Star Trek Beyond Review

Star Trek Beyond Review

RIP Anton Yelchin

Star Trek Beyond is a really fun adventure flick that takes us back to the Star Trek universe. It has everything you would want in a summer blockbuster and is one of the better movies in an underwhelming summer. Watching this movie made me feel like I was watching a long episode of the Star Trek: The Original Series which is definitely not a bad thing. We see our main characters discover unknown territory and we see each character go through their own adventure. But at the same time, we get a story and conflict that makes the movie feel cinematic at the same time.

Our story this time is about the Kirk and the Enterprise landing on a mysterious planet after they were attacked by surprise. Everybody is separated and most of the Enterprise has been captured. However we then find out that assault was caused by Kroll, an alien dictator who plans to steal an ancient artifact that is on the ship of the Enterprise to take over the galaxy. Now it is up to Kirk, Spock, a new character named Jaylah, and the rest of the crew to stop Kroll.

For the record, I am not a big Star Trek fan. I am definitely more of a Star Wars fan. I however do like the JJ Abrams films, even Star Trek Into Darkness (which I still don't understand why it’s hated by Star Trek fans). I also do know a bit about Star Trek: The Original Series and Star Trek: The Next Generation. So I like Star Trek but don't love Star Trek. 

The best thing about Star Trek Beyond like the other films in the JJ Abrams reboot are the characters. Chris Pine (James T. Kirk) and Zachary Quinto (Spock) reprise their roles, and perfectly contrast the brashness of Kirk and the discipline of Spock. They have less screen time together then in the other two films but when they do show up on screen together it is a treat to watch. Karl Urban (Leonard McCoy), Zoe Saldana (Nyota Uhura), John Cho (Hikaru Sulu), Anton Yelchin (Pavel Chekov) also return and all do a great job. Simon Pegg (Montgomery Scott) also returns and has a bigger role in the movie when compared to the other movie. This isn't that much of a surprise since he is one of the writers of the movie. We also get a new character named Jaylah (Sofia Boutella) who is both complex and badass. Kroll is also played perfectly by Idris Elba who makes the character intimidating and intriguing at the same time. 

The action scenes are also great. The film is directed by Justin Lin who is best know resurrecting the Fast and Furious franchise so he definitely knows how to do action. We get a lot of great space battles and fight scenes with 360 angles and quick cuts. It is also interesting to see no lens flares which is JJ Abrams’ signature.

I also love most of the special effects. There are many creative designs for the aliens especially Jaylah. The effects perfectly capture the environment of space and they also capture the environment on each planet like Yorktown where the Enterprise live. 

There are some problems with the movie. I do think it is a bit rushed. I would have like to have seen Kroll get some more development as a character and I would have like to have seen more to Kirk’s and Spock’s arcs in the movie. I also think the design of Kroll and his men could have been more intimidating and creative. There is also a character who is just there to give up the ancient artifact and die, and I usually hate character’s like this. 

Overall I still found Star Trek Beyond to be a blast. If you enjoy the JJ Abrams Star Trek movies, then I think you will definitely enjoy Star Trek Beyond. I think the Star Trek fan’s who were disappointed in Star Trek Into Darkness will enjoy this movie since it is like an episode of Star Trek: The Original Series. Even if you have never seen a Star Trek show or movie, you can still enjoy it because it stands on its own. I will say that I think that Star Trek (2009) and Star Trek Into Darkness are better films. But that is not taking anything away from Star Trek Beyond because I think Star Trek (2009) and Star Trek Into Darkness are great. So see it if you haven't already. Live Long And Prosper!

Grade: A-