 Critics praised Nimoy 's direction , to which USA Today attributed the film 's success in capturing the essence of the television show . Newsweek wrote that due to Nimoy the film was the best @-@ paced Trek film , and that his familiarity with these actors enabled him to bring out the best from them . Newsweek , and David Sterritt of the Christian Science Monitor , appreciated how the film slowed the action down to allow moments of reflection , comparing this with the focus of most contemporary action films on effects rather than actors . The Washington Post 's Rita Kempley wrote that Nimoy 's direction was competent , but his background in television showed — " the film feels made @-@ for @-@ TV " , she summarized . Fellow Post critic Gary Arnold concurred with Kempley 's television film assessment , but also wrote that Nimoy was smart to focus on the essentials of each scene ; he " [ concentrates ] on the actors in ways that flatter and enhance their work . " 
