These days, it’s all about the international dollars, so it’s no surprise that some of this year’s biggest blockbusters are getting a headstart overseas. “Iron Man 3” bowed a week before we get it on Friday, while “Star Trek Into Darkness” is also getting a jump abroad before the rest of us see it. While some early reviews from Australia dropped in about a week ago, ‘Darkness’ has now screened for folks in UK and a fresh batch of takes have arrived. The verdict? It’s a rip-roaring blockbuster, that while not perfect (a common complaint is that characterization gets left behind as the adventure amps up) will be well worth your dollars. Here’s what folks had to say:
Hey U Guys: “The trip into darkness is as good as its predecessor, with some excellent nods to the fans and enough excitement to convert many a non-Trekker cinema goer. However it misses the greatness it might have achieved if it had kept to the crooked path it was leading away from its past.”
Guardian: “Everyone is a little more battered, a little less dewy-eyed. People are unlikely to charge out of the cinema with quite the same level of glee as they did in 2009; but this is certainly an astute, exhilarating concoction.”
Den Of Geek: “And at its best, thrilling is just what Star Trek Into Darkness is. It’s little secret what project JJ Abrams is moving onto next, and the quality of the space-based action sequences here suggests that Star Wars: Episode VII is in extremely capable hands. But what’s of greater importance is his ability to put believable characters in otherwise unbelievable situations, and make it all hang together….An exciting, entertaining and pretty excellent blockbuster.”
Digital Spy: “It’s an exhilarating, emotionally rich and utterly pleasurable journey that wears its love for Trek fans old and new on its sleeve.”
Stuff (note: this review is kind of spoilery): “JJ Abrams has caught lightning in a bottle for a second time in the same way Gene Rodenberry had a hit on his hands with ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation‘ following the original series.”
CQ News: “…one heck of an epic action flick that proves in this blockbuster season, superheroes aren’t everything….’Into Darkness’ with its jeopardy-heaped-upon-jeopardy final act does take its toll on a story which suffers a little from endless ending syndrome. But getting there is an absolute blast.”
Total Film: “Mostly, this is fantastic fun: a two-hours-plus blockbuster that doesn’t bog down in exposition or sag in the middle. There are reversals and rug-pulls galore, most of them executed with whiplash skill.”
Empire: “Into Darkness is a blast, fun, funny, spectacular and exhilarating. The rule of great even-numbered Trek movies continues.”
So, excited yet? Well, how about this: the first footage of the Klingons in the movie has arrived via a new promo spot centered around Zoe Saldana‘s Uhura, narrated by the wonderful growl of Benedict Cumberbatch. You can find out how the Klingons come into play in ‘Darkness’ (one of the reviews gives up their game), but you’ll probably want to go in fresh. After that, check out a little spot with Simon Pegg, talking about his character and more. “Star Trek Into Darkness” opens on May 17th. [JoBlo/WhatCulture!]