J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek was my introduction to the franchise. I absolutely loved the movie and I remember walking out of that theater with a huge smile on my face. Since then, I’ve gone where no Petey has gone before and began a voyage to watch everything Star Trek. I’m only on The Next Generation TV show but I’m in love with Star Trek. After rewatching J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek film yesterday, I can fully appreciate the film. Thank you J.J., for doing an impeccable job of introducing us to the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise.
Now the sequel to Star Trek is here in the form of Star Trek Into Darkness. The expectations are high. The footage I saw with The Hobbit was great stuff and the trailers have been awesome. After seeing the film, I am very proud to say that Star Trek Into Darkness is by far the best movie of the year so far and one of the best movies I’ve seen in a really long time. It’s very rare that a movie matches high expectations like this but it’s even more rare when a movie exceeds them. Star Trek Into Darkness did just that.
Star Trek Into Darkness takes place after the events of 2009’s Star Trek. The movie jumps right into the action with no real introduction to any of the film’s characters so I highly recommend watching 2009’s Star Trek before seeing the sequel. After an attack on Starfleet by a man named John Harrison (Benedict Cumberbatch), the crew of the Enterprise is sent out to capture him and make him answer for his crimes.
Even though the plot is pretty straight forward with not too many twists and turns, the story in Star Trek Into Darkness easily carries the film and will satisfy die hard Trekkies and newcomers to the franchise alike. Even though it might differ from some Star Trek lore that many fans hold near and dear to their heart, it benefits the movie as it lets other characters steal the spotlight.
While Kirk is the main character (and Chris Pine once again does a great job), it’s really the supporting characters that steal the show. Zachary Quinto is phenomenal as Spock, somehow conveying emotion and bringing character to everybody’s favorite Vulcan. Benedict Cumberbatch is one of the most underrated actors working today and John Harrison is one of his best works. The character is intimidating and intelligent, the qualities of a perfect villain. His dialogue gives you chills and he’s a force to be reckoned with when he throws down. Major props to the writers of the film and Cumberbatch for knocking it out of the park with John.
Other supporting characters like Sulu, Chekov, Pike, Carol, and especially Scotty all get a chance to steal the spotlight at least once or twice during the film.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pFjsiN2SRY[/youtube]
The screenplay written by Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman (both of which wrote the first film), and Damon Lindelof (who produced but didn’t write the first film) write a great screenplay filled with laughs, great character moments, and fun action.
The visual effects in the film are also to be commended. Not only is the film gorgeous but it helps set an atmosphere for the film (something essential in a good Sci-Fi). Paired with the outstanding visual effects and Michael Giacchino’s great score, Star Trek Into Darkness completely immerses you into the film for the full two hours.
What also immerses you in the film is the 3D. 3D is a joke nowadays with a TON of films using it with only two or three a year using it to its full potential. Star Trek Into Darkness’ 3D benefits the film as it never gets too distracting or in your face. It immerses you into the film that much more and I highly recommend forking over the extra cash to see it. If you can, see the film in IMAX 3D. Some scenes were filmed with an IMAX camera so it takes up the full screen, once again sucking you into one of 2013’s best.
THE VERDICT
2013 has been a disappointing year for movies. There’s been surprises like Jack the Giant Slayer, crap like The Great Gatsby, and a particular superhero film that didn’t live up to the hype in my eyes. No film this year has impressed me enough where I would recommend running out to see the film immediately. Star Trek Into Darkness thankfully breaks that. With its well-written screenplay, great performances, and outstanding visual effects and score, J.J. Abrams’ follows up his own masterpiece, Star Trek, with a film that proves that the Science Fiction genre can still impress with so many excellent films in its catalog.
For reviews and more from me, Petey Oneto, you can check out my blog but be sure to check back with Resident Entertainment for more of my posts in the future.
great review Petey! I’m really excited to see Star Trek now, i’ve always liked the original series characters and i like these ones to!
Hope you enjoy it! Excellent film.