Abrams Strikes Gold Again With Star Trek Into Darkness

The newest Star Trek installment is, simply, amazing. When I left the theatre, I thought, this has to be the best movie of the summer (sorry “Iron Man”).

If you’re a fan of the 2009 movie, you’ll really love this movie.

I don’t know about you, but when I watch a science fiction film, I want to see futuristic cities, learn about crazy gadgets and new ways of life but I always want the movie to somehow apply to modern life. Seems like a tall order, I know, but director, J.J. Abrams and screenwriters Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman do exactly that. While viewers will definitely be submerged in science fiction elements, the biggest theme in “Into Darkness” is the battle of one’s head versus one’s heart, as Spock would say, logic vs. emotion.  This theme is apparent from the very beginning of the movie and continues to play out dramatically in the friendship between Spock and Capt Kirk, after a dramatic opening scene in which Kirk, against Spock’s advisement, breaks all kinds of Federation rules to save an indigenous species.

Just as in 2009, the cast is superb. I could write all day about how wonderful all the performances were, but I’m going to condense my praises down to two performances. For me, the all-star performances were Zachary Quinto as Mr. Spock and Benedict Cumberbatch as Khan.

Quinto has always impressed me as Mr. Spock. He delivers Spock’s notorious curt, always logical, dialogue perfectly.  Now dating Uhura (Zoe Saldana) Spock’s linear thinking doesn’t always go over so well. Viewers will be pleased and impressed to see how Spock gains new, more sensitive perspective.

Now, onto this film’s villain—Khan, played by English actor Benedict Cumberbatch. I was introduced to Cumberbatch by the BBC series “Sherlock Holmes,” in which he flawlessly played Sherlock. After watching “Sherlock,” I knew his performance in “Into Darkness” would be nothing less than superb. Simply put, Cumberbatch delivers. He plays an indestructible man, who is physically stronger and smarter than pretty much everybody. You’ll have to watch the movie to find out what happens, but his performance as Khan will instantly make you a fan.

“Star Trek” isn’t a must-see summer movie; it is the summer movie to see. It is full of big action and huge heart–a futuristic movie with modern day feeling.