The third instalment of the franchise reboot, Star Trek Beyond continues in the same vein as its predecessors. The film is a lot of fun, although not as striking as the first two films.
Two years into their five-year mission, the crew of the USS Enterprise latest mission takes them into unchartered territory. Captain James T. Kirk and his crew are stranded on a remote planet with no means of communication…
Justin Lin takes over the directing reigns from producer J.J. Abrams for Star Trek Beyond. The third instalment of the franchise has a more episodic feel than the first two. If its predecessors were setting up the world and the characters, Star Trek Beyond then runs with this. The film is an adventure, putting established characters in a dangerous and exciting situation.
Writers Simon Pegg and Doug Jung create something akin to a vast and well-executed episode of the television series. The threat is felt fairly early on, with the main characters isolated in an unknown world. The force which pushes the crew forward in Krall, an antagonist with mysterious origins. However this set up works as a vehicle to explore and further the relationships within the crew.
Star Trek Beyond throws together different members of the crew, offering further depth to their characters as they face a powerful challenge. Karl Urban’s Bones is the character that benefits most from this; the character is given more colour than in the previous instalments. Scotty’s dialogue becomes inexplicably pastiche at times, whilst Kirk and Spock further their ties. Jayla (Sofia Boutella) is a good addition to the film, whilst Idris Elba delivers a suitably wearied performance. The film works best when it is concentrating on the action. These sequences are finely executed by director Justin Lin.
Lin is kinetic with his camera movement, entering scenes at any and all angles. This will work well in 3D, although 2D also feels the benefit. Action sequences generate excitement and will satisfy those yearning for blockbuster spectacle. Michael Giacchino’s score is as fitting as ever.
Star Trek Beyond does a good job of furthering crew dynamics whilst entertaining throughout. A focus on the science fiction aspects of the franchise would probably be welcome in the next edition. Nevertheless, the action, comedy, adventure and fitting tributes work very well in this film.
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