Film Review – Star Trek Beyond
By Josh Lee
After multiple script rejections, several delays and various changes in director, the third installment of the popular sci-fi reboot finally hits cinemas. In continuation of their mission to discover new worlds across the universe, Captain Kirk and his Enterprise crew are attacked, mid-space, by a warrior race. After the visually spectacular destruction of their spaceship, they find themselves marooned on a strange planet.
With all the highly publicised drama surrounding the project, as previous director JJ Abrams jumped ship to Star Wars, there were concerns that this episode of the franchise might disappoint. Fanboys will be pleased that, for the most part, that’s not the case. With Fast & Furious director Justin Lin at the helm, there’s a greater focus on the action than Abrams previously had, as we’re treated to a number of dynamic and thrilling encounters. However, some of the magic is lost as there’s less emphasis on character growth.
The huge and brilliant cast do their best with the screen time they’re given, with Zachary Quinto’s Spock still being the biggest highlight. Anton Yelchin is, once again, charming and enthusiastic as Russian officer Chekov, in a performance filled with poignancy after his tragic death last month. Zoe Saldana’s Uhuru takes a step back, as her role is somewhat demoted to being merely the love interest of Spock rather than the feisty female lead she was previously. And we welcome new blood in the form of the kick-ass, hip-hop loving alien Jaylah (Sofia Boutella).
A notable development is the inclusion of a gay relationship, as Enterprise pilot Sulu is revealed to have a male partner. Original Sulu actor, George Takei, a member of the LGBT community and huge advocate for equally, was uncomfortable with the reveal of Sulu’s sexuality, as he described it the “twisting” of the character as “unfortunate”. The also openly gay Quinto (Spock) disagreed, saying he was disappointed with Takei’s words and was hoping Takei would be heartened by the response of younger fans would be “inspired” by this fresh take on the character.
It’s pretty inconsequential in terms of Beyond’s overall plot, but it’s an important statement for the Star Trek universe, as well as mainstream cinema in general. It’s also crucial in this case, to note, that the two have a daughter, as it helps subtly broaden new ideals the a nuclear family, in a is still largely heteronormative Hollywood.
Though it may not have the precision and detail of the last two films, Star Trek Beyond is still filled with plenty of excitement and humour and is as entertaining a summer blockbuster as you’d hope for.
3/5
Words by Joe Passmore
Star Trek Beyond is out in UK cinemas on Friday July 22.
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