Like many, I was excited yet hesitant at the announcement of a new Star Trek movie. Though I liked the last two cinematic releases, yes, even Star Trek Into Darkness, they both left me with the feeling of unfulfilled potential. I loved all of the Star Trek television shows growing up, and they all had this particular feeling to them. There was Star Wars, illustrating a militant struggle for the wide-reaching universe, and then there was Star Trek illustrating an exploration of the unknown. I loved both franchises, but for different reasons.
With the first two cinematic releases, it felt like Star Trek was trying to become what Star Wars is and cash in on the success of such sci-fi franchises. This, to me, dampened what made, Star Trek great.
However, with the release of Star Trek Beyond, there appears to be a massive return to the spirit of the original series. Starting out, the film feels observably lighter. This carries through the visuals, with the color schemes utilized being lighter, as well as in terms of plot, with the tired crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise being excited to see family and friends for their brief break at Starbase Yorktown.
There is a depth to the emotions that prevail through the first part film, and it carries over as the crew prepares to go into the unknown. Though there are massive action sequences, they never overshadow the characters and their emotional responses. There was a number of parts where I just sat back and stared at the screen excitedly.
With all of this being noted, the main shortcoming of the film was the villain, Krall. Though we can infer that he is a formidable opponent for the crew of the Enterprise, his abilities were never truly expounded on. He was this mysterious figure meant to elicit fear and tension, yet he was never truly frightening. His weapon of mass destruction, though it is described to have the power to wipe out the inhabitants of the entire starbase and pose a threat to all Federation planets, the only example of its power that we are given is it disintegrating one member of the crew. The threat is never truly illustrated; leaving it’s potential to fall flat against the abilities and resourcefulness of the crew of the Enterprise.
All of this, however, is shadowed by the film as a whole, speaking to the strength of the film. It didn’t need a particularly frightening villain to develop the story. It brought in nostalgia with a picture of the cast of the original Star Trek series and integrated the passing of the actor Leonard Nimoy in a seamless and respectful manner. It was an authentic return to the show that started it all and will hopefully signal a true return to the spirit of Star Trek.
