REVIEW: STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS

The voyage of the Star Trek movie franchise continues on the big screen in its 12th installment. Based on the popular science fiction 1-hour TV series in the 1960s and 1970s, the Star Trek films have grown bigger and better over the years. Lately, director J.J.Abrams did a reboot of the franchise by casting new actors and added in a new look with a film simply in entitled Star Trek in 2009.

J.J.Abrams returns to the hot seat directing the same ensemble cast of actors; Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Karl Urban, Simon Pegg, Zoe Saldana, John Cho and Anton Yelchin. This time around, Star Trek Into Darkness adds Benedict Cumberbatch, Peter Weller, and Alice Eve to the supporting cast.

Movie Poster

SYNOPSIS:
The crew of the Starship Enterprise is sent on a secret mission but returns home punished for violating certain directives. As Captain James T. Kirk (Chris Pine) and Commander Spock (Zachary Quinto) are reassigned, a secret plot to destory Earth is developing. To their surprise, the evil intentions come from within the Starfleet organization. Together with their crew, they set out to hunt the villain responsible and bring him to justice.

SCRIPT:
Star Trek Into Darkness reunites the same writers from the previous film. Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci, and Damon Lindelof designed a story that was full of adventure to satistfy moviegoers and die-hard fans. There were not much confusing terminology (words) to begin with, as most science-fiction films are associated with doing so. The dialogue is snappy and easy to understand. It is not a direct sequel from the previous film Star Trek (2009) and can function as a stand-alone film. I liked how there were some lines that paid tribute to the original Star Trek franchise.

Alice Eve sits in between Chris Pine (left) and Zachary Quinto is the new addition to the cast.

ACTING:
The ensemble cast did not disappoint. All were equally good. As usual, the prominence is given to the Kirk and Spock roles. However, I would like to point out that Benedict Cumberbatch gave a rousing and awesome performance as the villain. He played one of those villains you would just love to hate. His performance reminds me of Tom Hiddleston when he played Loki in both Thor and The Avengers. Benedict Cumberbatch is a star to watch. Also loved that veteran actor Peter Weller, of Robocop fame, returns to the big screen.

Principal cast members and director J.J.Abrams (seated) in the cover of Empire magazine.

FILMING:
J.J.Abrams has a unique style of approach to film-making. He doesn't unravel too much in the beginning and middle of the film, but more towards the end. He is like the master of finding climactic moments in film. Star Trek Into Darkness has this and was well crafted by him. The visual effects was done by Industrial Light & Magic which adds top-notch value to the film.


PACING:
One of the most NOT boring action movies I have seen. It was intense from scene to scene. The dialogue conversation scenes were not too long. It felt like there was all-out action from start to finish. Simon Pegg as Scotty adds the comic flair to the film as usual.

Simon Pegg as Scotty

TONE (MOOD):
The theme of the film is darkness and the characters are fueled with vengeance. Despite such negativity, the film does give a pleasant feel of heroism from time to time.

Zachary Quinto as Spock

DOWNSIDE:
If you are not a Star Trek fan or a science fiction film fan, skip it. But I do recommend watching it for it might take you on an unexpected adventure.

UPSIDE:
The pacing of the film. The fast-paced editing. Both combined makes it one of the movies to watch this summer. The performance of Benedict Cumberbatch who was brilliant in his role as the villain.

Benedict Cumberbatch

OVERALL:
The Star Trek films is really about the concept of teamwork. Such qualities is good for many to watch although some scenes may not be suitable for children under 13 years old.

RATING:
8 out of 10