   Oscar® Winner for Best Makeup / Nominee for Best Visual Effects, Best Sound Editing, and Best Sound Mixing
Star Treka.k.a. “Star Trek: The IMAX Experience,” “Star Trek: Zero,” “Star Trek: The Beginning,” “Star Trek 11,” “Star Trek XI,” “Viaje a Las Estrellas”MPAA Rating:
 for sci-fi action and violence, and brief sexual content.Reviewed by: Sheri McMurray Better than Average
Moviemaking Quality:
Primary Audience:
Teens, Adults, Family
Genre:
Sci-Fi, Action, Adventure, Drama, Adaptation, Sequel
Length:
2 hr. 6 min
Year of Release:
2009
USA Release:
May 8, 2009 (wide—3,500 theaters)
DVD: November 17, 2009  
Relevant Issues
Anger in the Bible REVENGE—Love replaces hatred—former israeli soldier and an ex-PLO fighter prove peace is possible-but only with Jesus Aliens (extraterrestrials)
What does the Bible say about intelligent life on other planets? Answer Are we alone in the universe? Answer Does Scripture refer to life in space? Answer Pre-marital sex
Should I save sex for marriage? Answer How can I deal with temptations? Answer How far is too far? What are the guidelines for dating relationships? Answer What are the consequences of sexual immorality? Answer
I have a friend who is the ultimate Star Trek freak… a tried and true Trekker who dismisses this new movie as not in the true cannon and will never go see it. I say, his loss, for the second time around is sweeter, as Sinatra croons, like a friendly home the second time you call… through your communicator. STAR TREK XI is delicious Trek ‘verse eye candy mixed with the thrills only current CGI technology can give us. Add to the mix, director J.J. Abrams who isn’t ‘lost’ on how to get the story we all know and love into the next couple centuries without harming the back story, and writers (Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman) who have spared no detail on each one of our beloved characters. Toss in a perfectly chosen cast (even though some people went “huh?” at some of the choices, at first) who have nailed the gestures and inflections of some of the most beloved and well studied characters of all time, with solid, believable performances. Put it all together and you’ll find STAR TREK XI adds up to a euphoric satisfaction not unlike a long cold bowl of bottomless rich chocolate ice cream. From the dazzling opening battle that takes place in a cosmic lightning storm, the day James T. Kirk is born as his father George Kirk (Chris Hemsworth) sacrifices his life and his ship, The USS Kelvin, to save not only infant James and his mother, but 800 lives, to the closing finale with The USS Enterprise and it’s new young crew blasting off into parts of space unknown, this movie is a thrill a second ride. Not a foot of film is wasted on monotony, although the script borrows well known ideas from the original stories, this Star Trek (say it with me, folks: “Space Opera”) picks them up, polishes them off and sets them out on a new silver platter for us to enjoy. From die hard fans to newbies entering the Star Trek universe for the first time, this eleventh installment has got something for all to experience and relish. No Star Trek film would be complete without the introduction of a new and sinister villain, and the character of Nero (Eric Bana), a demented Romulan leader with a score to settle with The Federation, is a guy you wouldn’t want to come up against in the dark black holes of outer space. He is the epitome of vicious degraded revenge, with a ship sporting technology which carries the ability to destroy not just starships, but whole worlds and all life on them. After showing his intent and prowess using Vulcan as his example, Nero proves he is not a force to ignore. His lust for revenge not only spans the universe, but is capable of reaching back across time 125 years, zeroing in on a young Commander Spock (Zachary Quinto) and the green crew members of the newly commissioned Enterprise NCC 1701, under the command of Captain Christopher Pike (Bruce Greenwood). The most reluctant recruit, is a very punk, very brash, very defiant James T. Kirk (Chris Pine), who, although shows great promise, has no use for the word authority and learns most of his life lessons the hard way. Pike sees in him the pluck, determination, and ability to think fast in the face of adversity, that he once saw in his heroic father. He calls Kirk out, informs him he’s meant to do something special and challenges him to do better than wasting his talents on bar fights and a dead end life. Changing his life, and the universe forever, James Kirk takes Pike up on the challenge and graduates Starfleet, although on rocky grounds because of a little incident now known in Trek lore as the Kobayashi maneuver, setting the stage for his introduction to the friends he will have for the rest of his life. On the parallel to James Kirk, Spock’s history is shown as organized, intelligent, and controlled, except for the little glitch about his Vulcan father, Serak (Ben Cross) who married, of all species in the universe, a human woman, Amanda Grayson (Winona Ryder). Spock is shown as having to fight that stigma his entire life, emotionally as well as physically. Upon meeting up with Kirk, their pairing is nothing short of a nuclear war waiting to happen. Rounding out James T. Kirk’s delightfully fated acquaintances, is the bright and beautiful Nyota Uhura (Zoe Saldana) who has a perfect command over sub space communications and inter species languages. A blunt, corrosive, but loveable in an irritating sort of way Doctor by the name of Leonard McCoy (Karl Urban). No spoilers here, but we do find out how he got the nick name “bones.” One heck of a starship navigator, as well as a sword wielding marshal arts fighter, in Hikaru Sulu (John Cho). A seventeen year old genius with the thickest Russian accent in Starfleet, Pavel Chekov (Anton Yelchin). And, found on a planet best never visited, Delta Vega, a diamond in the rough and a guy who can get any ship to purr under his hand, one Montgomery Scott (Simon Pegg). Not that there is nothing to consider for the Christian movie goer, as the PG-13 rating is appropriate. There is a scene where Kirk is shown in bed with a green skinned Orion girl, and in the same scene Uhura is shown in her underwear, although nothing blatantly sexual is shown, it will make the statement that Kirk is indulging in pre-marital sex, so Christian parents be prepared to answer some questions. There are several occurrences of foul language such as a**, bull-sh*t, G*dDa**, and a statement made in a bar referring to farm boys having sex with farm animals, which any Christian will find offensive. Speaking of bars, people are shown drunk, drinking and as with any action movie, there is fighting, explosions, torture and blood in small to heavy doses. Some action sequences are extremely realistic and could prove disturbing to very young viewers, so my advice is for parents to consider this, along with the information as to language and adult situations depicted in STAR TREK XI, before taking any child younger than the rating cautions. There is much to be said of Gene Roddenberry’s original concept about our social and moral structures in the real world. These days, perhaps even more than in the turbulent 60's when Star Trek was first a glimmer in Gene’s mind, we need a grounded source as an example for moral and character building representations from show business. So many young people, today, more than any other time in the past, because information and entertainment is so prevalent along with our dependence on technologies such as cell phones, blueberries, iPods and computers, use entertainment and those figures who entertain them, as role models. Keeping that view, STAR TREK XI is a glimmer of hope on the summer blockbuster scene. No other films out to date this summer convey the positive aspects of honor, sacrifice, love, integrity and the concept that revenge is a poison, that ultimate corruption corrupts ultimately, as straightforwardly as STAR TREK XI. That one unchanged aspect of Star Trek has always been the beacon that keeps it alive in the hearts and minds of its followers. Hope. A hope that in the world of our future, even in the face of adversity, bigotry, and political injustice, there will be a final resting place for integrity, compassion, honesty and true justice. That hope will keep us alive and our universe, no matter how far it may extend, to thrive. These beautiful concepts are only underscored by the Christian. Put into practice, Jesus’ commands to love thy neighbor, honor mother and father and those in authority, keep oneself pure until marriage, sacrifice for a friend, give to the poor and share with others no matter whom they may be, is the basic reason Christians are drawn to the Trek ‘verse. Although Trek, even as honorable as it’s motives have always been, is not perfect, it is a reassuring knowledge that Jesus was, and although his flesh and blood body is no longer with us, His spirit, The Spirit of God Himself, lives on in us. That He Lives. As a Trekker myself and writer of science fiction which includes the Star Trek universe, I find this new STAR TREK and it’s concept a brilliant springboard for many new voyages (and good news, Trekkers, they are already working on the script for the sequel). Just the sight of the ship as the younger versions of my beloved TOS characters see her for the first time, brought a lump to my throat and a quickening to my heart. The breathtaking soundtrack will definitely be on my personal Mother’s-Day-present-to-get-list too. “There are those who’d bet I could almost hear Frank Sinatra as I left the theater in a state of euphoria… I can’t help but mention in closing a gem of a review I found in The Washington Post by Ann Homeday, titled “A Heavenly Enterprise.” Although I have no doubt she was joking about offering a prayer of thanks to God that Star Trek stayed with the original core concepts, her review posted as a prayer actually was thanking God for all the right reasons. Thanks Ann, you thought you were being clever, but you were actually doing STAR TREK a great service. Thanks also to J.J. Abrams for not caving into the dark, depressing, comic book hero movies, and giving us characters and a story built on what’s truly important, as well as an inspiration to every age. So… Friends found, stage set, battle ensues and you are there! With Pike held hostage by Nero, Spock as acting Captain and Kirk banished from the ship, the story is full of action, tension and intrigue, while still getting us to believe in faith, sacrifice, honor and love. It takes two hours to tell this story, yet, even at that, when the ending credits flash across the screen you’ll find yourself wanting more! Me too, so I’m off to the IMAX Experience tonight! Violence: Heavy / Profanity: Mild / Sex/Nudity: Minor See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.   Comments below:
