Tampa Trekkies get sneak peak

TAMPA - This summer, it's a new generation of "Star Trek".

"Star Trek: Back to the Frontier" hits theaters nationwide Friday, but in Tampa, select theaters are getting a leg up.

At the IMAX theater at Channelside, that means sold out shows and some psyched up "Trekkies."

By Thursday afternoon, all showings of "Star Trek" at Channelside were sold out. Life long "Trekker" Matt Carter bought his Captain Kirk shirt from a comic book store just for the occasion.

"This is what Captin Kirk would wear anyone else who's gearing up for kind of a commander role on the ship," offers Carter.

This time, director J.J. Abrams, of "Lost", "Alias" and the Fox show "Fringe" is at the helm of The Enterprise. The movie is said to be hipper, faster and better than ever.

"I expect it to be the best star trek that's ever been made," added Carter.

Abrams faces the task of keeping old Star Trek fans and also reeling in the newer younger ones. Paramount reportedly spent about $30 million on visual effects alone to ensure that this Star Trek would be a summer block buster.

As the hundreds filed in, some were thinking twice about the shirts they were wearing. Others weren't nearly as bashful.

This time around Star Trek is hoping to appeal to the masses. That means more effects, more action and a younger, edgier cast. For those who judge, or think Star Trek is just for geeks, these fans are here to tell you; Think again.

"Before, nerds were nerds and they were treated badly. But let me tell you, today nerds are in. It's cool to be a nerd," explains Star Trek fan Noel Torres.