Review: Star Trek Into Darkness

Set in the alternate timeline established in Star Trek (2009), Kirk et al are hot on the trail of a Federation criminal named John Harrison (Benedict Cumberbatch). Revealing the rest of the plot would involve some major spoilers, so I won’t go there.

Stylistically, this is a classic JJ Abrams film. There is plenty of action and obtuse sentimentality, but it looks pretty. Star Trek‘s regular cast is back with minor character changes (since when does Spock cry?) and the addition of a new villain and a blonde weapons expert named Carol (Alice Eve).

The plot itself is inspired by a previous Star Trek film. I’m not entirely familiar with anything pre-The Next Generation so I can’t comment on whether this latest installment fits, but it seems a decent addition to a well-worn storyline. The cast seem more familiarised with their characters which makes the film knit together more tightly than their first effort. My only complaints about this film are that it took too long to get to the point, and it was seeped with unnecessary sentimentality. Cut a half hour from the film, chop the mushy bits and you’d have yourself a pretty goof flick. However, at the end, I was left wondering, “Did anything happen in this movie besides extreme close ups of Chris Pine?” (Not that I’m complaining, he’s not the worst person to look at…)

6.5 popcorns out of 10. Add another mark for the unholy thoughts I’ve been having about Chris Pine since I saw the movie.