Star Trek Into Darkness (9/10/2013)

Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi action and violence.

Staring Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Benedict Cumberbatch, Zoe Saldana, Alice Eve, Karl Urban, Simon Pegg, John Cho, Anton Yelchin, Bruce Greenwood and Peter Weller

Directed by JJ Abrams (Star Trek and Super 8)

TODD’S WORD: I’m not crazy enough to say something like, “This is the best Star Trek movie ever,” but I will say it is very entertaining.

JONATHAN’S WORD: Well… the bar isn’t really high. As much as I like Star Trek, there’s only been one really good film… so the question is, was this better than the first JJ Abrams Star Trek. And yes… I think it just might be.

So am I crazy?

TODD’S WORD: Let’s let the comment section decide.

JONATHAN’S WORD: You’re on.

SYNOPSIS:
When the crew of the Enterprise is called back home, they find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization has detonated the fleet and everything it stands for, leaving our world in a state of crisis. With a personal score to settle, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one man weapon of mass destruction. As our heroes are propelled into an epic chess game of life and death, love will be challenged, friendships will be torn apart, and sacrifices must be made for the only family Kirk has left: his crew.

TODD’S WORD: I am not a Trekkie, but I went to see Star Trek Into the Darkness with two Trekkies. Zach and Trevor are both really cool guys who graduated from my youth group, and they have forgotten more about Star Trek than I will ever know. It was like watching the movie with Wikipedia.

JONATHAN’S WORD: My brother is one of those. He can tell you the name of the episode where Kirk fought that lizard creature in the original series (I realize I’m unveiling my Trekkie ignorance by calling that thing a lizard creature. Hey, I do remember the episode from when I was a kid. Doesn’t that count for something?) My brother is going to LOOOOOOOOOOOOVE this new Star Trek. There are some amazing Trekkie moments throughout (I recognized a few from being exposed to years of “Trekkie second hand smoke”)

TODD’S WORD: From what I do know about the original series and original films, I have to say that Abrams and his crew are managing to embrace the Star Trek canon while expanding it at the same time.

JONATHAN’S WORD: Star Trek canon? I like that. Nice.

TODD’S WORD: Thanks. Zach and Trevor were picking up on subtle nuances that I was completely missing. And even though I missed those hidden gems, I still thoroughly enjoyed the film. So maybe you’ll understand the references to Harry Mudd and Carol or maybe you won’t (I’m pretty sure everyone will recognize the Tribble.) Honestly it doesn’t matter; there’s more than enough explosions, action and humor to keep you entertained.

JONATHAN’S WORD: I agree. Lori and I saw it with my son Alec on his 20th birthday. He was geeking out on the Trekkie moments, while Lori and I were thoroughly enjoying the creative storytelling and superb direction; both of these elements complemented by the talented cast.

TODD’S WORD: The cast is above par. Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, Karl Urban, Simon Pegg and John Cho are still impressing audiences with their perfect interpretations of some of the most iconic characters on film. Then throw in Benedict Cumberbatch and Peter Weller, and it just keeps getting better.

JONATHAN’S WORD: True. No argument from me. In fact, I think Benedict Cumberbatch is going to see a lot more roles as a direct result of this film. He was truly spectacular. I loved him and despised him.

So Todd, I just have one question for you: Why the heck didn’t you give this film the highest score? What possibly makes this film score less than Life of Pi or Skyfall, both of which you gave the top score, “Worth Buying”?

TODD’S WORD: I also just gave Ironman 3 a “Theatre Worthy” because I didn’t like what they did with “The Mandarin” (the bad guy). It just didn’t seem right to give a Star Trek film a higher score than an Ironman film.

JONATHAN’S WORD: Wow. Now who’s gonna be dubbed “crazy” in the comment section!

Well… this film will definitely land on my shelf right next to JJ Abrams’ first Star Trek. A truly amazing film and a surprisingly satisfying sequel. It had a couple quick PG-13 “eye-candy” moments (sad, how so many films feel the need for this), but otherwise amazing.

TODD’S WORD: I’m definitely a fan of JJ Abrams and he seems to be the perfect fit for the Star Trek reboot. This is a fantastic story with flawless special effects, the action sequences are impressive and the amount of humor is perfect …Yeah Star Trek Into Darkness is “Theater Worthy.”

One last note, I can’t wait for Star Wars VII.

JONATHAN’S WORD: I know, right!

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
Although there is no sex or unity, there is a brief scene where Kirk is seen getting out of bed with two women in bras and underwear. And later we see him with Carol who is seen in her bra and underwear while changing.

As far as profanity goes, there are 3 B-words and 3 S-words.

Some of the action scenes are intense, but should be fine for most teenagers.

CONVERSATION STARTER

1. In Star Trek Into Darkness we hear the iconic line, “The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.” What does that line mean to you?


2. Have you ever been in a situation where you were asked to give up something you wanted so that other people cold have something they wanted? What did you do?


3. Have you ever been in a situation where you were asked to give up something you needed so that other people could have something they needed? What did you do?


4. In the film, what did Kirk do?


5. Read John 15:13
   
   Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
   
   What are some ways you can love your family and friends this week?