Into Greatness

Rating: 8/10 (10 May 2013)

So, JJ Abrams sequel to the 2009 Star Trek film is finally here. I saw it last night, and now I offer up my thoughts and opinions. Be warned, this page contains MAJOR SPOILERS! I've tried to avoid doing so, but I make no promises, so if you don't want to know the juicy details, stop reading.... round about now.
OK, so on with the review. First impressions? Great film. The title is a little misleading- the film has darker moments than the first installment, but it's still quite lively and exciting. The story moves a long at quite a fast pace, and by the time you're done getting over one particularly dramatic moment, there's another.
Kirk and Spock's relationship, as well as Kirk's relationship with Starfleet at large and even his other senior officers, is strained at times in this film. He is eager to prove himself after a knock-back, keen to avenge the death of his mentor, and believes the rules and regulations are an impediment to his progress. He learns that his recklessness can prove costly- having not lost a single member going into the film, this soon changes as his mission and personal quest takes him deep into the heart of Klingon space, and then takes him back to face an enemy nestled within the heart of Starfleet- an enemy playing Kirk off against another enemy.
The villain? Well, lets state the obvious- it's Khan, and Cumberbatch plays the role brilliantly. He is ruthless, cold and determined, and steals the show.
There are some unexpected cameos- Leonard Nimoy reprises his role as Spock Prime for a nice little moment, and we get some interesting role reversals- not to mention a rehash of the epic cry 'Khaaaaan!' It's a tad cheesy but certainly entertaining! The action sequences are amazing. The Enterprise falling from space toward earth has to be seen to be believed, and the 'fight' between the Klingons and Khan is very impressive. Visually the film is a feast. One I would certainly watch again, and I eagerly await the DVD!