I've long debated whether I hate this movie or Into Darkness more, but ultimately I think this one comes out on top. Both have incomprehensibly stupid plots written by a pair of hacks, but this one at least contains some heart, something ST:ID is bereft of. Vulcan's destruction carries some dramatic impact, and I still feel the scenes between Spock and his parents are well done.

That said, I hate the direction taken with these characters. It feels like the writers got their interpretations from watching Futurama parodies rather than the source material. Why anyone would think Kirk is captain material is beyond me. The only character that feels well rounded is Uhura, whose more prominent role is a welcome change.

But the plot is the real offender here. The Vulcans need a drop of red matter to avert catastrophe, but synthesize over 100 gallons of the the incredibly destructive substance so it can immediately wind up in the hands of a madman. It's a contrived, bewildering mess.