100W: Star Trek Into Darkness

As a writer, it is expected that you keep to a strict word-count. When you pick up a magazine, articles can be a 100-word write-up or a 1000-word analysis. Notes created for films are easily over 100 words - so this feature will focus on reviewing films in a concise 100 words. No more, no less.

Star Trek Into Darkness (JJ Abrams/2013)

We’re back on board the USS Enterprise with risk-taker Capt James T. Kirk (Chris Pine) and logical Spock (Zachary Quinto), but this time they face off against new terrorist threat John Harrison (A scene stealing Benedict Cumberbatch) after he bombs Future-London. An opening sequence breaks a Star Trek rule as Kirk violates the Prime Directive. Indeed, this playful approach shows that this rebooted series will toy with known Star Trek lore while newbies, who’ve watched since 2009, will appreciate the explosive action. A fast-pace combined with a confident cast makes Star Trek into Darkness a strong continuation to the series.

100W: Star Trek

As a writer, it is expected that you keep to a strict word-count. When you pick up a magazine, articles can be a 100-word write-up or a 1000-word analysis. Notes created for films are easily over 100 words - so this feature will focus on reviewing films in a concise 100 words. No more, no less.

Star Trek (Dir. JJ Abrams, 2009)

Turning back the clock, and adjusting it, Jim Kirk (Chris Pine) is born at the moment his Father (Chris Hemsworth) sacrifices himself when his ship is attacked by Romulans (led by an unrecognisable Eric Bana). On planet Vulcan, Spock (Zachary Quinto) is half-human, half-Vulcan and therefore seen as an outsider. Allegorical themes are established from the outset; Spock’s outsider status akin to homophobia; Kirk’s unresolved personal conflicts against Spock’s lack of emotion. It’s a similar set-up to Donner’s Superman but Abrams creates a new Star Trek with high-quality action and intriguing characters that will garner new fans of the cult-series.