Cut to 2013, and J.J. Abrams has successfully rebooted the Star Trek universe for a new generation. Yes, the crew of the USS Enterprise are boldly going where no studio thought possible.
The first of the reboots in 2009 introduced a fresh, young cast playing the old characters from the original TV series and full-length movies. The reboot worked, and the crew of the Enterprise were once again off saving the universe again, nearly half a century after the original series. It’s just not logical.
Star Trek Into Darkness picks up from where the 2009 reboot leaves off. The bromance between the cocky young Captain Kirk and the pointy-eared Mr Spock remains the central theme, but this time some of the other crew members get to shine, especially Scotty (Simon Pegg) who takes on a decidedly comedic role in this adventure (but J.J. – please get rid of his cabbage-headed sidekick).
There’s nothing surprising about the newest Star Trek but you would have to concede it’s a very well-crafted follow-up for the new Kirk, Spock, Ahura, Sulu, Scotty and Bones.
One challenge that J. J. Abrams and the studios faced with the new Star Trek films was finding the right combination between keeping the Trekkies content, while also attracting a new audience.
The movie succeeds as a stand-alone piece of cinema, but with enough clichés and honouring of the key Star Trek themes to drag the ageing fans along as well.
The new adventures of the USS Enterprise crew are certainly attracting a new audience – the first of the reboots collected US$340 million (B10.2 billion) at the box office.
While the script of the 2009 reboot meant audiences practically needed a pad and paper to keep up with the complicated story, time jumps and plot complexities, this time round it’s much easier to follow.
The new film also has a great villain tormenting the gallant young crew – a part owned by the slightly over-exposed Benedict Cumberbatch. He broods, he stares, he scowls. He is very bad indeed and does it without any screaming or hammy acting.
J.J. Abrams, who has been given the task of breathing new life into both ‘star’ franchises (Star Trek and Star Wars), has made a sequel as good as his 2009 reboot. He might be over-using the lens flare just a little too much, but he keeps the frenetic pace of the first few minutes going for the whole two hour running length.
Star Trek Into Darkness succeeds and proves that the Star Trek franchise will ‘live long and prosper.’ If you’re a Trekkie, you’ll thrive on the great young cast bringing the old characters to life again. And if you’re not a Trek fan, but you like slickly edited action and and an equally slick script, you’ll also love this movie.
Finally, if you are a fan of the old series, stick around for the closing credits, where the original theme is lovingly re-rendered.
Four stars (out of five)
Director:
J.J. Abrams
Stars:
Chris Pine
Zachary Quinto
Benedict Cumberbatch
Runs:
132 minutes