Star Trek Into Darkness is the latest installment of one of the most classic sci-fi action series of all time. In this new film, Captain James T. Kirk (Chris Pine) and First Officer Spock (Zachary Quinto) take on Commander John Harrison (Benedict Cumberbatch). Creator JJ Abrams is an award-winning director and producer, so the expectations are crazy high for the film. So did the critics think the sequel actually met them?

‘Star Trek Into Darkness’ Reviews

Wired

The visual effects and stunt work in the movie is very impressive, as you’d expect in a J.J. Abrams film, and offers up the kind of spectacle that almost makes you forgive the flaws elsewhere. (Almost.) But the number of climactic action sequences contained within the plot corkscrews also starts to feel exhausting, eventually pushing the audience from feeling like “things keep getting more intense!” to “seriously, shouldn’t this be over yet?”  And it’s a shame, because each of the numerous action set pieces are well done and utterly enjoyable in each moment, even if they don’t hang together as any kind of coherent narrative.

New York Times

But story has always been the most disposable element in the Star Trek universe, and Mr. Abrams and the screenwriters (Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman and Damon Lindelof) honor its tradition best when they treat the Enterprise as a hive of personalities and volatile connections. The difficult romance between Spock and Uhura (Zoe Saldana) is complemented, and at times overshadowed, by the Spock-Kirk bromance.

The Washington Post

With every element so clearly put in place and the Star Trek vernacular so lovingly preserved and elaborated, the biggest challenge facing the filmmakers — especially screenwriters Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman and Damon Lindelof — is to make sure that subsequent stories deepen what they have built, rather than just pile on more effects and stunts. Thankfully, Star Trek Into Darkness leaves the hatch open to countless possibilities, whether brand-new story lines or visits to familiar faces and places from the past. With the franchise now securely underway, it’s reassuring to know that Abrams and his team have the con.

Fox News

“Into Darkness” is a warp-speed ride of intense suspense, lens flares, mystery and thrills, dipping in and out of Star Trek lore and ultimately creating a fresh new direction. That isn’t to say this film is without its sense of adventure and quick-witted humor. On the contrary, the film is very funny, gutsy in its action and never short of an eye-wink or two. Writers Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman are joined by “Lost” alum Damon Lindelof in creating a “Star Trek” story that is a gigantic nod to fans of the franchise while pushing old ideas into welcome new territory.

Sounds like an entertaining action movie! Are you going to see it?

WATCH: ‘Star Trek Into Darkness’ Trailer

– Emily Longeretta

More ‘Star Trek Into Darkness’ News:

1. ‘Star Trek Into Darkess’: Shocking Twist Reveals True Villain
2. ‘Star Trek Into Darkness’ First Look — The New Poster Revealed
3. Zoe Saldana Wows In Backless Gown For ‘Star Trek Into Darkness’

JJ Abrams‘ Star Trek sequel Star Trek Into Darkness sees Captain James T. Kirk (Chris Pine) and First Officer Spock (Zachary Quinto) face a brand new villain called Commander John Harrison (Benedict Cumberbatch), but is he everything he seems? No! Read on to find out about the real threat that the USS Enterprise must battle against.

WARNING: Do not read on unless you want to be spoiled!

Villian John Harrison Is Actually…

Khan!

The bad ass villain is ever more bad ass than we thought! After Kirk and Spock unsuccessfully battle against Captain Harrison, he reveals that he is really Star Trek’s most famous villain of all time!

Khan is described as a genetically augmented superhuman, who has been in cryo sleep for 300 years after his unsuccessful war to rule the earth through his super human race.

I won’t reveal what goes down between Captain Kirk and Khan, but it is safe to say that this is an awesome movie!

