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| "Fear of death is illogical." "Fear of death is what keeps us alive." |
It’s time for us to embark on a voyage bound for the beyond in
the latest space blockbuster, Star Trek
Beyond, which recruits a new director in the form of Justin Lin (Fast & Furious) – taking over from Star Wars traitor, J. J. Abrams (just
kidding). Back along for this epic operatic journey are the trusty crew of the
USS Enterprise: Captain James Kirk
(Chris Pine), Uhura (Zoe Saldana), Spock (Zachary Quinto), Bones (Karl Urban),
Scotty (Simon Pegg), Sulu (John Cho) and Chekov (Anton Yelchin), who star alongside
new additions Jaylah (Sofia Boutella), an alien scavenger and Krall (Idris
Elba), our vengeful villain. Unfortunately, things take a turn for the dramatic
for Kirk and co., and soon a tricky rescue mission descends into disaster as
the team face harrowing repercussions.
Trying to move on from the Alice Eve debacle of previous Star Trek Into Darkness, you can tell
the film has made a conscientious effort to develop its characters more –
especially its women – and in an attempt to inject a bit of life back into the
dreary crew, this new incarnation offers us up Jaylah. A severely blunt and
snappy scavenger, Boutella is a wise choice for Jaylah following her
performance in Kingsmen, and she
shines in the role. Her captivating aesthetic (props to the make-up artist)
combined with her broken English, quick-fire lines and charming penchant for
metal music make her a bewitching addition. Similarly, Uhura has a far more
meaningful role as she attempts to save her crew and stand up to Krall, and this is intertwined with a splash of Uhura/Spock silliness that will have you warming up to
them as a quirky couple.
If we were to tell you that Spock and Bones’ antagonistic
relationship might be one of the more refreshing and engaging elements to the
film, you probably wouldn’t believe us at first – but alas, it is true.
Surprisingly, the two function quite formidably as an energetic and charismatic
duo, with Quinto’s deadpan delivery, and Spock’s firm and factual nature offset
by the doctor’s pessimism and brashness, portrayed humorously by Urban. The
whole affair is utterly amusing, and rivals even the Pine/Quinto bromance.
Needless to say, Elba had a difficult challenge ahead of him
going into this role. Following on from a hugely anticipated villain such as
Cumber-Khan is no easy feat, and although Idris Elba is thoroughly intimidating
as Krall, it just doesn’t quite measure up, even with the tantalising twist.
When you’ve got Lin at the helm of the new Star Trek, there's a certain preconceived notion of how it might pan out, and it’s pretty much
what you’d expect. In true Fast &
Furious fashion, Lin channels his frenetic directorial style into this
space oddity, creating jagged, in-the-moment action sequences that can be
difficult to focus on – even if they are certainly energetic. But fortunately,
the galaxy graphics are out of this world, with fantastical, immersive space
battles covering up any missteps in over enthusiastic camera angles or pacing.
Whilst the plot may actually be one of the better Trekkie
ones, it also feels very similar to previous outings, which might feel a bit
repetitive to those who aren’t fully engaged in the material. This is also
limited by the ‘safe’ story that doesn’t challenge or attempt to break any previously
established Star Trek formulas. Whether they will attempt to create something
new in future instalments is uncertain, but welcomed.
However, the themes of unity and companionship are
quintessentially ‘Trek’, and the uplifting vibe that undercuts the film is
very inspirational for new generations, especially when you acknowledge the
touching tributes to old and departed characters that are tastefully
commemorative and fitting. This is one for absent friends, old, and new
viewers; the message of unity and strength together hopefully resonating beyond
the screen.
Thankfully, unlike Kirk’s doomed ship, this cinematic voyage
sails safely back to base with just some minor damage, and a few bumps along
the way.
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