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Into Darkness will sate Trekkies and genre newbies
Movie Reviews
By Lynne Martin
STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS (2013) starring Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, and Zoe Saldana is the 12th installment in this very popular science fiction franchise. A sequel to the 2009 prequel titled STAR TREK, this newest offering from returning director J.J. Abrams is a bona fide success sure to please both seasoned trekkies and new viewers alike.
With a young Captain Kirk once again at the helm of the Enterprise, the crew is called upon to fight an unimaginable terror from within the ranks of their own organization. When Kirk chooses to load a questionable weapon for possible deployment onto the Enterprise, he finds himself struggling to justify more than just his mission. Kirk must evaluate whether he’s acting on Federation orders or his own personal vendetta.
One of the few sci-fi movies that manages to reach a pleasing balance between action, humour and drama, STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS will appeal to a large cross section of audiences and with a powerful opening sequence, you’ll definitely want to be seated and not stuck in the concession line. Always the playboy and reigning sex symbol, Captain Kirk even manages to bring new meaning to the old adage of ‘getting a little tail’ during shore leave before facing two of Star Trek’s most celebrated characters— Pike and Kahn.
Actors Pine and Quinto do a commendable job, especially considering that they’re following in the footsteps of living legends William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy. Although this movie will draw countless Trekkies, new viewers to the sci-fi genre will still find enough back-story and amazing visual effects to enjoy this latest offering. Directed by J.J. Abrams, Rated PG-13, 132 mins, Sequel, Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, ****4 stars out of 5.
The Numbers Station predictably single digit
Some movies are saddled with stock characters, others generic plot lines, while a small cross-section of new releases even boast predictable endings. THE NUMBERS STATION (2013) starring John Cusack, Malin Akerman, and Hannah Murray has somehow managed to make a grand appearance in all three categories.
Veteran CIA black ops agent Emerson Kent has been given one last chance to prove his worth after a failed mission. Assigned to protect an encryption specialist, Kent reluctantly accepts the downgrade in orders. Stationed in a secret location, the female specialist he’s been ordered to protect has been unknowingly conveying encrypted assassination orders to covert field operatives. As agent Kent quickly realizes that he’s the last line of defense against an unidentified force attempting to penetrate the station and sabotage the message relay system, the beautiful young specialist finds her life and her future in Kent’s hands.
Although Cuzack does an admirable job of playing a broken man with little remorse for past wrongs, we still find ourselves one step ahead of his every move. Almost as if written by an amateur, THE NUMBERS STATION appears to be slapped together by the likes of a high school drama club. We have all the essential parts including damaged characters, conflict of desire, and of course the mandatory violent outbursts—we’re just able to see them all coming.
I suggest skipping this movie and digging up a copy of 2012 where you’ll have a chance to see John Cusack at his best. 2012 is a film where he’s had a chance to spread his wings and truly showcase his ability to carry the lead. Directed by Kasper Barfored, Rated R, 90 mins, Action, Thriller, Mystery, *1 star out of 5.
– Lynne Martin is an avid movie collector and a staunch supporter of sexual education. She currently resides in Alberta, Canada with her husband and their large extended family. For a complete list of her reviews and other works, or to leave a comment, please go to: www.lynnemartinbooks.com.
