Star Trek into Darkness, the follow-up to J.J. Abrams' first - and more successful - foray into the Star Trek franchise, was originally met with positive notices: audiences and critics alike praised the wonderful action scenes, the cast chemistry and the awesome special effects. And then, out of nowhere, it sort of became one of those unlucky films that everyone starts picking apart a few weeks later. Some of the criticisms surrounding the movie are legit, of course, especially those concerning Benedict Cumberbatch's new incarnation of villain Khan, who fans were told time and time was some bloke named "John Harrison." The story is also a plot hole-filled mess, and one that doesn't really hold up under scrutiny. Still, who cares? Star Trek into Darkness is an absolute blast - a relentlessly entertaining thrill ride from start to finish, and one that absolutely guarantees you won't be checking your watch. If more blockbusters had the assured, adventurous mentality of this one, modern cinema would be a far more exciting place.
Sam Hill is an ardent cinephile and has been writing about film professionally since 2008. He harbours a particular fondness for western and sci-fi movies.
