Director: J.J. Abrams
Starring: Winona Ryder, Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto
‘A Meaningful Masterpiece’
Not many actresses in Hollywood have made movies that audiences treasure like Winona Ryder. Ever since her rise to fame during the 1990’s, Ryder has become a strong feminist icon. Whether its grim lovers, ballet dancers or political leaders, Ryder has portrayed many strong characters. Arguably, Ryder’s finest strength as an actress has always been her strong commitment. She is one of those rare actresses that has always poured her heart and soul into each role. Ryder has never been afraid to take risks in her career taking risks. Through her abilities to create strong women that are easy to relate to, Ryder has become a beloved actress audiences value. An actress with a strong commitment to her craft, Ryder has been an icon in entertainment. Throughout her enduring career, Ryder has made several memorable movies which are definitely worth talking about.
I am a fan of Ryder and adore all the movies which she has made in her career. However, “Star Trek” is definitely my favourite. Ever since its release in 2009, J.J. Abrams’ movie has stood the test of time as a science fiction classic. Packed with breathtaking production design, engaging storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one of the best science fiction films ever made. It’s elevated by a stellar supporting performance by Winona Ryder, who portrays a mother of an alien facing disaster. Ultimately, what makes “Star Trek” a sci-fi classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most science-fiction movies, it tackles strong themes everyone will relate to. A captivating science-fiction classic, there are many strong reasons why “Star Trek” is a movie worth seeing.
Based on the beloved television series, “Star Trek” tells the story of an unlikely hero which embarks on an adventure across the galaxy. Chris Pine plays James T. Kirk, a cocky space pilot with a love for trekking across galaxies. Kirk has often believed in the importance of freedom in trekking the galaxy. However, Kirk’s life forever changes when he embarks upon an adventure across the galaxy with a team that causes disaster. Kirk’s views on space clash with Spock (Zachary Quinto). Spock is a bold Vulcan with a rigid way of doing things which cause tension. Raised by his mother Amanda Grayson (Winona Ryder), Spock has often had a rigid way of doing things in space causing a disaster. As all the odds are stacked against his favour, Kirk begins to wonder whether he will ever be able to live up to the legacy of his father.
J.J. Abrams has always been fascinated with the sci-fi genre. A fantastic filmmaker, Abrams has often made engaging movies about space heroes experiencing disaster. With “Star Trek”, however, the filmmaker created his first sci-fi adaptation. It was the filmmaker’s attempt to honour a legendary science fiction series but he succeeded tremendously. Using stunning cinematography, Abrams captures a space hero on a journey to discover identity. Evoking George Lucas’ “Star Wars: A New Hope”, the filmmaker effectively uses handheld cameras to capture the hardship the space heroes often go through. For instance, handheld cameras elevate the opening scene. During this intense scene, Commander George Kirk sacrifices his life to save his space crew from catastrophes. Through handheld camera, Abrams honours an iconic series in the sci-fi genre. Handheld camera is a tricky technique to use in movies. As Tim Burton’s “Edward Scissorhands” did prove clearly, handheld camera elevates films about disability. Nevertheless, it works well in this movie. Through stunning visuals, Abrams captures tensions space heroes on missions are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “Star Trek” that merits appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, the movie is extremely well made. Abrams effectively uses production design to stage thrilling action sequences in space. Throughout the movie, Abrams uses practical effects to stage action sequences capturing strong bonds between space teams. For instance, practical effects enhance the space mission scene. During this memorable scene, Kirk and his space crew collaborate to embark on adventure across space causing tragedies. Through commemorated practical effects, Abrams creates space characters that audiences can easily relate to. Moreover, the musical score is magnificent. Michael Giacchino’s commemorated music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the film a tense atmosphere capturing the heavy burden space pilots bear. Through strong production, Abrams captures heroes that embark upon a space mission.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Star Trek” is a science-fiction film which is compelling. The movie is beautifully written, and successfully uses flashbacks to capture the hardships experienced by space heroes. Evoking Christopher Nolan’s “Batman Begins”, Abrams effectively uses flashbacks to convey tension space heroes are facing. For instance, flashbacks enhance the childhood memories scene. During this unforgettable scene, Spock recalls memories of being bullied as a child for having a human mother. Through flashbacks, Abrams celebrated a commemorated science fiction television series with value. Flashbacks are not simple to use in movies. As Robert Zemeckis’ “Forrest Gump” suggested, flashbacks elevate films about intellectual disabilities. Nevertheless, it works tremendously in this movie. Through an extraordinary screenplay, Abrams captures the frightening hardships of space heroes which experience a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Winona Ryder delivers one of her finest career performances as Amanda Grayson. Ryder first earned appreciation for portraying rebellious teenagers in coming-of-age dramas. With “Star Trek”, however, she took on her most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray an iconic sci-fi character in history but she succeeded immensely. This is the actress unlike you have ever seen her before; intense, charismatic and emotional in her most memorable role. Despite having limited screen time in the movie, Ryder managed to leave a lasting impression. With riveting expressions, she captures the angst, grief and wisdom of a mother that struggles to care for a planet. It’s a bold performance from one of the most commemorated actresses in Hollywood today.
Chris Pine is captivating as a space hero that walks a fine line facing a decline. Pine excels at plating emotional heroes under pressure, and “Star Trek” showcased his strengths as an actor. Whether he’s fighting strangers in a bar or seeking to discover his father’s legacy, Pine uses strong body language to create a space hero that’s compelling. It’s a role that gave the actor a chance to showcase his charisma. It’s a phenomenal performance from one of the greatest actors today.
The supporting cast is amazing and deserves appreciation. Zachary Quinto is spectacular, capturing the sorrow of a space commander mourning loss of parents causing his life to hit a sad low. Zoe Saldana is sensational, bringing charisma to a space heroine that engages in warfare causing trauma. Lastly, Eric Bana is worth of appreciation. As a villain, he brings menace to the movie.
Finally, “Star Trek” will earn appreciation of everyone for honouring a series about space heroes that trek. Unlike most science fiction films, it tackles strong themes everyone will relate to. It discusses strong themes including identity, family and loss which would resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the science-fiction series to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message concerning identity which would resonate with everyone. Therefore, “Star Trek” is one of those rare sci-fi movies everyone will adore.
Fans of Winona Ryder will definitely appreciate “Star Trek” and so will movie-goers that seek exhilarating entertainment. A captivating sci-fi classic, it honours an actress that is iconic.
Nearly 20 years following the release of a groundbreaking science-fiction film honour a series about galaxies in space, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated actress that has built a long-lasting place in the film industry through her abilities to portray compelling characters in memorable movies which audiences embrace.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 