IMDB Synopsis: The U.S.S Enterprise crew explores the furthest reaches of unchartered space, where they encounter a new ruthless enemy, who puts them, and everything the Federation stands for, to the test.
Film: Star Trek Beyon
Director: Justin Lin
Date: 2016
I’ve come to the realisation that reviewing science-fiction films such as Star Trek: Beyond is hard. So much is visual, based on the special effects rather than the plot. It’s the same with Star Wars: these franchises are so big they don’t have to scrap to put together a film that looks realistic, draws you in and makes you flinch as spaceships blast each other in the depths of space.
On the surface, the plot is simple: venturing deeper into space reveals a new enemy. One who is after something Kirk and his crew have in their possession, and he will do anything to get it. But your typical good v bad and stopped the bad guy is only the surface.
There is a deeper level to this plot. Knowing who you are, feeling as if you belong and are sure of your path, underlies everything the film presents. Kirk has to learn to be true to himself rather than his ideal image of his father. Spock must learn what it is he really wants out of life. And their enemy is an ideal example of what happens if you don’t find your way -literally and emotionally.
I guess you could say the characters go on a journey and develop in the course of the film. This is the third film with this exact set of characters though; a lot of the development happened in the first film, with odd bits thrown in to advance the plot in the following films. The decisions the characters make are also somewhat predictable; you know Kirk’s decision even if he doesn’t, so the ending came as no surprise.
You joined to see if you could live up to him. You spent all this time trying to be your father, and now you’re wondering just what it means to be you.
The acting is strong and there is good chemistry between the characters. I expected as much though because of the previous films. Chris Pine definitely looks older, which works with Kirk maturing and choosing his own path in life. None of the others appear to have changed since the last film!
You can’t review a film like this and not talk about the special-effects. As usual, they were incredible, although Star Trek has always appeared modern and sleek, even when it was everything but! The swarms of drones were particularly effective; it immersed the viewer right in the middle of the battle. The only drawback with that was being certain as to what was going on!
Despite how the review sounds, I thoroughly enjoyed the film. The dialogue added humour to an otherwise tense situation. The different accents and delivery from the characters (including Spock!) makes it entertaining as they start to lose their cool. This film also delivered possibly the best solution to invading drones that I’ve seen – it was a literally laugh out loud moment.
If you’ve enjoyed the other Star Trek films, you’ll enjoy this one. The danger is there, but I’m not certain it is as dark as the previous film. A newcomer might be a little lost, thrown into the depths of space, but this is overall an enjoyable film.
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A Rambling Reviewer 