Positive
Positive - The reviewer was pretty much right on concerning the movie, though I think the objectionable elements were more problematical, meriting a lower moral rating for the movie. There were also some problems with the story line. For example, Scotty's sudden transition from lone man on a snowy outpost to chief engineer in one fell swoop is never explained and unrealistic. Positive - This is an entertaining trip into a sci-fi universe that I have not frequented, never having watched Star Trek on TV. Not my thing. But the story line is crisp and clear, the dialogue full of amusing overtones, the characters likeable, even the brash young Captain Kirk, who seems to grow up and become more sober as he undertakes life and death situations. I found the character of the Russian crew member hilarious. This is a nicely balanced movie, with enough positive elements to please many viewers. Positive - Boldly going into the cinema into a movie no man, at least in my town, has ever seen before, I was treated to a great movie going to the final frontier and beyond. Yes, Star Trek is back after years of absence, and, after the failure of “Star Trek: Nemesis” back in 2002, this is a more refreshing and exciting Trek movie. Positive - Being the lifelong Trekkie that I am, I truly enjoyed that aspect of the film, and loved it's new take on the old series. The modern technology paired with Star Trek was a dream. Positive - I was able to see this movie at a Thursday night screening offered in our area. I confess I was a pretty big Trek fan going into this, so I was half-inclined to like it anyway. But that doesn't mean that you won't like it, even if you've never watched any of the shows. I think they really tried hard to make the story accessible to a general audience, and those who are already fans like me will love all of the allusions to the original show, especially the appearance of Leonard Nimoy (the original Mr. Spock) in the movie. Positive - You don't have to be a Trekker to enjoy this movie. Any casual movie going fan will enjoy the characterizations, plot and action in Star Trek. Positive - WOW!!! What a great movie. As a trek fan for years I was excited that another Star Trek movie was coming out, but I was worried that it would not be made well. My worries were cast out when I saw how awesome the film was made. I highly recommend it to everyone. Positive - Man what a great movie. My review is short due to the fact that most have already said what needed to be said. This was so unbelievably good that I have but one thing to say. During the whole movie I heard so little language that it impressed me, except that one time. 'GD', why did it need to be there?? The modest sex scene, why did it need to be there?? That is my problem with Hollywood. They took a super good movie and threw in 2 things that took the movie down like 3 notches for me. Other than that nothing else needs saying. Positive - Wow! What a movie!!! From a trekkiee that has followed all from a young age, it was fun to see that there were other ST fans watching with me cheering! I can only say to those who are not going because “it's another ST movie…” you are really losing out on a top-notch movie! Positive - STAR TREK has got action, drama, and CGI that compliment the over all arc of an interesting story. A reboot for the aging franchise that both felt nostalgia yet has elevated to a new exciting level. J.J. Abrams and Damon Lindelof (both from ABC's LOST) with casts and crews did a fantastic job of revitalizing this pop culture icon. Kudos for Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto plus all the supporting actors, due to time and story, each actor's character shines, even with the briefest moment on screen. Positive - Good movie, not great. First of all, I have to admit that the actor playing Spock was distracting, if you have ever watched the TV show “Heroes.” It was hard to think of him as Spock and not the guy off that show. I enjoyed the movie, and it is a fun movie. After reading some of the reviews on this site prior to going to the movie, I did expect more. So, in someway's, the movie was a bit of a let down, as I was expecting it to be better. It had a few profanities in it and really only one sexual situation where you see a man on top of a woman in lingerie kissing her. I am not saying this is OK, but it is nothing worse than anything you would see on any network show or even in commercials these days. Once again—Good movie, not great. If you are a Star Trek fan, then I am sure you will enjoy it, as it gives several nods to the original series. Positive - Hopefully, my 3 viewings in 24 hours, one of those IMAX, will suggest this is a solid movie with sheer replay