Star Trek: Into Darkness

JJ Abrams’ intergalactic reboot returns for a second outing into deep space. We rejoin the USS Enterprise as it attempts to save a planet and its young species from extinction. 

Going beyond their brief, and setting in motion an unfortunate chain of events that may have future repercussions, the crew return home to face the less than merry music. Back on Earth, the threat of an enemy emerging from within Star Fleet itself means that all punishments quickly go out the window, and the Enterprise and its crew are soon chasing their man to the very heart of the Klingon world. 

The crew returns in its entirety and is joined by newcomer Alice Eve as Carol Marcus, the admiral’s daughter, and a potential love interest for Kirk. The other newcomer of note is Benedict Cumberbatch who plays John Harrison, the enigmatic terrorist attacking Star Fleet from within. Cumberbatch is more than capable in the role and delivers his particular brand of cold-hearted menace with great aplomb. Nonetheless, you cannot help but feel that Cumberbatch is wasted in the blockbuster market, and that his supreme acting talent deserves something meatier.

Into Darkness is really about Kirk, Spock, and the development of their friendship. Zachary Quinto continues to be an enchanting Spock – a role his cheekbones were made for. He perfectly conveys his confusion about his dual heritage, careering from cold logic to barely suppressed emotion. A trait which, in spite of his supposed lack of feeling, makes him the most loveable character onboard. 

The ship itself also shines in this film: visually stunning, it truly benefits from the 3D conversion. Treated as a member of the crew and lovingly looked after by Scotty (played to great laughs by Simon Pegg), it is when her very existence is threatened that the crew comes together as one. Karl Urban’s take on Bones is also played for laughs. Harking back to the 60s TV series with his cheesy one-liners, he bridges the gap between Abram’s alternate timeline and the original TV series, as do brief appearances by Leonard Nimoy and the Klingons, who will no doubt return in the future.

Abram’s main triumph with this reboot though is that, after two films, the characters seem as fresh as ever with much more potential for growth. This is a franchise with a great future. A five-year mission awaits.

Nichola Daunton

Star Trek: Into Darkness is released nationwide on 9^th May 2013.

Watch the trailer for Star Trek: Into Darkness here