Stakes are high as Kirk fights for his family

Rating: 7/10 (19 January 2014)

Not being a huge Trekkie, I wasn't particularly interested in watching this sequel to the rebooted franchise. But given its obvious box office success and consequent Oscar nomination, it climbed in my watch list and I experienced STID. I believe that the first Star Trek from Abrahams is a bit overrated, as I find it to be a welcomed adventure film but not worthy of the rating it scores. Having said that I would probably put this entry in a similar spot as its predecessor. It offers a wide variety of thrills and uncertainties, while presenting us with emotional sides to most of the main characters. As any Star Trek fan would agree, Kirk, Spock and Khan are the most highlighted characters in the film and they all are played with the right kind of charisma. Pine once again offers determination and leadership as James Kirk, a irreverent man who will do anything to keep his crew (family) safe. Quinto is spot on as Spock, a Vulcan that's calculating but also influenced by his human half to not only serve Kirk in the right manner, but also to connect affectionately with Uhura. Finally the MVP of the movie is clearly Benedict Cumberbatch, who is superb as Khan, a ruthless villain that shows a huge psychological advantage throughout the film, until he meets his ultimate demise.
Star Trek Into Darkness is a fun and great movie experience. Some fans may complain about its lack of greatness and its detachment from Trek themes, but since I am not a die hard fan, I don't feel there's anything to bicker about.
Rating 7/10