value. Positive - First, my disclaimer: I am a Trekker and so are my children. We could not wait to see this movie and actually got tickets for the first night, which we rarely do for any movie. But, I can honestly say that even those who aren't familiar with ST or who think they dislike it will really enjoy this film. My 14 year old daughter raved about it to her non-Trekker friends (don't you wish we all spoke of Jesus Christ with this level of enthusiasm?) and they all loved it. Sure, you may find some of the references more amusing if you know the ST universe a little, but almost anyone will be impressed with the quality of the acting and the intricate, fast-moving plot. Positive - Some offensive language, and womanizing, refreshingly tame given the subject matter and setting. Given the opening (which was fantastic), I must view Star Fleet in this film in a military context. In that context, the language and the womanizing mentioned by others is actually quite mild. As a veteran, I heard far worse in my first three months in the military, and that was not in the heat of battle. In a similar vein, the same drives young men have to seek adventure and to make their lives matter can make them chase inappropriate romantic encounters. I took the opportunity to discuss with my boys the questionable, impetuous nature of young men, and the importance of controlling or directing those impulses in positive manners. Positive - I fully enjoyed this movie! There was little that was offensive…a “G-D” comment by McCoy and a scene where Kirk is in bed with an alien chick. Other than that, it was an exciting, engaging, suspenseful story. I hope another one is coming out soon! Positive - This movie had me a little worried going into it at first because I have always been a star trek fan from the original series to TNG (the next generation), Voyager, and Enterprise and having seen all the movies. Our theater here locally has this new thing where you get food served right to your seat while you sit in a recliner and enjoy the movie so I thought if nothing else we had to try this new concept in movie going out. Positive - The acting in the show was beyond reproach. Chris Pike had me believing he was William Shatner before the end of the show. And is there any end to Zachary Quinto's ability? Don't go there looking to see the original plotline. Yes, the crew looks considerably younger than the crew did on its “original” 'five year mission'. They are launching out roughly 17 years early, taking normal ranking into consideration. Positive - What a movie! I didn't know what to expect when I went to Star Trek, but I had a rip-roaring time! It was fresh and exciting! J.J. Abrams had his hands full trying to lure new fans while keeping “purists” like myself happy, but I think he did a wonderful job. Hope more episodes are planned and that they will be as good as this first installment. Positive - With regard to the various comments about misusing God's name (e.g., G- D-) in this (or any other) movie, I'd like to point out that God's name is not “God” or “LORD.” What the Bible is talking about is misusing God's personal name (e.g., “Yahweh,” “Jehovah,” or “Jesus”). Neutral
Neutral - First of all, upfront, I'm a Star Trek fan, and a science fiction fan. Always have been. And as a movie, this chapter of the ST story is brilliant, enjoyable, well-cast/acted/edited/directed. I enjoyed it very much. They honored the franchise. That said, it has always bothered me, as a born-again Christian, that the future as depicted in ST is idyllic. Humanity has eradicated poverty, hunger, political dissent, war, disease, and crime, and unified into a coherent, happy oneness that repudiates and contradicts the Bible's message of personal sin and humanity's utter inability to find world peace outside of God and his Son. In fact, the Bible clearly states that one day the world will indeed unite as one, and we all know how that ends 7 years later. I worry that shows like “Star Trek” which depict a future one-world paradise are reinforcing humanity's desire for a one-world order, and conditioning us when it does eventually arise to accept it as a positive development. However, as pure entertainment I enjoyed this movie. If only it were an accurate prophecy of what is to come. Neutral - I am a sci-fi fan and have always been one. However, since coming to know Christ and feeling convicted, I have been very careful about the kind of films I see. It's shame that Hollywood just hasn't grasped the idea that they can draw an audience without sex or foul language. Trek is a very entertaining film. It's action packed and well produced. The problem is it's also a film marketed towards children (just step into the toy section of your favorite store). The film contains unnecessary foul language including what I consider the unforgivable (G** D***). I don't like hearing it and don't want my children exposed to it. Also, the sexual scene with Kirk was really unnecessary. The creators of this film could have easily shown Kirk trying to woo women (which they did) in order to convey his womanizing attitude. I rated this film neutral because I want to make sure movie goers are warned. The film is