Most who know me realize that while I go through my phases, focusing on certain interests more intensely at some times more than others, Star Trek has been the science fiction franchise that has been a backdrop to my personality for some 16 years or more. I grew up on Next Generation, and had piles of toys ( which I trashed ) and watched every Star Trek movie I could find, while taking in a great deal of the great Star Trek television series that came along. i watched the end of Next Generation, saw a little bit of Deep Space Nine, and made sure to watch the pilot episode of Voyager when it made it's premiere on UPN. In more recent years, the internet has helped to fill in the gaps for me, with so many great sites that detail the Star Trek universe better than most Encyclopedias cover real world events.

In short, I've become one of those guys that can tell you the top speed of a starship class, or what deck Captain Picard's quarters are on, or what movie a certain event happened, etc. Does that make me a Star Trek geek? Certainly. But, I never really had too much bias for any particular series, nor do I insist it's way better than Star Wars, and i tend to avoid those corny Kirk vs Picard arguments. I indulge in the full depth of the Star Trek universe, but without that typical lack of maturity that many fanboys seem to have. I see no need for comparing the incomparable. But, with that said, most fans will agree that the original Star Trek series of the 1960's is the holy ground of everything upon which Star Trek is based. No matter how corny man of it's aspects may seem with it's very dated appearance and acting, no one would dare deny the original series of it's place in Star Trek lore, nor would they tamper with it in any way.

So, when word got out that the next Star Trek movie would be based upon the adventure of Kirk and Spock and the crew of the original Starship Enterprise, there was a great deal of concern and anxiety about how this movie would turn out. For many, learning that J.J. Abrams would be directing the movie and that he had been a greater fan of Star Wars was already groan inducing. Add to that the idea that this new movie would be more or less a reinterpretation of the original series, there was a feeling that this movie would be the Star Trek equivalent of heresy. It would destroy nearly half a century of Gene Roddenberry's vision of the future, and bring on an sleek, new 21st century impersonation of Star Trek that would be hailed as "better" than the original and would basically alienate traditional fans while embracing a younger audience that could care less about the tradition of the series.

It's no secret that even I was for the most part against the idea of this new movie. I felt there was no need to revive the original series, especially if it meant completely screwing it up. But as time went on, I got a few small hints of what this movie had in store. While the new look seemed to be a pretty radical departure, it was also daring and enticing. The idea of seeing this new vision was becoming pretty appealing now that I had finally accepted the fact that this movie would be an alternate timeline. I mean, Star Trek has always had things of this nature and many fans have loved the alternate universe episodes, and as Spock said "There are always possibilities." Opposing that which is new and different is really a pretty dated ideal in the Star Trek universe, as it would be impossible to explore strange new worlds if you were constantly stuck in your own preconceptions about what to expect. Thanks to the movie's website which gave some tantalizing peeks at the new movies, it didn't take me long to turn my apprehension into sheer excitement. I honestly couldn't wait to see this new Star Trek, regardless of how different it might be. I feel that my understanding and willingness to embrace the new movie was rewarded beyond anything I could have expected.

After having seen the movie on it's opening day, I can tell you that this film does things that have never been done with Star Trek. It departs from the traditional slow pace, and crams all the character, action, emotion, and drama you could ever handle into a two-hour movie. This vision of Star Trek is nothing like you've ever seen before, and once you put your preconceptions aside just as I did, you'll find that the movie really takes you into it's own world and launches you from one scene to another with impeccable style. I don't think this has ever been done with a Star Trek movie, and honestly, it was brilliant. I can't say that it will be what ever Star Trek fan wants, but it's what the franchise needs to put some fresh blood into Star Trek and get the pulse pounding again.

I won't spoil any aspect of this movie, and even if I were to try and explain the story, I wouldn't do it justice. It simply has to be experienced. Rarely do I call a movie an "experience." I mean, that's something that the guys that try to sell you this stuff will say. I can only say that I don't think I've even been so blown away by a Star Trek movie. For me, it hits all the right emotions and at the very end, I found myself so emotionally touched by the movie that I was beside myself. It's a daring and bold tribute to the original series. There's been nothing like it, and I doubt there ever will again. Star Trek fans will take their time picking apart this movie, finding things they don't like such as certain prop designs or holes in the story's plot, etc. But from what I'm seeing so far, even those who are skeptical are still walking away from this movie absolutely delighted. It's an awesome film, plain and simple. What a relief!

In closing, my hat's off to everyone involved in the production of the movie and I wish them the best. Writing this chapter into Star Trek was no small feat, and it certainly took guts. I'm also grateful that I had an awesome group of people there to experience this with me, including my Kitty who has guided and supported me through many things including my concern about where my beloved Star Trek was going. It looks like it's going... where >.< OMG I'm not using that cliche again. XD In short, it's rockin' socks!

Also, I want to acknowledge the great folks to whom this film is dedicated, Gene Roddenberry and Majel Barrett Roddenberry. The Great Bird of the Galaxy himself, and his loving wife who's performances have enriched the franchise throughout it's entirety. There are no small words that could express my admiration for their work and the timeless legacy they leave behind.

"For I dipt into the future, as far as human eye can see, saw the vision of the world, and the wonder that would be." - Alfred Lord Tennyson