This is the most appropriate time right now for Star Trek Beyond to come out just as the 50th anniversary is this year, and what better way to continue this space epic. Justin Lin (Fast Five, Fast & Furious 6) takes the chair for J.J. Abrams as he was directing a little space opera called Star Wars: The Force Awakens, in what maybe can become a fantastic trilogy. Not a lot of people weren’t fans of Star Trek beforehand until the 2009 film was a brilliant reboot it gained new followers after that including myself and 2013’s Star Trek Into Darkness was a great sequel that gets too much backlash, especially from Trekkies. But with Star Trek Beyond, it’s very entertaining in every way possible.
No other mission could be more thrilling with the U.S.S. Enterprise being ambushed and stuck on an alien planet might be their most dangerous mission yet. The whole movie feels like an episode of the original series by looking at it on a small scale kind of way, but it truly feels like a great tribute.
This cast is one of the best ensemble cast most recent years. Everybody really got the chance to get more screen time and I love it gives the Enterprise to be freer. Even when noticing it, some of them are paired up with each other, which is great since they’re split up. Chris Pine as Captain Kirk really proves that he’s Kirk. He’s more responsible and more mature as each film passes. What’s really a surprise was the dynamic of Spock (Zachary Quinto) and Bones (Karl Urban) because there are most scenes with them together and have funny and emotional scenes with each other. There was a line in the trailer where Spock said the fear of death is illogical and Bones responded, “Fear of death is what keeps us alive.” Such a great line. Along with the others, Simon Pegg, Zoe Saldana, Anton Yelchin and John Cho still hold on there own in their roles.
The scene-stealer throughout this was Sofia Boutella (Kingsman: The Secret Service) as Jaylah. She was a kick-ass warrior and a fantastic side character that doesn’t get annoying. Every scene she was in was fantastic and getting some excitement when she’s on screen. Making her a great addition to the franchise. With great makeup aside as well. Speak of which, props to the hair and makeup department.
When the first introduction to the main antagonist, Krall (Idris Elba), wasn’t sure if he’s gonna be menacing enough to be the coolest villain we had yet, but he got better as it goes on and you’ll understand his motivation on why he attacked the Enterprise. He was still a thrilling villain in the film. Personally, he wasn’t great as Khan but better than Nero.
Simon Pegg and Doug Jung wrote the script and since they are fans of Star Trek, they know why we love the characters and a good story giving fans what they need. And for people didn’t like that first trailer will be hitting themselves over their heads when one scene happens. For people who weren’t the biggest fans of Into Darkness, still don’t understand why, but they’ll have no problem with this sequel. This is probably my least favorite in the of the rebooted franchise but still a lot of enjoyment to be found in this. Lin did a great job taking over the franchise only if it’s only for one more. Though it wasn’t as impressive as to what Abrams did with directing, it’s a good thing it finally came to be for fans all around with stylistic action sequences and staying loyal to them as well. If a fourth installment is in talks, there’s no doubt it won’t disappoint.
And some moments will leave you with a tear in your eye, but it’s pretty much happy when thinking about it with scenes if it mentions the late great Leonard Nimoy and the scenes with Anton Yelchin. A great talent gone too soon. With the dryness of this season, it’s a relief to have a film that kicks it up the next level of awesomeness.
Star Trek Beyond is a fun and bold third installment that delivered with great Sci-Fi action, writing, and just a fun movie for the summer.
Grade: A-
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