Star Trek Into Darkness: Movie Review

It’s not often that movie sequels surpass their predecessors. In almost all respects, Star Trek Into Darkness, director J.J. Abrams’ new summer popcorn flick about Captain James T. Kirk and his ship, the U.S.S. Enterprise, does just that.

Beyond the sci-fi action, laser beams and aliens, Star Trek Into Darkness is a look at the sting of betrayal, the price of revenge and the love found in sacrifice. Abrams’ flick does all that and it’s pretty entertaining too.

THE MOVIE IN A MINUTE

When Starfleet is terrorized from within, Captain Kirk and his crew onboard the Enterprise come dangerously close to starting an intergalactic war to catch the traitor. The manhunt leads the impulsive captain into territory he doesn’t know how to navigate. Kirk must rely on his instincts and his crew to have even the slightest hope of getting home alive.

THE GOOD AND BAD IN STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS

Clocking in at 2 hours and 3 minutes, Star Trek Into Darkness isn’t a short film. And though its beginning act is slow at moments, the sci-fi film based on the popular TV show from the 1960s eventually hits it stride, propelling viewers to a satisfying end. On the whole, the film is somewhat predictable. But its strengths in action, humor and story make that point less consequential.

A big boost to this sequel is the film’s villain, John Harrison (played by Benedict Cumberbatch). Likely an unfamiliar face to most American moviegoers, Cumberbatch is an English actor who embodies the sheer villainy of his character. Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto return as Captain Kirk and Spock, respectively.

Managing to capture the essence of these iconic characters, Star Trek Into Darkness takes its storytelling task a step beyond entertaining. The film is more than just a good versus evil storyline. It shows us how the sins and misguided actions of one can lead to the destruction of many, how hatred and pain can evolve into an unyielding need for revenge, but ultimately how sacrifice is the truest picture of love.

Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi action and violence, Star Trek Into Darkness warrants caution with regard to younger moviegoers. A few instances of foul language and innuendo are present, but the sci-fi violence is the movie’s main reason why it’s too intense for children.

IN THE END

Star Trek Into Darkness is worth seeing in 3D. J.J. Abrams doesn’t disappoint in this sequel about Captain Kirk and his U.S.S. Enterprise. However, caution is still advised.