Off trek with sequel

I remember the feeling I had when I watched Star Trek in 2009. I was expecting drivel but experienced a burst of exhilaration instead. Although I was never a massive fan of the TV series, the film couldn’t have surprised me any more than it did.

It paid homage to the original series and consequent films, yet mixed it up with modern interpretations of the characters … I was in love with a tired franchise.

When news struck that a second movie was going to be made, my excitement hit warp speed. And with J.J. Abrams back onboard, I expected over-the-top action, invigorating humour and a creative interpretation of a new world that would leave me in awe.

It should have been an awesome film with the potential to exceed our (the fans) expectations. I wanted it to be better than the first one. I wanted it to wow me. But, sadly, I wanted it to end an hour before it did.

Star Trek Into Boredom (OK, I may be a little too harsh) was a good movie, but it was by no means great, and I left the theatre extremely disappointed.

Even with 132 minutes to play with it failed to provide proper character development or focus on the blossoming ‘bro-mance’ between Spock (Quinto) and Kirk (Pine).

Having said that, the acting was excellent, the visual effects were top-notch, the script balanced light heartedness with drama and the stunts were amazing.

The film started with Captain Kirk and Dr ‘Bones’ McCoy (Karl Urban) running for their lives from natives on a primitive planet, whilst a volcano was in mid-eruption.

First officer Spock tries to stop the eruption but ends up trapped. As a half Vulcan-half human, he switches off his emotions and is ready to die to save his crew, but Kirk rescues Spock by violating the rules that say the Enterprise cannot be exposed to the natives.

When the admiral finds out what has happened he takes the Enterprise away and Kirk is left with nothing.

However, when a massive terrorist attack strikes London, the Starfleet bosses meet to bring the man responsible to justice. Little do the management know that the terrorist is actually plotting to kill them all  … right then and there.

Kirk asks the admiral for permission to command the Enterprise in pursuit of the mysterious attacker John Harrison (Cumberbatch) … who is hiding where no man has ever been.

A lot more happens in between – and after – but I think I will get in a lot more trouble for sharing spoilers than I will for my scathing review of the film.

Pine once again exudes star quality as Kirk, the bad boy captain who’s easy on the eyes. Quinto as Spock is the only emotionless character capable of almost brining a tear to my eye … that requires skill.

Simon Pegg, who plays Scotty, was my favourite in the first film and he still holds a place in my heart this time around. He’s the only actor that made me laugh and he definitely needed more screen time.

Cumberbatch was as twisted as a villain should be, but he had the potential to be psychotic and I was waiting for him to cross the line throughout. Nevertheless, his tone and delivery really helped his performance.

In conclusion, even with its flaws you still want to get lost in the world of Star Trek with Pine by your side. Although I was disappointed, as I’m sure many fans will be, it was still fun with great filming techniques and visual effects. It just could have been so much better.

Bring on the year 2016 when Star Trek 3 can hopefully revive my excitement.

* Showing in Cineco, Seef II, Al Jazeera Cineplex, Saar Cineplex