Star Trek Into Darkness
Directed by J.J. Abrams
Starring Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, Karl Urban, Simon Pegg, John Cho, Anton Yelchin, Benedict Cumberbatch, Alice Eve, Peter Weller, and Bruce Greenwood.
Backstory
Here it is, my most anticipated movie of 2013! Trekkie that I am, I thoroughly loved the 2009 reboot by the folks at Bad Robot. For the first time in ages, Star Trek felt like a movie. I understood why it upset most of my Trekkie brethren — too much action, not enough philosophizing of the human condition — but it was such a good movie. So, of course, I was ready for the second go-round with these new shepherds of the franchise. Where would we boldly go this time out?
Plot
After a Prime Directive-violating incident on a primitive world, Kirk is demoted and make first officer under Captain Pike on the Enterprise. However, a rogue Starfleet officer named John Harrison has committed terrorist attacks on London and on Starfleet Headquarters in San Fransisco. Kirk gets to retake command of the Enterprise and is sent on a mission to bring in Harrison. But, before long, conspiracies begin being uncovered, and looks as though Starfleet has become corrupt to its very core. Can Captain Kirk save the Federation from itself? What is John Harrison’s true identity? (It’s Khan.) And will our heroes be able to make the ultimate sacrifice?
What I Liked
Once again, Star Trek is writ large. We truly have a Star Trek movie. With it’s double dealing admirals and shadowy Starfleet conspiracies, it was a tale very much ripped from Deep Space Nine, and as that was my favourite Trek, I loved seeing a tale in that mold. I love it when Starfleet is rocked to its core and this universe is questioned. Benedict Cumberbatch, as the new Khan, is a deliciously evil person. John Cho has some great Sulu moments. In fact, most of the characters are great. There are also some great references to other facets of Star Trek canon, but….
What I Didn’t Like
Some of those references seemed so awkwardly forced in that I was laughing. And it needs more Bones! We’ve got Kirk and Spock down pat…now lets start getting back into the Kirk/Spock/Bones trinity. I wish we also got more Carol Marcus, and more planting of the seeds of her relationship with Kirk.
Final Assessment
I enjoyed the hell out of it. Not quite as good as the first one, but then, what sequel is?