The crew of the Enterprise are back for their second instalment of the latest reincarnation of the Star Trek franchise, directed by J.J. Abrams.
This time out, the inexperienced Captain Kirk (Chris Pine) must travel to the edge of the neutral zone, hunting down a powerful terrorist hiding on the Klingon world, Kronos.
The Enterprise crew face multiple enemies, conflicting orders and unknown technologies that will not only test their allegiances, but their interpersonal relationships as well.
We say, “It’s even more fun than the first.”
TAYLOR: The only bad thing about Into Darkness is that it’s too perfect. It has the depth and meaning that Trekkers expect, wrapped up in a shiny, sexy, summer action pic. Yet, in the end, I felt it became a bit silly, as if it wasn’t taking itself seriously enough. However, the moments that bothered me couldn’t outweigh the amount of fun I had. Even if I wasn’t a fan, this is still a very good movie.
HOWE: Sequels are often a bit of a let down: Hangover 2 and I’m guessing as we haven’t seen it yet, part 3, Austin Powers 2 and 3, Batman 3 to just give examples. Yet with Into Darkness, I find it a better movie than the first. The action, dialogue and storyline just seem that little bit better, tighter, cleaner when you watch the final product. It’s a great movie. I would even go as far as saying it’s on par with The Avengers.
TAYLOR: There is definitely more action in this film than in the first. Perhaps because they spent quite a bit of time in the first film setting up the characters (that we already all know.) There was a lot of fighting in this film, maybe more face punching than all the Star Trek films and TV series’ combined.
HOWE: Benedict Cumberbatch (of Sherlock fame) was fantastic as the baddy, a very cool character with a menacing look in his eye: should we or shouldn’t we trust/believe what he is saying? The other thing I really enjoyed were the little in-jokes between captain and his crew, most of the audience found them entertaining as well.
TAYLOR: He is a good bad guy and it was exciting to see a blast from the past. The jokes came as fast as the action in this film, which I think takes the film into cute territory. This again, harkens back to the only problem I have with this film, it is too much fun.
HOWE: The overall effects looked pretty amazing, but there was two or three seconds of film when a small spacecraft was escaping that looked like it had been stolen from a ‘70s TV show. Other than that I couldn’t really fault the film. It kept me entertained from start to finish and I can’t wait for the next installment.
— Taylor gives it 4 space bars out of 5.
— Howe gives it 4 shields up out of 5.
The film is currently showing at the Galaxy Cinemas in Vernon.
— Brian Taylor and Peter Howe are freelance movie reviewers based in Vernon, B.C.
