I went into this movie with low expectations, despite assurance from a diehard Trekkie friend that I'd be pleased. But not only did I leave pleased, I left feeling as if "Star Trek: Beyond," the third movie in the reboot of the original series, was not only one of the best action flicks in a long time, but that it was better than both "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" and "Captain America: Civil War."
When the trailer first arrived, I was admittedly and vocally unimpressed. The only thing that made me remotely interested in what looked like another overblown action summer blockbuster was that the series' version of "The Enterprise," which I'm not the biggest fan of, appeared to blow up. I walked through the doors expecting "Battle of the Five Armies" in space. But don't judge this movie by its preview. Simon Pegg's tight script delivers an action-packed, character-developing storyline that will likely rank it among the top "Star Trek" films of all time, given some time and resulting sentimentality from the fandom.
The pros of the film include realistic CGI, something that the Marvel Universe has fallen flat in recently. The design department didn't stretch itself into unbelievability nor laughable effects by trying too hard. The animation and the action violence serve enough purpose to the plot so that viewers don't feel like they're simply watching different ways to blow up buildings or kill villains and redshirts. The tension remains and refuses to die despite long sections of action, chaos and exchanged fire.
As for character development, I was concerned that Simon Pegg's being a self-admitted Trekkie would overdo the sentimentality as in past "Star Trek" films and other recent reboots (even ones as good as "Finding Dory.") Rather, Leonard Nimroy's (and therefore Spock Prime's) death and the ever-strengthening bonds between the bridge crew are handled tastefully, neither overdone for the sake of the fandom nor sacrificed for the sake of the many action sequences.
Fans both diehard and newer will appreciate the spotlight given to Spock and Bones' relationship (involving plenty of classic but fresh one-liners and well-played comedy relief.) One wishes in retrospect that more screen time was given to the late Anton Yelchin's cheerful and loyal Chekov, but otherwise, despite some moments where Chris Pine acts more like Chris Pine being an action hero than Captain Kirk, the character dynamics are handled excellently by script and actors alike.
"Beyond" also features another excellent score by the talented Michael Giacchino, lens-flare-free screenplay with some fine angles and artistic shots.
There are some cons. Idris Elba does his job as best he can with a rather flat villain character who is more reminiscent of a random guest actor bad guy from TOS than a new, dangerous addition to the universe. Even loose fans of "Ender's Game" will catch on quick to his schemes, though a few entertaining twists do keep it from feeling like a complete plot lift. New character Jaylah feels too much like "The Force Awakens"'s Rey. She does serve enough purpose to the plot to do more than just be another butt-kicking, machine-tinkering, supporting female on the list of cinema world's attempts to add girl-power to film. Character development that is hinted at for Kirk at the beginning of the film is lost here and there. More time is spent on the ground than in actual space, much less on the bridge, which may annoy some purists.
In addition, the plot, in a way similar to "The Force Awakens," isn't necessarily an original one and hearkens back to the world it's rebooting. But considering the fact that this is a well-written, well-executed and well-filmed movie, one of the first tight deliveries in the languishing market of reboots and sequels, mild unoriginality is more than forgivable, at least in this viewer's opinion.
At the very least, "Beyond" is enjoyable, easily stays away from flatness, and offers a less-cartoonish story than some of its more recent competitors and even some of its companions. While it could have been an ample conclusion to the series, I am nevertheless happy to stand in line for when the recently-announced fourth installment is released.
