Why I'm NOT rating STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS And Why It Reminds Me Of THE CITY ON THE EDGE OF FOREVER

In a nutshell, if you've been a fan of Star Trek from the beginning or have extensive knowledge of the canon, then I will tell you right now I was disappointed. However, if you haven't followed Star Trek from the beginning then you are in for a treat.

I'm not going to rate the movie. I've seen it twice; I really tried to like it. I can see many, many people really loving the movie and justifiably so. But I can also see many hating the movie and justifiably so. Me? I'm in the middle.

Speaking as a loyal fan since The Original Series, I did not like most of it. The visual effects? Stunning. Really. The 3D? Not so good. The story? Here we go...

**HEAVY SPOILER ALERT! **

Obviously spoilers here. I'm just going to talk as if you've seen the movie already.

STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS crosses the line from paying homage to downright copying with many twists. I can't stand knowing the lines before they are spoken and I don't care who is saying them. Swapping out Kirk for Spock in the radiation death scene is inexcusable. Lame, lame writing. Not clever at all. I also felt as though that whole scene was added on - it wasn't needed in the story. It could have been edited out entirely and have no bearing on the outcome of the movie.

Furthermore, other than now having no need for medicine whatsoever (Bones, you're out of a job) the device of using Khan's blood (Yes Khan Noonien Singh; copying yet again) to bring Kirk back from the dead is such lazy writing it's unbelievable. And now the franchise is stuck with the results. Why even wait to get Khan's blood? Thaw out one of his 72 cronies and use theirs!

And that's evading the fact that the Federation has had 300 years to distill this technology from what they knew when they froze them! Think about that. 300 YEARS!!! At least with the Genesis project from THE WRATH OF KHAN, a new technology accidentally brought Spock back and he wasn't quite the same afterward. Do you have any idea how much knowledge can be attained in 300 years, that far into the future? Computers have long become sentient and capable of independent thought *and invention*. Heck even today when we look back 300 years to our horse riding, leeching medicine ancestors - are we not amazed at what we have done to this point?

Khan blood. Why not just grant wishes? Seriously. Why not allow everyone in the Star Trek universe to grant each other wishes. What's next for the writers? Hey let's destroy Vulcan! Hey, get this, a main character dies from radiation while trying to save the Enterprise but we're gonna switch it to Kirk this time! AND let's reuse those lines again. Hey let's kill Pike!! No need for him to be a mute quadriplegic, and weave him into future films - just get rid of him. Moreover, instead of killing him for the development of something truly meaningful, let's kill him off so that Spock will learn something from his last moments mind-meld - so he can improve his understanding of his relationship with Uhura (which shouldn't be happening in the first place!). No, no - don't kill Pike so that Kirk can lose yet another father figure and we'll see how that affects his character (which might have been actually interesting). Killing Pike was horrendous. Just like Vulcan in the first movie. I was so looking forward to seeing him in a motorized transport unit and somehow contributing to the development of Kirk down the road. *Sigh* They spent all that time developing Pike as such a great moral compass for Kirk and then just whack him. Bruce Greenwood too! One of the greatest character actors we have today.

The writers also spat on the Admiral (Peter Weller), who announces that he brought in Pike to the Academy in the same fashion that Pike brought in Kirk. See the very cool connections here? Admiral Marcus is a father figure to Pike who is a father figure to Kirk. These connections could have been amazing story material, **ORIGINAL STORY MATERIAL**, if these "writers" could have fathomed it. But no. Let's kill 'em all. All of 'em. Kill Marcus as a traitor (the ADMIRAL as a TRAITOR no less!). Kill Pike to help Spock's love life. And kill Kirk, but bring him back with Khan blood. Don't worry, it's science fiction - we can get away with it.

Sorry, this story is a complete failure for me. The only saving grace is the performance of Benedict Cumberbatch as Khan in as much as I hated seeing Khan brought back. Abrams missed the chance to actually use Cumberbatch as an original villain - something new and exciting, rather than trying to have him live up to Ricardo Montalban's Khan - which by the way, both Montalban's performance and the movie THE WRATH OF KHAN are still tops in my books.

