While I’ve always enjoyed science-fiction, I never really seen the original Star Trek series nor its later movies. I thought 2009’s Star Trek would be a good place to give the series a try, and I thought it was an excellent movie. Afterwards I was more than eager to see its sequel Star Trek Into Darkness.

The film takes place not terribly long after the events of its predecessor. James T. Kirk is now a real Starfleet captain, but later is demoted to first officer after a very unwise move during a mission. His former mentor returns as Captain, but is soon killed in an attack by the mysterious John Harrison. The villain is revealed to be a former member of Starfleet who uses advance technology and his genius intelligence to ruin the United Federation of Planets.

Angered by the loss of his mentor, Kirk convinces Admiral Marcus to regain control of his ship as Captain to bring John Harrison to justice. Kirk won’t have it easy as Harrison is hiding in the Klingon home-world. Their mere presence could mean war between the Klingons and the Federation. Even without the fear of inter-galactic conflict, John Harrison will prove to be Captain Kirk’s greatest challenge.

Overall Into Darkness impressed me even more so than its predecessor. It’s got incredible action, an engaging story, memorable moments, and plenty of surprises. The star of the show is John Harrison, who may be one of the greatest villains of all fiction.