Beyond Thrills
by
This review is co-written by Diana Saenger and Justin Pleiss.
Star Trek -- two words known around the world since an American science-fiction television series created by Gene Roddenberry was produced from September 1966–December 1967 by Norway and Desilu Productions, and Paramount Television from January 1968–June 1969. The fantasy, excitement and possibilities continue to capture a wide audience of fans who adore and support the franchise.
That’s good news for the third and rebooted Star Trek Beyond. Captain James Kirk (Chris Pine) has revved up his team, who are on a five-year mission. Their latest challenge involves rescuing a crashed starship on a distant planet. Of course, that will entail a dangerous voyage through an uncharted nebula. As expected, things don’t go as planned, for they must engage with a new enemy out to destroy Starfleet.
From Justin Pleiss:
I enjoyed this cast very much. Naturally, it’s always a sad reminder of the loss of Leonard Nimoy who played Spock, but Zachary Quinto did okay in the role. It was also a sad reminder to see Anton Yelchin -- who recently passed away -- as Chekhov. I’m not sure, but I think the opening scene at the bar with Chekov's scotch and three glasses where Kirk and Bones toast to the one in the middle, which is supposed to be the glass he would drink from. I think Abrams (producer) and Justin Lim (director) shed a nice focus on his absence.
From Diana Saenger:
Not being a caught-up fan of the franchise, I did like the film. However, I thought the exciting special effects were over the top. Some seemed so dark and murky it was hard to determine where we were in the story. Other than just one action scene after another, I really wanted more about the story since the cast did such a terrific job with these characters. My favorite is newcomer Sofia Boutella as Jaylah, an alien stranded on Krall’s planet (played with great drama by Idris Elba). His amazing layers of prosthetics certainly turned him into a scary alien. Boutella really steals a big part of the film as well.
From Justin:
I liked her too, along with Scotty (Simon Pegg, also co-screenwriter with Doug Jung) and Bones McCoy (Karl Urban), who had many funny lines, even during some intense moments -- something to the effect of, “I’m a doctor not an engineer.” I think Pine did a good job as Capt. James T. Kirk. He wants to follow the steps of his father, who at one time had that job.
From Diana:
There is a lot of humor in the story, and I think Pine and Urban delivered some very funny lines that gave viewers breaks from those where-are-they-at- now moments. I also liked the film’s narrative in spots when they go to help another starship and prove the power of the human spirit to overcome many things. That’s a nice contrast to the more dark and mysterious Star Wars franchise. A touching dedication to Nimoy and Yelchin appears during the end credits. Comments heard leaving the screening we attended (which was not the 3D version), include: great action movie; super effects; took me back to the good TV shows; something for everyone.
Final comment from Justin:
I think they need to stop destroying the Enterprise!
And from Diana:
Justin Pleiss became a syndicated-award-winning film critic at age six, and in his mid-20s still roams the world of imagination, challenge, technology and loves gaming. Thanks, Justin, for your partnership on this review.
(Released by Paramount Pictures and rated “PG-13” for sequences of sci-fi action and violence.)
Review also posted at www.reviewexpress.com.