Yes, I get that this is an alternate universe. Congratulations. What's next on the Xerox guys, whales? Unfortunately I have the feeling it's going to be The Next Generation's Borg. While the idea excites me, I'm sure all they're going to do is just regurgitate Kirk being assimilated into the collective. LaKirkus? Yeah, I can see those guys dreaming it up already. *Sigh*.

So what do I like about the movie? How about LOVE about the movie - the effects!!!! Stunning, wondrous visual and practical effects that I needn't talk about too much. If you've seen it, I'm sure you will agree this is top flight stuff here.

The 3D? Not so great. Abrams style of shooting anamorphic and with lens flares just doesn't convert well at all to 3D. Some shots were amazing (mostly the effects as these were done in a computer through a native digital render), but other shots? Ugh. The Carol Marcus scene (that Tim spoke about) with the outrageous and totally ignorant lens flare mixed with distorted and stretched heads on the screen edge, all in converted 3D almost made me sick to my stomach. Ok maybe not, but I'm sure I LOOKED like I was going to be sick. Not from a headache, but from pure distaste. It literally looked like a film school dropout's work. I'm not kidding. Perhaps it was their idea of a joke. A homage to the Abrams' lens flare joke. If it was, I didn't laugh. The 3D conversion was just good. Not amazingly great like what Stereo D has done for Marvel (THE AVENGERS was the best conversion to date). STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS' 3D barely excited me - much like Stereo D's work in IRON MAN 3. Now a lot of this I know is derived from the creatives - mainly the director who give instructions to the conversion house, but c'mon - follow the Marvel 3D plan. It works big time. If you can't Abrams, then shoot natively for the love of Roddenberry.

Listen, if you haven't been following Star Trek, or if you haven't really been paying attention by all means see this movie. Much of it is eye candy and wondrous. But for all you stereoscopic 3D aficionados and Trekkies - be wary. For you may react similarly to me -and Kirk- from the ending of THE CITY ON THE EDGE OF FOREVER: "Let's get the hell out of here." 

And I can't look anymore.

Tim's Star Trek Into Darkness Review - MAJOR SPOILERS!

Tim here. First let me start with stating that spoilers will follow in this review as this movie cannot be properly analyzed without at least discussing these spoiler filled plot points. If this is an inconvenience and you wish to see the movie unspoiled then please see it first before reading this review. 

That being said this was a great continuation of the new Star Trek series brought to us by director J.J. Abrams.

The movie opens with Captain James T. Kirk (Chris Pine) in command of the USS Enterprise and not following the "Prime Directive" rules set by Starfleet when he chooses to save his friend and colleague Spock (Zachary Quinto) from certain death. This sets up the necessary distance that Kirk and crew need to have from Starfleet as they embark on a mission of vengeance of both a commanded and personal nature. The mission is to kill John Harrison (Benedict Cumberbatch) after he has bombed a secret Starfleet facility and assassinated much of the high ranking officers at Starfleet headquarters. More on the story will follow in a bit.

First let's talk about the writing and performances in general. Overall it was very well written and acted. Chris Pine is great in the role of Kirk, continuing to develop what he started in the first movie. As well Zachary Quinto performs well as Spock, and continues to play the half-Vulcan, half-human, first officer of Enterprise with great poise and humility. However, it is Benedict Cumberbatch who steals the show as the main antagonist Khan. Did I just spoil that plot point? Yes, John Harrison is in fact really Khan who was woken from his cryo slumber by Admiral Marcus (Peter Weller). Weller is the secondary antagonist, and he's good and sufficient in his role as a war mongering Starfleet admiral. Again, Benedict Cumberbatch cannot be matched as he steals the thunder in every scene he performs in. Other notable performances belong to Simon Pegg as Scotty, who delivers a large amount of humor while also fulfilling his duty. Zoe Saldana is wonderful again as Uhura and she plays the hurt lover by Spock's earlier choice to die for the greater good before being saved by Kirk. She handles those emotions perfectly. However, it is Alice Eve as Carol Marcus who gets the better emotional performance when she pleas with her father not to destroy the enterprise. I will comment more on this in the story section along with the cinematography section.

With cinematography the 3D conversion must also be discussed. The movie was brilliantly shot as a 2D movie, but it didn't quite lend itself to helping the 3D conversion with the lens flares. The lens flares were toned down in this one, but not enough in some instances. One that was absolutely terrible was a distracting lens flare that interfered with the touching dramatic performance as Alice Eve pleaded with her father from the Enterprise. Why? That was a really poor choice because it hurt the performance and was a distraction. It didn't add anything to the moment and was fully capable of destroying the suspension of disbelief. In fact with the 3D conversion the lens flares completely ruined that suspension of disbelief that 3D can help. Yes, humans do see lens flares in real life, but not to the same degree as a camera lens. In fact the lens flares too often draw attention to the fact that there is a camera in the scene. Not to mention the anamorphic lenses used on the cameras created a warp to some images that made the 3D conversion odd. A few times because of the 2D cinematography there were screen violations because foreground objects in negative parallax were too far to the side of the image frame and caused slight discomfort. This was unforgivably detrimental to making this movie worth the 3D conversion. However, there were plenty of moments where the stereo was good.

The visual effects were top notch as always. They played really well in 3D because all the elements that are built in 3D programs can be rendered out in stereo. However, that doesn't mean that some were ruined by lens flares. Why lens flares in space? I commented about this for the last Star Trek because by having a lens flare in space you acknowledge that there is a camera in space filming this event, and as a result make the filmmaker's presence part of the audiences awareness.

Now for the story, which was very well done. It was a good continuation. A lot worked well for it, but at the same time there were questions. For example, why demote Kirk only to have him quickly reinstated to his same position in less time than the demotion can sink in and have an effect? That plot ploy was a bit weak. However, it did help in giving Kirk the distance he needed from the rest of Starfleet's high ranking officers. Next, was Scotty's resignation, which worked wonderfully. It was believable and worked well to serve as a means to get Scotty to be able to go off and do his own exploration and be in the right place at the right time to save Kirk and crew's lives. Now, as soon as Kirk starts beating Khan (still John Harrison to the audience at this point) and doesn't make a dent it brings to light that Harrison can't be human. The fact that he looks human and thus must be some superhuman instantly makes anyone with knowledge of the series and previous films know he has to be Khan. When he's revealed to be Khan I couldn't help but cheer, but get annoyed at the ploy to hide his identity. Then Spock contacting future Spock (Leonard Nimoy) to inquire about Khan completely changes the dynamics again. It shifts the arch nemesis status of Khan away from Kirk and moves it over to Spock. Even giving Spock the famous "Khhaaan!" scream. However, it worked. Especially the role reversal where Kirk is put in the Spock position and sacrifices his life for the crew. Bringing him back to life using Khan's blood was in fact something that worked well to keep him part of the series, but rendered his sacrifice less effective. It even gives a new dilemma: How can anyone die for the rest of this series when all they need is a blood transfusion from Khan?

No matter what issues rise from these new developments in the story, the movie is still a fun ride with well written action sequences and dialogue. The film is filled with great performances. And despite some drawbacks the cinematography is very well done. The 3D conversion however was wasted. Not only because of the way it was shot but also the way it was edited. Honestly in the future I will primarily see this movie in 2D even if there were some nice conversion work done by StereoD. I give this movie 4.5 stars out of 5, and most of the points against it have to do with those lens flares and as well doesn't counter in the 3D. Grading the 3D conversion and the use of 3D I give it 2 out of 5. If you haven't seen the movie I suggest you do. See it in 3D or 2D, it's up to you, but no matter what format you see it in you should enjoy it.

Watch: First Clip From STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS 3D

Aren't those interesting suits? Definitely worthy of some sort of discussion by themselves!

Regardless, the first clip from STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS has been bestowed upon us and I'm liking the character studies in it - very, very traditional character studies. Scotty has his familiar rant, Bones has his special relationship with Spock, Kirk is conflicted and Spock has his familiar catch phrase. The only real difference from the original series and this movie is the new Uhura - Spock arc from J.J. Abrams first go around.

Here's the storyline for the movie:
In the wake of a shocking act of terror from within their own organization, the crew of The Enterprise is called back home to Earth. In defiance of regulations and with a personal score to settle, Captain Kirk leads his crew on a manhunt to capture an unstoppable force of destruction and bring those responsible to justice.

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.

STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS opens in IMAX 3D on May 15 and wide on May 17. 

MUST WATCH: Last Trailer For STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS!

Check the latest and greatest trailer for STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS from J.J. Abrams and Paramount. I'm loving it. It looks like it is topping the first effort from Abrams on all fronts and that can only be good. Here's hoping!

Here's the storyline for the movie:
In Summer 2013, pioneering director J.J. Abrams will deliver an explosive action thriller that takes Star Trek Into Darkness. 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.

STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS opens on May 15 (IMAX) and May 17 (wide).

New Poster And Banner For STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS

Click to enlarge

Check the new Poster and banner for STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS.

The ship seems to be over the PACIFIC RIM experiencing the effects of GRAVITY and soon the California coast weather will be CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF ENTERPRISE. See what I did there?

It's an impressive poster hinting at what is in store for us in the movie. Can't wait!

Here's the storyline for the movie:
In the wake of a shocking act of terror from within their own organization, the crew of The Enterprise is called back home to Earth. In defiance of regulations and with a personal score to settle, Captain Kirk leads his crew on a manhunt to capture an unstoppable force of destruction and bring those responsible to justice.

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.

Click to enlarge

STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS hits theaters on May 17 (May 15 in IMAX).


Via Collider

London Gets Hammered Again - This Time In A New STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS Poster

First London is annihilated in G.I. JOE: RETALIATION and now it's clearly in trouble again in STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS. I'm rather partial to London having walked most of the Thames area so that will be enough now thank you. :-)

The poster hints further than just London hurting though, with the "Earth Will Fall" title. The box office opens for the UK run of STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS tomorrow (releases May 9 there).

Here's the movie's storyline:
In the wake of a shocking act of terror from within their own organization, the crew of The Enterprise is called back home to Earth. In defiance of regulations and with a personal score to settle, Captain Kirk leads his crew on a manhunt to capture an unstoppable force of destruction and bring those responsible to justice.

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.

STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS opens on May 9 (UK), May 15 (US / Canada IMAX) and May 17 (US Wide).

Source: Flicks and Bits

New STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS International Trailer And Poster!

Hey Star Trek fans, we've got a couple of great new marketing items for STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS that you should enjoy - one is a new poster pictured at left. Half of what is interesting about the poster is where it came from. It was part of Paramount's viral marketing as they secretly inserted a bit.ly web link in a freeze frame (pictured right) from the new international trailer (below).

The second marketing piece is a new international trailer and it introduces many new scenes - have a look at bottom...

You have to love what Benedict Cumberbatch is bringing to this motion picture. He just oozes credibility and amps up suspension of disbelief so well. Perfect casting for WHOEVER he is.

"I am better."
"At what?"
"Everything."

Click to enlarge

Here's the movie's storyline:
In the wake of a shocking act of terror from within their own organization, the crew of The Enterprise is called back home to Earth. In defiance of regulations and with a personal score to settle, Captain Kirk leads his crew on a manhunt to capture an unstoppable force of destruction and bring those responsible to justice. 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.

STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS opens on May 15th in IMAX and the 17th in wide release.

STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS Teaser #3

Well here's something you CAN watch and not get spoiled very much as opposed to yesterday's fiasco. Here we've got the third teaser for J.J. Abrams' STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS which does introduce some new elements to us. In particular is a new scene featuring Kirk and Spock in spaceflight that looks like a very cool moment in the film. Oh and an interesting conversation between Pike and Kirk as well...

Here's the storyline for the movie:

In Summer 2013, pioneering director J.J. Abrams will deliver an explosive action thriller that takes Star Trek Into Darkness. 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.


STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS opens on May 17. 

STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS Spoilers And Opening Date For The UK Is One Week Early

Let's get the non-spoiler item out of the way first. J.J. Abrams' STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS will be opening a week earlier in the UK than in North America with the UK enjoying a May 9 launch (all formats according to Simon Pegg) and across the pond in the US and Canada, a May 17 date (May 15 in IMAX).

