by Randolph Johnson

Created on: May 18, 2009   Last Updated: May 22, 2009

Stardate 0510.9 Mothers' Day as it is on the Planet earth, this Trekker went to see the new Star Trek movie with my friend, Kristen and her daughter, Amanda. All and all we loved it. As for myself I am a devout science fiction fan and having the experience of enjoying all that the ST franchise has produced unto, this movie successfully brought together all the elements which has made Star Trek a social entertainment icon.

When I was a kid the original series was in syndication on the local television stations, by 5 o'clock in the afternoon I (or one of my friends whose house I happened to be at at the time) would commandeer the set (at the disgruntle of our siblings and parents) and faithfully absorb ourselves into the universe of Kirk, Spock, McCoy along with their subordinate counterparts, whatever premise they were written into to save themselves, the Enterprise or some alien other worldly place. Even though by today's television standards ST themes are played campy to the extreme, the sheer interest of going someplace aboard a starship that would take you to galaxies far, far away had me locked in front of the tee vee every weekday afternoon. Captain Kirk played the ultimate alpha male (especially if some evil guy or tried to overthrow his authority take his crew or ship) who took on enemies and problems head on and this no self motivated heterosexual male could ignore! He always shot first and asked questions later either with an enemy or female conquest. Like a true space cowboy, his diplomacy always worked. And in real life it made William Shatner into icon himself culminating into "Denny Crain " and the "Priceline Negotiator" ....but those are two other franchises!
Chris Pine does a great job at making the role his own. He carries the movie in his own unique way in this 2009 advent to the ST franchise. The young James Kirk (portrayed by Jimmy Bennett) is not unlike any boy in his situation, (in the original series you don't get the background of Kirk's youth) rebellious and delinquent! When Chris Pine appears, as Kirk in his twenties, he is just as careless and irresponsible even though his father was legend (of which that overshadows James own life) he is doing what most straight single guys do at his age. Get drunk, chase s and fight. It isn't until Captain Pike (played by solidly by actor Bruce Greenwood) reminds the young Kirk of his family's devotion to Star Fleet and the Federation where he decides to join up.
If I may digress , during my twenties

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