The other major flaw with this film, and I'm sure hardcore fans will have something to say about this, is the inclusion of Leonard Nimoy as old Spock. Don't get me wrong; I think the idea is as cool as much as the next Trek fan does, but it's an idea that's wasted and feels far too forced here. Beyond some plot exposition and the "coolness" factor (or maybe the need to be "legitimate" Trek by including an original cast member), old Spock is a complete and unnecessary waste here. Truth be told, the film might have been better without him because his inclusion here just feels far too awkward. In fact, his exclusion may have left the necessary room to improve the depth of the villain Nero. If we had been forced to learn about him as the crew learned about him, instead of just through some brief expository moments with Spock, that character may have had more emotional resonance. Then again, maybe he wouldn't have, but I think his character suffered for the most for the inclusion of old Spock.

Thus far I've only focused on Star Trek's flaws, of which there are plenty: from plot holes to far-too-coincidental coincidences to a plot that sometimes moves too quickly for its own good. You're probably thinking that means I didn't like this movie, but nothing could be further from the truth. J.J. Abrams was tasked with the impossible, to make a show that had run out of steam and had become too staid and cerebral for its own good and make it exciting and fun again. For a show that was originally billed as a "Wagon Train to the stars," Star Trek lost much of its life and excitement as it slowly morphed into "serious sci-fi" that involved lots of talk. To be told to make all of that interesting and exciting again while still maintaining the essence of the show and at the same time making it new but doing so without destroying the old to keep the fans but expand its appeal... well let's just say I wouldn't have wanted to be Mr. Abrams. But he arose to the task and for the most part succeeded admirably. Not only has he given us a fresh start, he's also explained how Star Trek can start anew with a new look and new technology despite being the same, original crew. That's no easy task, but it's handled well in this film.

Beyond just reestablishing a new reality for Star Trek, Abrams makes it exciting once again. This new Star Trek is funny and action-packed. It's full of urgency and excitement. It's a grand adventure in the vastness of space, and yet at its core, it's about the people and the relationships on board a ship called Enterprise. Star Trek is everything a summer movie should be. It's big, it's loud, it's exciting, it's entertaining, and it leaves you wanting more. When's the last time anyone's been able to say that about any Trek film? Maybe Wrath of Khan? Perhaps First Contact? Whatever it may be, it's been a while. This is a film that Star Trek fans will enjoy if they can look past the idiosyncrasies, and that new fans will enjoy because they're getting in on the ground floor of whole new Trek.

So is this a whole new start for Star Trek? A sequel's already been announced; but will we see new TV shows based on this new Trek? Will we get new books and comics and video games and all the rest? I suppose only time will tell if this new Trek will have the longevity and relevance its predecessor had. Certainly there is a lot of potential for this new status quo. There's a lot to explore and while this is a new crew, they're still the same crew. While things may be different, they're really still the same. This new Star Trek is a familiar universe full of new potential, and here's hoping it will continue to boldly go where no one has gone before. I'll definitely be along for the ride.

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