“Star Trek Into Darkness,” the newest movie in the rebooted Star Trek movie franchise, has it all: comedy, romance, tragedy and a whole lot of sci-fi action. As the movie begins, we find the same characters operating a perilous mission aboard the Enterprise, where Captain Kirk (Chris Pine, “This Means War”), renowned (and reprimanded) for his unorthodox methods, is forced to break the rules in order to ensure the survival of his crew. He faces this same dilemma when a psychopathic villain comes into play: John Harrison (Benedict Cumberbatch, “War Horse”).
Cumberbatch’s character is introduced as an antagonist after being behind a terrorist attack that takes place in futuristic London. This is only the first step in his plan, however, and one that will cost countless lives. As the story progresses, Harrison’s character becomes more fleshed out and his reasons for the attacks are explained. Kirk must pursue him to the end of the galaxy, both out of revenge and following orders, but all is not as it seems and Kirk is forced to make difficult decisions that risk the lives of his crew once more.
All of the actors and actresses in this movie did a phenomenal job, but no portrayal was as powerful as Cumberbatch’s. His insanity is believable, but as his motives are explained, the viewers get a chance to understand what drives him to this insanity. The depictions of Kirk and Spock (Zachary Quinto, “Heroes”) are truly great as well. Spock, the half-Vulcan half-human, struggles in an internal war between his duty to remain emotionless and logical and his overwhelming human feelings. His performance plays off of Captain Kirk’s; the two good friends have completely different views of authority and rules, and they must learn to complement each other. Additionally notable performances include that of Zoe Saldana (“Avatar”) as Uhura and Alice Eve (“She’s Out of My League”) as Carol, a new addition to the Enterprise’s crew in this installment.
The plotline, though complex, is an overall asset to the film. In addition to being a good stand-alone movie, it alludes to potential conflicts with infamous characters from the classic TV series. At some points, the movie seems to exaggerate certain character’s reactions to conflict, but for the most part, it is very believable and succinct. Allusions early in the film hint of things to come, while various quotes throughout were reminiscent of the “Star Trek” on television, giving mega fans extra tidbits others may not have understood. One example includes the ever notorious line from Bones, proclaiming after an epithet, “I’m a doctor, not a—” followed by a noun applicable to the situation.
Special effects have always been an asset to this type of film and in this case, the effects make the movie experience even more enjoyable. Even though the majority of the film is spent inside a single vessel, it is still captivating enough that viewers will never be bored. One particular scene that is especially aesthetically pleasing is seen at the beginning of the film, when Kirk and Bones (Karl Urban, “Dredd”) are running through the red forests of Niburu as a volcano explodes in the background. Spock then goes inside the volcano to prevent its eruption and the audience is able to see the rolling waves of lava surrounding his tiny figure.
This is a film for all to see, a movie that “Star Trek” fans and those new to the genre will enjoy. It captivates with imagery, stuns with emotional conflict and dialogue, but still manages to crack jokes along the way. “Star Trek Into Darkness” will be an acclaimed film to be enjoyed throughout the year with great potential to receive awards, especially after such captivating performances.
