"Spock Versus The Volcano"

That's the first thing I said to my friend Duncan when we saw one of the trailers for Star Trek: Into Darkness a couple of months ago. But the movie is so much more than that.

Star Trek: Into Darkness--or, STID in fan-speak--is JJ Abrams' second film in his re-launch of the iconic TV and film series. This time, Kirk and the gang must head off to the edge of the Neutral Zone--a kind of DMZ between Federation and Klingon territory--to bring back a fugitive from justice.

And the team has help with this: Khan Noonien Singh--yes, THAT Khan. Because of this, some people feel this movie is just a remake of  The Wrath Of Khan, the second film with the original cast. But Khan's role here is different. While he is a bad guy and his backstory is similar to the original Khan,  he helps Kirk find the runaway fugitive, a Federation operative trying to tear things apart from the inside. Watching the film, I thought of this Khan more like Hannibal Lecktor, the dangerous man you have locked up who is helping you solve the real mystery.

The film is full of enough comedy, drama, special effects, and action to keep both Trek and non-Trek fans interested. One very funny scene involves Kirk trying to diffuse a lover's spat between Uhura and Spock--as they are going into battle. There is the introduction of Carol Markus and a mention of Nurse Chapel. Oh, and Scotty quits.

Even those who are not Trek fans will enjoy the film. The special effects are the best. The action scenes are great and there is just enough exposition as to who the characters are that you don't have to have full knowledge going in.

The one quibble would be that the Klingons give up a little too easily. But ultimately, it doesn't matter.

As for that pesky volcano, well, it's a sight you really just have to see for yourself. You'll be glad you did.

I've heard that Abrams is planning to make just one more film. If number three is the last one--not just his last one--I sure hope it's as good as number two. Which itself is the rare sequel that is better than the first.

To sum up, I'll simply repeat what I told Duncan as we left the theatre: "New favorite movie--ever!"