When the Cheshire emerges...

Well this is a little bit late, but seeing as Australia was one of the first to get this film I'm not so upset about it. I hope you're not either.

I loved it. And speaking as a 20-something and not as a professional journalist, Chris Pine is a bit of a babe. Just sayin'.

Star Trek Into Darkness (M)

DEEP space, the final frontier where man is yet to explore, was made to be imagined in 3D. JJ Abrams, being the sci-fi enthusiast he is, has brought that to everyone's attention ahead of his reinvention of that other galactic-themed saga.

While Star Wars Episode VII is another two years away, Abrams continues his service to the Trekkies of the world. His move into the world of 3D (and IMAX) technology was one Hollywood knew he would conquer.

What Abrams has also done is upped the ante. His first film, released in 2009, showed a younger Star Trek crew, one where Captain Kirk (Chris Pine) and Spock (Zachary Quinto) were not friends. Now, they've sorted out (some of) their differences and are tackling much bigger problems.

Benedict Cumberbatch is their biggest problem as the villain, a Starfleet officer who turns nasty and causes havoc after an attack on leading officers. Captain Kirk leads the USS Enterprise to deep space and the planet Kronos to bring his new nemesis down.



Courtesy collider.com

The planet is largely uninhabited and a no-go zone controlled by the Klingons. For Trekkies this is big, as their imagining over the years has varied significantly. But those not versed with the Star Trek world are just as involved in what's happening.

All of the gang returns, as does plenty of action, a few laughs and a two-hour plus running time. But scary problems in space do that to you, and the anticipation, met with a wonderfully pressuring score by Michael Giacchino, is well maintained.

Abrams' knack for adding elements of surprise within his visions is still prevalent, and he presents us with an unexpected turn or two as we see the crew of the Enterprise once again severely tested.
Of the cast, Quinto's Spock is level with the film in its entirety. His mental torment and restraint as events come to pass is absorbing as he struggles to decide on using or shutting out his ability to feel. His half-human, half-Vulcan genetics are muddling thoughts in his mind, as well as influences from his crew. That includes Lieutenant Uhura (Zoe Saldana).

Abrams will have pleased the majority of fans with a second prequel which maintains the camaraderie and story continuity of the Enterprise crew. Ships looming over planets and debris from battles look menacing in 3D, an element many sci-fi fans hope continues to live long and prosper.

Rating: 4/5


MISSED LAST WEEK'S REVIEW? See what I thought of The Big Wedding.