After a success with the first J.J. Abrams directed Star Trek we all knew a sequel was imminent. A lot of sequels tend to fail in comparison to their predecessors, but every now and then one will come along and completely surpass the first. I’m glad to say the Star Trek: Into Darkness is one of those fortunate few that really take everything I loved about the first film and adds so much more to create one hell of a ride. I had the chance to see this in 3D IMAX and it was worth every penny and I highly recommend it if you have the choice. This is the kind of film that IMAX was made for with its insane special effects and humongous set pieces, Star Trek is prime IMAX real-estate.
I’m starting to accept Abrams into the same group as I put a few other directors. I don’t really have a name for this group but it consists of filmmakers who, by simply being involved, will get me to the theater. This group for me includes Christopher Nolan, Martin Scorsese, Ridley Scott, Tony Scott (R.I.P.), Steven Spielberg and a few others that escape me at the moment. With awesome films under Abrams belt such as Mission Impossible 3, Super 8 and of course the first Star Trek he is, in my opinion, quickly becoming one of the elite. It’s quite obvious from his body of work, both in television and film, that he has one amazing imagination with the know-how to bring it alive and showcase it for the world to enjoy. Seriously though, how amazing was Super 8!? (One of my favorite films ever!)
Anyway… back to Star Trek.
Everyone we know and love from the first film makes a return to take us on another grand adventure of lens flare filled exploration. I love these movies but something I’ve noticed is the Federation always says that it is a fleet that only explores and watches with no interference, yet every time we see them there is some kind of battle going on. Is this just bad luck or is everyone outside the galaxy just grumpy? Although the last time we saw the crew of the Enterprise everything seemed to be copacetic, we quickly see that the turmoil is far from over. Spock’s complete honesty screws Kirk even though Kirk’s actions saved Spock’s life. Uhura and Spock are in some kind of lover’s quarrel and again it’s Spock’s unwavering honesty that keeps ruining things… dammit Spock! New to the franchise is Benedict Cumberbatch who plays John Harrison, a man with an insatiable thirst for vengeance against those he feels wronged him. (Just a warning: If you haven’t seen this yet and do not want any spoilers than avoid IMDB at all costs. I just discovered that it lists a MAJOR SPOILER on the main page for this film.) After a major tragedy occurs, Kirk swears revenge against this John Harrison for the horrendous acts he has committed. As they close in on Harrison things quickly take a hard turn into crap town. Will the crew of The U.S.S. Enterprise make it out of this one? Don’t be so quick to jump to conclusions with this question. Harrison is by far their biggest nemesis and he guards secrets that could devastate not only the Federation but the entire planet Earth. Our fate rests in the hands of a few.
This is such a bad ass, action, sci-fi adventure with some truly phenomenal CGI that brings the world Roddenberry created to life in such a triumphant way. Watching this, I simply couldn’t help but wonder what Abrams will do with the world of Star Wars. He has done such a tremendous job with this world that I have complete faith that the new Star Wars will kick some serious ass. I would say that it’s kind of a 50/50 thing with the Star Wars movies; 100% confidence in the new Star Wars, 50% in Abrams abilities and 50% in the fact the George Lucas can’t ruin them anymore. Right… Star Trek… sorry, I’m kind of like a gold fish, I get distracted easily.
If you are having any doubts about seeing this please allow this review to assuage your fears; no I’m not a hero, I’m just an ordinary man. Star Trek got a much needed face lift in 2009 and here is the follow up appointment to make sure that gravity isn’t ruining everything. The new tricks taught to this once one-trick-pony now prove that this horse isn’t ready to be shot just yet; she has some life in her still. Prepare to be wowed with 2013’s second blockbuster of the year Star Trek: Into Darkness. I for one am so excited to see more from this franchise, although I read there is a chance that Abrams might not be able to do a third as he will be busy with the aforementioned Star Wars. If this is the case I hope they pick someone who can fill Abrams rather large “shoes”.
Rated PG-13 for: intense sequences of sci-fi action and violence
Runtime: 132 minutes
After Credits Scene: None
Starring: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Benedict Cumberbatch, Zoe Saldana, Karl Urban, Simon Pegg, John Cho, Anton Yelchin, Alice Eve
Directed by: J.J. Abrams
Out of 5 Nerdskulls
Story: 4/ Acting: 5/ Directing: 5/ Visuals: 5
OVERALL: 5 Nerdskulls
Check out the trailer below:
