FILM REVIEW
STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS, 2013, directed by J. J. Abrams.
★ out of ★★★★
The highly anticipated sequel to 2009’s reboot of the STAR TREK film franchise disappoints in almost every means at it’s disposal. However, our villain shines like a gold statue in a silverware shop as the new younger crew of the USS Enterprise find themselves pitted against an adversary that bests them in every way.
INTO DARKNESS finds the crew of the Enterprise in the frontier of space performing their duties as silent protectors of other civilisations with an ever rule-breaking cocky Captain Kirk (played by Chris Pine) having been demoted. Meanwhile, a mysterious former agent of Starfleet known as John Harrison (played by Benedict Cumberbatch) destroys a secret installation and manages to attack several admirals and captains before being pursued to the farthest reaches of space where the crew of the Enterprise will learn shocking secrets that reveal the true enemies and friends.
Whilst the first in the new franchise of STAR TREK films was well received in 2009 and would have garnered 2 out of 4 stars from this reviewer, INTO DARKNESS delivers less awe than a serving of tiramisu and can only be justified by its lead villain Kahn this time played by Cumberbatch with exuberant passion and a ferocious aura that reminds us why this baddie is probably one of the greatest film villains of all time, and an excellent addition to the best film antagonists in recent years. Superior to the Romulans in physical and mental strength, as our human crew, Kahn represents a favourite of director J. J. Abrams’ auteur in recent years: catastrophes/menaces spawned out of human ingenuity seeking vengeance against their captors with humanity as hero and villain. If it wasn’t the giant monster in the Abrams-produced CLOVERFIELD, 2008, then it was the alien in SUPER 8, 2011, or the meteorite in his co-authored film ARMAGEDDON, 1998. Personally, several directors of other genres are joining the science-fiction band-waggon with this reviewer dying to see Guillermo del Toro’s vision in PACIFIC RIM to be released this year which should follow a del Toro theme similar to Abrams [del Toro was here first]. It becomes apparent that the two keywords of this picture are “feel” and “loss” with a theme of “terrorism” coursing through the veins of INTO DARKNESS‘ heart, as acts of personal revenge and heroism all reveal consequences. Unfortunately, Abrams’ direction confirms that he has very little to teach his audiences about cinema, and that if he is not paying homage to the pictures of Steven Spielberg in SUPER 8, then he is trying to dumb-down the beloved STAR TREK franchise for a target audience of twelve year-olds who most likely have never seen an episode let alone a film from the original series.
If Trekkies were expecting INTO DARKNESS to be their EMPIRE STRIKES BACK then they may very well be upset by how it “does not feel like a STAR TREK movie”, producing a script of cheesy metaphors (apparently still utilised in the distant future) as well as numerous references and performances befitting an otherwise rubbish ‘Beverley Hills 90210’ school play production of Star Trek. The ending also has little resolve losing it’s momentum, and demonstrating why it could alienate fans of the franchise; and whilst it leaves room for a sequel, it probably does not deserve such a feat. It is very difficult to accept that some critics actually wish to see INTO DARKNESS receive Academy-Award nominations#, whilst a Best Supporting Actor nod for Cumberbatch is more likely, although the Academy is famous for not always embracing the science-fiction genre. If what we have seen of Abrams’ work is to present us with any clues to the ditsy direction of the highly anticipated new title in the STAR WARS saga (EPISODE VII (2015), then fans could very well be disappointed, and should expect heart and soul script-writing to be replaced with mechanical robotic direction and tasteless performances from the young folks.
Here’s hoping to an improved follow-up and until then “Live Long and Prosper”.
#’Summer Movies with Oscar Potential’ by Thelma Adams http://tinyurl.com/nlxjaym
