Star Trek Into Darkness

Release Date: May 16, 2013  
Runtime: 2 hr. 12 min. 
Director: J.J. Abrams 
Cast: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Karl Urban, Benedict Cumberbatch, Zoe Saldana, Simon Pegg, John Cho, Anton Yelchin, Bruce Greenwood, Peter Weller, Alice Eve.

Four years ago, audiences returned to the final frontier, where the voyage of the starship Enterprise resumed for a new generation. Feeling contemporary for novices, and refreshingly original for Trekkies, "Star Trek" was a prime example of how to invigorate a series that was decrepitly out of touch. But if one man could do it, it was J.J. Abrams. And if "Star Trek" was merely the tantalizing appetizer, then "Darkness" is undoubtedly the satiating main course. Beginning with an intense escape from a newly-discovered world, the sequel feels immeasurably different from its aforementioned predecessor. Injected with warp speed and hand-to-hand combat, there's less trekking and passivity than is usually associated. Captain Kirk and his crew are now comfortably settled in, with the return of a cast that is exceedingly seamless. Pine, as the fearless leader, faces more personal provocations, while Quinto as Spock undergoes changes, both emotionally and physically. It's nuances like these that Abrams excels at, imbuing sentiment and empathy when scenes call for explosions. Alice Eve joins the cast as a vital character, but it's Benedict Cumberbatch who takes center stage as the ambiguous John Harrison. Mainly known for his work as BBC's "Sherlock," Cumberbatch proves to be a formidable villain for the Starfleet and Enterprise. His vindictive drive is apparent in his tactical pursuits, but it's his true motive that may come off (or not) as a familiar surprise. While some may have hoped for another original storyline after the time continuum shift, the film does give a modern update for those who are less acquainted. Filled with more action sequences than can possibly be imagined, "Into Darkness" feels almost more like "Star Wars" than "Star Trek" — an irony in itself since Abrams is set to helm that as well. While he'll most likely not return for another "Trek" sequel, it's thrilling to see how he'll tackle George Lucas' world which is vastly different. Either way, he's set to go 'where no man has gone before.'

Rating: 4 stars