STAR TREK: INTO DARKNESS
Now that he has officially taken the reins for Star Wars Episode VII, J.J Abrams is the indisputable king of science fiction cinema. In 2009 he re-invented a forty year old franchise in Star Trek, wiping the slate clean and adding his own visual flair and style. In between the original and the sequel, Abrams made his homage to his childhood, Super 8, as well as producing various prospective TV shows; including Fringe, Alcatraz, and Revolution, among others. Oh, and he was also offered the fanboy dream of directing the Star Wars sequel trilogy's first instalment, the long awaited Episode 7.
It did take four years, but Abrams has done the wait justice with following up 2009's Star Trek, which was no mean feat. It may not be the series' Empire Strikes Back, but Into Darkness is still a fantastic sequel, upping the ante if every sense of the word. Abrams understands that Trekkdom cherish Kirk and Spock, and the Enterprise, but doesnt let total purity hamper his film, as he did with the first one. As not a massive fan he is able to create a good balance between homage and nostalgia and genuinely fresh and exciting setpieces and characters.
It did take four years, but Abrams has done the wait justice with following up 2009's Star Trek, which was no mean feat. It may not be the series' Empire Strikes Back, but Into Darkness is still a fantastic sequel, upping the ante if every sense of the word. Abrams understands that Trekkdom cherish Kirk and Spock, and the Enterprise, but doesnt let total purity hamper his film, as he did with the first one. As not a massive fan he is able to create a good balance between homage and nostalgia and genuinely fresh and exciting setpieces and characters.
Abrams imbued the 2009 film with a sense of humor, and in some ways Into Darkness' title is deceptive. It is not the grim, dark and despairing sequel perhaps initially made out to be. All is not lost, but there are some moments of genuine threat; thanks in part to Benedict Cumberbatch. A lacking element in an otherwise fantastic 2009 reboot was the villain. Eric Bana was serviceable, but the Shakespearean Cumberbatch adds the same sort of gravitas that Alan Rickman or Jeremy Irons brings to a villainous role. Cumberbatch's John Harrison is a character shrouded in spoilers, none of which will be broken here, but the story arc surrounding his character should have Trekkies getting highly nostalgic. The rest of the cast returns with the same chemistry as before, Chris Pine's Kirk is the cocky but honourable captain, while Zachary Pinto continues to embody Spock. Peter Weller also makes an appearance as a senior Starfleet admiral.
Visually, the film is unparalleled. It announces itself as a summer blockbuster, probably 2013's first genuine summer blockbuster. Lens flares are frequent, but personally that never take away from the film. Abrams stages setpieces that would rival the first film, notably the opening scene of the film that has echoes later between Kirk and Spock. Homages are throughout, and while some may be much more blatant than others, they are all welcomed by old school fans, even if no one else will get it. Leonard Nimoy returns for a brief cameo to tie it all together, reminding us we're watching a Star Trek movie, not that we need much reminding, as the fan service is here to a T. The action is exhilarating, the villain a standout, and the story runs along with a breakneck pace that still manages to stay plausible and interesting.
The Verdict: Into Darkness does not disappoint, it is an exciting and well-made sequel that sets up future endeavours for this rebooted Enterprise crew, with or without J.J Abrams
The Verdict: Into Darkness does not disappoint, it is an exciting and well-made sequel that sets up future endeavours for this rebooted Enterprise crew, with or without J.J Abrams
★★★★
4/5
4/5