Star Trek Into Darkness finally hit UK shores yesterday - while poor Americans will have to wait another week - and going by the influx of reviews hitting the web, the reception on the whole seems to be positive. While I did enjoy Into Darkness, I couldn't help but feel like something was missing; that feeling of wonderment that hit me when I came out of the cinema after watching 2009's Trek. This just felt too ordinary, too easy a sequel, despite delivering some thrilling action and hilarious humour. That said, whether you were a fan of this sequel or not, here are 10 things you should definitely want for the inevitable Star Trek 3. Note that SPOILERS FOR STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS WILL FOLLOW.
10. J.J. Abrams Directing
The problems I have with Star Trek Into Darkness have absolutely nothing to do with J.J. Abrams; the guy directed the Hell out of the film, and it was almost entirely the script that caused me some issues. However, with Abrams preparing to direct Star Wars Episode VII next, it's not looking likely that he will have time to return to helm Star Trek 3, especially given that Paramount are especially keen to get the film released by 2016, in time for the 50th anniversary of Star Trek. When recently asked about J.J's return, Damon Lindelof added, "I think we have to fundamentally accept that JJ is not going to direct this...movie, although I wouldnt rule anything out. And if Star Wars is indeed coming out in the summer of 2015, unless the cloning technology that I am not fully aware of exists it is going to be tough." Given the very individual stamp that Abrams has put on the property, I can only hope that Paramount sees sense and doesn't jump the gun just for the sake of trying to pull a Skyfall and milking milestone nostalgia. Wait until 2017 or if need be 2018, even if that will be longer than most fans will want to go without seeing Kirk and company again (though Into Darkness ending with them embarking on a new five-year mission actually sort of works).