MANILA, Philippines?It?s safe to say that a new generation of Trekkies is being born right this very minute. This is the first weekend after the opening of ?Star Trek,? and even those who have no idea who Captain Kirk and Spock are?or what a Vulcan nerve pinch is?will find themselves joining the ranks of those who?ve long been boldly going where no man has gone before.

In other words, Trekkies, you may breathe a sigh of relief?and you might want to queue up at your neighborhood box office now if you haven?t already?because ?Star Trek? works.

While it can?t quite match the blend of swashbuckling action and deeply philosophical musings that characterized the original TV series, which debuted in 1966, this latest foray into Gene Roddenberry?s universe manages to pay its respects to the past, while taking the first step in what looks to be an exciting future.

Simple storyline

By emphasizing the qualities that made previous incarnations successful?strongly drawn characters, fast action, a simple storyline that lends itself well to being played around with?the sci-fi reboot reminds us why the franchise has become the enduring cultural icon that it is.

Directed by JJ Abrams, the latest ?Star Trek? feature will please fans and make new ones. If you?re not familiar with the series, you won?t have to worry about getting alienated?no pun intended?but fans will derive enjoyment in seeing how the new cast fills the shoes of the old, especially since this is a prequel, and they play younger versions of the well-loved characters.

?Star Trek? takes us back to the college days of the USS Enterprise?s crew, when James Tiberius Kirk (Chris Pine) is a cocky skirt-chaser who will soon meet the ever-cool and logical Spock (Zachary Quinto), ?Bones? McCoy (Karl Urban), Uhura (Zoë Saldana), Scotty (Simon Pegg), Sulu (John Cho) and Chekov (Anton Yelchin), just in time to save the world and the Federation from the destructive plans of Captain Nero (Eric Bana).

Black holes

Here, the Enterprise has just been built and, in an action-packed prologue that involves black holes and childbirth, we meet Kirk?s parents. Spock?s folks are here, too (his mom is played by Winona Ryder), and, sorry for the spoiler, you?ll also get to see the young Spock meeting the old Spock (Leonard Nimoy, at his most dignified).

Smartly paced and all snazzed up?the effects are slicker, and the uniforms sleeker?the production is brimming with energy and humor and has a cast that looks like they?re having a lot of fun. The score could have used a bit of toning down in some parts, and keeping Uhura in her ?60s boots and miniskirt just looks odd, but, all in all, ?Star Trek? is a fun watch.

Plus, two Spocks in one movie! No other blockbuster this summer?and, maybe even next year?can beat that.