One of the best sci-fi moves of the 21st Century on TV this weekend (2025)

The 2009 Star Trek film is a reboot of the long-running Star Trek franchise and is one of the best reviewed sci-fi movies of the 21st century. Here's everything you need to know about the film ahead of its broadcast on Film4 this Saturday

With a whopping 94 per cent rating on review site Rotten Tomatoes, the 2009 Star Trek film is a timeless classic. The Star Trek franchise was in a slump during the 2000s - until director J. J. Abrams stepped in and revitalised the series with a perfect blend of fun, flavour, and fanfare.

The critically acclaimed sci-fi action film, penned by Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman, served as an excellent reboot for the cherished franchise. Scheduled to air on Film4 on Saturday, April 12, Star Trek is the 11th instalment in the franchise and features the main characters from the original 1960s series and following films, portrayed by a fresh cast.

The 2009 reboot follows James T. Kirk, with Chris Pine taking on the role originated by William Shatner, and Spock, brought to life by the energetic Zachary Quinto, aboard the USS Enterprise as they face off against Nero - the perfectly-cast Eric Bana - a Romulan from their future who poses a threat to the stability of the United Federation of Planets.

Set within an alternate reality, the plot reimagines Kirk's birthplace and introduces additional historical changes triggered by the time travel of both Nero and the original Spock - with the legendary Leonard Nimoy reprising the role he first took on in 1966. This alternate timeline was designed to free the film and the franchise from the constraints of established continuity, while still preserving the essential elements of the original story.

To say that Star Trek was a hit at the box office would be playing it down considerably. On its $150 million budget, the sci-fi spectacle raked in a colossal $386 million globally, according to figures from Collider. It also received four Oscar nominations, and won Best Makeup and Hairstyling - a first for the Star Trek franchise.

Featuring an impressive ensemble cast that includes Zoe Saldana, Karl Urban, Simon Pegg, John Cho, and Anton Yelchin, the success of Star Trek spurred sequels with Star Trek Into Darkness in 2013 and Star Trek Beyond in 2016.

The movie's critical reception was through the roof, with one reviewer praising: "Trading on affections sustained over 40 years of popular culture, Star Trek does what a franchise reboot rarely does. It reminds us why we loved these characters in the first place." Others saw it as a revival for the series, with another reviewer saying: "Just when you thought that the Star Trek phenomenon had truly run its course, along comes J. J. Abrams's stunning prequel to resuscitate the most enduring franchise in sci-fi history." Another described it as: "A movie that, against all odds, has miraculously resurrected a wheezing but beloved franchise."

Audiences were clearly captivated by the daring adventure fantasy, with one fan writing: "The reboot could not have been done any better. I am a huge Star Trek fan and this is my favourite movie of the franchise. I saw it when it was released in theatres and have watched it many times since over the years. Phenomenal!".

Another enthusiast gushed: "Such a well considered entrance for a new run into the universe. With a great cast, brilliant directing, and a solid story, this lays the foundation for something special. It's proper cinematic entertainment, with great characters, and a real charm about it."

Yet, perhaps the quintessence of the film's acclaim is captured in a succinctly eloquent critique: "A bright, shiny blast from a newly imagined past." Fans can catch Star Trek on Film4 on Saturday, April 12, starting at 6.35pm. Alternatively, the film is also up for streaming on Amazon Prime Video and Paramount+.