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Star Trek Beyond (2016)
Directed by Justin Lin
Based on the television series Star Trek created by Gene Roddenberry
Written by Simon Pegg, Doug Jung
Starring: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Karl Urban, Zoe Saldana, Simon Pegg
As the Enterprise travels deeper into space, the Enterprise encounters a new and sinister enemy. This time the fight threatens to destroy everything that the Federation stands for.
The latest installment of this science fiction series serves as the sequel to 2013’s Star Trek Into Darkness. The film series is based on the classic Star Trek television series created by Gene Roddenberry. This film was written by Simon Pegg and Doug Jung, and directed by Justin Lin (Fast Five). The movie stars Chris Pine (Unstoppable), Zachary Quinto (Hitman: Agent 47), Karl Urban (RED), Zoe Saldana (Guardians of the Galaxy), and Simon Pegg (Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens).
After the so-so results of the last film’s story, Simon Pegg and Doug Jung were tapped to write the next installment. These two put together a much more direct and fun story without all of the weird tangents and failed twists that plagued the last movie. The film re-introduces the audience to the main body of the cast with a fun opening sequence. This creates a nice pace that carries throughout much of the movie. The dialogue feels right at home among the familiar characters. The villain of the film also feels perfect in this one. The story does a nice job of keeping things moving, and finding the right little twists to avoid becoming predictable. It’s also worth noting that the film found a fitting way to pay tribute to the late Leonard Nimoy. Overall, this is a nicely written story that is entertaining, intense, and exciting.
The actors did a nice job bringing this story to life. Chris Pine has done a nice job refining his performance to really create a fun version of Captain Kirk. He also has great chemistry with Zachary Quinto, making the Spock and Kirk connection both strong and fun. Karl Urban also does a great job with his role in this one. Like Pine, he did a nice job finding good chemistry with Zachary Quinto. Zoe Saldana and Simon Pegg also did a great job in this one. The rest of the cast was also very good this time around. John Cho, Idris Elba, and the late Anton Yelchin all did great work. It’s worth noting that the cast all had both dramatic and action work throughout the film. The cast all handled both aspects of the movie nicely. This is also the place where I should mention that the film was dedicated to both Leonard Nimoy and Anton Yelchin, who both passed away prior to the release of the film.
The production work on this movie is very good. The set designs, digital imaging, makeup and costuming all add to the overall look of the film. The only real issue with the visuals is the repeated use of vertigo-inducing camera work. Cinematographer Stephen F. Windon (The Patriot) seemed to fall in love with rotating visuals. The first half of the film revisits the technique far too often. This becomes somewhat dizzying and distracting at times. Still, this is not a huge issue when placed among the number of great shots that the film uses. In addition to the visuals, this one has a soundtrack that really keeps things fun. The sound and visuals come together in a package that should please most audiences.
This is a good movie, perhaps even a very good movie. The story far exceeds the quality of the previous film in the series. While it’s not going to change the genre, it avoids trying too hard or becoming predictable. The acting brings top-notch performances to the mix. The production work avoids major issues in exchange for a few minor ones. Fans of the Star Trek films should definitely check this one out. I would also recommend this one to fans of science fiction. If you love any of the stars, make sure to see this movie. I give this one 4.4 out of 5 stars.
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