I tend to shy away from theater viewing of films that don’t warrant the potential for being an epic. I like grand vista, thumping sound effects tied into a tightly woven plot that jumps from moment one. I don’t expect unrelenting action but a nice dose doesn’t hurt.
Thus enter: Star Trek Into Darkness, one of the best films I’ve seen in recent memory. With JJ Abrams second foray within the Star Trek universe, Into Darkness evolves the characters and story with some fascinating twists. And though the action is constant but appropriate, the entire experience is more relaxed. The actors seem more at home with their roles and fully embrace the nuances of their roles, all with just a slight tongue-in-cheek demeanor.
This relaxed attitude makes the entire experience just so much more interesting. Fans of Star Trek will find the various homage moments to the original version of the franchise threaded throughout the film — some barely noticeable, others as delicate as a sledgehammer to a tea cup.
For me, these added elements were another reason I’ve seen this film twice in the last two weeks, both IMAX 3D viewings. Additionally, the plot moves so quickly, I wanted a chance to fully digest the action, quips, and atmosphere of the experience. I will probably end up seeing it a third time just for fun. Truth be told, this is an exceptional addition to the Star Trek franchise and ranks as one of my all-time favorites, pulling in very close to the iconic Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. I’m forced, due to excellent direction, acting, plot, and nicely added effects, to rate this film a fabulous 10 of 10!
I don’t hand that rating out too often and give you some perspective of some historical ratings: Band of Brothers (10/10), Black Hawk Down (10/10), Charlie Wilson’s War (9/10), Michael Clayton (9/10), Gladiator (9/10), and Pulp Fiction (9/10).