Saw the movie last night. I thought it was, as a lot of people have been saying, a VERY well done summer blockbuster. Slick production values, non-stop action, top-notch casting (though I'm less jazzed about Pine as Kirk).
But my biggest thing is that Star Trek - for me, anyway - has never been about all that. The explosions, monsters and cowboys in space have always been the domain of Star Wars. What I have always appreciated about the Star Trek franchise has been its attempt(s) (which aren't necessarily always successful) to grapple with more complex thematic issues: its use of subtext and metaphor to offer social commentary. As problematic (and/or heavy-handed) as these messages often are, Star Trek at least attempts to situated itself within a long tradition of social commentary in "pure" SF.
This isn't to say I don't appreciate the place and the market for the type of film this Star Trek is - as I said I enjoyed the film immensely - but I would have appreciated a few less explosions and a bit more complexity.
Anyway, that's just me. I will say I am VERY happy that this film is going to be successful and breathe new life into the franchise - this Star Trek is certainly better than no Star Trek.
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