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'Star Trek Into Darkness': The Early Reviews Are In!

Australian critics are calling the sci-fi sequel a "fun ride."

"Star Trek Into Darkness" may not hit U.S. theaters until May 17, but the potential blockbuster's massive international press tour means that journalists in countries like Australia get an early look at the J.J. Abrams-directed sequel. A few outlets down-under posted reviews and since this is the internet, those reactions have spread wide. Fans are getting an early taste of what to expect.

The early reviews of "Star Trek Into Darkness" range from lukewarm to positive with comparisons to what worked in Abrams' 2009 reboot. "It's a riveting action-adventure in space, complete with interpersonal relationships. The bro-mance between Kirk and Spock is in full force here. Grown men cry. And yes, it looks like a J.J. Abrams film," writes David Farrier from 3 News. "There's the lens flare, and the camera tracking a crashing spaceship might as well be a bigger version of the plane from the 'Lost' pilot. Smoke billows and it all feels very real, like you could reach out and touch it."

One aspect of the film that has everyone in agreement is the effectiveness of Benedict Cumberbatch in the role of the villainous John Harrison. "Cumberbatch himself has never been better. While he's proven his ability at volatile emotional-detachment with his role in 'Sherlock,' he is, here, a true snake; an expressionless, sliver of a man whose mask only slips when he lunges for his prey," IGN's Lucy O'Brien writes in her review. "The Enterprise crew look trivial against him, their uniforms retro and goofy against his men's magazine sleekness. Even Spock, quite the regal figure, looks small next to him."

Others said some references were too inside during the movie's big moments. "There are some brief moments where this non-Trekkie film critic felt like I missed essential references that were transforming some of the more mediocre scenes into significant signposts for fans," Blake Howard wrote.

The main take away from the reviews, however, was that this is a fun ride that travels at the speed of light. "While it may not be the most sophisticated of sci-fi spectacles you'll see this year, 'Into Darkness' will certainly be one of the most fun," O'Brien writes.

Check out everything we've got on "Star Trek Into Darkness."

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