Star Trek Into Darkness Critics Roundup—Sci-Fi Sequel Gets Positive-to-Mixed Reviews

The reviews are in! Check out what the critics had to say about the latest Star Trek flick

By Brandi Fowler May 04, 2013 8:59 PMTags
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Star Trek Into Darkness won't hit theaters in the U.S. until May 17, but critics are already weighing in about the J.J. Abrams flick.

Trekkies have been awaiting the arrival of the sequel to the director's 2009 Star Trek, which reunites the original cast (Chris Pine as Capt. Kirk, Zachary Quinto as Mr. Spock) and throws in creepy new villain John Harrison (Benedict Cumberbatch) to boot.

So, did film reviewers love it or hate it?

Kind of a mixed bag. Read on to get their take!

 • "Star Trek Into Darkness, J.J. Abrams' second entry in his reboot of the eternal franchise, has been engineered rather than directed, calibrated to deliver sensation on cue and stocked with just enough new character twists to keep fans rapt," The Hollywood Reporter's Todd McCarthy wrote. "At its core an intergalactic manhunt tale about a traitor to the cause, the production gives the impression of a massive machine cranked up for two hours of full output; it efficiently delivers what it's built to do, but without style or personality."

• Variety's Scott Foundas had a more positive take on the film, writing, "J.J. Abrams sets his filmmaking to 'stun' for Star Trek Into Darkness, a sequel in every respect equal or even superior to its splendid 2009 predecessor, which lovingly and cleverly rebooted Gene Roddenberry's long-running space opera following the black hole of 2002's Star Trek Nemesis."

• The Daily Mail also had mostly positive things to say about the filmThe mag's Chris Tockey gave the film four stars, writing, "This franchise will live long and prosper," adding, "This is highly imaginative entertainment with no expense spared and those summer blockbuster rarities, complex characters and an intelligible plot," Tockey added. "That will be enough for most of us."

• Meanwhile, Slash Film's German Lussier's review was mixed: "To follow his first Trek revival, director J.J. Abrams has made a much more visually impressive and exciting action film, and one worthy of the Star Trek franchise. It simply lacks the inspiration that made his first film so special."

Are you excited to see Star Trek Into Darkness?

Sound off in the comments!