Star Trek Into Darkness

Relentlessly masterful, “Star Trek Into Darkness” is a smart-man’s sequel, as it strongly develops existing relationships while still introducing new and fresh faces into the mix, all while re-envisioning moments from the previous series. The themes are much the same as the 2009 installment, with trust and understanding between the shipmates remaining a staple, but heightening emotions on all levels. Pine and Quinto rival the pairing of Shatner and Nimoy, caring the heft of the film with a veteran’s resilience.

Benedict Cumberbatch delivers a career-making performance, as John Harrison, becoming one of the best villains in a franchise, ever. Everything in his performance, down to his unsettling deep voice makes the film something special from the moment he steps on the screen. The visuals are impeccable and again beg the question whether this needs to be seen in 3D. The screenplay, as with all great writing, lays the groundwork for some spectacular sequences. The only downfall is that same writing is hit-or-miss when it comes to its twists, either completely surprising and producing jaw-dropping moments, or telegraphing and alluding too much to certain elements that will be significant later. Also, things happen a bit to easily in certain instances, simply to keep the plot moving at a significant speed.

That being said, J.J. Abrams still has the touch with this franchise, producing two films that not only usher in an entirely new generation of fans, but also tend to please the existing Trekkies with several callbacks and revelations present from the former series. There’s never been a film that had me in suspense longer than the last thirty minutes of this film, filled with continuous action sequences, never knowing exactly how the action will end. All in all, “Star Trek Into Darkness” is not only one of the best films of the year, but one of the best science fiction films in recent memory.