Star Trek! I remember back in 2009 when the reboot came out. I didn't see it. I wasn't a "Star Trek" fan by any means, and it didn't look like my cup of tea. So, when the sequel came out, I wasn't that excited by it. Until, that is, I went to the theater with a couple of my friends and they insisted we watch it. Long story short, I loved it!
Now looking back, I know now that "Star Trek Intro Darkness" isn't top trier "Star Trek", but I still love it to this day. So I'm more of a fan of the rebooted "Star Trek," but I know a lot of Trekkies who say they don't care for the rebooted series. While I was super excited for "Star Trek Beyond", I could see some fans' trepidation with it, considering the last one wasn't what they wanted. I could see worries that their favorite franchise is going more 'Hollywood'. Well, if that was your worry, rest your little head, because this film does a great job with pleasing the original "Star Trek" fans, as well as the fans of the reboot. So now that I sort of spoiled how I felt about this film, let's see how 'sick' "Star Trek Beyond" is! Starring Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Anton Yelchin, Idris Elba, Simon Pegg, Karl Urban, and Zoe Saldana, Directed by Justin Lin...
On what seems like a routine mission, The Enterprise is attacked by a mysterious force. Stranded on an estranged island, Captain Kirk and the rest of the crew must use their wits and strength -as a unit- to get out of their sticky situation.
The first thing that jumps out at me about this movie is how small it feels -and not in a bad way. Sure, it is a summer tent-pole movie with big name actors, action, and explosions, but the focus is not in any of that stuff; rather the characters get the spotlight. These are all diverse people with different backstories, languages, and personalities.The greatest complement I can give this movie is that they're all well-realized individuals. That's what separates a good franchise and a bad one: characters that we connect with and love. This movie feels more like a extended episode of the TV show rather then a...MOVIE.
The performances are also fantastic! I want to highlight Karl Urban and Zachary Quinto in this movie, a big portion of this film focuses on their chemistry as Bones and Spock, and they did an awesome job of quipping off of each other. While Spock is serious, takes everything in a literal sense, and is emotionless, Bones is a little too emotional and outspoken, so some great moments of comedy came off of them. On the same token, Idris Elda does -yet again- a awesome job of playing a villain. Earlier this year in "The Jungle Book" (read my "Sick Flicks" review here!), he struck fear in me with only his voice as a tiger, so now that he is in full view, it only amplifies the effect!
If I had any qualm about this movie, it would be that it has a pretty slow build in the beginning. The movie takes a while for it to get going, but once it starts moving, it's pretty much non-stop. The best way I can describe it is like a train: very slow-moving at first, then by the very end, is almost impossible to slow down. Very rarely does a film get better and better as it goes on, usually it plateaus somewhere during the second or third act, but this film increases the whole way through. So while I'm supposed to talk about negatives, I'm just stuck talking about how much I like this movie again. This summer honestly has been pretty disappointing, so it's refreshing to see a film I don't have mixed feelings for. Who knew that would be this film? The one that doesn't even feel like a 'summer movie', but rather a cool character piece with a lot of action.
If you're new to my rating methods, I will now break down how "sick" this movie is.
"Healthy As A Horse" Never see this movie, even if your life depends on it!
"Common Cold" This movie is fun or entertaining, but not necessarily a "good movie".
"Stomach Bug" Good, but not worth spending money at the theater.
"Called Out of Work" Really good movie and worth seeing in theaters, if you get the chance!
"Projectile Vomiting" Watch this movie as soon as possible, get in line at the theater, or immediately buy it on Blu-ray or DVD. You have to see this movie!
So how 'sick' is "Star Trek Beyond"?
Get out the company policy book because "Star Trek Beyond" has...
"Called Out of Work"
I know it's wired when I pretty much just praised this film to give it this rating, but that's just what rating I thought it needed. This film is awesome to go out to the theater and nerd out; it's an enjoyable time!
In honor of Anton Yelchin and Leonard Nimoy.
Anton played Pavel Chekov in this film.
Leonard Nimoy played Spock in many of the films and the original series.
Anton Yelchin
1989-2016
He was very young and it's devastating hearing about the passing of such a young and talented actor. I loved you in this series, and I also loved your performance in "Green Room" that came out this year. Rest in Peace, buddy, you will be truly missed.
Leonard Nimoy
1931-2015
Your portrayal of Spock has inspired many generations, and will continue to inspire future generations as well.
"Live Long and Prosper"
-Spock
