To each. Most people enjoyed it, some didn't. A few friends of mine detested it (but for different reasons).
WARNING! The following contains plot spoilers. Do not read if you don;t want to know what happens!
But to address your points:
> Same plot line as when Picard battled the Borg.
Don't see it. No assimilation. No attempt at invasion. Just a good old revenge plot-line. More in common with Wrath of Khan in that respect.
> I mean, it's not like you didn't know who lived or anything.
Because of the reset in the time line, anything was up for grabs. The destruction of Vulcan changes the whole Star Trek universe immensely. Anything can happen going forward because the Star Trek we all grew up with no longer happens! Clever way to get a clean slate, JJ.
> How did Kirk get to Antartica anyway?
Thats was a moon of Vulcan on which (young) Spock stranded Kirk because he was getting snippy.
