Star Trek: Into Darkness

WARNING: This review is hidden because it reveals the content of the film.
Click here to show this review. Sorry; this latest episode in the Star Trek franchise simply does not "cut it". I grew up with the original Star Trek and then Star Trek: The Next Generation, where there were actual plots and real characters, and very few (by today's standards) special effects. In contrast, this episode has fallen into the trap of believing that "imaginative" use of special effects can compensate for all other shortcomings. To be specific, the plot here is a throwback/rehash/reprise of older themes; there is zero originality. The characters appear to be wooden, and their participation in the story seem to be incidental and/or contrived in relation to the smash/crash/bang of the special effects. The only actors who seemed to show any spark of life were Chris Pine as Captain Kirk and Benedict Cumberbatch as Khan. Specifically, the inclusion of Alice Eve as Carol Marcus was embarrassing; her obligatory brief appearance in bra and panties added absolutely nothing to the story. I can't help thinking that Gene Roddenberry would be embarrassed/mortified by what has happened to his legacy.