Back to Basics

*WARNING SPOILERS*

A review of Star Trek Beyond

This new instalment took us back to what Star Trek original stood for: An adventure to far off places where danger ensues and by some miracle Kirk and his crew are able to save the day. Previously, JJ Abrams took the helm and rebooted the franchise with Star Trek (2009) and Star Trek Into Darkness (2013), grossing over $7 million worldwide. The plots were interesting, the cast were spot on and, of course, Abrams' directing techniques were unique and exciting, as always. 

Star Trek Beyond found itself a new director, in the form of Justin Lin (Fast an Furious (2009)) with Simon Pegg (Scotty) helping pen the script. Right from the get go, you can feel the difference between this film and the previous two. It felt lighter and funnier, allowing for beloved characters to come into the limelight. Sadly, Anton Yelchin passed away just before the film was released but it was nice to see Chekov get a bigger part in what ended up being Yelchin's final performance of the character. In addition, Karl Urban reprises his role of Bones and we get to see his relationship with Kirk and Spock return to its original one. 

In terms of plot, I liked the idea because it was simple and easy to follow. Then, of course, they had to destroy the Enterprise which left me feeling like someone had just punched me in the heart. Idris Elba played Krall (previously known as Captain Balthazar Edison, former commander of the USS Franklin). After being stranded on an alien planet, he used the technology around him to prolong his life. This film sees him set on destroying the Federation so that galactic conflict resumes. Of course, the Enterprises' crew won't let that happen and somehow find every possible way to save the day just in time. 

The only critisicm I have for this film is that Pegg's portrayal does come across slightly too Scottish. All of the stereotypical words that you think of when you think of the dialect are used and when he talks to Jaylah (an alien scavenger who helps the crew) she doesn't question his accent or what the words he are using imply. I mean, considering she learnt English from the few video logs left behind by the USS Franklin's crew, it just didn't seem right that she wasn't confused or even making fun of his accent.

In conclusion, I liked this film as a "back to basics" instalment but I have to admit I preferred Abrams' style and plots just because they felt more exciting and weren't as predictable. However, I will no doubt be buying this on DVD one day to add to my, what I hope won't just be a trilogy, New Trek film collection.

Thank you for reading,

Haynes.