In a sci-fi scene overrun with pessimistic -- often apocalyptic -- visions of
humanity's future,
Star Trek has illuminated the dystopic darkness for
almost 50 years.
Created by Gene Roddenberry,
Star Trek
is
about a space-faring future where humanity has united to explore the
universe. Rather
than warring over patches of land and squabbling about celebs in
internet talkbacks, humanity has devoted ourselves to exploring
strange worlds and seeking out new life and civilizations.
Because of that optimism,
Star Trek has
risen above its cheesier qualities (like alien races distinguished only
by their forehead ridges, or Captain Kirk battling a Gorn lizard man)
and become a pop-cultural touchstone for people who believe that
humanity should aspire to more -- and can achieve amazing things through
teamwork.
On Wednesday, director J.J. Abrams's highly
anticipated
Star Trek: Into Darkness beamed into theaters (in 3-D, the film opens nationwide this Friday), after an ad
campaign that highlighted its edgy action and moody color palette. It also
disguised its villain's true identity (what a CON!).
As a
pre-show
Star Trek primer, we've reviewed the new flick's cinematic
forebears for you. Classic characters only. Sorry, Picard.
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