Star Trek Beyond: A Loving Tribute To Yesteryear | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Star Trek Beyond: A Loving Tribute To Yesteryear

Crafted with confidence and heart, Star Trek Beyond is the best film in the new series.

24
Star Trek Beyond: A Loving Tribute To Yesteryear
HDWallpaper

A new Star Trek movie is always an event for a nerd like me. Known in most circles as Star Wars less-cool but more science fiction savvy step-brother, the long-lasting brand has endured the change of era’s while making history along the way. Very few realize the original show was the first to feature a diverse cast, and also featured the first interracial kiss in television history.

Star Trek has always been a series dealing with ethics of society through its science fiction lens. Recently however, that has gotten lost in the shadow of the bombast that plagues blockbusters. The last two entries in the series, while they had their merits, felt less and less like Star Trek.

Not even Cumberbatch could save the movies.

With “Star Trek Beyond”, the series goes back to its aforementioned roots. Keeping a foot in the past, Beyond is sentimental in the best possible way, while still keeping a modern edge. This fairly well-realized combination is what makes the film one of the series best.

Unlike a lot of summer blockbusters, Beyond starts fairly slowly. After a great deal of time in space, Kirk is beginning to grow weary of the seemingly episodic nature of their adventures. He has lost himself in space, wondering just who he is and what’s his purpose. On the same coin, Kirk’s bromance partner in crime Spock is dealing with his mortality and his weighing obligation he has to his race the Vulkans.

This may seem rootamentary, but giving time to develop textures with the main characters is important. It’s screenwriting 101, but it's that way for a reason, as it helps develop characters to truly care about. Too many blockbusters these day forgo developing characters or giving them arcs of any interest, making this simple concept feel welcomed.

Star Trek has always been about the ensemble, and that still holds true here. In Beyond, the crew of the beloved Enterprise have the same oddball family dynamic that made the show so great, with every character getting their moment to shine. It also helps when the script is so sharp, with Doug Jung and Simon Pegg having a natural talent at creating funny quips.

With this being the third film in the series, Beyond feels like an effort made with a great deal of confidence and comfortability. This is especially apparent in the cast, with the all-star ensemble finally settling in their roles. Chris Pine is in top form as Kirk, bringing charm and gravitas in full force while also establishing his interpretation of the character as his own. Zachary Quinto has always been a perfect Spock, with Karl Urban, John Cho, Zoe Saldana, and Anton Yelchin also delivering solid performances.

That confidence seems to be a product from the series’ new director Justin Lin. Lin, who is previously known for his work reviving the Fast and Furious series, crafts films like well-oiled machines. Lean and mean, the movie moves at a full-throttle pace, making its 122 minute running time fly by. Most of the action here is incredibly inventive and expertly crafted, with there being genuine thrills and steaks in every moment.

What took me to surprise was just how sentimental and emotionally involving Beyond is. With the devastating deaths of Leonard Nimoy (who brilliantly played Spock in the original series) and Yelchin (who shockingly passed away at only 27), Beyond pays tribute to both in slight, yet effective ways. The film also nicely plays tribute to the original series, with a few small easter eggs making for an even more enjoyable experience for fans.

"To the Enterprise... and to absent friends."

Now the film is not quite perfect. Like a lot of modern day blockbusters, the villain here is fairly weak. While Idris Elba is a talented actor, his character is severely under-written and generic. I was also let down slightly by the finale, which opts for a large scale chase scene in a futuristic city. Compared to the more creative setpieces that preceded it, the finale felt like a slight letdown.

That being said, Star Trek Beyond delivers in so many ways. It’s a fun summer blockbuster, a heartfelt tribute to what was, and a begining to many more exciting adventures to come. Fans and newcomers alike are sure to have a great time.

Rating: 8/10


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

109150
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

21236
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

19546
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments