Star Trek Into Darkness

UK Release Date. 9 May 2013
Certification. 12A
Running Time. 2 hours 12 mins
Director. J.J. Abrams
Cast. John Cho, Benedict Cumberbatch, Alice Eve, Simon Pegg, Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldaña, Karl Urban, Peter Weller, Anton Yelchin.

Rating. 65%

Review.

J.J. Abrams second instalment in the Star Trek reboot, Star Trek Into Darkness, takes place 12 months after the events of Star Trek.

As with J.J. Abrams' opening film, there are some callbacks to Star Trek's extensive heritage: some are smart and subtle, others feel blatant and misjudged. However, at the core, Star Trek Into Darkness examines long-held thematic ideals outlined in Starfleet Command’s Prime Directive, which strictly prohibits Starfleet personnel from interfering with the natural, unassisted development of alien civilisations, cultures, and societies - even if those intentions are well-meaning or aimed at protecting them from harm. In short, Starfleet personnel are meant to merely observe.

Beyond the Captain Kirk and Commander Spock dynamic, Abrams recognises that this is an ensemble piece. The USS Enterprise crew all play a part - Dr Leonard McCoy (Karl Urban), Lieutenant Commander Montgomery Scott (Simon Pegg), Lieutenant Hikaru Sulu (John Choo) and Ensign Pavel Chekov (Anton Yelchin) all step up to the plate. Only Zoe Saldaña (as Lieutenant Nyota Uhura) is shortchanged with an insipid, underwritten role. The feisty Nyota Uhura of Star Trek has been reduced to the role of Commander Spock’s concerned girlfriend. 

An imperious and intimidating Benedict Cumberbatch is tremendous as the rogue operative John Harrison, intent on waging a one-man war against Starfleet Command.

The pacing is tight, and Abrams once again delivers breathtaking visuals, this time paired with excellent action set pieces. However, compared to Star Trek, Star Trek Into Darkness is enjoyable rather than jaw-dropping.