Now let's get something straight about these spoilers. I'm against them. I'm literally against reading them and - get this - I haven't. I am blind copying and pasting this info for those of you who do want to be spoiled for this much anticipated movie. I can't bring myself to read it because I am a die hard Trekkie and I refuse to not see this thing in a pristine form.

SO. If you don't mind being spoiled - these are MASSIVE spoilers by the way - then read on. I know they're massive by the reception it's getting. Whoever wrote this in Brazil broke many a cardinal rule in doing so and he should be banned from the web. Can't stop it now - it's on the Internet and with a life of its own.

**SPOILERS AHEAD** Read at your own risk. This is YOUR decision NOT mine to read this. Know that now. I HAVE NOT and will not read it. 

Hit the jump for more...

New Motion Poster for Star Trek Into Darkness

Tim here, and new motion poster has been released for STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS! I'm sorry to say it's Flash and not HTML5, so you mobile users had better wait to get to a desktop, or laptop, computer to check it out. It's really cool and you won't be disappointed. The best part is the narration from Benedict Cumberbatch: the movie's main antagonist.

Here's the storyline for the movie:
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.

STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS opens on May 17.

Hit the jump to view the motion poster...

New STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS Featurette: Abrams On 3D!

Check out what director J.J. Abrams had to say about STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS. He's obviously enthused with the new advances that have been made since the last Trek he made.

Abrams says: "Without question the IMAX and 3D of it will give viewers yet another level of excitement."

Here's the storyline for the movie:
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.

STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS opens on May 17.

JJ Abrams Gives His Best - Will Screen STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS For Dying Cancer Patient

I want to see more stories like this one. Out of all the sad and terrible news that the world seems to spew out everyday comes hope and inspiration for all of us. This is what the movies are all about.

JJ Abrams is one class act. He's going to show either the full movie (I hope so) or at least the 9 minute promo of STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS for a dying cancer patient.

Here are the details provided by Reddit user Grady Hendrix (via Collider):

I just wanted to say that I know and work with Dan (the guy who’s dying) but I don’t know the OP. Dan’s been running the New York Asian Film Festival with me and a few other guys for years. If you have any doubts about the legitimacy of all of this, I use my actual name as my Reddit name, and you can visit the NYAFF (New York Asian Film Festival) page on Facebook. If you still have doubts that are keeping you from helping, feel free to email me: grady@gradyhendrix.com

Thanks everyone, and a huge thanks to OP ideeyut for posting this. JJ Abrams just called Dan’s wife and left a message. He’s going to try to arrange a screening for Dan, either of the film or at least of the 9 minute promo reel…I’ll never say anything bad about JJ Abrams again. Seriously. He is now beyond reproach as far as I’m concerned.

What can you say about JJ Abrams? He's one heckuva human being. If he manages to show the whole movie well in advance of the release, there is a lot at risk for not only him but the studio. Kudos to Paramount too if they make this happen.
 

New Image, Villain Speculation For STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS!

Click to enlarge

Hmmm. Here's the newest still from J.J. Abrams STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS featuring left to right Zackary Quinto (Spock), Benedict Cumberbatch (???) and Chris Pine (Kirk).

Note that Paramount labeled Cumberbatch's character in the photo as John Harrison. Who the heck is that? Intentionally fake? We'll soon find out.

Once again we can see that Cumberbatch's character is indeed wearing a Starfleet uniform. I would say it's a safe wager that he is not playing Khan unless this new universe for Star Trek is indeed completely disoriented.

Here's the storyline for the movie:
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.

So what do you think? A red herring from Abrams? A false name for Khan who reveals himself later in the movie? Twins? Alternative universe to the alternative universe? This is science fiction after all. ANYTHING is possible.

Don't forget! 9 minutes of INTO DARKNESS is pre-rolling in front of THE HOBBIT this weekend!

Complete List Of IMAX Locations Showing The 9 Minute STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS Preview!!

The extended preview of J. J. Abrams’ STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS will debut in digital IMAX 3D beginning December 14th. Check out the participating theatres below.

Additional theaters may be added.

