For those of us that were afraid that the Star Trek phenomenon had run its course, I am very happy to report that it has been revived!

The latest in the Star Trek enterprise (sorry, I couldn’t resist) – takes us back to the origins of some very familiar characters, if with new faces. This is the story of how Kirk, Spock, Bones, Uhura, Scotty, Sulu, and Chekov came to become the crew of the Starship Enterprise. This is not the background story you were expecting however. If you are a longtime trekker, and have memorized all the crew’s stats, the when you first start watching the film you may cry ,”Foul!” Do not fear. All will be explained in time. (In case you guys haven’t already checked out all of the official sites – I will try not to give away any major plot lines.)

I will say that because of the plot twist in this film, it gives the writers the chance to take on the Star Trek universe and run with it all over again – without just replaying the same old storylines. It also gives the chance to take the same characters and build them up in different ways.

In the original series, Kirk was easily the star with Spock there for character color. Over time Spock grew into his role and became important to the fans – but he was never really the focus. Even when the movies were about getting him back, it had more to do with his impact on Kirk.

Now, however we get to see what really makes Spock tick. Played by Zachary Quinto (Heroes) we get to see a whole new side of the normally logical and stoic man. His inner struggle with being half Vulcan/half Human is real turmoil. It is something he fights with. Emotions are something he does not know what to do with. He is brought up on the strictly logical Vulcan planet, but fiercely loves his human mother. A tragic double loss threatens to rip him apart. One of the best scenes in the entire movie is when Uhura (Zoe Saldana) tries to comfort him. You can see and feel the struggle in him; his body and heart want to respond to her and his mind says to stay in control.

James T. Kirk (newcomer Chris Pine) is not yet the polished charmer that we have all come to associate with the Captain of the Enterprise. In fact, he is not even the Captain. He’s not even supposed to be on the Enterprise – he sneaks onto the ship with the help of his physician buddy Dr. Leonard McCoy AKA “Bones”. Kirk kind of, sort of got caught cheating on a test by Spock – so is not supposed to be on this mission. But, like I said, this is not the Kirk we know. This Kirk is gritty, naughty, wild and a complete trouble maker. The fact that he’s also a total genius when it comes to tactics doesn’t hurt him. He’s also fearless, a trait that comes in very handy when facing a giant ship of Romulans who care about nothing other than the destruction of every Federation planet.

Getting to meet all of our other favorites as youngsters is just fun – especially Scotty and Chekov, whose enthusiasm is pure joy to watch.

Of course, the special effects in this film are to die for. The gargantuan Romulan ship is awe inspiring, and you have never seen sky-diving until you see the Enterprise version. Of course, their version is a little more deadly, too – but hey, that’s the whole lure of extreme sports, right?

I have heard rumors that there is already a 2nd movie script in the works. I can only jump up and down and bite my nails waiting for it. The Star Trek revolution has started all over again – and it is wonderful!

Star Trek is rated PG-13 for sci-fi action and violence, and brief sexual content, (Come on - Kirk has to hook up with at least 1 green skinned lady, or he wouldn’t be Kirk!)