Finally, Star Trek returns

Rating: 9/10 (8 July 2013)

I didn't enjoy the 2009 reboot. I understood that it was flashy and fun, but it seemed very unTrek. I forgave it because people were talking about Star Trek again.
I was very reluctant to even see Into Darkness because I was afraid that the Star Trek that I know and love so well would be taken even farther away from me. Would they put in a sex scene? Drugs? What if there wasn't a single scene in a conference room?
Thankfully, Into Darkness did everything right that the 2009 did wrong; and kept the good stuff, too.
Most importantly, the movie remembered that Star Trek is 90% about good characters making difficult decisions and supporting each other like a family. That wasn't there in the first movie, but here: we see our old familiar pantheon of Star Trek heroes each stepping up in unique ways to contribute to the success of the missions. And, without the "let's give Checkov something to do" effect. One really does feel a sense of optimism when Kirk takes his captain's chair.
So, thank you, Into Darkness. You've given us back Star Trek!