Classic Review: Star Trek Into Darkness (2013)

"Star Trek Into Darkness" stars Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, Karl Urban, Simon Pegg, Alice Eve, and Benedict Cumberbatch.  Released on May 16, 2013, the film has Kirk and his crew searching for a former Starfleet member-turned-terrorist known as John Harrison.

The film is directed by J.J. Abrams, who also directed Mission: Impossible III, Super 8, and Star Wars: The Force Awakens.  It is the 12th installment in the Star Trek film franchise and a sequel to the 2009 reboot, Star Trek, also directed by Abrams.  Like its predecessor, I have not seen this film in a while since I first saw it in theaters three years ago.  With Star Trek Beyond coming out soon, I figured I would give this one another shot.  In case you haven't read my classic review for Star Trek, I got a chance to watch it again last week and I loved every minute of it, so it would be fair if I watch this one again as well.  Last time I saw it, I thought it was good, but in my second viewing as a critic, I thought it was a splendid continuation.

Pros:
Great performances, including Pine as Kirk and Quinto as Spock.

Benedict Cumberbatch as John Harrison, aka Khan.

Strong characters and storyline.

Great visual effects.

J.J. Abrams' direction.

Themes about terrorism were properly used.

Cons:
A bit dark for younger viewers.

Final thoughts: While it doesn't reach the exact same height as its predecessor, "Star Trek Into Darkness" is a deep, yet engaging, continuation of the rebooted Star Trek franchise.  The story was indeed dark, but there were some points where they almost pushed the dark tone a bit too far to the point where it's almost depressing.  Nonetheless, it is definitely worth checking out for its themes, characters, some action-packed visuals, and Cumberbatch's menacing performance as Khan.

A-