http://www.ocolly.com/entertainment_desk/star-trek-beyond-brings-fun-back-to-the-blockbuster- season/article_e7614be0-5381-11e6-8504-5bc0a7c604cb.html 'Star Trek Beyond' brings fun back to the blockbuster season

By Brandon Schmitz, Entertainment Reporter, @SchmitzReviews Jul 26, 2016

Paramount Pictures

I had almost given up hope. Although "Civil War" and "X-Men: Apocalypse" kicked o this summer movie season with a bang, virtually every big-budget epic since has disappointed. From "Warcraft" to "Independence Day: Resurgence" to "Ghostbusters," this recent string of blockbusters has been among the most middling in recent memory.

Thankfully, "Star Trek Beyond" is a healthy reminder of just how much fun the movies can be.

Roughly two and a half years into the USS Enterprise's ve-year space voyage, Captain James Kirk (Chris Pine) nds himself questioning the nature of his mission. Seeking out new life forms and new civilizations is ne and all, but with no clear end goal in sight, it's natural for Kirk to feel as if he's simply going through the motions.

Of course, a surprise attack from an unknown enemy will add some excitement to anyone's life. With the Enterprise crew not only marooned on a planet deep within uncharted space, but also separated from one another, Kirk nds a renewed sense of purpose.

Meanwhile, a ruthless alien commander named Krall (Idris Elba) searches for an ancient device that will allow him to unleash who-knows-what.

Following the template that J.J. Abrams established with the previous two "Trek" icks, "Fast and Furious" director Justin Lin takes the helm this time around. On paper, he doesn't exactly sound like the most obvious candidate for this series. Additionally, that initial trailer -- the one that features Beastie Boys' "Sabotage" -- did the movie no favors.

That said, it's ironic that Lin's sensibilities, coupled with a screenplay from Scotty himself, Simon Pegg, make for the most Star Treky of the new-era lms.

The 2009 reboot and "Into Darkness" encompass virtually everything that a summer blockbuster should be, but I understand why many fans of the original TV series feel alienated. Considering that Abrams went on to direct "The Force Awakens," it's no surprise that both movies feel like "Star Wars" lms disguised as "Trek" adventures.

"Beyond" maintains its emphasis on action, but the dynamic among the Enterprise crew feels rmly established. Kirk's low-key birthday celebration with Bones (Karl Urban) highlights this best, as the two display a genuine camaraderie that's been built up throughout two other lms.

It's appropriate that the two of them discuss the prospect of Kirk stepping out of his late father's shadow, for "Beyond" shows more condence in its cast than Abrams' movies. As much as I love them -- heck, I might still prefer them over this movie -- there's no denying their reliance on the series' classic catchphrases and stories.

Not only does "Beyond" bring more new mythology to the table, but it also excels as a self-contained story. With the bulk of the lm's runtime spent on a hostile alien world, the proceedings feel like a two-hour-long episode of the '60s TV show.

A separated Enterprise crew allows for smaller groups of characters to interact with one another on a more personal level, too. The exchanges between Bones and Spock (Zachary Quinto), for instance, are among both the funniest and the most heartwarming in the movie. Elba's Krall is a bit of a mixed bag. Although his motivations are unclear throughout most of the movie, the third act denitely adds some depth to his character and, in turn, the movie as a whole. If nothing else, I appreciate his prosthetic-heavy design. CGI has its place in visual eects, but there's an inherent charm to seeing someone in full-on monster makeup in a modern action ick.

Michael Giacchino returns to compose the lm's score. At times, it feels as if theme music is a lost art, but he shows an unabashed appreciation for it throughout "Beyond."

Speaking of music, "Sabotage" is incorporated into the movie itself. As much as I hated its presence in the rst trailer, its use is earned in the lm itself. The way in which the song's implemented might have some people rolling their eyes, but for me, it is one of the most satisfyingly ridiculous movie moments of the year.

Given many of the movies I've seen recently, "Star Trek Beyond" is just what I needed. Although it meanders a bit throughout its second act, the thrilling set pieces and endearing character dynamics make for a memorable adventure.