10 Dumbest Things In Star Trek Into Darkness

Star Trek Into Darkness, released in 2013, generated significant anticipation among fans and the general audience alike. Following the box office and critical success of the 2009 reboot directed by J.J. Abrams, expectations were high for the sequel. The first film had not only introduced the classic Star Trek characters to a new generation but had also revitalized interest in the franchise, making the prospect of a follow-up particularly exciting. The return of the main cast, including Chris Pine as Captain Kirk and Zachary Quinto as Spock, played a significant role in building anticipation. The chemistry and performances of the ensemble cast in the first film had been well-received, and audiences were eager to see them in the sequel.

One factor contributing to the anticipation was the mystery surrounding the film's plot. Speculation ran rampant that the film's antagonist would be Khan Noonien Singh, best known for the fan- and critic-favorite, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. This was vociferously denied, but few were surprised when nominal villain John Harrison (Benedict Cumberbatch) was revealed to be Khan.

The film received many good reviews but mixed audience response. For every excellent choice, there was an inexplicable one. The resulting film was, by turns, smart and stupid. Here are 10 truly dumb things in it.

The film’s opening is fun and plays like an OTT spoof of an original series “running and jumping” action sequence. It puts a spotlight on five of the seven leads, is dynamic and exciting, but it’s as smart as a bag of bricks. And that’s not referring to the starship playing Yellow Submarine (we’ll get to that).

First, why are they doing this in broad daylight? Did they happen to find the volcano and the threatened natives just before the imminent cataclysm? Or does this planet have really long days that prevents waiting til night to pull this stunt when the ship would be perhaps less visible? Or maybe the natives’ night vision is that good?

Second, what was Kirk leading the natives on a merry chase supposed to accomplish? Was he deliberately luring them as far as possible from the volcano because he saw the script called for their temple/whatever to be obliterated by raining magma before Spock could drop his “super ice cube”? Must be, because otherwise keeping the locals indoors would better prevent them from seeing the shuttle or potentially the Enterprise.

Finally, how did Kirk not know about the riding animal Bones had rounded up? Wasn’t that part of the plan? Or was Bones showing some initiative and Kirk boofed it?

And speaking of the ship’s doctor, just what is he doing here? Granted, on the OG he was often on landing parties for no good reason, but is the chief surgeon the best man to help lure an angry mob to a cliff?