Wow… I’ve just come from the cinema and I must say, I’m blown-away by this fantastic outing of the USS Enterprise and its legendary crew. JJ Abrams has delivered a powerful punch! This film had it all: action/adventure, intrigue, romance, (Spock and Nyota’s ongoing…), great moments of humor, compelling character development and some poignant scenes of emotion.
What a great twist, on an enduring classic. Cumberbatch’s portrayal of Khan is phenomenal. I was glad to see this entire story wrap-up here, though; no ‘Search For Kirk’, will be forthcoming… The Khan/Kirk/Spock interplay was dynamic and gripping.
I honestly believed, that-’our’ Spock was going to be behind that compartment, to sacrifice himself, yet-again, to his old nemesis. So-imagine my surprise, when we see Captain James T. Kirk behind the glass. What a spectacular scene, Kirk and Spock share; and almost word-for-word from Wrath of Khan! Although, I do prefer Kirk’s version of yelling ‘KHAAAAAAN!’, over Spock’s.
Another tremendously brilliant moment, was Admiral Pike’s death. Spock easing Pike’s pain, and-sharing it, in the process, Kirk’s raw emotion at losing his friend and mentor, the moment of quiet and shock at his passing, between the two, all made for some great cinematic magic. Also, when Scotty tenders his resignation and Kirk calls his bluff. Just outstanding. I was brought to tears a couple of times.
I loved all aspects of this film. The beginning act with the Nibirans was awesome; starting full-throttle with some really-cool aliens, to freshen things up, for us, and-just exceptional cinematography/effects for the volcano scenes, the underwater Enterprise and, it’s escape from Nibiru! Wow! She was beautiful flying across that sky…
There were a lot of funny moments during this foray, as well. I liked the Spock/Uhura argument, bringing Kirk into it, the McCoy metaphors and antagonization of Kirk, again, with the medical tests, Scotty being drunk in the bar, plus-all of the other jokes and things thrown in… The look on Chekov’s face, when-Kirk tells him he’s a ‘red-shirt’, I thought was priceless, too. I thought it was a good balance, as-this was DEFINITELY a ‘dark’ film.
I was spot on with the suspicions of Section 31′s involvement, but-I had completely dismissed the Khan aspect, believing this movie was going somewhere-else, entirely. That was nice, though, because it made it all the sweeter, when John Harrison has his big reveal. But-where was Captain April? I’m thoroughly disgusted by the waste of time ‘Countdown To Darkness, is. Besides the Klingon plot thread, I still see no relevance to this film. Speaking-of the Klingons, they were very dark and ‘exotic’, too; glad to see the ‘ridges’ debate is, now-over… And, those eyes. I thought the makeup was badass. Was it just me, or-was the Klingon moon, Praxis, already blown-up in this time frame? Uhura was great, speaking the Klingon language; unlike the farce of Undiscovered Country. (I’m surprised Nichelle Nichol’s didn’t protest those lines…)
All-in-all… I give this film a 9. I would’ve liked just a bit-more of the ‘trio’, Kirk/Spock/McCoy together… But-that’s just my take. I know this was more Kirk and Spock’s movie, and-I can deal with it. JJ Abrams will live another day. He’s hit this-one, out of the park!
Later, friend(s)…
Eric
photo.jpg ยท Print
