I grew up watching Star Trek as a child, so I honestly expected this movie to be lame. Boy, was I wrong. Yes, they changed some of the concepts from the original series (i.e. Spock w/ Uhura vs. Kirk) but I found myself loving it vs. hating it. Special effects were phenominal. Everything looked completely real, even the crazy monster on the ice planet, which is a credit to whatever company did the effects. I will definitely recommend this to all my friends.
This ranks at the top of comic book-to-movie movies my kids and I have ever seen. The acting is surprisingly good for this type of movie. Before now, I would have never seen Robert Downey Jr. as a superhero type, but his acting, and comedic element of his character, was well beyond expectations. Special effects, and action scenes, were also very entertaining.
I just have one warning for other parents. There is a VERY sexually suggestive scene in the beginning of the movie, and a couple violent scenes that may be too much for young ones. Use your discretion and/or have your hand ready to cover eyes. :-)