Star Trek Into Darkness
(Spoilers) (Part 1 of 2)
While the 2009 movie is better
paced, this sequel feels more like a Star Trek movie. Into
Darkness is a better Trek movie
with a compelling villain. In many ways, this is a retelling of Star
Trek II The Wrath of Khan, but with different outcomes. After the
opening, the movie does tend to drag in some places, before revving
up again for the third act. And, most of the third act is very
entertaining and action packed.
Abrams
does give this world a nice bright and colorful look. I actually
like the bright lights and the Apple Computer look of the Enterprise.
It is complete contrast to the darker sets of the original sets of
the TOS movies. Abrams keeps the camera moving and the scenes quick
without the near confuse like Michael Bay. Actually, Bay could learn
a few things from Abrams. In some way, his approach to the Trek
movies is similar to approach that Nicholas Mayer did with his two
Trek movies. He based the franchise more on characters and action
than morals and messages. Mayer and Abrams were not Trek fans, but
they respected the material enough to bring something new without
destroying it.
I
have to say this movie rings true to the Trek ideas more so than the
first Abrams movie though. They actually get into the “do the ends
justify the means?” type of storytelling. And, there is a heavy
mention of my favorite organization Section 31. And, the Section 31
mention put a huge smile on my face. Finally, a shout out to DS9.
The
script is pretty tight, but there are enough sharp pieces of dialogue
that will entertain the hardcore Trek fans like myself. The way they
handle Spock and Kirk's relationship should be noted as being well
written. You truly get a sense of almost a brother/friend vibe from
the two, given both of them worked under Admiral Pike. And, Pike of
sort of a father figure for both of them. When Pike dies, there is
an emotional impact to his passing between Spock and Kirk.
I
also like the way the wrote Dr. McCoy this time around too. Scotty
has some great moments as well that he never really had on the TOS
episodes. Simon Pegg does a great job as the Engineer and he really
takes a stand on a certain issue as well that I liked. He has a one
moment that I laughed a lot.
As
I wrote before, the villain is more defined than Nero from the first
movie.
Benedict
Cumberbatch
is Khan in this version. And Cumberbatch is amazing as the main bad
guy. I love the way he speaks to other people as if they are beneath
him. There is a certain chilling coolness about this Khan. One of
my favorite scenes involves Khan taking out a bunch of Klingons by
himself.
I
have to give credit to the writers on how they updated the character,
while still providing a notable rival for Kirk. He knows the
political atmosphere of the current Trek timeline and knows how the
technology works.
Cumberbatch
rules as the main villain and he is clearly having a lot of fun with
the part. After playing the good guy in the BBC Sherlock Holmes
series, it is interesting to see him play such a badass bad guy in
this movie. I've liked him since his stint in the Holmes series.
I
guess I should mention Peter
Weller doing a great as Admiral Marcus. He's the wolf in sheep's
clothing so to speak. He's basically the other villain in the movie.
While he's channeling his character from Star Trek Enterprise, he
still pretty good as the corrupt Admiral. I like his approach to the
character, even if the reveal is a bit rushed. Weller has one of
the best “Well...shit” moments too.
-John
Cho as Sulu: He has a great moment that foreshadows his future
plans of being a starship Captain. I liked seeing him in command.
-Red
Shirt joke: There is a moment where Kirk orders Chekov
to put on a red shirt. There is a hesitation but it really plays out
as an inside joke.
-Alice
Eve as Carol Marcus: I was fine with her role, but the bra and
panties scene troubles me. Not because it is sexist, but I feel it
was rather awkward. Why was she getting undress nearly in front of
Kirk? It didn't make sense. I'm not complaining about the
underwear, but it just didn't work that well in the story. Eve is a
good actress and she seems convincing as Carol Marcus. And, there
was a scene explaining why she has a British accent, but they deleted
it.
.jpg){kind=small}
.jpg)
Posts
