While I wasn't intentionally avoiding this movie, my skepticism probably kept me from seeking to see it in the theater as hard as I otherwise might have. I wish I had made more of an effort. The robust visuals were extremely appealing and I am sure my TV didn't do them justice.

There is no simple plot and other than a few extra minutes spent on Kirk and Spock's origin, the story mostly revolves around how all these people ended up in the same place - The Federation Starship Enterprise. Interestingly though, if you ponder it, it might not be how they got there at all. Think Mcfly! After that its just action action action mixed with some mildly necessary time travel fluff.

The performances were excellent. Chris Pine respectfully sells his role as Kirk early on with a few Shatneresque lines, but then clearly makes the character his own - easy on the overacting.

Zachary Quinto's Spock was refreshing. While obviously given license to be a little less logical, he still portrayed the essence well. If you ever wished Spock was just a tad more bad-ass, then Quinto is the guy for you.

Eric Bana made a fine evil villain as Nero, but I think ultimately the role could have been played by anyone. It was a pretty standard cookie cutter Star Trek style nemesis character. Wash, rinse, repeat.

Ironically, I think Leonard Nimoy's reprisal of Spock was the least genuine of the film. I actually didn't believe he was Spock. His omniscient narrative character probably could have been done without entirely.

My only real gripe with the movie was the minimal use of the most important character in any Star Trek movie. The Enterprise. This is the only movie I can think of where it somehow manages to be just a bridge. My heart was in my throat when the remaining chunk of Enterprise was burning up in the Genesis atmosphere near the end of Star Trek 3. If it was destroyed in this movie (it isnt), even if you noticed, you probably wouldn't care. I hope they consider this point for future projects.

Overall, I appreciated the efforts to respect the origins of the show and movies but understand the need to update it. While a little annoyed at first, I ultimately decided to embrace the plot point that essentially affords a blank check of continuity to any probable sequels. I look forward to seeing them.