This review contains mild spoilers.
Star Trek Beyond is the third entry in the reboot series, sometimes known as “NuTrek” on the internet in order to distinguish it from the original series. Coming off of his two directorial successes with Star Trek and Star Trek Into Darkness, J.J. Abrams was offered the chance to direct the first installment of the new Star Wars trilogy The Force Awakens. Abrams stayed on as producer, along with Robert Orci, who co-wrote the first two installments. Beyond went through a period where they were unable to find a director for the film. Justin Lin, director of four of the Fast and Furious series, was chosen, and his skill as an action director and experience with big-budget set pieces and CGI pay off in this choice. There’s also, noticeably, no lens flare. So, bonus points, there. The film was written by Simon Pegg (who stars as Scotty) and Doug Chung.
It features the returning cast of the last two films.
We begin with Kirk and Crew three years deep into their five-year mission. In contrast to the adventures of the last two installments, we find Kirk disillusioned with the life of a Captain. Docking for shore leave at a newly created space station (the most advanced in the Federation), he applies for the position of Vice Admiral, intending to leave Spock as captain of the Enterprise. Little does he know that Spock has received word from Vulcan representatives that Ambassador Spock, his time-travelling self from the future, has died. He takes it upon himself to become the new Ambassador to the Federation. Neither of them tells each other their important news.
From a nebula nearby the space station comes an escape pod. The occupant claims that her ship was damaged and crash-landed on a planet within the nebula. The only ship advanced enough to tackle the mission is the Enterprise. While in the nebula, the crew of the Enterprise is attacked and likewise stranded on the planet. While Kirk attempts to rally his crew, he finds new friends, and old enemies along the way.
Going into this film, I worried about the quality since Abrams no longer held the reigns. My fears were for naught, however. The film is competently directed by Lin, and the writing is faithful to what has come before. The film has been compared to episodes of the classic show in a positive way by other critics. It displays the Trek’s potential for character development and growth in between interesting periods of world-building and action pieces.
It also features the new series’ first major gay character: Sulu. I expected the movie to be rather upfront with this characterization, but the most we get is a slow motion shot of Sulu and his husband walking away with their hands around each other’s’ waist. No kissing is involved, not even a peck on the cheek. It came off as very understated compared to how it was discussed in the news.
All in all, a fine film. Not great, but good.
My final rating: 7.5/10