STAR TREK: BEYOND (2016)
Justin Lin’s film from a screenplay by Simon Pegg and Doug Jung and based on the series STAR TREK by Gene Roddenberry is an enjoyable but far from a great film in the franchise. This is the thirteenth film in the STAR TREK film franchise and the third film in the reboot series. Very much in the “Star Trek” mold, I couldn’t help but feel that I’d seen this film before. Having been an original fan of the series when it first aired on NBC from 1966-1969 I have to confess I enjoyed it but did not feel it reached the heights of STAR TREK IV in the original film series despite many things to recommend it. The visual effects are dazzling and the new cast is wonderful led by an impressive Chris Pine, John Cho, Zachary Quinto, Karl Urban, Zoe Saldana, Simon Pegg, Anton Yelchin, Idris Elba and an impressive performance from Sofia Boutella as Jaylah. It’s worth seeing on the big screen and the 3D effects help in the overall visual effect this film has. I just wish there had been something a bit more unique story wise in this latest incarnation.