[UPDATE via Cinematical] The audience was comprised of Star Trek fans thinking they were going to see Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.  So, the reviews could be a bit biased.

A super surprise premiere screening for J. J. Abram’s Star Trek movie happened at the Alamo Drafthouse in Austin, Texas last night. So, what’s the response? Geeks are drooling, geekgasm-ing and doing cartwheels.

Here is some early Twitter response courtesy of Slashfilm:

jaireaux: I  don’t think you’ll be disappointed. The cast is superb, the story is compelling, the action is exciting, and Abrams even avoids any blatant cheesy “winks” about his reboot. If Star Trek is the bluebird of the summer movie season, then we are in for a great ride.

wipeout: Any old Stat Trek nerds out there who are troubled, calm down, all is right with the new Star Trek movie of which I approve.

poshdeluxe: ZOMG!! Just saw the new star trek movie and it MELTED MY PANTS!!!!!\

headgeek666: holy fuck! the new Star Trek fucking rules the universe

Actual critics where gushing as well:

Neil Miller at Film School Rejects: “Some of the smartest work [Orci and Kurtzman have] done. They get these characters and when you combine that with the visual style that J.J. Abrams has brought to the franchise, it makes for a dangerously accessible and exciting film.”

Quint at AICN : “I like the world (or maybe universe is a better term considering the material) that Abrams and his team has created here. I like the cast he assembled, I like the way this new universe turns some old Trek landmarks on their heads, while keeping true to what’s really important to each character.”

Rodney Perkins at Twitch: “Abrams’ film is a very entertaining and reverential take on the Star Trek mythos. The acting and casting are spot on. The story mixes old and new elements of the Star Trek universe. The effects are breathtaking.”

Jon B at CinemaBlend : “The runtime flies by with very few lulls in the pacing, reinvigorating characters and a universe that had, lets be honest, grown stale and tired. More than anything else, the movie just feels so much more fun than any previous entry.”

Judging from the breathtaking trailers, I had a good feeling.  It’s great to see actual responses are positive as well.  This is why early screenings are important.  They make or break a film’s opening day.  Judging from the response, it looks like J. J. Abrams & Co. could have the highest grossing Star Trek movie EVER on their hands.  I can’t wait to see this opening day!

[Source: Slashfilm, Cinematical]