The New Star Trek
Here is my OFFICIAL Review. BEWARE SPOILERS!!!
As a film itself, it is exceptional. JJ Abrams went above and beyond the call of duty to make a highly entertaining film. It has the comedy, the effects and the drama we've come to expect in a big budget sci-fi film. As a Star Trek film, it left me wanting and a bit disappointed.
Star Trek fans, especially those raised on The Next Generation and those shows that followed (with the exception of Enterprise) BEWARE...You will be disappointed.
Basically, JJ Abrams wipes the slate clean. He achieves this by a time travelling Spock from the future. He comes from a TNG Romulus, along with a troubled Romulan miner and destroys the planet Vulcan and Romulus, even before James T. Kirk is even made captain. In an instant, there is no more Tuvok, Sela, and Saavik. Also, be prepared for a romance between Uhura and Spock. Why? It makes no sense. I understand the need for a reboot, but this love connection makes no sense.
There is mention of the events that came before in ST:Enterprise, but there is absolutely no mention of the other shows. Also, none of the original aliens are shown, with the exception of Vulcans, and Orion slave girls (who obviously can now join Star Fleet). The Klingons are shown through ships. The Cardassians are also briefly mentioned, which the Federation could've known back then, because TNG or DS9 never specified when that race was first contacted. Other than that, you are treated to a whole new race of aliens. No Andorians, Tallerites, or even Tribbles.
At the end of the film, the audience applauded. They loved it. I can understand why. The actors, in their roles, were extraordinary. I can't fault them. Chris Pine felt like Capt. Kirk, and Zachary Quinto was a great Spock. I felt Dr. McCoy, Sulu, Uhura, Chekov, and Scotty. However, the continuity of the Star Trek franchise was lost on me. Even Majel Barrett (Nurse Chapel, Lwaxana Troi) reprised her role as the voice of the computer (only recorded weeks before her death). The effects were top notch.
Highly recommened as a film, not as a Star Trek vehicle. Sorry.