Star Trek Into Darkness
Director: J.J. Abrams
Cast: Chris Pine, Zacahary Quinto, Benedict Cumberbatch
Length: 132 minutes
Country: USA
J.J. Abrams returns with the long-awaited sequel to his 2009 modern sci-fi classic, Star Trek Into Darkness. Released last week, it raked in an impressive £8.4 million between Thursday and Sunday, beating 2009’s offering by an impressive £2.4 million.
I’d been waiting for the Star Trek sequel ever since the last frame of Star Trek (2009) , and not just so that I could use it as an excuse to get out of the library. Like most people, I’m a huge fan of the previous movie, having probably watched it seven or eight times, reveling in the fact that it’s a modern day update of the TV show that I used to watch with my dad when I was younger. So it’s fair to say that I had high expectations, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint.
The Starship Enterprise continues to be manned by its all star cast, including Chris Pine as Captain Kirk, Zachary Quinto as Spock and Simon Pegg as Scotty to name a few. This secondary presentation had big boots to fill, as its predecessor was a huge success, leaving fans eager for more. Trust me when I say, it lives up to the hype. The film begins with a hooded blue figure charging through a red forest on an unknown planet, hotly pursued by a race of painted primitive men garbed in yellow. This sets both the tone and the pace for the rest of the film; 132 minutes of confusing yet exhilarating action.
Once again, Kirk ends up doing what he feels is right, disobeying the rules, and then being reprimanded. In an effort to save those closest to him, he breaks protocol and bears the consequences. Themes like the crisis of leadership are carried over from the previous film. However this time it’s spliced with beautiful shots of a futuristic London where the primary villain, Benedict Cumberbatch’s John Harrison, is seen prowling around and being exceptionally menacing. Harrison strikes a significant chord with Kirk, unleashing his anger and vengeful side. No matter what, you’ll always be one step behind the plot as it races and weaves its way through space and time. Not unlike Inception, this is an example of a film that captures your interest from the get go and needs your full and undivided attention until the very last second.
Benedict Cumberbatch manages to portray the delicate balance of an absolute psychopath with finesse and strength, bouncing from vulnerability to psychoticism in an instant
Although constantly surrounded by chrome and incredible CGI, the script addresses issues of morality, obedience and friendship, topics that are timeless, keeping the film grounded with the audience. Once again, the thread that runs through is the tenuous relationship between Kirk and Spock. On which side the pair lays in the fine line of colleagues or friends is sometimes ambiguous. This draws in the matter of honour. Should we help a friend, even if they never ask for it?
Another issue that Abrams decided to tackle is that of terrorism. Cumberbatch’s character is a terrorist pure and simple. He tortures and threatens his way through the world, leaving the audience worrying as to whether he’ll ever be conquered. The message that shines through is; ‘don’t lower yourself to be as bad as him, don’t let his evil corrupt you’. This is perhaps a reflection on contemporary news stories of the past decade.
As his first foray into the world of Star Trek, Benedict Cumberbatch is excellent. He manages to portray the delicate balance of an absolute psychopath with finesse and strength, bouncing from vulnerability to psychoticism in an instant. One of his strongest scenes is a battle of wills with Pine’s Captain Kirk. He is breathtaking. Drawing you into his emotions as if you are the only one beside him. Although filled with many strong performances, the other actor that shines here is Simon Pegg. Albeit not the largest role he’s ever had, Pegg carries the comedic side, piping up with sarcastic, dry-witted comments in a comical Scottish accent that lends itself to the role.
Although not as funny as the original Star Trek, this follow-up more than makes up for it with the depth it goes into when portraying the complex relationships of the crew. Interspersing 21st century CGI with old school chases and fights atop moving vehicles, whilst still being thoroughly heart-warming, Star Trek Into Darkness manages to strike the perfect balance of a hotly anticipated action extravaganza with the depth and flavour of a character driven film. Simply put, it’s a must see.
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