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The great thing about “Star Trek Into Darkness” and JJ Abrams.

It’s clear that JJ has found a way to pull off that perfect balance — two films in a row — of a movie made for the spectrum of Star Trek fans and the non-Trekkies among us.  He’s figured out that there’s no need to Trek up a Star Trek film outside of the commonest elements — starships, Starfleet, redshirts etc. — and that subtle acknowledgements of established canon are enough.  Thus, the Tribble; the Klingon province where Chancellor Martok was born; Section 31; the model of the Phoenix (and I believe the NX-01!) in Pike’s office; and many more nods, all momentary and meant to show Trekkers that JJ and his writers know their fucking Star Trek shit.  It’s all stuff that’ll go right over a non-fan’s head, but that by no means ruins the experience.  Take it from a hardcore Trekkie.

Also: great script (the twists are positively awesome), great pacing, great score, great perfs (Cumberbatch, you fucking god).  And the 3D was used very effectively.  Overall, a great, great movie.

So thank you, JJ and crew.  Into Darkness will live long and prosper indeed.

Spoiler-free review of “Star Trek Into Darkness”:

— It was FUCKING AWESOME.
— Section 31 gets a mention. Niners, that’s for you.
— The villain isn’t who you think he is, which makes it totally worth it.
— A Tribble makes an appearance.
— Look for nice continuity touches, like the Kelvin memorial library and Ketha province on the Klingon homeworld.
— In one scene, you see the Phoenix from First Contact.
— Seriously, just go see the movie. It’s fucking awesome. Especially with wine and a friend.

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