entertaining, but does not support a Christian walk or core values. My advice is if you do go see it do not take any children younger than teens. And then, be prepared to discuss the negative behaviors in the film. Neutral - I say average rating because we Christians seem to get “sanded papered” with all the sexual innuendos to give a moral rating above average, that we take too lightly. Now, let's get down to the business of Star Trek format of the original and re-boot 2009 version. Neutral - We all Christian reviewers forgot a very great scene in the Star Trek 2009 movie. When James T. Kirk's father is about to give his life for the crew while at the same time his wife, on the escape pod, is having a baby (James T. Kirk). It was a tear jerking scene when the father, in those final moments of his life, only now wants to know if the baby is a girl or a boy and what they should call the baby, seconds before he dies. That's real family love, that was a fantastic scene for us Christians—and others for that matter! Neutral - This movie was okay for the most part. There was one offensive scene where the main character, Kirk, is hiding under the bed watching one of the girl students undress after just having sex with one girl. Seriously? Was that really necessary or was that just a scene put in for the teenage audience? Lots of action for sure. The plot was, unfortunately, very confusing to follow. I had never seen Star Trek before and I couldn't follow the movie very well even though I heard that even if you never saw the series you could follow it. Oh well. Negative
Negative - …A definition of believe by Webster’s is: To take as true, real. To trust a statement. To suppose or think. To have faith, trust or confidence. Negative - See movie at your own risk! I admit, I was extremely taken into it and it was full throttle action, until almost at the end. Doc had to boldly tell Kirk a statement, “this is the last G-- d---.” After that I left. I spent $8 to see this film, and the money isn't important it's my values and what God has done for me, that I show Him the RESPECT He deserves. Our God's name taken in vain is allowed to be written in these high budget scripts. In my opinion, when they seep that low, I consider it to be unintelligent, untrustworthy, and most of all disRESPECTful. Not to mention a cheap and lame script when they do this.… Negative - I'm very familiar with the Star Trek franchise. I've seen some of each series; My once-upon-a-time preference being Voyager, then TNG. I've watched the original series many times in the past. I've never really liked it though. But this film was something different; JJ Abram's Fringe is more interesting than this film to me. Some of the things others speak of about the movie I have to strain to remember because it just was not that interesting. For all the hoopla and fanfare and stars, it was still somehow empty. I had intended, as had been the norm, to just go in, sit like a sponge and watch it. The Spirit of God just would not allow that. Instead, my thoughts lingered on the fellow movie-goers in the room with me, on things like how they were receiving what they were watching and drinking in. People I didn't know; Every one of them teenagers. I still caught most of the film, but without being engrossed in it. Comments from young people
Positive - Some things that I really liked about this movie, even though I'm not really a “Star Trek” fan, was that the show had you caring for people from the very beginning. Also, the aliens were cool-looking, not stupid and, although I am a girl, I liked that things were continually getting blown up left and right. The guy who played Spock did a very good job at playing an emotionless man who stuck to the rules and talked like he was from another time. In fact, he did so well, that I wanted to slap the character just to hopefully get an emotional result because I was getting too fed up with him, admittedly! I liked Kirk and Scottie because they were really likeable people. However, there were a few things that I wasn't fond of. There were a few instances of cussing and swearing, although not nearly as much as in most movies these days and sadly, there was one (thankfully short) inappropriate scene that was very stupid to have in there because, aside from obvious reasons, it didn't really mean anything to a very action-packed story. This movie was very good, however, not good for those younger than the movie rating (I actually saw a little girl who looked to be about 5 alone in the bathroom saying she just came from the show) and those who are older than the movie rating should not go see it if they are even slightly immature because of a few startling scenes of strange monsters and things getting blown up. Positive - So, I just want to lay this out from the beginning. I really never liked Star Trek. I tried to watch the TV shows a couple of times, even made an attempt at one of the films (Wrath of Khan, I think) once. But I just wasn't a big fan. Neutral - I thought that overall the movie was pretty awesome. I was mad @ first because my brother made me go and see a “boys” movie. But, I actually loved it. There was only one part that I didn't like: The main character (Kirk, I think) was lying on top of the “green girl” and they were both in their very tight underwear kissing. Then the main girl character comes in and doesn't know that Kirk is under the bed and starts undressing. So, they're all three in their underwear… which is kind of embarrassing if you're sitting next to the opposite sex. And then, they make some reference like “this has to be the 10th boy you've let in here this week…” and yeah, so that was the weird part. Otherwise, it was great! Positive - I went to see this movie the other night and I absolutely LOVED it! The actors, costumes and effects in this movie were great! There were some parts that were slightly objectionable, but it was rated PG-13 so I think it was pretty clean for that rating. I would gladly see this movie again.… Positive - Star Trek was a fast-paced exciting movie full of surprises and accurately representing the previous series. The characters were dramatic and real, full of personality, and how they were brought together to fight their common enemy was beautiful. The scene with partial nudity and suggested sex is absolutely inappropriate and comes rather suddenly. Although my dad and I were able to look away before we saw too much, we did see enough to know what was going on. This was rather disappointing in view of how awesome the rest of the movie was. There was also quite a bit of swearing. Positive - I saw this movie with my father for his birthday, it was a very very good, but there was some inappropriate stuff in it, like two women in their underwear and bras. But overall it was a great movie. Positive - We went to see this for my mom's birthday and I loved it! The acting was superb and Anton Yelchin is by far one of the coolest in the movie. I have never watched any of the old Star Treks, but I got the movie completely. Positive - Overall great movie! I was not a Star Trek fan before I saw this movie, now I've seen every one. I thought the story line was wonderful and well thought out. Because of intense violence and some language, which in one use of the s-word and other objectionable phrases, I believe the rating of PG-13 is appropriate. 10/10 highy recomended!!! Positive - If you are looking for an intense, action-packed movie, go see “Star Trek.” Although there was quite a bit of language (including the GD word), this was an extremely good movie, and I really enjoyed it. Neutral - As sci-fi films go, I've seen much better. As Star Trek movies go, I have also seen much better. In other words, this movie is hugely overrated in almost everything. But then again, I'm not a Trekkie. Let's start with the plot. Comments from non-viewers
I have only seen the trailer for this movie, but plan to see it today. Great review of movie by Sheri McMurray. …Pike sees in him the pluck, determination, and ability to think fast in the face of diversity, that he once saw in his heroic father. No, my wife and I will not see this, but we were planning on it. However, we found out from the main reviewer that G*D D*** was used. Now, I'm confused… How did this get a “Better than Average = only slightly objectionable” rating from most reviewers. Blaspheming God is very objectionable, especially in the bible. The use of these two very inconvenient swear words would lead us to believe that they were purposely inserted into the script by God haters and approved by the same. Are we in league with God haters? My wife and I are not. This film crossed the line (as most do now a days). No, I haven't watched the movie, and now I can't. To use God's holy name in vain in a movie is to put a curse on it, in my opinion. The Bible makes it clear that we will answer for every word we utter (Matt. 12:36-37, also see Matt. 15:18-19). I cannot in good conscience pay to see a movie where they use my Father's name in such a way, and if all Christians began to think this way, then the movie industry would indeed have to make some changes. Think of it logically: If someone used the name of your mother, father, child, etc. as a curse, would you be offended? Then why pay to hear them smear God's name in such a way, the One who loved you enough to die for you? Let it bother you! I would like to thank all the believers out there that wrote about the Lord's name being taken in vain. My mom and I were almost about to see Star Trek today until we came to this site. I am thankful that we won't be spending any money on something that offends our Father in heaven and offends us as well. The only thing that makes me sad is that ANY movie with ANY blatant disregard for the commandments and who we are in Christ would be labeled “better than average” morally. This is very unsettling and will only continue to get worse if we don't somehow stop seeing movies like this and have a voice about what is acceptable and what isn't… I had to stop watching the film half-way through when Dr. McCoy decided to take God's Name in vain. Great movie...up to that point. Christians must draw the line there. This, and this alone, should put it in the “extremely offensive” catagory for anyone who honors the Name of Our God. Very unfortunate that the writers chose this path. |
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