Star Trek Beyond is the latest in the series of films in the re-imagined JJ Abrams Star Trek Universe. It is good enough to make you forget the near miss that was Star Trek Into Darkness, and fits as one of the better Star Trek movies in many years. There are a few moments that stumble, but the rest of the film is good enough to overlook those.
The USS Enterprise is in its third year of its 5 year mission. Captain Kirk (Chris Pine) has started to feel like he’s in a rut. He joined Starfleet on a dare, and is trying to make sense of everything he’s done. As the ship sails towards a star base for a break, he has time to consider his situation. Spock (Zachary Quinto) is in denial, having a crisis of ‘faith’ that is obvious to us, but not to such a logical mind such as his. It is, however to Dr. McCoy (Karl Urban).
Before we get a chance to dwell on either issue, someone arrives at the base seeking help, as she is the only survivor of a vessel that was lost in an uncharted area of space. Since the Enterprise is the only ship available with the sort of scientific equipment needed for a search, the crew gets little reprieve and heads out to look. Turns out that where they’re going isn’t all that safe, and that’s where the situation goes all pear-shaped.
This is an action-packed movie, but the interplay between the characters is what really sustains the story in true Star Trek fashion. McCoy and Spock have a good time verbally sparring with each other. Sulu (John Cho) and Uhura (Zoë Saldana) help drive the plot forward, and Chekov (Anton Yelchin) has a lot to do, as well. Some of the better bits of dialogue come from Scotty (Simon Pegg), which is understandable, considering Pegg was one of the writers for the film.
Roger Ebert used to say that these sort of action movies only work well if the villain is compelling enough. That was the biggest failing of Star Trek Into Darkness (among several others). Here, he was only acceptable, and it isn’t until later in the film that you understand his actions. Even then, you have to take the knowledge at face value, and just accept that’s enough. It is, but I’d have preferred more depth there.
This movie uses shakey-cam action for the fight scenes. I’ve argued that that style is used because because the combat choreography isn’t compelling enough, and it’s true here, too. The CGI is overblown in some scenes, much like it was in the Transformers movies and the goblin fight scene in the Hobbit movie – there’s too much going on the screen to process everything that’s happening, so you just deal with it and follow along to what happens next.
I recommend this film, despite the flaws. They are secondary to the action, and the story is good enough to surpass these things. I did not see it in 3D, so I cannot comment on that aspect. I don’t think it was necessary to enjoy the film.
There is a momentary pause in the credits, so please stay for it. Afterward, there’s a song, written by Sia, that should have been hers to sing, but Rihanna performs it.
There is no post-credits sequence.
What follows is list of a few nitpicks I had with the movie. You shouldn’t them read until after seeing the movie. Spoilers abound, so be forewarned!!!
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OK, you were warned!!!
- Everything on the Franklin still works well enough to be spaceworthy?
- As it was in Star Trek Into Darkness, they could have used a transporter to capture the villain a lot sooner.
- How did Kirk get up there so easily? Probably the same way Krall did, but that’s not enough.
- Every shot inside the starbase made me think I was going to be Incepted, if you know what I mean!
- The whole thing with the Franklin falling to gain enough speed, yeah right.
- Greg Grunberg, AGAIN?
- Ditto, Shoreh Aghdashloo. She has a big part in The Expanse.
- Future Product Placement is still product placement. Booo!
- Oh yeah, and where did Krall get all those ship pilots??