‘Star Trek’ in IMAX is feast for the senses

The much anticipated “Star Trek” has hit theaters, posting well deserved big numbers at the box office. This movie should not be seen; it should be experienced. This is one you need to see in IMAX.

Looking at the previews, “Star Trek” seems like a prequel. Prequels are something that Hollywood rarely gets right. However, “Star Trek” is less of a prequel and more of a re-set. Even if you have never seen an episode of “Star Trek,” you will be able to follow every moment. However, if you are a hardcore Trekkie, buckle up for the ride of your life.

This movie does not give you time to get settled into your seat. There is something going on every second of the movie. The only time it gives you to catch your breath is when the credits roll.

And if you think it is good in the multiplex, you will be blown away watching it in IMAX. A six-story screen and seat shaking sound system makes this less of a movie and more of a cinematic experience.

If you can indulge my inner geek for a moment, I will give you the bad news. Winona Ryder is the total wrong choice for Amanda Grayson. They should have found a more age appropriate actress for the role. Her performance was the worst of the entire cast, and her scenes were the low part of the movie. If your “geek gauge” only goes up to three, none of that will matter. And if you think she is a good actress, that should tell you something about the rest of
the movie.

For those with a Starfleet uniform in their closet, this movie will not disappoint. Any departure from the original series or movies will all make sense in time. Everything is explained, without being dumbed down. In fact, some parts are so subtle, you just might miss them.

A young Kirk (Chris Pine) is exactly how you would expect him to be. Still a little brash, he makes Shatner seem thoughtful and careful by comparison. You can see that this young man will grow up to the be great Admiral Kirk. You feel like you get to see a little more background on Spock (Zachary Quinto). Most have never thought about how little we really know about the character. He has always been Spock, and now we know why. Simon Peg disappears into the role of Scotty so much that he is almost unrecognizable.

For Trekkies, this is the must-see movie of a lifetime. Your favorite nuances and catch phrases have been carefully worked into the movie without sounding like they are pandering. The mannerisms of Dr. Leonard ‘Bones’ McCoy (Karl Urban) are captured without seeming like a caricature. Kirk’s signature stuttered cadence is… the… only… thing missing. (Cool points if you got that.)

See this movie. I recommend seeing it in IMAX, but buy tickets now. They are sold out days ahead. Your first time seeing this should not be on your home screen. This movie deserves big screens and great sound. It is worth the full price.




*Reprinted with permission from The Triton Review.