In every good blockbuster sequel, the stakes have to be higher, the conflict must be bigger, and there must be an added depth of darkness. Ever since Empire Strikes Back, this has become the go-to formula for all big sequels: start big, and then aim higher. You walk with the original, you dash with the sequel. Star Trek Into Darkness does a superb job following this technique and delivers an extremely exhilarating thrill ride that ramps up on an intensity level I have never before witnessed with anything associated with Star Trek---especially, especially on the final act.
Without spoiling too much (After all, with J.J. Abrams, you can never just give a synopsis to any of his work) the cast of the Enterprise get to experience a new threat that started from within the fleet and has practically begun to stage a war against the entire organization. Captain Kirk (Chris Pine) must face his greatest challenges while at the same time trying to maintain his stability as Captain. Alright, that’s pretty much all I can give you: plus a couple new characters, a new villain (Benedict Cumberpatch) entering the mix of the rebooted franchise.
With a writing team that has worked extensively with Abrams before (Lost, Fringe, Alias, Star Trek 09) this movie contains plenty of content, and plenty of grandiose themes about family and sacrifice. This summer movie isn’t shallow, it makes you care for the characters, feel for the more sentimental moments, and root for the team to survive one of their seemingly dozens of close calls. While I really couldn’t have cared less for one of the new characters (She might be blonde and might be the only one shown in a bra) the rest of the cast was back and fun to watch—especially Simon Pegg as Scotty.
After it was announced that Star Wars 7 was being helmed by Abrams, I treated this as kind of an audition as to how far he has progressed since his Felicity days and if he’s worthy of attempting Star Wars (I take that brand extremely seriously). Abrams definitely did not disappoint as he mixes heavy emotion with plenty of action, a slight pitch of comedy, and an abundance of twists and surprises. Lastly, there are so many nods to previous Star Trek movies that it nearly makes Into Darkness a bit predictable—which will be forgiven except by the thickest of true Trekkies.
Star Trek Into Darkness will please fans, will please non-fans, will please newcomers, will please fans of special effects (Which were phenomenal), and ultimately will please those looking for the great blockbuster. This movie improves upon the original reboot in many facets and doesn’t pull any punches. J.J. Abrams has taken Star Trek and has evolved it into more of a cult franchise, but one that is more inviting to newcomers and non-believers. Once the shock and thrills of the final act leaves the bloodstream, you will realize just how good a package Into Darkness truly is.
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