Star Trek into Darkness (10 out of 10)

Way back in 1966 when I watched the very first TV Star Trek there was a sense of wonder at the special effects and a plot that was literally out of this world.
Spock (Zacharay Quinto) and Captain Kirk (Chris Pine).Spock (Zacharay Quinto) and Captain Kirk (Chris Pine).
Spock (Zacharay Quinto) and Captain Kirk (Chris Pine).

Fast forward to the latest incarnation and the brand still manages to amaze.

Star Trek into Darkness is more than two hours of fast-paced action that will make your head spin.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It’s highly entertaining, has a good solid plot, is acted well, and keeps the slightly tongue in cheek humour that has kept the brand ticking over for nigh on 50 years.

The story sees Captain Kirk (Chris Pine) called back to Earth after a thrilling mission on a planet about to be decimated due to a volcanic eruption.

Events take a turn, though, when a rogue Star Fleet operative John Harrison (Benedict Cumberbatch) starts a vendetta against his employers.

Kirk is sent on a secret mission into Klingon territory to capture Harrison.

However, all is not as it seems.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

If you are a diehard Trekkie fan waiting to see the movie and don’t want to know any of the twists I’d steer clear of any film sites in the meantime as I notice some have unintentionally provided a couple of spoilers.

The fascinating part of the new Star Trek films is the various nods to its predecessors and there’s one scene with Spock (Zacharay Quinto) and Kirk that is a role reversal from one of the original movies, although with far more intense acting.

In fact, Pine and Quinto are excellent as is Simon Pegg as the engineer Scotty.

Cumberbatch is full of menace and intensity, and his performance will no doubt ensure plenty more Hollywood scripts drop on his doormat.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The film’s 3D definitely adds to the enjoyment, with some of the audience dodging spears in the opening scenes.

Director JJ Abrams has definitely nailed this franchise - it will fascinating to see if he can do the same with Star Wars.

Film details: Star Trek into Darkness (12A) 132mins

Director: JJ Abrams

Starring: Chris Pine, Benedict Cumberbatch, Zacharay Quinto, Simon Pegg

Screening courtesy of Cineworld Crawley

Steve Payne

Related topics: