STAR TREK BEYOND (2016) Review
Directed by Justin Lin
The third installment of the highly-anticipated reboot franchise of Star Trek, gets bigger and more action-packed. Star Trek Beyond takes the USS Enterprise to a new direction, literally and figuritavely as director J.J. Abrams passes the direction job to Justin Lin who is known for revitalizing the Fast and Furious franchise. The film is decently made, but you can’t help but feel the absence of how J.J. Abrams made the first two Trek films special through storytelling.
Star Trek Beyond takes Kirk, Spock, Uhura, Scotty, Sulu, Chekov, Bones and all the other members of the USS Enterprise explore the unknown in the galaxy. And while they may have discovered something ancient, they didn’t know that someone wants it more badly and wants to use it for something that could end an entire civilization. But with the help of a newly found friend from another planet, things might get more fun while saving all kinds from the baddie.
You can feel the change of direction of the franchise, not in the bad way but the magic in Abrams’ films isn’t there or what is important in the first two Trek films, which is the family that was built through their adventures. But Star Trek Beyond is your perfect summer blockbuster. It is fun, action-packed and gives a well-told story that will keep you in the edge of your seat until the film ends. It is also notable how the film honors Leonard Nimoy and the old Star Trek saga. It has a heart, not so much as the first two films but it’s not just a popcorn flick as the characters’ choices and risks who drives the film are presented for a deeper than your usual effects-driven film.
The IMAX screens are perfect for Star Trek Beyond, especially the scemes in space. Though the film wasn’t filmed with OMAX cameras like the first two, this one is still one of those films to see in IMAX.
4 OUT OF 5 STARS
“Star Trek Beyond” is now showing in Philippine cinemas from United International Pictures, locally distributed by Columbia Pictures. Also available in 3D and IMAX 3D. Rated PG by the MTRCB.