J.J. Abrams is an acknowledged non-Trekkie/Trekker. This surprising fact has allowed the writer-director to reassess and re-evaluate the world of Star Trek from a cool perspective. We all know he loves science fiction, in general, but he’s never pitched up to a film convention dressed in USS Enterprise garb, Spock ears, conversing in Klingon. He launched his version of Star Trek in 2009 and struck gold. The sequel, which he dillydallied in committing to, needed to raise the stakes and up the eye candy. That being the general rule and the equivalent to the ‘difficult second album’.
A cornerstone of the entire Star Trek canon has been the subject of friendship. There exists, though understated, a brotherly love between Spock and Captain Kirk. The theme is pushed further when John Harrison (Benedict Cumberbatch) becomes the complex focus of a new mission. The nature of war and fear of conflict are the dramatic lynchpins of Star Trek Into Darkness. We are asked to consider how characters as proven and trusted as the crew of the Enterprise can be manipulated by emotions and cold logic.
The film, of course, is beautifully photographed. Special mention must go to costume designer Michael Kaplan (Fight Club, Se7en), who has brought his brand of practical couture style and lavished it onto every single person on screen. However, the performances are what made the first Star Trek so enjoyable. Karl Urban (Bones) and Simon Pegg (Scotty) are the main source of humour and it’s clear each actor relished every line uttered.
Alice Eve, as Dr. Carol Marcus, is the newest member of the gang. Her presence dangles a flag of mistrust but, this being an Abrams flick; all is not what it seems. Benedict Cumberbatch, the subject of intense online obsession ever since the film was announced, is exquisitely cast as the new villain. He gives his mysterious character a palpable sense of threat to every step.
Funny, emotionally engaging, action-packed to the rafters and just plain entertaining, Star Trek Into Darkness is a triumphant sequel.
Mairéad has awarded Star Trek Into Darkness five glowing Torches of Truth
