Star Trek Into Darkness (2013) Review

Let's get one thing right out of the way: I'm not a Trekkie. I've never seen the original show or any of the spin-offs and when it comes to the movies then I'd always felt somewhat underwhelmed (with the exception of Wrath of Khan, that film kicks ass). Now the first time that I'd actually found myself being quite blown away by Star Trek was with J.J. Abrams' 2009 Star Trek. Dumping all the heavihandedness of the source material and putting everything into overdrive was probably the best thing that could have ever happened to the franchise. I'm certainly aware that many devoted fans have complained about it not being true to the source material and dumbing it down for the mass audience but these people are forgetting one simple thing: IT'S A MOVIE, GET OVER IT! But honestly, Star Trek of the 2009 variety was a fast-paced, entertaining and completely satisfying sci-fi romp.

Now we have 2013 and J.J. Abrams is back with the sequel and wouldn't you know it, it's again quite a great time at the movies. The film starts off with Kirk and co. in the middle of a mission trying to save a tribe that kinda looks like the Prometheus Engineers with their skin peeling off:

The mission doesn't go according to plan and we are treated to quite an amazing set piece with Spock stuck in a volcano. It's silly, sure, but it's also exciting and exhilarating, by this point the suspension of disbelief is already out the window. As a result of the mission gone wrong we see Kirk being suspended only to be reinstated not much later as first officer by his mentor from the first movie, Admiral Pike. Then we are treated to the introduction of one of the movie's finest assets, our main villain with the extraordinarily spacy name John Harrison. The name probably makes him sound like a harmless IRS agent but believe me, this guy is a real badass.

"Did you already file your taxes? Please provide a valid W2!"

Played with creeping menace by Benedict Cumberbatch who is slowly rising to deserved stardom, he gives a great and memorable performance. This John Harrison is a Starfleet agent gone rogue and it's Kirk's job to find him and bring him to justice. But of course things aren't always as simple as they seem...

Just like the previous entry Star Trek Into Darkness provides escapist entertainment on a huge and awe-inspiring scale. It's as far removed as possible from what was previously known as a nerd's mecca and is now a full-blown special effects heavy summer blockbuster accessible for everyone. This has its good sides and its bad sides. While the old show (and most of the movies and spin-offs) were all about exploration and sometimes more, sometimes less deep questions about humanity and society, Into Darkness is first and foremost a showpiece for the current state of big scale spectacle.

Of course there are some things to nitpick. The filmmakers apparently felt the strong need to heavily reference the previously mentioned Wrath of Khan, possibly the best Star Trek movie to date. This leads to some interesting homages that not always work in favor of Into Darkness' own voice. I don't want to give away what I mean because that would count as a major spoiler but it plays somewhat along the exaggerated lines of this infamous bit from Revenge of the Sith:

On another note, one of these references doesn't go as far as you would have expected. Again, telling you right here what happens would spoil the fun but it is something that will seem like a cop out and ultimately a missed opportunity to make Into Darkness truly special. If you're feeling letdown by the end then you can probably blame it on this very plot convenience (you'll know what I mean).

And all of a sudden, all the movie's shortcomings were forgiven...

Into Darkness might think it has something to say but under the surface it is as shallow a movie as most of the stuff that's playing in the multiplex nowadays. Again, this will upset people who are looking for brainfood rather than just simple eye candy. In that regard, Star Trek now seems closer to the spirit of Star Wars than the prequel trilogy ever did. This is actually is a great thing since it provides just the right mix of action, adventure and even a little bit of comedy, the appeal to our inner 10 year old is enormous.

So I say, forget about all the heavy sci-fi mumbo jumbo that Star Trek was associated with in the past, just lean back and enjoy the ride! You'll find plenty to like in this film: Great visuals, another awesome soundtrack by Michael Giacchino, characters to root for, a charismatic villain and pitch perfect pacing. What more could you ask for?