Star Trek Into Darkness

I'll admit it: I'm not a Trekkie.  In fact, I have never enjoyed a single episode of The Next Generation, albeit I did enjoy most of the TNG movies.  I realize that this makes you question my geek credentials, but it's true.  However, I did enjoy the 2009 reboot, with its more accessible characters, breathtaking camera work, and breakneck pace.  In 2009, it was my top movie of the year.

So, the question I had going into viewing Star Trek Into Darkness was, 'Could JJ Abrams do it again?'  I do contend that his 2009 masterpiece is his best to date, despite Super 8 being a disaster.  I'm here to answer said question, and I will try as hard as I know how to avoid spoilers.  There are more twists in this film than at my local Taco Bell, and these twists are what determine whether it's just a good film, or a great one.

THE BAD
There were times that some of the emotional climaxes seemed forced, or just not well thought out.  I realize that my expectations were undeservedly high, but I just expect better from Damon Lindelof (a writer on the film whose claim to fame is his work as a show runner on Lost) in regards to emotional depth.

Without giving too much away, the twists in the film felt borrowed and even slightly gimmicky   They took a risk in strongly evoking another story, and I'm not sure that it paid off.

There is a scene about halfway through the film that I feel slows it down. It speeds back up, but it felt uneven, even if it was just for a few minutes.

THE GOOD
The acting was marvelous.  I would dare say that Chris Pine (Kirk) outdid himself.  His character had more depth and is showing why he is one of the most promising young actors around.  The villain, played by one of the best actors of our day Benedict Cumberbatch (from the BBC's Sherlock), shines as much as he has in his other projects.  Also, Zachery Quinto (Spock) gave a great performance.  Although, I think that it wasn't quite as good as the last movie.

The camera work is amazing!  I urge you to look at some of the shots and how expressive they are.  Abrams aspires to be another Spielberg, and while I wouldn't go THAT far, he certainly knows how to use the camera to express the emotion of the scene.  It is completely complementary as opposed to deliriously distracting.

As with the first flick, the pacing is fantastic. The action scenes are marvelous and fun.  As the folks on What The Flick! said, the action scenes are so compelling that it makes any of the plot holes insignificant.

The music was wonderful, and I would dare say that the score is better than the first one.

CONCLUSION
Darkness is a fantastic ride and I certainly want to see it again.  The twists REALLY threw me off.  I didn't expect them at all.  Star Trek purists are going to HATE it.  I recommend it to everyone else but Trekkies.  4/5 Disco Balls.

PARENTS GUIDE
The adult content of this film is almost exactly on the same level as the first film.  It has some subtle sex references and some pretty tasteful violence.  There also is some language.  Not recommended for young children, but a 10-year-old should do fine.