Movie Review: Star Trek Into Darkness (2013)
It doesn't usually take a studio 4 years to make a sequel to a very successful movie; J.J. Abrams' "Star Trek" was an awesome reboot that made the property cool again. It appealed to fans and non fans alike, and it re-energized a series many had thought would never have another good cinematic outing. "Star Trek Into Darkness" is a great sequel that builds upon everything that was great about the first film, while remaining faithful to what fans love about the series.
When a secret London installation is violently attacked by an ex-starfleet agent by the name of John Harrison (Benedict Cumberbatch), Captain Kirk (Chris Pine), Spock (Zachary Quinto), and the rest of the crew set out on a manhunt to capture the extremely dangerous Harrison and bring him to justice.
That's the story in a nutshell, but there's a lot more to it than what I'm willing to divulge in this review. Much like its 2009 predecessor, "Into Darkness" is a blast from start to finish. It retains the original's energy and sense of urgency, and a lot of that credit goes to the writers for crafting a strong and fun screenplay.
The film's cast once again does an amazing job as the crew of the USS Enterprise. Chris Pine is the perfect Captain Kirk, and Zachary Quinto continues to grow on me as Spock, and he handles some of the movie's more emotional scenes with a lot of verve. Simon Pegg provides some much needed comic relief as Scotty, but the true star of the show is obviously Benedict Cumberbatch as John Harisson. Cumberbatch is a very gifted actor, and he brilliantly pulls off the role thanks to his menacing gaze and unique voice. He's also a much better villain than Nero was in the original, which is a big plus.
J.J. Abrams should be commended for taking his time and not rushing the production of the sequel. While 4 years is a little longer than what most people are willing to wait for a sequel, it's good to know that the filmmakers were only ready to move forward if there was a good story to tell. The film also has plenty of great action, and Abrams makes sure it's exhilarating to watch.
Anthony's Verdict:
J.J. Abrams has done it again. "Star Trek Into Darkness" is that rare sequel that lives up to its predecessor, while laying the groundwork for many more amazing adventures. It's one of the best movies this year, and one that you definitely don't want to miss.
Numerical Score: 9/10
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