Star Trek Into Darkness - B

Rated PG-13, 123 minutes

Benedict Cumberbatch

Lively and fun new "Star Trek"

The energetic, entertaining "Star Trek Into Darkness" is the newest entry in the storied science-fiction franchise and should please both Trekkies and non-Trekkies alike, though some of it will feel extremely familiar. Fanboys will be drooling while the rest of us can appreciate a lively, fun action-adventure film tailored specifically as a summer blockbuster, complete with 3D. This time out, U.S.S. Enterprise Captain James Kirk (Chris Pine) and his crew, including Spock (Zachary Quinto), Uhura (Zoe Saldana) and Bones (Karl Urban) are on a personal mission to hunt down an extremely powerful one-man weapon of destruction (Benedict Cumberbatch), who may end up permanently altering the state of the universe. New sci-fi point man J.J. Abrams follows up his 2009 highly successful relaunch of "Star Trek" with this satisfying, thrilling sequel that will have you on the edge of your seat most of the movie. The visuals from Industrial Light and Magic are first-rate, not to mention British actor Cumberbatch, best known as the current BBC version of Sherlock Holmes, nails the role of the ultra-villain, a younger version of Khan seen in "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan" over 30 years ago as Ricardo Montalban. The story and plotting seem pretty standard and routine, and having Khan back is nice (and admittedly very well-played), though it feels a little rehashed. On the other hand, the breathless action set pieces and the Kirk-Spock humorous interplay keep it moving along nicely, with plenty to keep Trekkies fulfilled throughout the film (yes, Nimoy cameos). While I'm not a huge fan of the blandish Pine, he has good chemistry with Quinto, though Cumberbatch's exceedingly memorable and delectably evil Khan is the standout and a great new/old villain, one of the best in this popular franchise. "Star Trek Into Darkness," from a non-Trekkie viewpoint, is a terrific action-adventure film that speeds along into warp speed, and expect plenty more of these where they come from. Live long and prosper, and add "Star Trek Into Darkness" to your list of must-see films this summer.

Wes's Grade: B