As a prequel to the former Star Trek films and the Television series the movie is anything but a strictly fan focused endeavor. It offers something for everyone regardless of your experience with the history of Star Trek and the tone is much more lighthearted and fun than you may expect. As a whole it delivers plenty of action, comedy, and a great mix of characters that make it easy to sit back and enjoy the show.

In one word: phenomenal. The use of models and CGI fit together so perfectly that you forget this is a fictional creation of an alternate world. It all seems so real and within reach for the viewer. There is absolutely no fault with the effects employed; they are crisp, clear, distinct and at times breathtaking to behold.

Assembling a cast of this size that works seamlessly together is a difficult feat. Those behind the casting of this film have accomplished that and more. All of the characters fit perfectly together. They each bring something different to the story but work together so well that you can feel the beginning of a long and fulfilling journey together. With their mixture of sarcasm and comedy and a dose of drama thrown in it is a thrill to watch them all on screen together. It is also worth noting that the chemistry between Spock and Kirk is excellent. They are a pair that you thoroughly enjoy seeing on screen together, as their relationship begins and changes you cannot wait to see what the two of them will bring as the film develops.

The sound throughout the film is done very well. There are two uses whose execution is excellent. In the first act of the film sound bridges are employed with on and off screen action. By doing this the plot moves along quicker but it does not sacrifice understanding from the viewer.

The other great choice in sound, and excellence in sound editing, is that of the lack of sound in outer space for there is no sound in space. When a character finds themselves in actual space all sounds disappear. The silence of these scenes, or the bare sound of breathing within a space suit, gives a more dramatic edge to the action on screen.

Even though the film is a part of the science fiction action genre the actual action scenes are not all that exciting. They are fun and get you going but it is more of a mental action and developing moments of fear for the lives of the characters when under attack. You can expect decent moments of action but do not expect anything over the top or highly original.