Showing from May 17: Star Trek Into Darkness ****

Stars: Benedict Cumberbatch, Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto.
Director: J.J. Abrams.
Rated: PG-13
Showing: Southside Theatre. Call 297-2821 for show times.
Runtime: 132 minutes
Action, adventure

Director J.J. Abrams proved with 2009’s Star Trek that it is okay to boldly go where others had gone before, as long as the journey is exciting, original, entertaining and respectful to legions of loyal fans. His film, which found the balance between reprising and reimagining, was a direct hit.

In his second voyage on the Starship Enterprise, Abrams has perfected that approach. Star Trek Into Darkness is the best work since Gene Roddenberry brought the franchise to life in the 1960s.

Abrams shows a deep and passionate loyalty for all of the incarnations of Star Trek, while also bringing a fresh approach that makes the familiar seem all the more fabulous. As long as Abrams is in charge, the new Star Trek movies will live long and prosper.