More than the cinematography, the story and the fact that J.J Abrams is at the helm of this well-written, powerful, blockbuster and at times funny movie, I just love the characters. And the scenes. So here goes my favorite scenes from Star Trek Into Darkness.

1. You open the movie with Bones and you can never go wrong. Plus, those red trees, what are they called scientifically? Let me ask Spock.

2. These inhabitants of Planet Nibiru, don’t you just love their yellow shawl and their white skin? And the fact that they worshipped the U.S.S Enterprise after seeing it, makes it even more, err, reflective of how I adore Star Trek.

3. Because Benedict Cumberbatch is really angelic. And that angelic face will divert your attention from the real villain in the movie.

4. And this dialogue between Spike and Spock is really, really awesome. Here it is:

Spike: Gentlemen, Starfleet’s mandate is to explore and observe not to interfere.

Spock: Had the mission gone according to plan Admiral, the indigenous species would never have been aware of our interference.

Spike: That’s a technicality.

Spock: I am Vulcan sir. We embrace technicality.

Spike: Are you giving me attitude, Spock?

Spock: I’m expressing multiple attitudes simultaneously Sir. To which are you referring?

Spike: Out.

5. And yeah because I am a big fan of emotional scenes.

6. And also funny scenes that involve Kirk and Bones.

7. Plus I really want to know how to speak Klingon just like our friend Nyota here.

8. And don’t you just love Alice Eve?

9. And realizing that a specie so superior can also be this vulnerable. Heartless yet compassionate. Ruthless yet concerned. Evil yet treats his crew as his family.

10. Just when everything gets tense, Bones delivers his one-liners and cracks me up.

11. Same thing with Scotty’s lines. With accent.

12. And just when you thought the movie has ended, and you wipe your tears using the back of your hand, and everything becomes depressing, you start to believe in friendship again. In the powerful, powerful gift of friendship.

13. And then you relish the joy of seeing two superior beings battle it out using their, err, hands.

14. And then you realize that TRUE friendship is well a choice and a privilege at the same time. Because there are people in your life, given to you, meant to be kept forever. But you also choose if you mean to keep these people. Forever. Like the two below. #