Star Trek Into Darkness

Movie Name: Star Trek Into Darkness
Year of Release: 2013

Director: J.J. Abrams

Stars: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, Karl Urban, Simon Pegg, John Cho, Anton Yelchin, Benedict Cumberbatch, Bruce Greenwood, Alice Eve, Peter Weller, Noel Clarke

Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Adventure

Score out of ten (whole numbers only): 6

Synopsis:

The "Start Trek" franchise continues after the rebirth given in 2009 by director J.J. Abrams, who again tackles the directorial responsibility of the sequel. The film continues to track the story of the crew of the spaceship Enterprise. The impulsive and emotional Captain Kirk finds himself in a difficult situation after saving his friend and first in command, Mr. Spock. All these situations somehow pale, when the Federation comes under the attack of a terrorist under the name of John Harrison. The crew of the Enterprise is tasked with seizing this incredibly resourceful menace, but end up uncovering a lot more than they expected.
J.J. Abrams is currently a one man empire, involved in multiple directorial features, and even more projects that he produces for TV and film. His previous directorial effort, "Super 8", was the homage he created to the sci-fi/monster films of the 80s, celebrating the work of renowned director Steven Spielberg. "Star Trek Into Darkness" follows his previous film from 2009, where he brought a new perspective to the world of the classic TV show, which was created by the late Gene Roddenberry. The first feature introduced the cast of the Enterprise, how they joined efforts and became a team. This sequel goes in a different direction, one that emphasizes more the action thrills (and the spectacle), while discarding the concept of the individual characters of the team (some of the characters have little to do, or basically are one note sidekicks, always mumbling or always worried). The film succeeds in building a momentum and rhythm, thanks to the special effects which allow the construction of fantastical worlds, however most of these elaborate set pieces end up feeling a bit hollow and devoid of feeling. There is an undeniable well oiled machine behind this entertainment, but where does a film of this scale stop feeling generic and start looking more individualistic and dare I say it, artistic. An interesting film worth watching nonetheless.