly edited, and brilliantly watchable even if not perfect. And above all, it doesn't suck. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at MovieCrypt.com (Kevin A. Ranson)

Cinema Crazed (Felix Vasquez Jr.)

With great effects, a strong story and equally strong cast, "Star Trek" is a journey worth taking... ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at Cinema Crazed (Felix Vasquez Jr.)

Cinema Writer (Jay Antani)

a skilfully constructed studio picture that boasts a casting coup on par with The Lord of the Rings'. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at Cinema Writer (Jay Antani)

The Screengrab (Nick Schager)

A largely thrilling surprise, its blend of humor, romance and action so kinetically orchestrated that calling out its shortcomings feels like excessive carping. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at The Screengrab (Nick Schager)

The Hollywood Reporter

Paced at warp speed with spectacular action sequences rendered brilliantly and with a cast so expert that all the familiar characters are instantly identifiable, the film gives Paramount Pictures a new lease of life on its franchise. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at The Hollywood Reporter

News Blaze

Lost and found planet mayhem in this reconceived excursion down intergalactic memory lane, as cocky spaced out Kirk locks horns with Bana's sulking skinhead in a long unresolved cosmic anger management funk. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at News Blaze

The Movie Boy

Pulsates with a life and fire that the former series entries never quite equaled. So much is going on in each frame that one sits smiling for the duration, drinking in the images while yearning for a repeat viewing. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at The Movie Boy

Daily Telegraph (Australia) (Stephen Fenech)

There is a good blend of character development and action in Star Trek which is why it will resonate so well with audiences. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at Daily Telegraph (Australia) (Stephen Fenech)

Kansas City Star (Robert W. Butler)

As rousing as a Klingon war chant and more fun than an engine room full of tribbles. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at Kansas City Star (Robert W. Butler)

LarsenOnFilm (Josh Larsen)

Fans will be thrilled, though not nearly as much as Paramount Pictures shareholders. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at LarsenOnFilm (Josh Larsen)

Movie City News (David Poland)

Amazing sound, a ton of fury, signifying nothing... So densely orchestrated that the film never gives the audience a moment to breath it all in. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at Movie City News (David Poland)

Associated Press (Christy Lemire)

Either you'll go with it or you won't. Regardless, based on Abrams' ambition and scope in rejuvenating the franchise, it's clear it still has plenty of room to live long and prosper. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at Associated Press (Christy Lemire)

MovieTime, ABC Radio National (Jason Di Rosso)

For now, in these times of economic uncertainty, it feels like a safe bet. And, my traditionalist misgivings aside, makes for a pretty good action movie. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at MovieTime, ABC Radio National (Jason Di Rosso)

Combustible Celluloid (Jeffrey M. Anderson)

All in all, the material is strong enough and exciting enough that not even Abrams' fumbling can entirely ruin it, and it's certainly better than the last two series entries. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at Combustible Celluloid (Jeffrey M. Anderson)

Christianity Today (Peter T. Chattaway)

For those who want a thrilling ride, Star Trek should do the trick. It has just enough old-school stuff to keep longtime fans intrigued, even if a bit disappointed. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at Christianity Today (Peter T. Chattaway)

Baltimore Sun (Michael Sragow)

The new Star Trek arouses an instant affection that sometimes rises to ecstasy and never entirely wears out. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at Baltimore Sun (Michael Sragow)

ReelViews (James Berardinelli)

The setup is complete; now it's time to see whether the implied potential of this first entry into a new series can be realized in its sequel. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at ReelViews (James Berardinelli)

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (Duane Dudek)

The result is not a great film, but it is great fun. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (Duane Dudek)

Village Voice (Robert Wilonsky)

It's enough to move even a Star Wars fan to tears. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at Village Voice (Robert Wilonsky)

Ozus' World Movie Reviews (Dennis Schwartz)

Should please a wide cross-section of viewers. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at Ozus' World Movie Reviews (Dennis Schwartz)

Movie Dearest (Fr. Chris Carpenter)

Well-cast and well-acted...however, (the script) falls short of engaging viewers as intellectually or emotionally as the best prior movies and TV episodes have done. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at Movie Dearest (Fr. Chris Carpenter)

Laramie Movie Scope (Robert Roten)

