An Extremely Strong Sequel for This Franchise Reboot

Rating: 9/10 (6 August 2016)

The 2009 reboot of the "Star Trek" franchise is one of my favorite movies, and probably my favorite rendition of all things Star Trek. This film, 2013's "Into Darkness" is a similarly strong film, and one that continues to impress. Director J.J. Abrams shines on both of these amazing films, turning out a quality movie in both cases.
Whereas the first of the series provided an origin story for the franchises's familiar characters, "Into Darkness" tells a complex tale of treachery and intergalactic terrorism, and introduces one of the franchise's most notorious villains, Kahn. That character, played by Benedict Cumberbatch, receives a somewhat detailed origin story, and provides for a thoroughly entertaining antagonist for the crew of the Starship Enterprise.
I've given this film 9/10 stars, whereas I gave its predecessor 10/10. Like the first movie, "Into Darkness" continues in the line of thoroughly entertaining "Star Trek" movies, and this one is good enough that I toyed with giving it ten stars--but I decided to take a star away based purely on the fact that I find the first movie to simply be more likable overall, and therefore better than the sequel. Still, there's very little not to like about "Into Darkness". If you haven't seen the first in the series, definitely watch it first, and then check out this movie. You should love it!