Movie Review: Star Trek Into Darkness

In 2009, the Star Trek reboot came out of nowhere and impressed the hell out of me. My expectations were low and the film just blew me away and instantly became one of my all-time favorites. Naturally my expectations for the follow-up, Star Trek Into Darkness, were high and while it doesn't quite live up to it's near-perfect predecessor, Star Trek Into Darkness is still a very satisfying addition to the series.

Star Trek Into Darkness sees director J.J Abrams further expanding his unique vision of this complex and much-loved universe. Abrams and screenwriters Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman and Damon Lindelof makes this realm appeal to everyone with enough nuances and nods to to original television series to please the fanboys and enough accessibility to please the common audience. I can't go in-depth on the storyline without giving away heavy spoilers, but the story does a brilliant job of incorporating familiar elements from the original series while also serving as a metaphor for domestic terrorism in the modern day. Some of the twists it takes will catch you by surprise and Trekkies that were naysayers of this rebooted franchise will probably explode with joy at one twist in particular. Between both Stark Trek films, Super 8 and the first few seasons of Lost, Abrams has become the most trusted name in modern sc-fi and his involvement with the new Star Wars franchise gives me hope that those films won't suck.

In addition to the tight direction and script, this film delivers with exhilarating action sequences and stunning visuals. The action is constant and intense with some of the better hand-to-hand combat scenes I've seen in a while and of course, no shortage of thrilling intergalactic battles. Both the returning and new cast members are strong as well. Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto are both excellent in the leads. Pine gives Kirk a new-found fire and makes more of an admirable leader in the process while Quinto manages to give Spock more depth and emotion to his normally emotionless, extremely intelligent character. Both Pine and Quinto's work here show why these guys are two of the most underrated actors in all of Hollywood at the moment and they're performances as these two iconic characters are ultimately the heart and soul of this franchise. The supporting cast continues to provide comic relief with Karl Urban and Simon Pegg getting bigger roles this time around and delivering more laughs in the process. Although the returning cast makes up most of the film, the new additions make their presence felt. Alice Eve does some solid work in relatively limited screen time as the Enterprise's second medical expert and a new love interest for Kirk. However, the biggest addition to the cast was British actor Benedict Cumberbatch. Cumberbatch absolutely owns the role of the film's villian John Harrison. Cumberbatch gives Harrison a properly sinister aura and his performance pretty much assures that you will see no greater villain on the big screen all summer long. Star Trek Into Darkness is a well-made/acted, fun and highly enjoyable sequel that does the franchise justice.

4/5 Stars