Rating of
3/4
A Mostly Logical Sequel
Chris Kavan - wrote on 05/18/13
This is a good sci-fi movie, but I can't help thinking that Into Darkness is made more for Star Trek fans than the casual moviegoer (at least compared to the first film). That's not to say that a general audience won't appreciated it, I just think all the little references and touches will be lost on the regular populace. Still, this movie succeeds thanks to the characters - especially Benedict Cumberbatch, who presents an amazing villain.
The movie starts off in classic Trek fashion - an away mission going all wrong. The prime directive is being followed... until Spock nearly gets taken to a molten grave. Of course, Spock follows the rules to the letter and gets Kirk demoted - Admiral Pike takes back the Enterprise, but in a surprise move, let's Kirk stay on as his first officer while Spock is reassigned. Meanwhile, a London Starfleet archive has been bombed and a rogue agent (John Harrison) has become Public Enemy #1 for Commander Marcus. All these reassignments are moot as he shows up at Starfleet HQ and tries to wipe everyone out (and there are losses). Kirk, wanting revenge, is given that chance by Marcus - who provides him with a cache of torpedoes to take out the enemy. Too bad he's hiding out on the Klingon capital world - the militaristic race is pretty darn close to all-out war with the Federation.
Needless to say, things aren't as cut-and-dry as presented. Sacrifices will be made, true natures will be revealed and Spock will have an epic fight - all in a day's work, right? The best part about Into Darkness is that it doesn't sacrifice character for action. While there are plenty of scenes that are exciting - there is plenty of character development as well. While some characters (Chekov, Sulu and Bones) are given only a few key scenes and one-liners - it's more than made up by the excellent development of Kirk, Spock and Uhura. With some well-rounded villains, things come full circle.
There are plenty of little touches thrown in for Trek fans - the Vulcan neck-pinch, Tribbles, Kirk's bedding of alien women - certain lines spoken - it's all there. Oh, and the villain himself (minor spoiler... it's Khan. Yes that KHAAAAAAAAAN!) Plus, original Spock makes an appearance too. I have to think fans will be happier with this effort than the original because of all these little touches. I doubt I got ever reference, but there were enough thrown in to make me smile.
While technological logic is not exactly a strong suit for the series - this particular film seems to stretch things even further. Things seems to work and not work randomly to accommodate the plot (especially the all-important transporter). It's not a big thing, but it was annoying enough that it was noticeable. Granted, without these convenient plot devices, you wouldn't have much of a film - but it just seems much more apparent in this movie than the first one. Oh, and for those who had a problem with lens flare.... oh yes, it is back (though not as much as the first film).
You could have cut out maybe 15 minutes too - but overall, things moved rather smoothly. The end pretty much leaves it open for plenty more adventures (or a new TV series even), so I have a feeling we're going to be seeing a lot more of Kirk and the Enterprise crew. It's a well-balanced series that I have no problem supporting.
