Darkness is Coming

We're a month away from the release of Star Trek Into Darkness.

Click to enlarge and enjoy the always-hilarious mouseover text.

I loved the reboot, and I'm super excited for the sequel. I definitely won't be going to a midnight showing -- I never have and probably never will -- but this is one that I'm planning on seeing opening weekend. Luckily for me, "braving the crowds" isn't so much an issue in Dubuque.

Anyway, in honor of the upcoming release, I thought I'd share 5 reasons why I love 2009's Star Trek.


WARNING: This is going to be full of spoilers, so if you haven't seen the movie, go watch it. Now.


1) They did the reboot brilliantly by establishing an alternate timeline, where they now have the freedom to do pretty much anything they want, as long as they stay true to the characters. I mean, they could have done this anyway with a reboot, but I like that they actually incorporated it into the story.

2) The score is AMAZING. The main theme is so powerful, and I love the ending credits where the composer mixes the original theme with a contemporary and darker sound. It comes together brilliantly.

3) The opening scene. It's amazing, and perfect, and amazing some more. I love the way you're introduced to Captain Kirk, but not the Captain Kirk you're expecting. I love Thor and Dr. Cameron (I mean, Chris Hemsworth and Jennifer Morrison). I love the music during the whole birth/escape sequence. I love how tragic and full of emotion the whole thing is. According to the behind-the-scenes info, the movie was originally going to juxtapose Spock's birth with Kirk's, but I'm SO glad they made the decision they did because I just can't imagine the movie beginning any other way (even though it did defeat the purpose of casting Winona Ryder as Spock's mother).

4) Simon Pegg as Scotty! Pretty much everything out of his mouth. ("Can I get a towel?" "I like this ship! It's exciting!") Honestly, the whole cast is incredible, and I love every one of them. I think Scotty stands out because he was the final addition, and came into the action so late, and is just trying to catch up and figure out what's going on. He's also a much more comic character than any of the others.

5) The climax. Eric Bana as Nero. ("I want Spock dead NOW!!!") The Enterprise swooping in with guns blazing. Kirk and Spock's exchange before they blow the Romulan ship apart. The way the music shifts as they turn to leave and realize they're caught by the black hole. The look on Kirk's face when the hull starts to crack (seriously, they'd be dead, right? I mean, I'm all for suspending disbelief and just going with it, but I'm pretty sure crack in space = dead), and again after they manage to get clear.

Okay, I lied... 6) Leonard Nimoy essentially passing the torch to the new cast at the end of the movie was a great touch.

Honestly I could keep going, but I'll end with this: the best thing about it is how good the movie is even if you know nothing about Star Trek.

Maybe especially if you know nothing about Star Trek, actually. I have heard mixed opinions from Star Trek fans on the reboot, with my #1 being considered a drawback for some, almost a betrayal of the original universe. Also I've heard criticism about its being a straightforward action movie, not taking on any serious issues (gender equality, racism, etc) the way that the original series often did. But for someone like me, who only vaguely knew some of the character names, the Vulcan hand sign, and that red shirts always die . . . it was not only a great movie, but it made me want to watch the original series, and all the spin off series, and all the movies . . . not that I've done any of that yet, of course. It's all a little overwhelming.

But, even though it's been four years and I haven't caught up on my Star Trek history, I still can't wait to see where they go next!

Your father was captain of a starship for 12 minutes. He saved 800 lives, including your mother's... and yours. I dare you to do better.