Review by: Jonathan Godfrey for Mr. Will Wong
Science-Fiction is too often marginalized and made an outpost for Misfits. And yet it is far more than just a frontier for the disenfranchised. It is transcendental. Pop Culture’s breeding ground for Experimental Thinkers and New-Age Philosophers. Take the Brainiac behind Star Trek, the late Gene Roddenberry for an example. Via Goblin Green Babes and Space-Age Battleships, he boldly traversed a galaxy of ideas. J.J. Abrams has followed in his footsteps, taking his Legacy to where even he hadn’t gone before. With the first entry in his alternate reality he reintroduced us to intergalactic icons. James Tiberius Kirk, Spock, Bones, and a host of others returned adorned with new fatigues and following new Plot Lines. Suffice it to say, Abrams and Crew knocked it out of the proverbial park. Suffice it to say, the Sequel has driven the ball a few feet further.
As the saying goes, “Every Hero needs a Villain.” The more formidable the adversary, the more compelling the Tale is in turn. And there are few foes as impressive as Khan (Benedict Cumberbatch). He single-handedly takes on Star Fleet, and begins winning battles before the Federation realizes they’re at war. Kirk (Chris Pine), as usual, gets too aggressive in the aftermath. Whilst Spock (Zachary Quinto) balances Bones’ (Karl Urban) hysteria with logic and Scotty (Simon Pegg) does the impossible. All of the pillars are in place, (even Tribbles get some love!). And because the classic columns are permitted to stand this Re-Imagination is given a firm foundation to build upon. Even for those without the know-how for what has gone before, the ability to go farther is made possible thanks to an excellent Script, (written by: Robert Orci, Alex Kurtzman & Damon Lindelof). Said Trio are responsible for much of Paramount Pictures’ recent success in the Summer market. Having the Transformers Trilogy under their belts they are proven to be fully cognizant how to entertain today’s Audiences. They do so like never before with Star Trek Into Darkness.
Abrams brings it all together brilliantly, and somehow this is a surprise. Not because his abilities are in question, for they are everything but. Nor is it because these grounds have been traversed before, for the tracks it leaves are fresh. No, it’s a surprise because the experience is full of such. His Cast demands our constant attention, each and every one of them. Pine drives our adrenaline; Quinto makes us think; Zoe Saldana (Uhura) pulls at our heartstrings; Urban pushes our buttons; John Cho (Sulu), Anton Yelchin (Chekov), and especially Pegg bring a dimension of Comedy; whilst Alice Eve (Dr. Carol Marcus) makes the Fanboys swoon and Bruce Greenwood (Admiral Pike) inspires us onwards. Most importantly, Cumberbatch strikes the fear of failure deep within hope-filled hearts. Enjoying the journey and feeling its movements is evident throughout.
Star Trek Into Darkness is no doubt the Blockbuster we’ve all been waiting for. Live long and prosper fellow Fans of Franchise. Paramount Pictures releases Star Trek Into Darkness on May 16, 2013.
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