As with all of the rebooted Young Star Trek movies, the cast and character chemistry between the time-travel-altered versions of Kirk, Spock, Bones, and all the others is a delight. That process actually makes a bit of sense for Star Trek Into Darkness, because it’s a thrilling and entertaining sci-fi action movie in the moment that doesn’t stand up to a lot of post-viewing scrutiny. So many blockbusters get good reviews and audience reactions upon release, only to have their reputations rounded down six months later, after several rounds of internet backlash. Pine’s early roles traded on his capacity for handsome cockiness, and while Steve Trevor embodies those qualities to some degree, there’s also a bedrock decency that lends him some much-appreciated depth, matching the earnest heroism of Gadot’s Wonder Woman.
Instead, their scenes together create one of the most heartfelt romantic relationships (however short-lived) in superhero movies, without losing sight of what Diana is there to do. Pine plays Steve Trevor, WWI soldier and eventual love of Diana’s young life, and his old-fashioned charisma never feels like it’s intruding on her story. Of course, Wonder Woman is very much Gal Gadot’s movie she’s playing Diana Prince, one of the world’s most famous superheroes, and gives a multifaceted star-making performance.
When he has a leading role, he knows how to work with his castmates, in projects as diverse as Hell or High Water, Star Trek, Into the Woods, or Wonder Woman, which turns out to be the best example of his on-screen wattage. One of the most enjoyable aspects of Chris Pine’s stardom is that he saves his showboating for cameos and supporting parts.