Star Trek Into Darkness (Matt's Take)

Star Trek Into Darkness - Something

SOMETHING

The Summer Movie Season has finally kicked into high gear.  Sure, you might have called "Iron Man 3" the start of the Summer Movie Season, but it left some people, including me, to an extent, underwhelmed.  And while you aren't supposed to be moved or left with a feeling other than adrenaline after walking out of a Summer movie, there are times where you are left with a feeling where you can still get Summer Blockbusters with a little heart; just a little something extra that you wouldn't get out of your typical Summer fare.  That something is "Star Trek Into Darkness."

Now the extent of my "Star Trek" knowledge only encompasses "Wrath of Khan," and the 2009 re-boot, but to be honest with you if you have that knowledge already, there is no way that you won't enjoy this film.  Even to a lament of the "Trek" universe, I jumped right into the re-boot and enjoyed it for what it was; a sci-fi epic with familiar names of characters and a cool cast that fit the characters, from what I know them as, to a tee.

"Into Darkness" is more a celebration of the series, whereas the re-boot was more of a way of getting footing and setting up a world, that while familiar, was brand new to people that either didn't grow up watch the 1960's TV show or familiar with any of the films.  In this adventure, The Federation is under attack by a rogue Starfleet Member names John Harrison, played by Benedict Cumberbatch.  After the attack, Capt. James T. Kirk, and his crew of The USS Enterprise take on a mission to bring Harrison to justice for his crimes.  Of course nothing goes right for the Enterprise crew who face overwhelming odds, pissed off Klingons, and angry ancient warriors out for revenge.

What makes the film work for both devotees of old school and new school "Trek" is the direction.  What happens when you take a geek and have him geek out in a giant geek-fest?  You get a giant geek orgasm with fan service to spare, and tissues are included, which are for dual purposes.  The casting is once again spot on with everyone returning, and as a bonus, you even get Peter Weller.  Yes, Robocop is in this movie and he is awesome, as he is everything he does.  He meaning Robocop, but Weller is pretty good too.

If you were letdown by "Iron Man 3" and thought the newest Marvel adventure was a misfire to start the Summer, have no fear; the Summer has "officially" begun with the arrival of "Into Darkness."  Set Warp Speed for the cinema, and set Phasers to "Fun."

Fun Fact:  The first appearance of Khan Noonien Singh was in the "Star Trek" TV show episode titled, "Space Seed" in 1967.