JJ Abrams Continues to impress

Rating: 9/10 (12 May 2013)

Walking into the theatre I was new to the whole Star Trek franchise. Only a few days before I had watched the first instalment in the film reboot series and only knew bits and pieces of the original series' history. However after watching the 2009 film I was eagerly anticipating it's sequel and it certainly did not disappoint.
The cast's acting is outstanding all round especially at the game changing scenes, particularly with Zachary Quinto during the rare moments where Spock displays his deepest emotions. However I feel that the best acting throughout the film came from Benedict Cumberbatch as the antagonist Johnny Harrison. From the moment you meet the character you are already aware of his sinister nature and throughout, Cumberbatch is able to make you aware of his brutality and even at moments in the film, empathise with him as he describes the path that led him to be the terrorist the audience see before them.
One thing that I have noticed about the negative reviews from avid Star Trek fans is that the plot almost veers too far away from the original stories mirrored in this film. Although I can understand why this may boil the blood of some, I feel the need to point out that this film franchise is an alternate time line (as revealed in the previous film). If the plot was a word for word replica of the previous storyline then there would be no surprises, no curiosity as to what will happen next. The alternate time line keeps the franchise fresh and also allows the films to open up to newbies such as myself to a long celebrated series. As someone who has little knowledge of the original plot I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the story, and that every scene would bring out different emotions in the audience whether it be joy or pain.
The film does have everything from mind blowing special effects (made more special if the film is viewed in the IMAX which I would highly recommend)to moments of comic relief mainly provided of course by the hilarious Simon Pegg as Scotty.
Whether you have been a Trekkie all of your life or are completely new to the cult series, Into Darkness is a film for any sci-fi fan and I would gladly see it again if given the opportunity.