By Tricia Pursell
HUMMELS WHARF -- Will "Star Trek" live long and prosper?
Valley fans seem to think so.
The film drew about 70 fans to a first showing and another 40 or so to a second as it premiered Thursday evening at the Cinema Center at the Susquehanna Valley Mall.
"The ads always say it isn't your father's Star Trek'," said Matt Cox, of Selinsgrove. "This is one I would be proud to call my own."
He and his father attended the movie together, as they have all the other "Star Trek" movies.
"Star Trek" is the 11th movie based on the original 1960s television series, which was followed by five more series.
"It's family tradition to see every movie opening night," said Cox's father, Scott Cox, also of Selinsgrove.
"I grew up with Star Trek'," Scott said. "I was 15 when it premiered on television."
A former rocket scientist for NASA, Scott credits "Star Trek" for his inspiration.
As does Matt, who works as a machinist and engineer for Montgomery Scott. He has been watching the show since he was 2 years old.
He was particularly pleased with the latest film, saying it was more realistic than the rest, and the graphics were very well done.
But however different, "The message is still the same," he said. "Put aside your differences. Working together really does lead to better things."
And, "Technology isn't our enemy. It brought out the best in us."
A large number of Susquehanna University students were also at the theater for the first showing.
"I loved the movie," said William Paris, of Texas. "It was very funny, bright. I can't say enough about the cast."
Capt. Kirk, he said, had the perfect blend of arrogance, humor and heroism. And though it was a lengthy movie -- more than two hours -- it didn't seem long, he said.
"Never for a moment did I feel it was lagging," Paris said.
"The action sequences were really good," said Tim Gonzalez, of Newberrytown. "It really kept my attention."
Colin McGrory, of Princeton, N.J., especially appreciated how Kirk and Spock's relationship was portrayed.
For Matthew Prince, of Media, it was the movie's all-accessibility to non-"Star Trek" fans that will make it a huge hit.
"It appeals to everyone," Cinema Center Manager Michael Kiel said.
And the so-called trekkies will no doubt remain faithful.
"I think it will draw in the hard-core fans from the old series," Kiel said.
n E-mail comments to tpursell@dailyitem.com
