Star
Trek: Into Darkness
A
review
May 17,
2013
Viewed
May 16, 2013
****.5 out of *****
Rhetoric,
the kind that moves mountains and people is made up of many factors, but it is
most often effective when it is backed up in the words with solid actions often
emotion based. Emotions that based on
more than random if not rational thoughts that make up the land of ideas and
ideals, but something of deeper substance.
To trust one another in a time of crisis to make the intelligent
decisions is the goal of the family and the family unit. It is in in these times of crisis when one
becomes aware of the vulnerable balance between the intellect and the
heart.
Early
on in the marvelous new film, Star Trek:
Into Darkness the statement is made to a young, brash officer named James
Kirk, by his mentor and commander that he believes in him. He believes in the young man even though he
by his own admission does not play by the rules that govern their
federation. He flaunts them recklessly,
and uses emotion based thought to guide his courage. His courage is one of
blustery confidence on the outside with the fears well hidden. His first officer, a man of another race,
half human, half Vulcan believes in the rules.
His world is one of logic based ideas, but nevertheless as courageous as
his captain. He hides his emotions
behind a veil of reason, but they exist.
As
a television series, Star Trek only
lasted three years, but those three years of television launched a new
futuristic world of man’s journey into the reaches of the galaxy. It promoted among other things a half
Utopian, half nightmare version of the future with galaxies and alien races
that could be explored and learned from, and also beings who would have to be
confronted and defeated to maintain the balance of peace. Standing at the center of this universe are
these two opposing forces of reason and emotion, united in the same timeless
struggle.
The
popularity of the multiple television series, the feature films and the endless
variations and stories have used a narrative that alters between these factors
to make science fiction a story of people and characters and less a story of
coming fantastic future.
This
newest version, directed with style and verve to the max is instantly one of
the best in the series. It is a stunning
visual treat, an exciting thrill ride that delivers a new take on the familiar,
and yet rings true for all that has come before.
In
the capable and talented hands of its director, J.J Abrams the film returns us
to the origins of the original Star Trek crew, now in charge of their own
starship, Enterprise. The familiar
characters return, Kirk, Spock, Dr. McCoy, Scotty, Uhura, Sulu, and
Chekov. Rather than simply pay homage
to the previous characterizations the seven actors filling these roles have
managed to make the parts their own.
This is a Star Trek for a new generation(without pun), and this film is
likely to create thousands of new fans with a spectacle so rich that it demands
to be seen at the highest possible format.
It
must be noted that the Star Trek
reboot could have been a failure. It
could have failed either financially or artistically and it has not been
either, but with Abram’s shepherding it is likely to survive for many more
generations.
Although
hugely popular Abrams’ first stab at this sacred property in 2009 suffered as
many films do from a classic reset to the story and an introduction to the
characters that have been so beloved for so long. Reverential and heartfelt, although epic in
scope, the film was new and exciting.
By resetting the universe as it were with the events in Star Trek, it opened a door for the
filmmakers to both embrace the mythology of the show and films and run from it
with warp speed.
This
latest epic is more testosterone based entertainment than the series or
previous films in the series dared to be.
The Enterprise crew is faced with a threat against as one officer puts
it “an all out war against Starfleet.” The crew sent to eliminate a former
Starfleet officer, John Harrison who has brutally attacked Starfleet commanders
leaving many of them dead. As they
uncover more information the true nature of the characters and their mission
will be illuminated.
Star
Trek: Into Darkness is largely built around three incredible and powerful
sequences that are stunning mini-films.
The sequences including a
breathtaking and powerful sequence over a third of the way in that knocks the
viewer for a loop. Finding the
surprises hidden in the strong screenplay by Robert Orci, Alex Kurtzman, and
Damon Lindelof is only one of the pleasures of the film. The film’s somber tone is offset by the
marvelous touches of humor and warmth that the characters show in their
interplay, and in the way the actors seem to be rebuilding the characters
anew.
Visually
this certainly is the top film in the series with its vibrant colors and
incredible effects it stands alone.
Only a few minor quibbles here and there prevent the film from
masterwork level. They include perhaps
a need to flesh out further some of the relationships in the story, and in my
opinion a too-rushed over ending.
A unusual name, an accomplished
performance is put in by British actor, Benedict Cumberbatch. Mr. Cumberbatch cut his teeth in television’s
Sherlock Holmes and here gives a performance that is honestly one of the
strongest recent heavies in film. His
performance is not showy, but sets a convincing and powerful tone for the
proceedings. The returning stars to
the series are excellent with a more flushed out performance notable this time
for Zachary Quinto who plays Spock, and Zoe Saldana who plays Uhura. Chris
Pine, without apparent effort has overtaken the role of Kirk. The burden of expectation lies with the audience
and Mr. Pine has the chops to make the audience believe he is becoming a
leader. The rest in the cast, Karl Urban
as McCoy, Simon Pegg as Scotty, John Cho as Sulu, and Anton Yelchin as Chekov
are each given great moments to shine.
Bruce Greenwood and Alice Eve take stabs at former iconic Star Trek characters
to nice effect. The only weak
performance is by Peter Weller who plays his critical role with too much
bombast.
Certain to be one of the strongest
entries to 2013’s summer movies Star
Trek: Into Darkness meet the
expectations of the long time Trekkies, as well as those who want to spend two hours
with an exciting fast paced tale that leaves you ready to continue further
journeys into space. I imagine there will
be more than a few hearts excited as the final credits roll.
Tommy
Key
Rated PG-13(Intense
sequences of sci-fi action and violence, language)
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