Star Trek Into
Darkness
Dir: J.J. Abrams
Starring: Chris Pine, Zoe Saldana, Zachary Quinto, and
Benedict Cumberbatch
The manipulation of the
past and the future has played a key role in the reboot of the Star Trek Franchise.
Remaining authentic to creator Gene Roddenberry’s vision and crafting a new
identity for Star Trek has left some Trek fans angered at the disregard of the
past while others feel a newfound direction was needed. Star Trek Into Darkness may not please the purist but J.J. Abrams
understands how to craft an enjoyable film.
The setting begins on a
dense red jungle planet with an active, ready to erupt, volcano. Captain Kirk
(Chris Pine) and his trusted confidant Dr. McCoy (Karl Urban) are running for
their lives from a group of spear hurling indigenous people. Spock (Zachary
Quinto) is trying to save the native species from extinction while also keeping
Starfleet’s anonymity. Kirk, naturally, disobeys and Spock informs his
superior, Captain Pike (Bruce Greenwood), causing Kirk to lose command of his
enterprise ship. This suspension is short-lived due to an explosive attack
committed by a one of Starfleet’s own; this sends Kirk and his crew on a
mission to find the terrorist.
Kirk and Spock continue to
struggle with their relationship both personally and professionally. Kirk is mainly
directed by his impulsive instincts. Spock relies solely on logic, despite the gravity
of the consequence of choice, which leads to dissension between his friendship with
Kirk and relationship with Uhura (Zoe Saldana). Kirk is still searching for
purpose while defying authority and rules at every available corner; his
command is interrogated but more abrasively is the dedication represented by
his lead as Captain. Abrams shines in
utilizing the turmoil and indifference of the characters reason and choice, a
theme that plays unknowingly heavy on past and future events.
J.J. Abrams dedicates
enough time to the representation of the beloved characters, yet his motives
for their journeys seem unfamiliar to the established tradition. Exploration of
the universe with peaceful intentions and humanistic compassion is replaced
with a mission of vengeance in this film. Although those fundamental principles
are never completely disregarded, there is still enough diversion at times for
faithful Trek fans to become unsatisfied. The narrative becomes a bit
convoluted as a mystery is revealed and motivations become unraveled, but it
never turns confusing. Abrams is accomplished in keeping the action exciting
and the enjoyably self-aware performances in the forefront.
While Star Trek Into Darkness continues to explore the characters in
unique and personalized ways it also moves them into a near constant state of danger,
which offers interesting background into the personalities of this admired
crew. Simon Pegg as Scotty offers touches of humor, as are the nuances of
Anton Yelchin’s Chekov, which are nicely combined into the narrative. The
addition of Benedict Cumberbatch, who has a delightfully villainous charm, as
the major threat to Starfleet’s existence is a great design. This is due to the
intellect and prowess his character commands within his mysterious motive.
Abrams success exists in
the organization of the script; allowing the characters to progress the film
while structuring great action and an effective, if divisive, plot throughout. Star Trek Into Darkness is an
entertaining film, though at times the narrative becomes unsurprising it never
feels unusual for a franchise that still has places to voyage.
Monte’s Rating
4.00 out of 5.00
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