Why the reboot rechristened hope for Star Trek

Rating: 9/10 (10 November 2013)

This film, as a film, is brilliant. I echo the numerous reviews from the newspapers and reviewers that say this sequel proved Abrams didn't fluke a great reboot in 2009. Star Trek Into Darkness takes us on a journey into the new, through fast paced visuals and stunning camera-work, whilst rooting itself in the old, with the central plot taking reference from The Wrath of Khan. The cast are, again, loyal to their character's ethics and traits, and Cumberbatch makes a great villain, no doubt about that! I was really disappointed that so many Trekkies gave this film a bad review, not because of its credibility as A film, but rather as a STAR TREK film. Apparently this year's ST convention rated it the worst film in the franchise. There was little doubt that a Star Trek reboot was going to cause some splits in the Trekkie collective! There is one thing, however, that they will all have to agree on: Star Trek was a dying franchise without Abrams' help.
Whilst the mighty Next Generation came to a close back in 2002 with it's mediocre run at the box office, most people had assumed closure of the franchise, especially after the cancellation of the TV show Enterprise in the mid-2000s. It is true that Star Trek was just one of many films that was chosen by Hollywood to lead the reboot period (which still rattles on today...).
It is a great shame, however, that so many Trekkies have a poor view of the new crew and their movies. Is it the cast choice? The ripping off of the Khan storyline? Did Abrams ignore too much of what Star Trek really is, in both political and philosophical terms? (Yes I would have liked to see more reference to the political and social ethics of the franchise...). None of this matters though! Like the franchise, which ran for decades remember, Star Trek adapted and changed. In both it's philosophical and general nature it was a largely progressive show. When Picard turned up after the original series had closed for good, many, included Stewart himself, were convinced it would not hold. Now TNG is arguably just as well known as Kirk's Trek, and was by far the longest running, and technically the most popular, series in the franchise.
My point is this. Abram's reboot forms the next stage of the Star Trek canon. Given the option, I think most moderate Trekkies would say that the choice to reboot Kirk over creating a brand new crew was the right decision (save that for a TV series in 2020s perhaps). Star Trek has a living, breathing soul again. It really does. Added, many people see Star Trek as a way of life! I know that sounds ridiculous, but many (even Patrick Stewart actually) see the Trek future, where humanity is united by the common goal to learn more, and be more than it once was, as something to aspire to. Into Darkness didn't quite show that (until the last scene though), I'll agree.
I believe Abrams successfully found a balance though. One that pays respects to the past through Into Darkness's storyline, and both looks to the future, updating a lot of the now out of date bits, and so on. It has provided a base for the next 50 years of series, fans and philosophy.
I saw this film on the last week of its run this summer. I was not a Trekkie by any stretch either. But having seen this, I've been drawn to learn about the rest of Trek too, watching the Next Gen over the summer, and now just finishing their 90s/00s films today. Into Darkness has truly helped encourage new fans, like me, to take their place at the franchise's table. I know that it will help plot a new course for the franchise, allowing more to come to recognise and enjoy a series that has inspired the creation of the mobile phone, tablet device, and other technological and social changes throughout the last few decades.
Star Trek is changing. I find it very strange that fans of a show like this cannot embrace that. It's quite sad, actually. Whether they like it or not, at the very least Into Darkness has helped ensure that history will never forget the name Enterprise!