Whether or not you truly like the rebooted Star Trek universe seems to hinge on whether you like JJ Abrams' own distinct visual and storytelling flair. Much like a tune is undoubtedly affected by the instrument, so too is a film by its director. They bring their quirks to the party, and it's fair to say that not since Tarantino's foot fetish has a director's techniques been pilloried so incessantly. Not everyone's enamored with the Mystery Box and lens flare approach, especially when it's being applied to one of the most beloved franchises of all time. And though Trekkies will always turn out in force to watch the new Star Trek movie, they damn sure don't have to enjoy it. And there was plenty to gripe about, Abrams staples aside. Furthering the process of throwing off the philosophising mores synonymous with the franchise for further lasers-in-space was anathema to some, as was liberally cribbing Wrath Of Khan until it cried uncle. Couple that with the having-your-cake-and-eating-it revelation that tribble blood effectively cures death, and you've got a recipe for outrage and a flaming bag of excrement on Damon Lindelof's doorstep. So for some, it just might be the case of right ship, wrong captain. But still, reviewers found something doggedly likable about Abrams' (very) shiny new version of the franchise. The operatic grandeur of it all is still nailed down pat, the cast remain uniformly excellent and the action sequences remain eminently watchable. If you were prepared to stymie the intellectual aspects of Star Trek for what was essentially a western in space, you'd have a whale of a time. But for a sizeable number of series fans that's not enough, and understandably so. Better that they made a franchise of their own than walk around in the clothes of another. Star Trek is too beloved to be treated flippantly Abrams took it just a step too far, and no amount of space-diving Benedict Cumberbatches could make that better.
Durham University graduate and qualified sports journalist. Very good at sitting down and watching things. Can multi-task this with playing computer games. Football Manager addict who has taken Shrewsbury Town to the summit of the Premier League.
You can follow me at @Ed_OwenUK, if you like ramblings about Newcastle United and A Place in the Sun. If you don't, I don't know what I can do for you.
