Does this sequel boldly go where no film has gone before?
With 2009’s Star Trek, JJ Abrams reinvigorated an old franchise, giving it a much needed makeover. With this year’s Star Trek Into Darkness, the new image is built upon to create one of the most enjoyable sci-fi movies in recent years.
The premise is deceptively simple: following the events of the 2009 movie, Chris Pine’s James T Kirk (Chris Pine) and crew are thrown into a whole new disaster, due to the emergence of John Harrison, played by the excellent Benedict Cumberbatch. A member of Starfleet turned rogue, Harrison serves as the primary antagonist of the film, and Cumberbatch gives a consistently strong performance, as we’ve come to expect from him. Harrison becomes the perfect blockbuster villain: a strong backstory, a logical motive and at times absolutely terrifying, he’s not one you’re going to forget (despite the nondescript name).
It would be remiss of me to omit Zachary Quinto’s second outing as Spock, who once again perfectly captures the logical nature of Spock’s mind whilst retaining all the emotions necessary in some particularly memorable scenes. In fact, the whole cast is great for the most part. Scotty is better than ever thanks to Simon Pegg’s superb performance, and despite Karl Urban’s slightly wooden acting, the cast act as superb vessels to take us through the masterfully written story.
The pacing is superb, and you’ll be enthralled from start to finish. Twists are perfectly timed, and just as you think the film is winding down it picks up again in a brilliant ending. It also manages to raise some interesting questions about morality and warfare, and whilst these aren’t explored in any significant depth they provide interesting material to contemplate whilst enjoying the great action sequences. This is more intellectual than your average summer blockbuster, but still manages to provide all the entertainment that you’d expect.
Whilst some die-hard Trekkies may be disappointed by the modern adaptations of certain characters, I loved every minute. The CGI was great throughout, with the 3D certainly adding to the captivating space imagery, and the cinematography was delightful (although JJ could do with toning down the lens flares a bit, as I’m sure he knows). Michael Giacchino’s soundtrack was equally great, adding real force and emotion to certain scenes, although it was overpowering at times.
Overall the film is a strong summer movie: one that you are guaranteed to enjoy. I for one loved it, and I am finally confident that Disney have chosen the right man for Episode VII in JJ. He consistently proves himself to be a strong director, and Into Darkness is yet another feather in his already well decorated cap.
Star Trek Into Darkness is out now in the UK, and out on 16 May in the US.
Reviewer paid to see the film in 3D.