by Hope Hall
“Star Trek Into the Darkness” is a sci-fi action/adventure movie loosely based on Gene Rodenberry’s classic original series.
The film follows Captain James T. Kirk, his first officer Spock, and the other familiar characters through a journey involving genetically enhanced humans, a renegade Star Fleet officer, and a startling discovery of a deception from within.
Considering this movie as strictly a sci-fi flick, I would say that it is visually stunning with an overwhelming amount of special effects. The emotional scenes are well acted, but slightly overly dramatic. The plot, however, feels as though it was pulled from the cliché stock pile and lacked its own special twist.
Benedict Cumberbatch shines in the role of Khan, portraying the “heartless villain with a cause” to perfection, but even his wonderful performance can’t make up for the obvious plot holes and the out of character moments on display.
Looking at this movie from the point of view of a Star Trek fan, it is a rehash of 1982’s “Wrath of Khan”: a story of revenge and loss. A remake should strive to either be as close to the original as possible or to be its own entity.
“Star Trek Into Darkness” does neither.
In fact, this movie lacks the message of acceptance and tolerance that Roddenberry fought to instill in his original series.
As Trekkie Rachel Forney noted following the screening: “I don’t have to worry about the reboot anymore, it’s not my Star Trek.”
So, if you are looking for great special effects and a soft mystery, then go see “Star Trek Into Darkness.” But if you are a fan of the original series, you may want to think twice before paying the $9.00 at your local theater.