Star Trek Into Darkness – Mini Movie Review

Since before the first “Star Trek” in 2009, J.J. Abrams said that the aim was to expand the Trekkie universe in such a way as to welcome new fans. Without a doubt, “Into Darkness” will do just that, while also pleasing fans of the original series.

“Star Trek Into Darkness” is a film of huge proportions but it never feels forced, cheapened or fake. It has gorgeous 3D and well executed special effects that go hand in hand with Abrams’ vision, the solid acting, and the superb score.

The film includes new technologies and themes, while also paying tribute to some that fans will recognize from the originals. For instance, whenever I saw a re-imagined communicator or heard a sound I knew from the TV series, it felt like Abrams was winking at me.

At the same time, it goes overboard on emotion so, unlike the majority of action movies, you can justly say that “Into Darkness” doesn’t sacrifice style for substance. Which is just as good, if you think of how much heart the original had – Abrams did it justice.

What I Liked

“Into Darkness” further develops Spock and Kirk’s relationship in a not unexpected but still pretty amazing manner. Characters have complexity, be they on Kirk’s team (or even Kirk himself) or the uber dangerous villain John Harrison.

This isn’t a film that’s “rebooting” the “Star Trek” franchise even though it’s labeled that: because it runs parallel with it, it’s actually adding to the mythology by using already familiar elements.

What I Didn’t Like

My biggest pet peeve is the way Uhura’s character is portrayed, in that “Into Darkness” romanticizes her to such an extent that she resembles more a lovesick teenage girl instead of a highly trained, highly capable officer in the United Federation of Planets.

The Carol Marcus character exists mostly to look good in underwear and that is a huge shame.

Action setpieces in rapid succession could tire a non-fan of the genre.

Conclusion