Boldly Going Forth

Rating: 9/10 (18 May 2013)

This film is highly recommended.
Space...the final frontier. That's our destination and those nasty Klingons are at it again in J.J. Abrams' second installment of the Star Trek series. The Enterprise, with its easily recognized and beloved crew that includes the trustworthy Scotty (Simon Pegg), the seductive but smart Uhura (Zoe Saldana), and the flinty Dr. McCoy (Karl Urban), go to battle to keep the interplanetary peace in Star Trek: Into Darkness. Also on board are Sulu (John Cho) and Chekov (Anton Yelchin) with his forced Russian accent, and of course, their stoic and reckless captain, Jim Kirk (the handsome blue-eyed Chris Pine), and his half-man, half-Vulcan friend, Spock (the immeasurably entertaining Zachary Quinto). Added to the mix is Dr. Carol Marcus (Alice Eve), a perky blonde Starfleet crew member who just may become Kirk's love interest. All are center stage to chart the course to boldly go where no man has gone before.
￼Written by Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci, and Damon Lindelof, Star Trek: Into Darkness follows the series' idealistic philosophy of racial tolerance and peaceful coexistence while adding more than enough big battles and galactic warfare to show off the film's excellent CGI big budget effects by Industrial Light and Magic. The well-crafted action sequences do go on a bit too long in parts, but one does need to catch their breathe between action set pieces.
￼Without revealing too much of the plot, the Enterprise crew is out to capture a terrorist bomber named John Harrison this time around. Abrams rejuvenates the popular series by resurrecting the next generation of younger actors to fill in for those classic roles and flattery is the highest form of imitation in this case. All of the actors take their coveted roles seriously, with special kudos for this mission going to Pine, Quinto, and Pegg.
￼The screenwriters wisely incorporate numerous battle scenes while still emphasizing the human drama aboard the Enterprise. The simplistic storyline is merely an outline to the barrage of CGI that enliven the film and set up the background for the characters' intimate relationships. Making this particular film so successful is again that tried-and true, if somewhat predictable, winning formula that continues to work for both the television series and the film franchise: the uneasy alliance between Spock and Kirk. Their on-going disagreements and bromance are the most engaging parts of the film as they bond together to fight against those evil forces intent with world annihilation. Evil in Star Trek: Into Darkness is chillingly represented by its villain, played the talented Benedict Cumberbatch. The actor brings with him an intensity and intelligence to his performance, which helps to elevate the level of intrigue and danger.
￼Abrams choreographs the action well and has crafted a visually stunning film. The director vividly stages the action sequences with colorful imagery, various aerial shots, and wonderful perspectives to intensify the dramatic elements at play. Production values are all top notch. Stunning photography by Daniel Mindel, detailed set design by Scott Chambliss, and strong film editing from Maryann Brandon and Mary Jo Markey contribute to much of the film's success. The prosthetics and make-up heighten the film's overall impact as does the aforementioned special effects. Michael Giacchino pays fine homage to the theme music and other flourishes he uses to enhance the action on screen.
Star Trek: Into Darkness takes its audience for a terrific fantasy ride. Sci-fi fans won't be disappointed and neither will the average moviegoer. With this second addition to their series, Abrams and his able crew continue to make this franchise live long and prosper. Mission accomplished. GRADE: A-
ANY COMMENTS: Please contact me at: jadepietro@rcn.com
NOTE: I saw the IMAX 3D version of the film. Well worth seeing in this format.