Great Sequel that shines...

Rating: Null/10 (24 August 2014)

Spectacular sequel that manages to reproduce the wit and charm of the first film. 'Into Darkness' also hits a great stride with its many exciting sequences that are nicely linked together. JJ Abrams joins Neil Blomkamp as some of today's top sci-fi talent and is certainly the best pick to re-imagine the new Star Wars films. Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto step back into Kirk and Spock as if no time at all has elapsed between the two films. These two characters are bound closer together by learning the value of self-sacrifice as well as discipline. The rest of the cast also slides neatly back into place thanks to another great script. Peter Weller is brought in as a star fleet admiral and manages to stand out amongst the other veteran actors. The breakout performance here is Benedict Cumberbatch, moviegoers will be seeing much more of this actor in the future. As the lead villain, Cumberbatch manages to be a commanding presence and an undeniable talent, his work here reminds me of another breakthrough performance decades ago from fellow Brit turned A-list talent, Alan Rickman (Die Hard, 1988). 'Into Darkness' is what sequels should be and another ride through Gene Rodenberry's universe couldn't be much more fun than this.