 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Star Trek
- Review Date: May 7, 2009
- PG-13
- Genre: Science Fiction
- 2009
Common Sense Media says
Classic franchise gets new life; OK for older kids.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that although this slick, upbeat sci-fi adventure isn't much more violent than the earlier Star Trek movies, there's a heightened feel that gives it a little bit more edge. While the action is (mostly) bloodless, it's also intense; expect lots of fights, battles, and hand-to-hand combat. At one point, the villains destroy an entire planet of humanoid aliens. Some of the comic relief scenes have a flirty, playful sense of sexuality (Kirk has always been a ladies' man), but that's balanced by the mature depiction of a relationship. There's also a bit of language ("bulls--t," etc.) and some drinking.
What's the story?
Re-starting the Star Trek franchise from its very foundations, STAR TREK begins as a time-travelling bad guy comes from a far-flung future to the early days of the Trek universe. Seeking to avenge a future tragedy, unstuck-in-time villain Nero (Eric Bana) attacks the very foundations of the Federation, including Vulcan and Earth. The only ship that can stop him, the Enterprise, is in the hands of untested Starfleet officers Spock (Zachary Quinto), McCoy (Karl Urban), and a rebel who just barely made it on board, James T. Kirk (Chris Pine).
Is it any good?
Rocketing at warp speed without ever slowing down, J.J. Abrams (Alias, Mission: Impossible III) directs Star Trek as a smart, speedy thrill ride that doesn't indulge in nostalgia for its own sake and welcomes newcomers while still delivering every moment fans might want from of the crew of the Enterprise. Quinto and Pine are both excellent in their own right and also have a real chemistry between them, while Zoe Saldana turns the thankless role of communications expert Uhura into a vital part of the story.
The film isn't perfect -- there are a few minor missteps -- but at the same time, it's also lovingly made, speedily paced, and completely aware of its job: to entertain audiences without leaning too heavily on speeches or sadness, opting instead to deliver action, adventure, and (perhaps a little too much) comedy. Still, in an era when too many summer blockbusters think they can get away with being dumb by claiming to be "fun," it's a pleasure to see a movie as well-made, clever, and charming as this actually seem to want to earn our money by putting on a real show.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the enduring appeal of Star Trek -- what makes people become such faithful fans? Why do you think the studio decided to make a new version? How does it compare to the older movies and TV shows?
Talk about revenge, which is a major theme in the
film. Ask kids whether it's ever justified to hurt others in the name
of revenge. How much of the movie's violence can be traced back to that
motivation? How much impact does it have compared to the violence in other action movies? Why?
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- Teens & kids
Kid, 12 years old
February 10, 2010
AGE
Great geeek funny movie
Smart action packed science fiction comedy space movie attacks back to theaters.
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AGE
Hey, if you have to watch a remake, might as well see this one
Hey, if you have to watch a remake, might as well see this one.
In this reboot, the characters Spock and Kirk argue and clash a lot, but in the end, they work toward being friends, despite their differences.
Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto (Sylar from heroes) Are two of my favorite actors, and the true-to-life friendship they have just made to movie better. at frist i was iffy about this movie, since star trek was my childhood, but my dad, sister, and I ended up LOVING IT (and that's saying something, because my sister HATES star trek) Some Violence, regarding phasers, and fist fighting, and a few characters die, but otherwise, family friendly movie... (:
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AGE
Great movie adds near sex scene to push rating to PG-13
"softcore sex scene" is much closer to the truth than "characters in their underwear make out on a bed" as you state in your review. That scene was truly unnecessary to the plot of the movie, as Kirk's womanizing ways are established all through the film over and over. I really loved the movie, I just get annoyed when they throw stuff like this in just to push their rating to a PG-13 to get teens to see it.
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AGE
Check out my page for other great recommendations.
I'm not here to give a review because if it shows up on my page its a 5 star movie and so therefore you know what i think about it.
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AGE
Very Good--a Must-See for Teens
Nothing pushes the limits, but it's pretty scary for younger kids. Some scenes are intense, and the violence is sort of intense, but never graphic, bloody, or gory. More language than you'd expect (especially since the raring description says nothing about language): one use of "f---ing" in a song (VERY clear); one kid calls Spock's mother a "human w--re"; other words such as "a-s", and milder ones are spread throughout. Sexual content is surprising: two people (I guess?) are shown having sex (clothed) on a bed, and you can hear them moaning and breathing heavily, which is pretty disgusting. Otherwise, this is a good, positive film.
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Kid, 11 years old
October 16, 2010
AGE
I loved it ! I thought it was really amazing! It was questionable due to the other Star Trek movies. Parts that did not make sense like later on Spock's mother was alive and old spock said that Kirk's father lived to see him become captain of the Enterprise. Some parents might not want there kids to watch it, but this is a got-to-see!
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AGE
Mostly Great!
Great movie with one unnessary scene with Kirk and a green girl, of course.
Looking forward to the sequal!
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AGE
Not your father's "Star Trek" ... but respects it
While not especially graphic, there's enough PG-13-ish sex (some kissing in underwear) and violence (murder and torture in quick, but unmistakable, glimpses) in this movie to make it generally inappropriate for under 12. Plot-wise, it's actually kind of an uninspired sci-fi with time-travel mumbo-jumbo and space ships with inexplicably leaky pipes. Where this movie excels is in its cast and characters. I yawned through the phaser battles, but got goosebumps when Kirk and Spock were arguing on the bridge. The writers and director really understand why the world loves these characters, and the new group of young actors perfectly echo the famous original performances yet bring something fresh to each one. That's no small trick, and makes this a satisfying movie for fans and non-fans alike. I can imagine how a new generation of teens will come to think of this Enterprise crew as their own, and their parents will feel like their beloved old show has not be exploited but invigorated.
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AGE
Great movie, awesome on Blu-ray
Star Trek is an instant classic. Doing great justice to the original series/movies, this movie shows how each character came to be as they are in the originals. Kirk is a great role model, as he perseveres and doesn't give up. Great special effects, my favorite Blu-ray title. The content does get a bit sketchy, though. I recommend it.
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AGE
instant classic has some violence
f@ck is used once and lots of sci fi violence like a grusome bug scene
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| Studio: | Paramount Pictures |
| Director: | J.J. Abrams |
| Cast: | Chris Pine, Eric Bana, Zachary Quinto |
| Genre: | Science Fiction |
| Run time: | 126 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | May 8, 2009 |
| DVD release date: | November 17, 2009 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | sci-fi action and violence, and brief sexual content |
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