Film Review: ‘Star Trek Beyond’ is a Blast of Starship Adventure

Submitted by PatrickMcD on July 21, 2016 - 9:07pm

CHICAGO – In the equation of the Star Trek universe, what works best is the emotional connection to the iconic crew. Co-screenwriter Simon Pegg – also portraying Scotty – knew this, and saved the rebooted series from its bloated second film. A magnificent adventure awaits with ‘Star Trek Beyond.’

Rating: 4.0/5.0

The relationships and friendships are intact, even in the midst of a pretty complex mission. The genius of Star Trek are always the themes, and this story it’s about unity, transition, unfathomable evil and forgiveness. When you put such connective tissue through the crew genius of the Starship Enterprise, then a high-level space opera ensues, and it is done here with a passion and energy that the series desperately needed. Chris Pine solidifies his Captain Kirk and makes the character his own, and steers the rest of the seasoned cast, doing their all to make sure that the creation of Gene Roddenberry lives long and prospers, “beyond” the digital age.

The voyage of the Starship Enterprise is in the third year of a five year mission, and the days are starting to wear on the crew. Captain Kirk (Chris Pine) dutifully fills out his captain’s log, but the progressively stagnant journey is affecting his main crew, Helmsman Sulu (John Cho), Ensign Chekov (Anton Yelchin), Chief Engineer Scotty (Simon Pegg), Communications Officer Uhura (Zoe Saldana), Ship’s Doctor McCoy (Karl Urban) and Commander Spock (Zachary Quinto).

Relief comes via a shore leave on Starbase Yorktown. Here it is learned that Kirk has put in for a Vice Admiral position, and Spock is feeling a need to return to the New Vulcan colony, especially after he learns his parallel universe Ambassador Spock (Leonard Nimoy) has died. When the Enterprise turns out to be the only ship that can navigate through a difficult nebula field, it flies anew, but is waylaid by a surprise attack. It is a new evil named Krall (Idris Elba), and his past has implications for the entire Federation of planets. 

“Star Trek Beyond” opens everywhere in regular, 3D and IMAX 3D screenings on July 22nd. See local listings for 3D & IMAX theaters and show times. Featuring Chris Pine, Simon Pegg, John Cho, Zoe Saldana, Anton Yelchin, Zachary Quinto, Karl Urban, Sofia Boutella and Idris Elba. Written by Simon Pegg and Doug Jung. Directed by Justin Lin. Rated “PG-13”