Star Trek Beyond is the third film of the rebooted franchise that started in 2009 with J.J. Abrams Star Trek and continued in 2013 with Star Trek Into Darkness. Now we have Fast & Furious veteran director Justin Lin taking the helm and as one would suspect, the action is fast and loose. Warning, spoilers, ahead…



It’s been three years into their five-year mission and doubt starts to settle in for both Captain Kirk (Chris Pine) and Mr. Spock (Zachary Quinto) regarding their true purpose. That all changes or at the very least sidetracked when a rescue mission goes horribly wrong. After a surprise attack by a race of alien warriors, Kirk and what remains of the Enterprise crew are marooned on a distant planet with no hope of survival. With Kirk and company now separated, he aligns himself with Jayla (Sofia Boutella) who herself has been marooned as they race against time to stop Krall (Idris Elba), a lizard-like creature hell-bent with a personal vendetta on destroying the Federation.

photo courtesy of Paramount Pictures

Star Trek Beyond. Director Justin Lin has a blast using some of the same filming techniques he showcased in the Fast & Furious series with it’s over the top action and at times dizzying special effects. Sure some of the scenes will have you guessing what exactly is happening but once you get through that, there is so much to like and appreciate in

photo courtesy of Paramount Pictures

I love the camaraderie amongst the crew. The humor and banter between Bones (Karl Urban) and Spock remind me so much of Kelley and Nimoy from the classic series but is still fresh and welcoming here. I also appreciate the respect this rebooted series shows to the original. There are many small moments with great personal meaning throughout. This wonderful crew which includes John Cho as Sulu, Zoe Saldana as Uhura, Simon Pegg as Mr. Scott and the late Anton Yelchin as Chekov, who will be sorely missed, is very easy to root for. I hope to see more adventures in the future.

One of Star Trek’s most endearing and enduring traits is its capacity to showcase the true meaning of family. Family doesn’t lend itself solely to what flows through our veins. The thought and concept runs much deeper than that. Star Trek has a legacy unlike any other sci-fi series and perhaps any series for that matter who celebrates not only the idea of family but its diversity. In today’s cruel and disturbing world, it’s a welcome change that needs be embraced.

Directed by: Justin Lin

Starring: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Anton Yelchin, John Cho, Simon Pegg, Karl Urban, Zoe Saldana, Idris Elba and Sofia Boutella

PG 13 120 mins

STAR TREK BEYOND – **** (out of 5 stars)

May the Dork be with you,

JPB

The Dork Knight

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