In theatres: Star Trek Into Darkness

*This review may contain some spoilers in the Parental Advisory section, in an effort to inform parents as to the films content.*

Back in 2009, J.J. Abrams gave new life to a once-tired franchise with a cast of relative unknowns. It was a risky venture, to be sure. Like The Dark Knight before it, the first Star Trek is considered a prime example of how to rebrand a flagging franchise, injecting new life into something that had grown stale over the years.

The premise This latest installment, Star Trek Into Darkness, is set approximately one year after the events of the first film. Captain James T. Kirk (Chris Pine) is tenuously hanging onto his control of the USS Enterprise after angering his higher ups during a botched mission on a primitive planet. However, Admiral Marcus (Peter Weller) is willing to brush off Kirk's rookie errors when a new threat reveals itself in the form of embittered former Starfleet crewman, John Harrison (Benedict Cumberbatch). Harrison's attacks are grand in scale — and his motivations are gradually revealed as the film progresses. With Spock (Zachary Quinto) by Kirk's side, the young captain gathers together his crew and sets out to eliminate this latest universal threat.

What we loved The dazzling action sequences! Abrams goes all out with elaborate battles on a grand scale. It's the type of rousing entertainment that will satisfy both kids and their parents — and if you watch it in IMAX it's loud enough to shake your seat.

There's also the blossoming friendship between Kirk and Spock that is fun to watch — it ups the emotional level and their witty quips to one another generate big laughs.

Dr. "Bones" McCoy (Karl Urban). Forever and always the amusing comic relief.

Parental advisory (*POTENTIAL SPOILERS*) A building explodes in an act of terrorism by the main villain. It is implied that many people have died as a result.

There are a couple of gunfights, although little or no blood is shown and the camera moves too rapidly to really focus on anything.

There's a pretty vicious fistfight between two main characters.

A character's leg is broken by the villain.

Kirk wakes up in bed with two women in a brief scene.

A woman appears briefly in her bra and underwear.

There is brief coarse language and one scene with alcohol.

Canadian rating PG — Parental guidance is suggested

Final verdict
Star Trek Into Darkness is the kind of summer entertainment that can be enjoyed by everyone. It's a rousing follow-up to the first film, although the plot may be too complex and dark for little ones. Recommended for kids ages 10 and up.