Great characters, nice comic touches, but the plot cries out for an intervention. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at Laramie Movie Scope (Robert Roten)

Los Angeles Times (Kenneth Turan)

It is pleasant to report that though it's not perfect, the reconstituted Star Trek is successful enough for everyone to breathe a sigh of relief. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at Los Angeles Times (Kenneth Turan)

IGN Movies UK (Orlando Parfitt)

J.J. Abrams gives Kirk and Spock a new lease of life, but the plot is a mess. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at IGN Movies UK (Orlando Parfitt)

Tolucan Times (Tony Medley)

While it might be a little long and while Spock is disappointing, this is still an entertaining movie with fine performances by Pine, Pegg, Greenwood, and Urban. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at Tolucan Times (Tony Medley)

Film Threat (Matthew Sorrento)

Clever, campy, even a little endearing, Trek revives itself by going back to the past, but consumes itself by wanting the "Trek" of future, too. In the current remake craze, it's never enough. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at Film Threat (Matthew Sorrento)

PopMatters (Cynthia Fuchs)

The much-anticipated movie reintroduces all the characters from the franchise's first iteration, but its most intense and rewarding focus is friendship between Kirk and Spock. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at PopMatters (Cynthia Fuchs)

Movie City News (Michael Wilmington)

The movie, typically for Abrams, is almost continuously exciting. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at Movie City News (Michael Wilmington)

BrandonFibbs.com (Brandon Fibbs)

Unless you live in the weeds like me, obsessing over minutia that others never even see, Star Trek is going to be a jaw-dropping experience. The rest of us will just have to get over ourselves. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at BrandonFibbs.com (Brandon Fibbs)

ReelTalk Movie Reviews (Jeffrey Chen)

In order to become a new Star Trek, facets of its old personality must inevitably be sacrificed, while modern flavor -- faster pace and a little sass -- is infused. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at ReelTalk Movie Reviews (Jeffrey Chen)

Richard Roeper.com (Richard Roeper)

Highly illogical but entertaining as hell. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at Richard Roeper.com (Richard Roeper)

ReelTalk Movie Reviews (John P. McCarthy)

Abrams and his collaborators don't kowtow to the past. They exhilarate, engross and amuse viewers by putting entertainment value above all else. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at ReelTalk Movie Reviews (John P. McCarthy)

The Sydney Morning Herald

The story is constructed so we don't need to know what has come before. At the same time, the filmmakers don't want to alienate the long-termers, so they had to add something new to the canon of Trek lore. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at The Sydney Morning Herald

TIME Magazine (Mary F. Pols)

There are many satisfyingly sly flourishes in Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman's script. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at TIME Magazine (Mary F. Pols)

Flick Filosopher (MaryAnn Johanson)

Abrams found the perfect, and perfectly science-fictional way, to do a reboot that no one can honestly bitch about, the perfect way to have his geek and his 'Bite me,' too. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at Flick Filosopher (MaryAnn Johanson)

Time Out (Tom Huddlestone)

The overall impression is one of unbridled enthusiasm on the part of the film's makers, both for its predecessors and for the brave new universe Abrams and his crew are exploring. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at Time Out (Tom Huddlestone)

Slant Magazine

Like the original cast's best movie, The Wrath of Khan, this Star Trek essentially turns out to be a war film, with the occasional philosophical timeout to discuss love, friendship, and duty until the next bone-crunching fistfight or multi-weapon rumble w ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at Slant Magazine

Chicago Sun-Times (Roger Ebert)

The Gene Roddenberry years, when stories might play with questions of science, ideals or philosophy, have been replaced by stories reduced to loud and colorful action. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at Chicago Sun-Times (Roger Ebert)

KyleSmithOnline.com (Kyle Smith)

Barely competent. J.J. Abrams has a TV soul. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at KyleSmithOnline.com (Kyle Smith)

Newsday (Rafer Guzman)

That jolt of energy may resuscitate the franchise; its breathing, however, feels shallow. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at Newsday (Rafer Guzman)

PopMatters (Chris Barsanti)

An overly quick scrap of exposition about the reason behind Nero's universe-destroying rage plugs the necessary holes in the plot, but is hardly the stuff of epic drama. ...read the complete Star Trek movie review at PopMatters (Chris Barsanti)

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