There really should not be a debate over who is Hollywood’s “Best Chris,” asChris Pinehas easilyproven himself as an actor of real depth. Betweenhis steely role in the neo-WesternHell or High Waterand his charismatic romanticism as Steve Trevor in theWonder Womanfilms, Pine has shown that he’s capable of standing out within talented ensembles. However, the challenges he faced when stepping into the role of James T. Kirk in the reboot of theStar Trekfranchise were immeasurable. WhileWilliam Shatner’sperformance has been cited as the gold standard of overacting,Pine brought a surprising sensitivity and nuance to his role as the younger Captain Kirk.
The mythology ofStar Trekis quite dense, but directorJ.J. Abrams'2009 reboot serves as a great entry point for newcomers to the franchise. By taking place within an alternate universe known as the “Kelvin Timeline,” the new trilogy was able to forge a new direction and show the events leading up tothe iconic episodes ofStar Trek: The Original Series. Longtime fans may have struggled accepting a new actor in Shatner’s iconic role, butPine gave Kirk a complete character arc during the action-packed conclusion of 2009’sStar Trekwhen he and Spock worked together to infiltrate theNarada.
J.J. Abrams' 2009 movie Star Trek rebooted the iconic sci-fi franchise in a totally new timeline. When a Romulan ship travels back in time and alters the past, the lives of James T. Kirk (Chris Pine), Spock (Zachary Quinto), and the future crew of the USS Enterprise are drastically changed. In this new timeline, the Romulan Nero (Eric Bana) sets out for revenge on Spock, setting off a chain of events that reshape the entire universe.
Chris Pine’s Best Moment as Kirk Comes in ‘Star Trek’s Final Act
While the originalStar Trekseries took place in an established universe, the reboot film examines how Kirk rose from a humble background to become one of the bravest andmost accomplished captains in the history of Starfleet. Bravery is always in his wheelhouse, butKirk starts off the film as a selfish jerk who only uses Starfleet to advance his own ego.Kirk essentially decides to enlist in Starfleet Academy in order to win a bet with Captain Christopher Pike (Bruce Greenwood). Following this, he seems more interested in starting feuds with Spock (Zachary Quinto) and flirting with Lieutenant Uhura (Zoe Saldaña) than he isfulfilling the Prime Directive.However, a pivotal conversation with Spock Prime (Leonard Nimoy) indicates to Kirk that he has a greater legacy to fulfill.
Pine shows inStar Trek’sconclusionthat Kirk has grown more responsible.His mission is a critical one; the ruthless Romulan, Captain Nero (Eric Bana), has already destroyed the planet Vulcan, and is intent on leading an attack on Earth. While Pine has always done a great job at showing that Kirk has a keen sense of humor, his complexion grows far more grave when he informs his crew about the impending mission. Kirk realizes that everything he came from, including his family and friends on Earth, is at stake. It’s the first instance in the film where he develops a knack for heroism that is entirely selfless, and not out of a desperate attempt to prove himselfworthy to the other characters.
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While the final sequence includes the type ofkinetic action that is common in Abrams’ films,Star Trekshows how Pine’s Kirk has learned from his eclectic experiences. Kirk has spent a majority of the film sneaking around Starfleet facilities in order to solidify his place within the crew of theEnterprise; it’s fitting that his finest hour involves infiltrating an advanced spacecraft in a daring and heroic mission that doesn’t follow official protocols. Kirk’s final brawl with the ruthless Romulan villain Ayel (Clifton Collins Jr.) shows how his checkered past ends up benefiting him. Although he started the film getting into a bar brawl with haughty Starfleet officers, Kirk finally puts his nasty hand-to-hand combat skills to good use.
‘Star Trek’ Shows the Origin of Kirk’s Friendship With Spock
One of the most interesting revisions that 2009’sStar Trekmakes to the core mythology of the franchise is positioning Kirk and Spock as rivals. Although the two eventuallygrow into close friends throughout the original series, Spock’s insistence on sticking to procedures initially rubs Kirk the wrong way.The ending ofStar Trekteases the eventual bond that will develop between Kirk and Spock,as they are forced to work together in order to sneak aboard theNarada. Pine is more cheerful in his interactions, indicating that Kirk has taken Spock Prime’s words about their respective destinies to heart. As unlikely as it seems to him initially, he’s grown to accept the idea that he and Spock could be friends.
Although he makes a few jokes at his new ally’s expense,Pine shows that Kirk has come to acknowledge Spock’s feelings. Kirk has been so infuriated with Spock’s attitude that he has overlooked the fact that Vulcan has been destroyed; Spock lost much of his family and cultural heritage. Kirk is well-awarethat Spock is half-human, and that Earth is the only planet he has left to call home. There’s a sensitivity to how Pine characterizes Kirk’s attitude; he recognizes the pain that Spock feels upon losing a parent, as it’s one that he knows all-too well.
Kirk Fulfills His Father’s Legacy at the End of ‘Star Trek’
Star Trekbegins with a harrowing opening sequence featuringChris Hemsworthas Kirk’s father, George, who sacrifices himself in order to save the crew of theKelvinfrom a Romulan attack.Pine gives Kirk the chance to mirror his father’s heroic action, as he goes into the mission with an acknowledgment that he could easily perish. Although the Romulans were responsible for his father’s death, Pine doesn’t turn Kirk into a vengeful character; rather, his heroic endeavors indicate that Kirk has learned to take pride in his family name.
2009’sStar Trekwas a surprise hit at the box office, and spawned two direct sequels that faced Kirk off against even more ruthless villains. Pine turned Kirk into an empathetic herowhose vulnerability was an attribute; it was inStar Trek’s finest hours that he made the steady transition into the hero fans knew he would become.
