Directed by: J. J. Abrams
Starring: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, Benedict Cumberbatch, Karl Urban, John Cho
Running time: 133 minutes
I wonder what people would think of this film, 300 years from now. Will they be seeing it with nostalgic feeling (look son this is how they think our lives are in the 21st century) or will they point out to technological flaws? Or perhaps 300 years from now we still cannot explore space since we still kill each other in the name of God and greed, that being said, also perhaps there is a chance of zombie apocalypse that prevents mankind to boldly go where no man has gone before.
However, Gene Rodenberry's vision of the future is a nice one. Not too optimistic but not as dystopic as zombie apocalypse. As Star Trek launched as TV series in the 60s the theme is about humanism and exploration in space. In Gene Rodenberry's utopian future, poverty is no longer a problem and multiracial crew of a space ship is not a big deal at all. Sure, some actions happened but still, a franchise that survived six TV series and ten non J.J. Abrams motion picture plus a legion of Trekkies, is something of a kind.
I myself only familiar with The Next Generation series and have only seen Captain Kirk by William Shatner on several movies. I also have seen the 2009 version which I think, is very good. I really liked how J.J. Abrams re-boot the whole series but still managed to give a nod to the spirit of Star Trek itself.
So where do we start? It started in a Mount Doom like scene where Spock (Zachary Quinto) have to tame a live volcano on a primitive planet and Kirk (Chris Pine), break the rules to save Spock. Yes, breaking the rules and using your instinct is the core of this film, besides the heavy political overtones and the wonders of space.
A starfleet rogue agent, John Harrisson (Benedict Cumberbatch), bombed an archive building in London and in a smart move, gunned most starfleet officers in a way that reminded you of helicopter raid in The Godfather Part III. So Kirk is handed a mission to capture John Harrison and kill him with 72 powerful torpedoes.
After John Harrisson bombed London, it is a revenge mission, just like the hunt of Osama bin Laden, and all "laws" should be broken to capture the number one terrorist. But is he the only evil in this film? Is there something else behind it? Wait, what? I thought it is about exploring space not killing? The political allegory is palpable and that what makes Star Trek: Into the Darkness unique.
If you did not read any news about this film the twists and surprises will pleases you. Trekkie or not this one is entertaining. As for myself the voice of Benedict Cumberbatch is amazing, it is as if he cleaned my ears. The scoring is also good, Michael Giachinno manages to bring grandeur into the space. But Mr. Abrams play safe here, if only he decided to kill one of the beloved character it surely will sent this franchise into an area no franchise has gone before. I can understand why a "safe" ending is necessary since another sequel is inevitable. If you are looking for scientific flaws then you cannot enjoy this one since it will makes your forehead frowned like a Klingon forehead. Meanwhile, live long...and prosper.
Starring: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, Benedict Cumberbatch, Karl Urban, John Cho
Running time: 133 minutes
I wonder what people would think of this film, 300 years from now. Will they be seeing it with nostalgic feeling (look son this is how they think our lives are in the 21st century) or will they point out to technological flaws? Or perhaps 300 years from now we still cannot explore space since we still kill each other in the name of God and greed, that being said, also perhaps there is a chance of zombie apocalypse that prevents mankind to boldly go where no man has gone before.
However, Gene Rodenberry's vision of the future is a nice one. Not too optimistic but not as dystopic as zombie apocalypse. As Star Trek launched as TV series in the 60s the theme is about humanism and exploration in space. In Gene Rodenberry's utopian future, poverty is no longer a problem and multiracial crew of a space ship is not a big deal at all. Sure, some actions happened but still, a franchise that survived six TV series and ten non J.J. Abrams motion picture plus a legion of Trekkies, is something of a kind.
I myself only familiar with The Next Generation series and have only seen Captain Kirk by William Shatner on several movies. I also have seen the 2009 version which I think, is very good. I really liked how J.J. Abrams re-boot the whole series but still managed to give a nod to the spirit of Star Trek itself.
So where do we start? It started in a Mount Doom like scene where Spock (Zachary Quinto) have to tame a live volcano on a primitive planet and Kirk (Chris Pine), break the rules to save Spock. Yes, breaking the rules and using your instinct is the core of this film, besides the heavy political overtones and the wonders of space.
A starfleet rogue agent, John Harrisson (Benedict Cumberbatch), bombed an archive building in London and in a smart move, gunned most starfleet officers in a way that reminded you of helicopter raid in The Godfather Part III. So Kirk is handed a mission to capture John Harrison and kill him with 72 powerful torpedoes.
After John Harrisson bombed London, it is a revenge mission, just like the hunt of Osama bin Laden, and all "laws" should be broken to capture the number one terrorist. But is he the only evil in this film? Is there something else behind it? Wait, what? I thought it is about exploring space not killing? The political allegory is palpable and that what makes Star Trek: Into the Darkness unique.
If you did not read any news about this film the twists and surprises will pleases you. Trekkie or not this one is entertaining. As for myself the voice of Benedict Cumberbatch is amazing, it is as if he cleaned my ears. The scoring is also good, Michael Giachinno manages to bring grandeur into the space. But Mr. Abrams play safe here, if only he decided to kill one of the beloved character it surely will sent this franchise into an area no franchise has gone before. I can understand why a "safe" ending is necessary since another sequel is inevitable. If you are looking for scientific flaws then you cannot enjoy this one since it will makes your forehead frowned like a Klingon forehead. Meanwhile, live long...and prosper.
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