Movie Review: Star Trek Into Darkness (2013)

STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS

BY CHRISTOPHER HASKELL
MAY 17, 2013

Relentlessly masterful, “Star Trek Into Darkness” is a wise man’s sequel, as it strongly develops existing relationships while still introducing new and fresh faces into the mix, all while re-envisioning moments from the previous series. The themes stay the same as the 2009 installment, with trust and understanding between the shipmates remaining a staple but heightening emotions on all levels. Pine and Quinto rival the pairing of Shatner and Nimoy, caring the heft of the film with a veteran’s resilience.

Benedict Cumberbatch delivers a career-making performance as John Harrison, becoming one of the best villains in a franchise ever. Everything in his performance, down to his unsettling deep voice, makes the film something special when he steps on the screen. The visuals are impeccable and again begs the question of whether seeing this in 3D is needed. The screenplay, as with all excellent writing, lays the groundwork for some spectacular sequences. The only downfall is that the same script is hit-or-miss when it comes to its twists, either completely surprising and producing jaw-dropping moments or telegraphing and alluding too much to certain elements that will be significant later. Also, things happen a bit too quickly in certain instances to keep the plot moving at a substantial speed.

J.J. Abrams still has the touch with this franchise, producing two films that usher in an entirely new generation of fans and tend to please the existing Trekkies with several callbacks and revelations present from the former series. There’s never been a film that had me in suspense longer than the last thirty minutes of this film, filled with continuous action sequences, never knowing exactly how the action will end. All in all, “Star Trek Into Darkness” is not only one of the best films of the year, but one of the best science fiction films in recent memory.

RELEASE DATE
May 17, 2013

DIRECTOR
J. J. Abrams

WRITTEN BY
Roberto Orci
Alex Kurtzman
Damon Lindelof

BASED ON
“Star Trek”
by Gene Roddenberry

STUDIO
Paramount Pictures

PG-13
(for intense sequences of sci-fi action and violence)

ACTION
ADVENTURE
SCI-FI
132 minutes