Official Synopsis Of ‘Star Trek Into Darkness’

In Summer 2013, pioneering director J.J. Abrams will deliver an explosive action thriller that takes Star Trek Into Darkness. When the crew of the Enterprise is called back home, they find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization has detonated the fleet and everything it stands for, leaving our world in a state of crisis. With a personal score to settle, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one man weapon of mass destruction. As our heroes are propelled into an epic chess game of life and death, love will be challenged, friendships will be torn apart, and sacrifices must be made for the only family Kirk has left: his crew.

Star Trek Into Darkness will be released on May 17, 2013.

WATCH: ‘Star Trek Into Darkness Trailer’

– Eleanore Hutch

More ‘Star Trek Into Darkness’ News:

1. ‘Star Trek Into Darkness’ First Look — The New Poster Revealed
2. Zoe Saldana Wows In Backless Gown For ‘Star Trek Into Darkness’
3. ‘Star Trek Into Darkness’ First Look — Teaser Trailer Revealed

Zoe Saldana‘s makeup was flawless at the London premiere of her upcoming film Star Trek Into Darkness. We chatted EXCLUSIVELY with celebrity makeup artist Vera Steimberg, who created her red carpet look, about the products and techniques used!

Zoe Saldana At ‘Star Trek Into Darkness’ — Inspiration Behind Her Beauty Look

“The inspiration for Zoe’s look came from the amazing, glamourous dress she was wearing. It really brought us to a 20′s period style. It was her dress that really made me decide to go with a red lip — I knew it was going to look fabulous!” Vera spilled to HollywoodLife.com EXCLUSIVELY.

We were also pleasantly surprised to know that Zoe was very interested and involved with her look!

“I love Laura Mercier because it has something for everyone; they are a great go-to for natural, flawless makeup.”

“For this particular look, choose a good, fun red lipstick that you truly love and then use soft eye colors or just mascara on the top and bottom lashes. You could also use just Vaseline or an eight hour cream to create a natural shine on the eye lids. Then finish the look with just a bit of blush and some powder.”

Zoe’s Star Trek Beauty Look — Get Her Exact Makeup

To make the lips really stand out, Vera applied Laura Mercier Crème Smooth Lip Color in Portofino Red on her lips, giving her a “bright, yet elegant final look.”

With such a dramatic lip, the eyes needed to be much “softer.” Vera used Laura Mercier Crème Eye Liner in Espresso to define the lash line using the Laura Mercier Angled Eye Liner Brush.

On the lid, she applied Laura Mercier Baked Eye Colour in Terracota all over and then added Laura Mercier Baked Eye Colour in Violet Sky on the outer corners to create a subtle smokey eye.

For added contour, Vera mixed Laura Mercier Luster Eye Colour in Bamboo and Laura Mercier Matte Eye Colour in Coffee Ground and applied to the eyelids.

For stunning lashes, Vera used multiple coats of Laura Mercier Faux Lash Mascara in Black to top and bottom lashes.

For a flawless face, Vera wanted a “natural” look. She used Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage in SC-6 to cover imperfections.

After, she lightly dusted Laura Mercier Mineral Illuminating Powder in Candlelight to set her face. To finish the look, Vera applied Laura Mercier Crème Cheek Colour in Blaze to her cheekbones and layered Laura Mercier Second Skin Cheek Colour in Spiced Cider on top for an extra pop of color.

Did you love her beauty look, HollywoodLifers?

WATCH: Star Trek Into Darkness – Official Trailer (HD)

– Dory Larrabee

More Zoe Saldana Beauty News:

1. Zoe Saldana Is Pretty In Pink At ‘Star Trek Into Darkness’ Premiere
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3. Zoe Saldana’s MTV Movie Awards Beachy Waves — Get Her Exact Look

Zoe Saldana walked the red carpet at The Empire Cinema in London’s Leicester Square for the Star Trek Into Darkness premiere on May 2 where the star took a chance in a high-fashion frock from the Vionnet Pre-Fall 2013 collection.

