Film Review: Star Trek Into Darkness

I’m not a Trekkie. I do not claim to be a Trekkie. Maybe that’s why I really liked this film?

The internet is ablaze with adamant Star Trek fans spewing their hate for J.J. Abram’s Star Trek reboot. I thought that the 2009 film was actually quite good. Nothing special, but a fun summer flick. I also thought that it was smart, with the resulting parallel universe basically giving Abram’s free reign to do as he pleased. Anyway, onto the new film!

After the events of Star Trek, Kirk (Chris Pine) and Spock (Zachary Quinto) are having fun getting into high-jinks IN SPACE. However, that all changes with the emergence of John Harrison (Benedict Cumberbatch). John Harrison is a complete badass who royally wrecks shit up for Star Fleet. What results is a chase across the galaxy, filled with suspense, action and awesomeness.

In terms of thrills, Into Darkness delivers. Not once during the 2 hours viewing time did the pace sag. There was plenty of action and explosions, but a decent enough plot to actually give some cerebral thinking. CGI and camera-work is impeccable, as is the usual with Abrams’ films. The production value on this film is sky high.

What I liked about the first Star Trek is that there weren’t any A-list stars in the main cast. It really let these new actors shine. This continues in to the second film. Chris Pine does a brilliant job as Kirk, really coming into his own. He manages to make what is normally a stereotypical hotshot character fresh. Zachary Quinto remains an amazing Spock, proving that his performance in the first film was not a fluke. The rest of the cast do a good job, with a fun performance from Simon Pegg as Scotty. He manages to get the comedic timing just right. And Karl Urban’s deadpan delivery of one liners is ace. Man, Karl Urban is awesome.

However, the stand-out performance is Benedict Cumberbatch as John Harrison. That man is a cold, cold son-of-a-bitch. His character has been shrouded in mystery since he was first cast, and I have to say, I was not disappointed. He is cool, yet inherently menacing at the same time. He could be having a nice conversation with you one minute, then smashing your head through your own spleen the next. Between this and Sherlock, he has certainly carved a name for himself in the entertainment industry.

I would’ve liked to see more interactions between crew members. Apart from Kick, Spock, McCoy and Scotty, the other members don’t have much to do. Uhura’s relationship with Spock takes a backseat, as do Sulu and Chekhov. Also, this movie WILL divide Trekkie fans even further, I guarantee that. If you love Star Trek, you will either love the cleverness of the plot, or resolve to pan it at every chance you get.

Star Trek Into Darkness is well worth the price of admission. I heartily recommend it. I can’t wait for the next instalment!