Date Originally Published: Sunday, 19 May 2013 – Classic Rock Radio (UK)
Uncle G’s FUN Movie Reviews
Spotlight: Star Trek: Into Darkness (Paramount 2013)
By Gary “Uncle G” Brown
GaryBrown0816@garyunclegbrownarchives.com

Star Trek Into Darkness, makes the twelve Star Trek movie since the first Star Trek theatrical film came out in 1979. I saw it in a movie theater, on its first run. I was a fan of star Trek, since watching it on WPIX NY television, back in the late 1960s/early 1970s. Since then, star Trek has become a franchise that since the original television show, has also spawned four spin-off programs; Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager, and the short-lived Enterprise.
Star Trek Into Darkness is the second Star Trek film that was directed by JJ Abrams. I must admit that I went kicking and screaming to his last one. Two reasons:
01.) I HATE remakes!
02.) My devotion to the original actors. For example; William Shatner (Captain Kirk).
To recast such iconic roles must have been an extreme heavy undertaking. Both casting and its film were a MAJOR success. I liked it enough to where I was comfortable with the final product. There will always be a place in my heart for the original series and those involved. JJ Abrams opened new doors and presented new possibilities. A brilliant re-imaging/execution. So much so that as soon as I watched the ending credits, I looked forward to seeing its sequel. automatically assuming there would be one. Time passed and the opportunity to do so, arrived yesterday. On the first showing, on the first day, it hit theaters.
The new film and its storyline, pick up where the last one left off. Still, it’s not really necessary to have ever seen a Star Trek anything to enjoy this motion picture. And speaking of enjoyment, I would recommend paying the extra few bucks and seeing it in 3D. The visuals and effects, totally kick ass. I asked myself before seeing the movie, how cool it would be to see Star Trek in 3D. I say;
“Self, I never did before. Should I do this?”
And you know what? I’m so glad I did. And all it took really, was a few extra dollars. I work hard for my money, and I hate to just piss it away. Who doesn’t? And lucky for me, this isn’t the hooky 3D effects where the only items you see in three dimensions, are when sticks and such are extended to the audience. That’s your Daddy’s 3D when he was a youngin’. Think of the 1954 film; Creature from the Black Lagoon. I loved that movie! Now it is the year 2013. With Star Trek Into Darkness, the whole movie screen with the 3D glasses on is transformed into a window for us the audience to peer into. The best 3D I have ever seen in a motion picture. Has a natural look, and feel to it. Almost like you’re a fly on the wall. Effects provided by Industrial Light & Magic. For those aware of their work…there you have it.
Sitting here typing this out, I can’t for the life of me think of one thing with which I had an issue so as to throw some criticism around. Not one item. My conclusion is all involved in the making did a superior job. From the writers to the carpenters making all the film sets to the brilliant actors, to the director of the film, JJ Abrams. A man I became a follower of, because of the Tv show; Lost (2004 – 2010). For the record, I think the ending absolutely SUCKED through a long straw! That’s just me. As time goes on, I’m sure that I’ll become more accepting of its conclusion.
I find it a shame when the Oscars come around that films like this are largely ignored in favor of artsy fartsy Sean Penn-like films. Unlike the ones who vote for the prestigious honor (yawn), I cast my pick by buying the tickets to movies that entertain me. Like this one as a matter of fact. And in all seriousness, I predict repeated views by fans who enjoyed the viewing experience as much pleasure as I did. I’m even thinking of going back to the theater and observing it again (and of course in 3D). Just to see if I missed anything, or even just experience the beauty of the film again. This by the way is a super rarity for me to even contemplate, let alone do.
Story: I don’t want to out and out spoil those who are thinking about going to see this themselves. I will pass on that along with the cast from the re-launching of the franchise, that there are outstanding performances from those actors assisting; Peter Weller (RoboCop), Benedict Cumberbatch, and actress Alice Eve.
“Uncle G” RATES…Star Trek Into Darkness (2013)
Using the movie rating system of one to ten stars, “Uncle G” gives Star Trek Into Darkness; 10 stars!!! Bravo !!! Way better than I ever hoped for. My rating implies that the motion picture was perfect, and it was…for me. For you, maybe 8 out of 10, or 6 out of ten, if a Star Wars fan.
End of Story
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