Zoe Saldana ‘Star Trek Into The Darkness’ UK Premiere Dress:

The 34-year-old star’s premiere look had a lot going on. From the white high-low skirt to the backless, embellished bodice this dress definitely wasn’t a safe choice — and few stars could have pulled it off. In fact, Zoe almost stumbled in the dress when she attempted to fan out her skirt! Her heel got caught on the back of the hemline, but luckily for her her co-stars were there to lend her a helping hand while she steadied herself.

With Zoe’s cool confidence the star manages to totally rock the red carpet in this ensemble. She finished off her premiere look with a red pout and a chic, retro updo. I love the way she kept it simple and chic with her beauty routine, keeping the focus on the intricate detailing of her dress. Her side ‘do added to the high-fashion look. Black Christian Louboutin peep-toe, ankle-strap pumps polished off the get-up.

Zoe was joined on the red carpet by her co-star’s, including Alice Eve, Zachary Quinto and Benedict Cumberbatch.

I definitely think this is Zoe’s most daring look to date on this promotional tour — but did the risk pay off? At first glance I wasn’t obsessed with this dress but it immediately started growing on me. What do you think?

Katrina Mitzeliotis

More Zoe Saldana Premiere Dress & Style News:

1. Get Zoe Saldana’s Sweatshirt For $30
2. Zoe Saldana Is Pretty In Pink At ‘Star Trek Into Darkness’ Premiere
3. Kim Kardashian V Zoe Saldana: Who Looks More Lovely In Lanvin?
   

Paramount Pictures and Bad Robot released an announcement video/teaser trailer for JJ Abrams‘ Star Trek sequel Star Trek Into Darkness on Dec. 6! It’s a 1-minute tease for the 2-minute trailer that will be released next week!

The trailer showcases a much darker, grittier Trek film than its predecessor. According to Slash Film, JJ is certainly going all Empire Strikes Back with this sequel!

Official synopsis:

In Summer 2013, pioneering director J.J. Abrams will deliver an explosive action thriller that takes Star Trek Into Darkness. When the crew of the Enterprise is called back home, they find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization has detonated the fleet and everything it stands for, leaving our world in a state of crisis. With a personal score to settle, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one man weapon of mass destruction. As our heroes are propelled into an epic chess game of life and death, love will be challenged, friendships will be torn apart, and sacrifices must be made for the only family Kirk has left: his crew.

Star Trek Into Darkness will be released on May 17, 2013.

HollywoodLifers, what do YOU think of the new Star Trek trailer? Will you be checking out the sequel this summer? Drop us a comment below with your thoughts and theories.

Slash Film’s Twitter

— Chris Rogers

Follow
@ChrisRogers86

Watch More ENTV Videos!

More Star Trek on HollywoodLife.com:

1. All 5 ‘Star Trek’ Captains Unite For First Time At Philadelphia Comic Con
2. ‘Star Trek’ Legend George Takei Slams ‘Twilight’

Star Trek Into Darkness is boldly going where no Star Trek has gone before: to Twitter! Paramount Pictures tweeted the first official poster for the sequel Dec. 3, revealing Benedict Cumberbatch‘s villainous character — rumored to be the infamous Khan — standing atop the rubble of a city in ruins.

But what does this imagery actually mean? It’s still any Trekkie’s guess at this point, but at least it’ll give us something to chew on as we wait (impatiently) for the movie’s May 2013 release.

Several sites are pointing out the poster’s eerie similarity to the poster for The Dark Knight Rises, which we can’t disagree with. They’re practically twinsies.

HollywoodLifers, what do YOU think of the ominous new Star Trek poster? Will you be checking out the sequel this summer? Drop us a comment below with your thoughts and theories.

Paramount’s Twitter

— Andy Swift

Follow @AndySwift

Watch More ENTV Videos!

More Star Trek on HollywoodLife.com:

1. All 5 ‘Star Trek’ Captains Unite For First Time At Philadelphia Comic Con
2. ‘Star Trek’ Legend George Takei Slams ‘Twilight’