Saturday, July 23, 2016

Movie Review … Star Trek Beyond


Since 1966 the ‘Star Trek’ TV and movie series has garnered new generations of fans.  All seem enthralled by the exploits of Captain Kirk, Spock and others as they travel the universe on their eternally bold mission where no man has gone before.  ‘Star Trek Beyond’ celebrates the franchise’s 50th anniversary and is the 13th in the film series.  This number proves lucky as the latest adventure of the U.S.S. Enterprise crew dazzles as much as previous instalments.  No doubt even Trek’s creator Gene Rodenberry would marvel at how long his work has lasted as it zooms to collect more enthusiastic admirers.

Continuing their five year mission, the U.S.S. Enterprise team set forth on new horizons.  Helmed by Captain James Kirk (Chris Pine) with the help of Commander Spock (Zachary Quinto) and the rest, the ship is nearly destroyed during a deadly skirmish.  Stranded on a remote planet ruled by war-lord Krall (Idris Elba), the crew try to find ways to escape.  Only by working together to defeat their latest adversary can the Enterprise team truly live up to their stellar reputations.

‘Star Trek Beyond’ is a celebration of what has made the series so popular.  Whilst it has drifted away from being the intellectual sci-fi drama of its TV origins to become a block-busting movie event, the series still adheres to its character concepts.  This is keenly felt in ‘Star Trek Beyond’ as it celebrates its golden milestone while moving the franchise forward.  Pine and Quinto have grown into their roles, successfully giving their own spin on classic characters.  This is the case for their co-stars who make the core Trek crew feel like a fully formed unit.

The plot might be standard Trek-fare but it’s no less exciting. Directed with eager zeal by Justin Lin, each sequence glides into the next with furious speed.  As expected the CGI looks amazing with the action superbly staged.  Neither takes away from the involving story or actors who combine to make this one of the better Trek film entries.  Although some scenes may feel familiar to long-term fans, the occasional hints to the past shows the respect the current keepers of the flame have for what’s gone before.

‘Star Trek Beyond’ is a fast-paced adventure sure to please audiences.  It’s a classic big-budget affair worth the ticket price.  Whilst some of the original Trek actors may vanish from our lives, their contribution to the Trek brand ensures their legacy will always live long and prosper.
 


Movie Review Rating out of 10:  8

Movie Review by Patrick Moore

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Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at movie releases in Australia.


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