“Star Trek Into Darkness” Boldly Explores Familiar Territory

“You're a loose cannon James Tiberius Kirk!”

Luckily, nobody outright says this in “Star Trek Into Darkness,” but they come pretty close. It once again goes where the original series has gone before, but with a fresh take that proves (again) everything old is eventually new again, as newcomers and hardcore Trekkies alike have embraced J.J. Abrams's vision. Even those who haven't seen the original take on Khan know there will be a few familiar sights. At the very least, someone will have to shout, “KHAAAAAN!”

Never fear though. Before Khan (the marvelously chilling Benedict Cumberbatch) does show up, the movie could be accused to trying too hard to remind you that Kirk is the cool guy who gets any humanoid babe he wants. But once the villainous Khan makes his appearance, things are back on track.

In “Star Trek Into Darkness,” Kirk actually has to suffer the consequences when he typically violates one of the most sacred rules of Starfleet in order to save Spock's life. (While the two have gone from rivals to brothers, the chemistry between them and the rest of the crew is still crackling and enjoyable.) Kirk is quickly demoted, but is soon in charge of The Enterprise again and even sent on another mission after an act of terrorism by a traitor named Khan.

From then on, it's in many ways a typical space adventure movie that's made grander by the right writing and the right talent that keeps the wit flowing and the characters (mostly) interesting. And it's got the latest toys that keeps all the action scenes (one of which is a human missile sequence) magnificent. Because while the movie may pay lip service to the ethical discussions that Star Trek is known for, this is the type of adventure where any moral quandaries the characters find themselves in are solved all too easily.

And luckily, we have a villain that's a lot harder to make fun of than the previous film's, who, like all the best villains, is no less menacing while he's imprisoned. If only the ladies of The Enterprise had half as much to do.

Grade: B+