Star Trek Into Darkness ****
It is thrusters on full and warp speed ahead for this much anticipated Star Trek reboot sequel which was always going to prove a tall order to pull off successfully.
But J.J. Abrams has boldly gone where few men (or women) have gone before by making a standalone film which will appeal both to the staunch fans and to non Trekkies.
Taking the directing helm once again Abrams delivers another visually exciting, riveting action packed adventure in 3D which captures the spirit and the humour of Gene Roddenberry’s original Star Trek television series.
Captain Kirk (Chris Pine) and his crew embark on a manhunt to capture John Harrison, a one man weapon of mass destruction, played superbly by Benedict Cumberbatch.
Pine, who at times seemed to be channelling William Shatner, comes into his own as James T. Kirk while Zachary Quinto transforms effortlessly into Spock. There is no question that he was the perfect choice to play the inimitable half Vulcan half human who struggles with his dual heritage. The film flirts with his romantic ties with Uhura (Zoe Saldana) but their relationship is never fully explored. Meanwhile Karl Urban becomes the bemoaning Bones we all know and love who is beginning to find Spock and his cold blooded logic exasperating.
Simon Pegg reprises his role as Scotty but his funny one liners and manic outbursts are thankfully kept to a minimum while Alice Eve joins the Enterprise as Carol Marcus who was Kirk’s old flame in The Wrath of Khan.
This is one of many nods and winks to the franchise which will delight fans but will make little to no difference to those who aren’t as familiar with Star Trek.
The 3D doesn’t really add anything extra to this gripping adventure but Abrams deserves much praise for continuing to breathe new life into this franchise and steering her to even more box office success.
4/5 stars
By Maria Jose
