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Abrams trekked 'Into Darkness' with much success

“Star Trek Into Darkness”

Gene Roddenberry's vision became a reality when “Star Trek” became a television show and gained a loyal following. The series has had many reincarnations, and with that success, spawned many feature films.

The latest and most successful of the science-fiction action films is the 12th in the series, and one of the best.

Director J.J. Abrams took the reins in 2009 with the terrific “Star Trek.” This is his sequel that brings back many of the actors from his original film with some new ones that really stand out.

Abrams has taken parts from the TV show and the films, so it has something for fans who have followed the series over the years. In fact, the special effects, the sound, and the story of good verses evil played out at IMAX theaters across the country.

It is actually a prequel to the classic TV show. Captain James T. Kirk (Chris Pine) interacts much more with Spock (Zachary Quinto) and his crew this time around.

The story centers on the USS Enterprise and its latest mission. It's a lot of fun to watch.

The action will keep you entertained. It's the evil Starfleet agent John Harrison (Benedict Cumberbatch) who steals the film. He is also known as Khan, a charismatic villain, and his fight scenes are awesome.

There are hours of bonus features. Fans of “Star Trek” will watch this film over and over again.

“We Steal Secrets: The Story of WikiLeaks”

Award-winning documentary filmmaker Alex Gibney exposes truths in his own way. This is the story of Julian Assange who created the website that exposed many classified documents from the military.

It was proved later that the security breach came from PFC. Bradley Manning, who had many troubles of his own. Manning gave Assange thousands of documents and then the government went after Assange.

He fled and Manning was charged with many counts. It is a riveting and intense documentary.

“Chicago Fire: Season One”

This terrific show, filmed in Chicago, tells a realistic story of what goes on in the daily lives of Chicago Firehouse 51. We see what the courageous men and women do every day and night.

Not only does the series delve into the lives of the firefighters, we learn about their families, the paramedics and the rescue squads. It is well-written and acted, and one of the best new series on television.

Included are 24 episodes and some bonus features.

“Hullabaloo: Collections 1-4”

The musical show ran on NBC from 1965-1966. It was the network's answer to “Shindig” and “American Bandstand.” There was a new host each week, and the segment from England was introduced by Brian Epstein, the manager of the Beatles.

There are four volumes and each one retails for $14.98. The music was a mixture of Motown, folk, rock, Broadway and the British Invasion.

There were comedy routines mixed in, too. Some of the performers include Johnny Rivers, the Four Tops, the Hollies, Peter and Gordon, Jay and the Americans, Dusty Springfield, Paul Anka, Dionne Warwick, the Supremes, Liza Minnelli, Lesley Gore, Trini Lopez, Sammy Davis Jr. and more.

Available next week

Ÿ “12/12/12: The Concert for Sandy Relief”

Ÿ “Behind the Candelabra”

Ÿ “Bates Motel: Season One”

Ÿ “Nashville: Season One”

Ÿ “Samuel Goldwyn Collection”

Ÿ “The Bling Ring”

Ÿ “World War Z”

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