Trekkies nationwide rejoiced Tuesday when Paramount Pictures revealed its planned release date for the 11th Star Trek film.  Set to premiere on Christmas Day 2008, the film, at present being called simply Star Trek XI, will follow young Kirk and Spock through their years in Starfleet Academy and into their first official mission.  Screenwriters Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci, along with director J.J. Abrams (Mission: Impossible III), will again team up for the project, with shooting set to begin in the fall.

While all major details about plot and casting remain unknown, this upcoming entry sounds promising and may give the series a much needed

phaser in the pants.  Check back for more details as they unfold, right here on FilmCrunch.