Star Trek into Darkness

Nerd disclaimer. I quite like the whole Star Trek world/universe, specifically The Next Generation and DS9, even Voyager had its moments. With that in mind, I didn't take much convincing about the quality and punch of the first 'rebooted' Star Trek back in 2009. The second film in the new series continues the style of its predecessor, probably because it comes from the same writers and director (Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman and J.J. Abrams, with Damon Lindelof also getting a writing and producing credit for this new film).

Most of the Enterprise crew get something to do here, Kirk and Spock hogging possession, of course, but Scotty, Bones and Uhura all have important scenes. Once again though, the villain comes away with the film (I was reminded of Iron Man 3 in this regard) as Benedict Cumberbatch was bloody top notch. Trekkies (Trekkers?) will have already guessed the name of his character and also noticed one scene - possibly more - lifted from another Star Trek film. I'm being willfully vague here to avoid ruining any surprises, but then again, any non-trekkies probably won't give a shit.

Two items of note: The early scenes (just after the obligatory opening sequence action set-piece) where Noel Clarke pops in and out seem very out of place. The children's hospital in the countryside really belonged to another film. Odd. Or maybe I'm being too near-sighted. There might be a 'pay-off' in the next installment of the franchise.

Secondly, and this is a mere curiosity, the poster at the top of this entry apparently owes something to a painting called "Wanderer above the Sea of Fog" by Caspar David Friedrich (1818). And here's a pic.

I see it a bit. Or it's just a bloke standing on a rock with his back to us. But then this link may be more convincing. (Thanks to tor.com)

Oh, I've only now noticed that I haven't really given my view on this film. Ummm, good fun. I enjoyed it. Not a ball-tearer and the three acts are a bit sign-posted but, like I said, good fun. Good night.