Hit the jump to see the full list...

MUST WATCH: Extended International Trailer For STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS!!

Here's the extended international (Japanese) version of the shorter trailer that was released earlier - this newer cut has an additional 15 seconds or so of awesomeness.

Of course there is one scene in this trailer that immediately brings back intense memories for any Trek fan from STAR TREK II: THE WRATH OF KHAN. When you see it - you will know what it is. In fact you may already know what I am talking about before seeing the trailer ;-)

I love how Benedict Cumberbatch is narrating this thing - what an amazing voice. Seriously. Cumberbatch is set to dominate this generation's crop of fine actors along with a certain Martin Freeman (BBC's SHERLOCK is amazing if you haven't seen it yet! Both of them star in it so what are you waiting for?).

Here's the storyline for the movie:
In Summer 2013, pioneering director J.J. Abrams will deliver an explosive action thriller that takes STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS. 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.

The effects look amazing, the flares never looked finer and Captain James Tiberius Kirk has his hands full yet again. What more could a fan want? Oh yeah, it's in 3D this time!! Can't wait.

STAR TREK IN TO DARKNESS opens on May 17, 2013.

Hit the jump to watch the trailer...

MUST SEE: New STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS Poster Invokes Deja Vu

Yes, yes. The first thing you see is THE DARK KNIGHT I know. It's a shame really. Who wants their multi-million dollar movie marketed by the memory of another genre movie? It's more like STAR TREK RISES.

Oh well. Obviously the hole blown in the building resembles the Federation's logo - who do you suppose is the dark man standing in the destruction? Benedict Cumberbatch?

Here's the storyline for the movie:
In Summer 2013, pioneering director J.J. Abrams will deliver an explosive action thriller that takes STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS. 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.

STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS opens on May 17, 2013.

9-Minute Preview Of STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS Pre-Rolling In Front Of THE HOBBIT!

Tim here. That's right folks, Paramount Pictures will unveil the first look at the next Star Trek movie in IMAX 3D this December. Word is that it will play in some 500 digital IMAX 3D theaters beginning December 14^th as the opener for THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY. This is an unexpected, but pleasant, surprise.

As with the THE DARK KNIGHT RISES preview with last year's MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: GHOST PROTOCOL, moviegoers will get a chance to be among the first in the world to glimpse a segment of the forthcoming movie, which was shot partially on IMAX film. You can bet that the sequence moviegoers will see was shot with those IMAX cameras, just like the sequence previewed from The Dark Knight Rises.

As if there wasn't enough incentive to see THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY in IMAX, now there's an added bonus. STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS brings back the cast from the last adventure including Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto and Zoe Saldana, and it hits theaters on May 17, 2013.

Source: Deadline

MUST WATCH: JJ Abrams Debuts First Clip From STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS

Ok, keep in mind this was aired on Conan. Be very aware of that. However it is true that the first clip from JJ Abrams' STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS was shown.

There's a fairly good reason why we are seeing this particular scene from the movie as opposed to others. Back in April we were privy to some spy shots, one of which was of Zachary Quinto (Spock) hanging in front of a green screen wearing a suit to protect him from a volcano. This clip is from that scene.

Here's the description of the scene:
"Zachary Quinto as Spock filming an action scene for the Untitled Star Trek 2 Sequel. After first rehearsing the scene with a Spock Stunt Double Actor Zachary Quinto was then rigged to a wire in front of a large green screen and lifted to a height of 10 stories high then dropped at a high rate of speed as if he was falling. In the scene Spock is wearing a "Volcano Suit" and carrying an unknown piece of equipment with the Starfleet Emblem. A Volcano is somehow involved in this scene. The crew had a real fire burning off camera to catch the fire reflections on Spock's 'Volcano Suit'."

There are comedic caveats involved of course. But I'll let you watch it and decide what you make of it:



Hahaa! Ok, so it's only 3 frames long, but the screen cap shown above does show you Spock's profile wearing a helmet and suit in front of raging flames. Can there be any doubt he is great peril? Give us more JJ!

STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS opens May 17, 2013. For all of our STAR TREK 2 coverage, click here.


Source: The Film Stage