So I just saw Star Trek. To be honest I had somewhat low expectations for JJ Abram’s ‘reboot’ of the franchise, or the ‘Cannon’ as true die hards would perhaps refer to it. Let me just start out by saying that I absolutely loved it.
From the aggressive and moving first act to how each character is hewn into the story, to the multiple multiple nods for medium core (myself) and perhaps hardcore fans of the series, Abrams firmly makes his case for being comfortable with the material and lofty expectations for this film. As a physician, the character of Dr. McCoy or ‘Bones’ is especially close to my heart, portrayed ably by Karl Urban, in a deadpan homage to the late DeForest Kelly. But don’t take my word for it: “When Karl Urban introduced himself as Leonard McCoy and shook hands with Chris Pine, I burst into tears,” says Nimoy during an interview at the Four Seasons Hotel. “I thought that performance of his was so moving, so touching, so powerful, as Dr. McCoy, that I think [Kelly] would be smiling and maybe in tears as well.” Check after the jump for the rest of the review and the first official NCL Contest!
The back and forth between Pine’s Kirk and Urban’s ‘Bones’ was nothing short of a joy to watch, a triumph of witty writing executed well by two solid actors. (Dammit, I’m a Doctor not an Astrophysicist, man.) Loved how the original captain of the USS Kelvin was a desi – loved that John Cho (Harold of Harold and Kumar fame) got to kick some a$$. Simon Pegg as Scotty was an inspired choice, as well as his little alien sidekick with the emotive eyes. As much as I enjoyed the film, I did have one or two little niggles. My wife pointed out the sheer number of times that action scenes seemed to culminate with one person hanging perilously on a ledge. There were a lot of ledges in that film. Eric Bana’s crazed Romulan antagonist seemed slightly one dimentional, which is a shame as Bana (Chopper / Munich / Black Hawk Down) can act. Also, yes, if you’re going to reboot, you’re going to need to do some time traveling – this is a given. But the eradication of a civilization seemed unnecesary and heavy handed in terms of exposition. Lastly, the sheer concidence of Kirk being marooned on an M-class planet that had not one but two principle characters that just happened to be on it? Pretty awesome coincidence. Regardless, I had a blast, which brings me to the first of our little Nerdcore Learning competitions.
Every once in a while, we’ll post a clinical question based on some piece to popular culture to make sure that while you’re getting your geek fix, you’re also thinking about medicine. The first three correct answers will get a goody from the NCL grab-bag, that includes signed posters, t-shirts and NCL products. You ready to do this, Scotty? OK, in the film, Kirk is injected with a vaccination that results in an interesting reaction. a) What type of hypersensitivity reaction did Kirk experience? b) How would you have treated this condition if you were ‘Bones’ and c) Is epinepherine dosed in a solitary concentration? Why is this important to know?
Good hunting!