Saw it again this weekend. ...liked it even more the second time. I so despised "Into Darkness" and after that cynical nightmare, my expectations for this were really low. Hearing that Lin was directing and after seeing that awful first trailer didn't help. ..Add to that the impression that the studio didn't have the hype into overdrive for this (no merch, no tie - in comic or book)...it didn't bode well for this being anything other than a quick cash grab by the studio to cash in on Star Tree's 50th anniversary.
Glad to eat some crow here. Links proved to be an inspired choice...someone outside of the saga with a resume that didn't suggest it would be a good fit...similar to the Russian brothers coming in from TV comedy to end up directing a gripping, action - infused Marvel movie with Winter Soldier.
Lin delivered on the foundation of the first movie with this cast, with great chemistry between the characters, cool, fun to watch action that's punctuated with great visual design and we'll - rendered effects. Enjoyable new ccharacters, fun nods to the past.
Turning out to be one of the better movies this summer. ..