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[FILM] Star Trek Beyond


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Star Trek Beyond

 

Sandwiched between a viewing of the two JJ films is quite interesting, since it allows one to fully see the similarities and differences.

First of all it's very noticeable that the director of most of the Fast and Furious films actually shot this is a more natural style then the other two. In JJ's films there is barely a shot that isnt full of lens flares, extreme colour filters, lighting or post production colour grading. Lin actually films this is a more restrained style.

His scene son The Enterprise use a different, more darker but natural colour scheme then JJ's. It seems more interested in cherry picking moments to be visually dazzling rather then excite you with every single shot.

 

Also there's a huge difference in the writing. The first two were done by the esteemed authors of Transformers and Prometheus. This one was co written by Simon Pegg. Who has a good intuition when it comes to comedy, heart and despite always advertising himself as a Star Wars fan does really seem to know the Star Trek characters and what they represent.

 

Star Trek (2009) introduced us to a Kirk who is a maverick, Into Darkness continues that portrayal as him bring first reckless, disregarding of his command protocols and then thirsty for revenge. And while one could point to specific episodes where Kirk does the same in TOS, that is not the rue essence of the character.

Beyond finally shows Kirk as he should be. A congenial captain, a dedicated Starfleet officer and an adventurer, but a man for who his dedication to his crew and his mission comes first, always!

The same goes for Spock, or for Sulu, who was introduced as failing to be unable to take The Enterprise to warp in 2009, but is a total professional officer, fully capable of his duties here. (and he's outed here as gay, and it doesn't make any difference at all).

 

Beyond also recognized the importance of giving these characters something to do. So Spock is teamed up with McCoy for much of it, leading to some well written and well acted character scenes that could have been written for the original actors.

 

And while the dynamics of the crew is slightly different because of an altered timeline, they still feel true to the archetypes we have known this year for 50 years.

Chris Pine who before played a young Kirk, is not the same age as Shatner was when Star trek started and looks exactly right for the role. He thankfully never tries to imitate Shatner but gives him the same confidence and swagger. Quinto plays Spock for the first time without also having Nimoy in the same film. Yet the spirit of the now dead Spock Prime dictates his actions in this film. Karl Urban has previously been excellent as McCoy, but finally gets a chance to shine in this film.

 

Like most Star Trek films it has a few flaws. The portrayal of the villian seems to be done according to the JJ/Orci/Kirkman way. Instead of allowing the character to be introduced naturally, in Beyond it's done as a big dramatic plot twist, which much like the "My name is Khan" moment lacks the impact that was probably intended. It's relentless pacing makes that parts of the plot are a bit hard to follow and while Jaylah is a really great new character, the idea of her having been able to completely patch up a starship to the extent that she's ready to fly is slightly preposterous.

 

Also like almost every other blockbuster the action is over the top. Fight scenes especially are beyond belief with characters able to take punches that would break a normal person. But that's an indictment to modern film in general and not so much this film.

 

I have been a Trekkie since the early 90's and I still dearly love Star Trek, what it's about, what it stands for. To be a Trekkie is to ultimately be an optimist. To have a hope for a bright future where there is peace and togetherness not just on Earth, but beyond that. It may be a fantasy. And in these polarizing time between ISIS wanting to destroy all who are differer, and Trump telling us to distrust all who are different Gene Roddenberry's message may now even seem quaint. But it still represents a version of humanity better then we have ever been.

 

It's always good to dream, and Star trek Beyond keeps that dream alive better then anything in a long time.

 

If Star Trek truly is better than everything, the Beyond is one of the body!

 

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Watched it today. Entertaining fun popcorn action movie but that's about all I can say about it.

 

Nothing about it will stay memorable fo rme nor make me ponder any deeper questions later, unlike aspects of the earlier movie incarnations of Star Trek. Non stop action and -  "Give 'em a thrill every 5 seconds", seems to be the formula for these new incarnations. Bludgeon viewers with densely spectacular onscreen action from start to finish with very few pauses and it loses the effect it could have, very quickly (imo). Earlier incarnations of Star Trek seemed to have a wiser balance of elements, using action only in well balanced servings so that when it came it had more effect. 

 

So yes it was fun, a rollercoaster ride with a few laughs thrown in,  but ultimately forgettable pop corn.

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There likely wouldn't be a new TV series without the income and buzz generated by these reboot films

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18 minutes ago, Stefancos said:

That's modern summer blockbuster film making for you. Can't fault Star Trek from trying to adapt.

 

Indeed, it can't be faulted for adapting to demand. It is what it is.

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  • 4 weeks later...
On 7/25/2016 at 9:10 PM, Melange said:

 Bludgeon viewers with densely spectacular onscreen action from start to finish with very few pauses and it loses the effect it could have, very quickly (imo).

 

Only Miller and maybe Cuarón seem to get away with this.

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