SPOILER WARNING — SPOILER WARNING — I will try not to ruin anything, but I will speak frankly as well.
As stated I saw INTO DARKNESS in IMAX 3D and the view was spectacular! Let me say that as far as 3D goes I am in the group that is waiting patiently for this fad to fade away but I will say that the 3D here was nice; very pleasant to look at, rather than eye-straining, and immersing — first time 3D ever had me shift to my right as a spear was hurled my way (actually I think it was meant for Kirk and Bones). That goes for the movie as a whole being really inspiring to look at as I found myself wondering what JJ’s Star Wars Episode VII may look like.
Format aside let me state that I do not consider myself a hard-core Trek fan even though I adore the original series and it will always have a special place in my heart. I did also enjoy some of the earlier movies, Star Trek II to be precise, from which this film gets its inspiration, but the movies as a whole were not of interest other than seeing the original cast play around again and again. I was not a fan of NEXT GENERATION or DEEP SPACE NINE, and although I attempted to enjoy VOYAGER and ENTERPRISE I never really did for too long. For me it begins and ends with the original series.
My one and only gripe with JJ Abrams 2009 STAR TREK is that the film lost the deep philosophical aspects of the original series leaning more toward the sci-fi/fantasy side of things rather than straight up science fiction. Other than that the film was solid in all else — visuals, acting, story, etc. That being said, it is my only real gripe once again with STAR TREK: INTO DARKNESS although I will admit that it is less of an issue and the film does inch a bit closer to where it should be on that pure science fiction scale.
The crew is really a joy this time around as they appear a bit more comfortable with their iconic roles. Chris Pine is great as Kirk and is starting to make me picture him in only that role — good for his role as Kirk, bad for him acting wise. Zachary Quinto is more convincing and at times more powerful as Spock (although his Kahn yell could use another take or two). Zoe Saldana is fun and gorgeous as ever. Simon Pegg as Scotty embodies just enough reliable intelligence mixed with comedy, and Karl Urban is just about channeling DeForest Kelley’s spirit as Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy. New this time around are Benedict Cumberbatch as Harrison/Kahn and his presence onscreen is unnerving; I found myself rooting for him over our heroes at times, especially when he saved all their asses in a great fight with a few Klingon squads. Also joining in are Peter Weller of Robocop fame and Alice Eve as Admiral Marcus and his scientist daughter Carol Marcus respectively.
Story wise, we are looking at the Khan Noonien Singh storyline begun in the classic series’ 1967 episode “Space Seed” and concluding in 1982′s STAR TREK II: THE WRATH OF KHAN. This story is now shuffled and dealt on the alternate timeline created in 2009′s STAR TREK so as to appear familiar yet with unexpected twists and turns. It makes for a fun ride while at the same time not going the reboot route or erasing what has come before.
The only real complaint is the lack of guts once again (displayed greatly by Iron Man 3). Kirk’s character arc ending with his death (instead of Spock’s like in WRATH OF KHAN) is a great move — so can we at least keep him dead for the entire damn movie. In not doing so, creators run the risk of creating an atmosphere a la comic books where no one gives a damn if anyone dies anymore because they will just be back when either sales decline or an anniversary issue approaches. For me, it’s a much more moving piece if Spock gives the speech at movie’s end to some of Star Fleet’s finest as we as viewers lament the sacrifice of one Captain James T. Kirk. Liken it back to comics, Superior Spider-Man comes to mind, where Peter Parker is dead only to have his ghost/spirit show up at the end of the first freakin’ issue. It just calls to mind if you are going to pull it, use it. Don’t apologize for it! Kirk can always come back as can Peter Parker but give it some time and don’t overdo the use of the technique or else risk the reader/viewer never having any emotional attachment. This is the failure of Iron Man 3 in my eyes. I’m not bothered by anyone’s death or angst because I’m told not to worry about it — no one else cares. My fear now is that hefty dollars being fetched by IM3 mean this type of no guts routine may be the new norm. Here in STAR TREK, it gives the ending a rushed feeling like Director Abrams had to finish up so he could get busy with some Star Wars happenings.
I did enjoy this Trek outing and like where Star Trek could be headed and give INTO DARKNESS an B+ of eye-catching quality, but when it comes to Iron Man 3 or, dare I write it, Fast and Furious 687 (sigh!) killing it dollar wise then what is our fate when it comes to Star Trek and good films of imagination? Good thing Superman is the MAN OF STEEL because I have many a hope resting on his shoulders.
The Guy in the Hat