Star Trek Into Darkness (2013) - Review

Misleading Title #42387

I don't really get why this movie is called Into Darkness.  I mean... of course they're in darkness.  It's freaking space.  But alas, this sequel to the 2009 continuity reboot is actually a pretty fun movie for such a gloomy sounding title.  There's one little caveat though: did you enjoy the first Star Trek (the 2009 one, of course)?  If so, then you'll like this one.  If not, then you probably won't.  It's really that simple.

This sequel is a classic case of 'more of the same'.  Though thematically it focuses on Spock more than Kirk this time around (which is a good thing; Zachary Quinto as Spock is absolutely wonderful in the role), it's more or less the same movie.  The tone is the same, the structure is basically the same.  The only real difference is that the villain in this movie has more of a presence than Eric Bana's Nero from the original.  But other than that... not a lot of difference.

"Eating someone's brains... is illogical."

The plot follows the group as they are hit close to home, forcing them to go deep into enemy Klingon territory to capture a man named... KHAN!  Yes, this movie does the Khan thing again.  It's a bit of a spoiler, but not substantial; it's clear that Benedict Cumberbatch's character is Khan from pretty much right away.  And the movie likes to pretend that he's more menacing than he actually is.  Cumberbatch is a good actor, for sure, but I think he was sort of miscast; he doesn't exactly exude menance, though he does the cold and calculating thing well.

This movie got a lot of criticism for an unnecessary scene with Alice Eve in her underwear.  Yeah, it's a bit gratuitous, but I put this to you: the "Khaaaaaaaan!!!" scene completely cancels out anything bad you could say about this movie.  Yes, it's in there, and if you're a fan of the original's sequel or have been on the Internet for more than a couple of weeks, then you've seen it before.  Well, Abrahms and Quinto nail it.  Slam freaking dunk there; they manage to capture the emotion of the situation while simulataneously understanding the cheesiness of it.  It's perfect.  Nothing else really matters.  It's a fun popcorn movie with a few great scenes.  Here's hoping for some Shatner next time.