Film Review: STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS (2013)

Director: J.J. Abrams
Writers: Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman, Damon Lindelof (written by), Gene Roddenberry (television series “Star Trek”)
Running time: 132 mins (approx)
Certification (UK): 12A

Genre: Action/Adventure/Sci-Fi
UK Release date: 9^th May 2013

Watched at the Cinema Saturday 11^th May 2013.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE MAY BE UNINTENTIONAL SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW.

I remember seeing the original Start Trek TV shows back in the 1970’s (we got them later here in the UK). I really loved them and have watched every spin-off TV show and film since. Now, I have to say here that I’m not a purist and I really enjoyed the first movie Star Trek (2009) which starts off this iteration of the franchise. But I digress; you’re wanting to hear about the all new shiny film. I have to say I went into this one without reading any reviews or reading too much of the press about it and so I’ll try to keep things as spoiler-free as possible. Here’s a very brief (spoiler-free) summary before I give you my thoughts.

When a Star Fleet archive is blown up in London, one John Harrison (Benedict Cumberbatch) claims responsibility. The Star Fleet captains and their First Officers are assembled by Admiral Marcus (Peter Weller) but Harrison attacks this meeting, killing one of James T. Kirk’s (Chris Pine) mentors. He pleads with Marcus to be allowed to follow Harrison to Kronos, the Klingon home world, where he has been tracked. He is given his chance and the crew of the Enterprise set off in hot pursuit. They manage to capture Harrison, but he is so much more than he seems…

There is a welcome return for all of the favourites from the first film; Spok (Zachary Quinto), Bones (Karl Urban), who I think is brilliant in this part by the way, Nyota Uhura (Zoe Saldana), Scotty (Simon Pegg), Chekov (Anton Yelchin) and Sulu (John Cho). Plus we have the addition of Admiral Marcus’s daughter, Dr. Carol Marcus (Alice Eve), who manages to bluff her way onto the ship. Everyone did a great job, although I wasn’t too sure about Scotty’s accent, with Benedict Cumberbatch, Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto and Peter Weller taking top honours (for me anyway).

Beautifully shot with much of the trademark lens flaring that is becoming synonymous with the films of J.J. Abrams. It really doesn’t bother me as much as it seems to others. I’m really glad I saw it on the big screen (in 2D by the way) because it’s one of those that definitely benefits from it. I can’t imagine it having anything like the impact on a small screen. It’s an epic plot that draws on elements from earlier iterations of these characters but totally turned on its head. I enjoyed it a very much and I’m already looking forward to the next one!

SteelMonster’s verdict: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

My score: 8.6/10.

IMDb Score: 8.4/10 (based on 8,766 votes when this review was written).
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1408101/

MetaScore: 74/100: (Based on 8 critic reviews provided by Metacritic.com at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes ‘Tomatometer’ Score: 90/100 (based on 60 reviews counted at the time of going to press).

Rotten Tomatoes ‘Audience’ Score: 89/100 (based on 78,686 user ratings counted at the time of going to press).
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/star_trek_into_darkness/

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FAVOURITE QUOTES:
John Harrison: You think you world is safe? It is an illusion. A comforting lie told to protect you. Enjoy these final moments of peace. For I have returned to have my vengeance. So, shall we begin?

[to Kirk]
Christopher Pike: Do you know what a pain you are? You think the rules don't apply to you. There's greatness in you, but there's not an ounce of humility. You think that you can't make mistakes, but there's going to come a moment when you realize you're wrong about that, and you're going to get yourself and everyone under your command killed.

John Harrison: Your commanders have committed a crime I cannot forgive. None of you are safe. Have I got your attention now?

[the Enterprise crew steer a ship towards a closing portal]
Spock: Captain, this ship will not fit.
James T. Kirk: IT WILL FIT, WILL FIT, WILL FIT!
[the ship scrapes through]
James T. Kirk: See, I told you it would fit!
Spock: I am not sure that qualifies.

Nyota Uhura: We're outnumbered, outgunned...
James T. Kirk: So we come out shooting!

LINKS:
(Note: All were working at the time of going to press)
Official Site: http://www.startrekmovie.com/
Trailer: