Fantastic addition to the franchise

Rating: 8/10 (9 May 2013)

First of all, this is a direct sequel to "Star Trek XI"; it sounds like I'm stating the obvious, but I mean in tone and execution as well as the more obvious aspects. However, "Into Darkness" seems to have a bit more substance to it, albeit without sacrificing everything that made the first one so fun and easy to engage with, especially in the first half-hour or so, with certain questions being raised over the decisions regarding the appropriate actions to take by individuals. The repercussions of those decisions are executed to devastating effect in the last two acts of the film, with a few surprises here and there.
The characters are also pleasingly fleshed out. Whilst the principal cast have already been established in the last film, every single one of them is once more given room to grow and their moment to shine, the moments in question never feeling pointless regarding the plot. The newer additions also add new shades and colour to the palette of the crew, particularly Alice Eve, who just about manages to hold her ground against the mêlée of the events occurring in the film. Just.
Of course, Benedict Cumberbatch managed to exceed expectations I didn't even realise I had. Despite my thinking that the choice of his character was a bit of a cop-out, so to speak, he made for a much more memorable and fleshed-out villain than Eric Bana's Nero. Despite the transparency of his true identity, he still managed to surprise me in many ways, not least the degree to which I empathised with his character in the second act.
Regarding the aesthetics of the film: first of all, as much as I liked their use in the last film, there are much fewer lens flares used here, thank goodness. This is perhaps because of the 3D and I must say that as someone who has been dissuaded from 3D showings thanks to the poor utilisation of the tool, I was very impressed with its use here. The space scenes in particular look absolutely gorgeous and you also get things flying out at you, so there's something for everyone here; no cine-cardboard cutout rush-job here (looking at you, Clash of the Titans 2010). It's absolutely worth it if you are willing to fork out the extra coupe of pounds/ dollars, so I was highly relieved by that. Michael Giacchino's score is also worth a mention - the usual themes are retained, but with added dissonance in some parts and allegro in others, although this often resulted in it swerving close to unevenness; jarring in comparison to the fluidity of the film.
One other complaint that I have was the use of one particular line. It felt incredibly shoehorned in and completely undermined the scene preceding it, although thankfully it was not lingered on for long. That was, perhaps, the one thing I thought was completely unnecessary to the film and when I say 'completely unnecessary', I mean 'sticks out like a sore thumb'. Another problem I had, albeit a little more minor, was that the whole affair was wrapped up too quickly after a certain point, perhaps to the point of dissatisfaction. I would perhaps have liked to have seen a little more of it; maybe there was a scene that was eventually cut from the film. Perhaps not, but it slightly annoyed me.
In summary, whilst it wasn't perfect, it was the best sequel to my favourite film I could have possibly hoped for. Everyone involved has my gratitude for making the four-year wait - and the last five months, in which I was engaged in a total lock-down - worth it. I must admit, part of me was expecting a spaceship-wreck of a film. Thankfully, that was not what I got.