‘Star Trek Into Darkness’ review directed by J.J. Abrams

The second feature film in the newly rebooted Star Trek film franchise, follows the crew of the Enterprise on a dangerous mission to bring down a terrorist attacking Star Fleet Command. As the search goes on, they find out that the terrorist is from their own organization, and Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to the war-zone world of Kronos to capture a one man weapon of chaos and discord.

The film’s tone is set from the opening minutes. The crew is on a planet that has an active volcano capable of destroying the primitive people of that world. These people have no technology so the Enterprise is hidden in a rather large body of water. Kirk and Dr. “Bones” McCoy are being chased in a red jungle. Meanwhile, Spock, Uhura, and Sulu are on a small vessel hovering over the erupting volcano. Spock is suited up to go down inside the volcano and activate a device that can stop the imminent destruction of the inhabitants. As usual, bad things happen. Spock’s connector cable gets cut. Sulu and Uhura have to leave him behind in order to save themselves.

At the same time, Kirk and Bones return to the ship and they debate rather or not to break protocol and risk effecting the culture of the planet’s inhabitants (they have never seen a ship before). Kirk breaks the rules, saves Spock, and the inhabitants are shown drawing the U.S.S. Enterprise in the dirt. This leads to Kirk’s demotion to Pike’s first officer, Spock’s reassignment to the U.S.S. Bradbury, and a temporary rift between Spock and Kirk. Even though Kirk saved Spock’s life, Spock filed a report to Pike about Kirk’s disregard of protocol. This ten minute opening sets up the themes of love, friendship, adopted family, and sacrifice that will dominate the film.

Without spoiling everything in the film, viewers must know that Admiral Marcus and Khan are the “villains” in the film. Their connection is based on the possibility of a war with the Klingons.

John Harrison a.k.a. Khan is a weapon with a high intellect and a ferocious intensity. He has a vendetta against Star Fleet for reasons that tie in to the theme of adopted family. Benedict Cumberbatch is superb as Khan. He is cold, calculating, and sympathetic all at once. In his first scene, he agrees to help a Star Fleet couple save their ailing daughter by injecting his blood into her. He helps for one reason only and that is to get the Star Fleet employee to commit an act of terror. This act of terror leads to the meeting of the highest officers of Star Fleet and the first MAJOR death of the film.

Unlike the first film, Star Trek Into Darkness gives the audience a chance to breath. The story does not move at lightning pace and does not have the burden of introducing everyone. When a death or near-death experience happens (and there are many); there is a time to reflect on it and weigh it against the plot. There is also very little lens flare.

However, the film’s plot is simple and predictable but still enjoyable. It switches up between manhunt and team-up constantly. This film is better than the first in many ways. The major difference is the story and the villain is just more interesting. There is also a good balance of comedy and drama. The cinematography and visual effects are outstanding. Sulu, Uhura, Bones, Scotty, and Spock all have a chance to shine. However, Spock is my personal favorite in this film. He stands out.

J.J. Abrams delivers another powerhouse in this franchise. Fans and common movie-goers will enjoy this ride and await the next adventure. I give this film 8.5 out of 10. May this franchise live long and prosper for many more years to come.

image: Tumblr