Just WOW!!!

Rating: 10/10 (11 May 2013)

*** This review may contain spoilers ***
Into darkness explores a contemporary array of topics, philosophies and concerns including heroism, terrorism, fascism and interracial relationships. All this is set against a backdrop of warp factor 9, leaping off star ships into space, running away from erupting volcano's and deactivating lethal bombs within milliseconds to detonation.
The main playoff of characters revolves around Spock's rule abiding inflexible Vulcan logic versus Khan (Benedict Cumberbach) as a dark and brilliantly manipulative galactic terrorist. Loyal followers of Cumberbach as Sherlock Holmes may find themselves longing for an element of morality in this ruthless fanatic but ultimately there is none. Cumberbach, Zachary Quinto and Chris Pine as the impulsive hot-headed Kirk who leaps before he thinks and ultimately makes life saving decisions from his gut, compete with equal excellence to steal the show. There is intensity, passion and great interpretation of what I thought to be a faultless script. But if I had to pick a winner, I would say in this instance, it would be Zachary Quinto who's portrayal of Spock is almost flawless – (I say almost because Leonard Nimoy IS Spock and always will be).
My only slight question would be around the saving the ship scene where Captain Kirk gives his life for the 'needs of the many', which in the original 'Wrath of Khan' was a role reserved strictly for Spock – creating the famous sequel 'The Search for Spock'. The scene suggests a following of the original set of 6 films – or was it perhaps just a little dipping into the original? We shall see with what follows in 2016.
To conclude, 'Into Darkness' is a thrilling joy ride of nonstop edge of your seat action sequences that are perfectly filmed and executed under JJ Abram's skillful and enthusiastic directorship which is getting to be seriously impressive. Whilst containing jaw dropping action and effects, it loses none of the humour of the original films and still plays off the characters with as much wit as ever. Karl Urban and Simon Pegg are true to form as the moaning Dr McCoy and the ever practical Scotty. But this movie surpasses every other Star Trek movie with a brand new slicker, faster, louder and very well acted take on the classic Sci-fi movies that I grew up with.
Although it remains true to form, make no mistake, this has a much wider box office appeal which will shunt Star Trek into a new era and probably spawn a new not so geeky following. So in conclusion, Trekie or not, if you like action, great effects and pure entertainment you're going to love this film.
Seriously recommended! I wanted to watch it again the minute the credits rolled. 10/10