We’re not spoiling things for you by telling you that time travel is an integral part of the new “Star Trek” movie, which earned $76.5 million over the weekend (including pre-midnight screenings Thursday).

What troubles Eric L. Watts, president of the Atlanta-based Star Trek fan club USS Republic, is that this time-space tweaking could change all that is known about James T. Kirk and the crew of the Enterprise.

Director J.J. Abrams incorporates the spirit and history of the “Star Trek” universe, while essentially tossing the playbook out the window. “This is a fresh new canon with a clean slate,” Watt said. “They can do anything they want to.”

Yet “Star Trek” fans seem happy to place this uncertain future in Abrams’ accomplished hands. “This is the best ‘Star Trek’ movie that’s ever been,” said Watts. “If this movie hadn’t been as freaking awesome as it is, I think there would be a lot more people upset by it.”

Here’s how critical elements measure up in the eyes of some “Star Trek” fans:

Kirk and Spock

Zachary Quinto’s Spock is suitably emotional for a half-Vulcan, said Watts. “He’s dead-on.” Chris Pine’s James T. Kirk is just the right amount of brash, said Brian Holloway, a schoolteacher in Charlotte and a longtime Trekkie who handles special effects makeup for the fan-produced Web series “Star Trek: Phase II.”

Other characters

“Karl Urban absolutely nailed Leonard McCoy,” said Holloway, of the actor playing the ship’s medical officer. On the other hand, both Holloway and Watts were irritated by the new Pavel Chekov, the ship’s immature navigator. “He’s the Annoying New Kid on the Bridge,” said Watts.

The look

Some fans criticized the bridge of the Enterprise as too slick, too Apple computer-store clean. No big deal, says Holloway: “You have to go into this knowing this isn’t your father’s ‘Star Trek.’ “

Inside: Weekend box office, D2