Star Trek Into Darkness - Love It Or Hate It?

Trekkie Enough For You?

Are you a Trekkie or do you think it's all a bit too nerdy for you?

Do you think Kirk is as arrogant as he seems, and yet find yourself rooting for him in spite of yourself?

Is Spock really an emotional wreck, or will he stay in control of himself, through applying ice cold logic?

Like many people, I grew up with Star Trek and Star Wars.

Some people liked only one or the other, and some liked both.

Some fans got so involved, they became fanatical about their chosen series, and debate across the Trek/Star Wars divide raged hot, over the years.

Now that the "original" Star Trek has been given a full-on reboot, we are faced with a similar choice.

This time though, it's about whether you prefer the original series or the new, modern take on this Sci-Fi story.

For me, I have always loved Science Fiction in books and movies.

I loved Star Wars, most of the TV series of Star Trek, and all the movies.

And now I love "Star Trek Into Darkness" too!

When I first watched its predecessor (known simply as "Star Trek", just to confuse us), I thought that Director J. J. Abrams had done a stunning job of modernising the franchise.

I felt that he had successfully opened it up to a wider audience by removing some of the 'nerd' factor.

However, he was simultaneously paying homage to the original series, stories and characters in order to keep die-hard fans happy.

Indeed, all I could hear from non-Trek fans was things like "I'm going home to watch Star Trek - it's not like the others, is it?"

Now, with Into Darkness, I think that J. J. Abrams has gone a step further.

One friend told me that he rented it online one Friday evening and enjoyed it so much that he watched it all again on Saturday!

I won't go into story details here as I don't want to spoil it, but it revolves around a mysterious character John Harrison (played by the excellent Benedict Cumberbatch) who is attacking Starfleet for unknown reasons.

The action starts as soon as the curtain goes up and doesn't let up until the ending credits.

Along the way, there are beautiful special effects (heaven for a Sci-Fi nut like me), great dialog and plenty of humour.

The interplay between the crew members of the Enterprise, particularly with the main characters Kirk, Spock and Uhura, gives plenty of laugh out loud moments in the middle of some tense and exciting scenes.

In particular, a scene involving some interesting looking Klingons, is a standout moment for me.

Some awesome stuff is going on with the "Away Team", but Sulu, Bones and the rest of the crew aren't left behind in the process.

In fact, that same scene sets up an extra twist to the plot, which only serves to heighten the mystery and suspense of the story.

You'll know what I mean when you see it, so I will say no more at this juncture.

I must give a special shout out to Karl Urban who plays as 'Bones', the ship's doctor.

He seems to have gotten the character of Dr McCoy down to a tee, with all his mannerisms and even facial expressions done perfectly.

He manages to give homage to DeForect Kelley (the actor in the original series) and make the character his own at the same time.

Karl is fast becoming one of my favourite actors, with standout yet distinct performances in several movies I have seen, including Eomer in Lord of the Rings, and a Russian agent in the second 'Bourne' movie.

He also plays a mean Judge Dredd, in a mean and bloody new version of that character.

- And I mean that in the best way, pun intended.

For more info, read my review of Dredd and you'll see what I mean.

Science Fiction aficionados like me, will also appreciate the inclusion in the cast of Peter Weller, the star of the eighties/nineties Robocop movies, as Admiral Marcus.

I would highly recommend this movie which looks stunning on Blu-Ray, by the way.

Yes, there are one or two predictable events. Yes, there are some moments where you'll roll your eyes, but you'll be enjoying yourself and you'll know it.

My one word of warning for Trekkies: if you have seen and loved the original series movies but haven't seen Star Trek Into Darkness yet, then whatever you do, DO NOT read the blurb on the back of the Blu-Ray/DVD box!

- It contains a major spoiler which will totally ruin the plot for you.

...Whoever thought that was a good idea really should be given a good kick.

However, that shouldn't put you off purchasing this fine movie as you will still watch it again, even when you know its secrets.

And if you don't have a clue about any of what I just said, then where have you been all these years?

You need to go and watch it - right now!

I always have mixed feelings about trailers.

They often seem to reveal too much about the related movie, so I try to avoid them as much as possible.

This one seems to do fairly well on that score, but watch it at your own peril!

Have you enjoyed the new vision of Star Trek as much as I have?

...Or do you think that it's all a complete travesty of the original series?

Let us know, in the comments below.