Going right into it: Star Trek can be a controversial franchise. Like so many other things many will love it or hate it simply based on the name. Add to that, that there is a legacy to uphold for the entire universe AND this is a reboot of said universe.
Those are a lot of bars to overcome. And, for the most part, Beyond achieves that - and is able to do so on its own without having to immerse oneself in Star Trek lore.
Out of the 13 Star Trek movies, this solidly belongs on the on the better half, nearer the top than not. Not inasmuch as this movie is especially great, but remember Star Treks 1,3,5,7,9,10,12. That's not to say that each didn't have their moments. But...
Beyond has a lot to offer: the acting in the crew is by far the best of the reboot. There are a lot of good action scenes and special effects and elements of sci-fi. For the 'classic Trekkie' there's also a lot to offer in the way of homages and memorial. And the sound track is as solid as its two predecessors.
That said, there are still enough plot holes to hold the movie back. And while much of the action was well done, much could have been edited away without loss to the overall film. Lastly, the film sought to accomplish more than it could - it's ambitions were high, but it still felt lacking.
Perhaps that's the hardest part to quantify. Yes, plot holes needed closing - but beyond that, I don't know exactly what the film needed to be better than it was.
Those are a lot of bars to overcome. And, for the most part, Beyond achieves that - and is able to do so on its own without having to immerse oneself in Star Trek lore.
Out of the 13 Star Trek movies, this solidly belongs on the on the better half, nearer the top than not. Not inasmuch as this movie is especially great, but remember Star Treks 1,3,5,7,9,10,12. That's not to say that each didn't have their moments. But...
Beyond has a lot to offer: the acting in the crew is by far the best of the reboot. There are a lot of good action scenes and special effects and elements of sci-fi. For the 'classic Trekkie' there's also a lot to offer in the way of homages and memorial. And the sound track is as solid as its two predecessors.
That said, there are still enough plot holes to hold the movie back. And while much of the action was well done, much could have been edited away without loss to the overall film. Lastly, the film sought to accomplish more than it could - it's ambitions were high, but it still felt lacking.
Perhaps that's the hardest part to quantify. Yes, plot holes needed closing - but beyond that, I don't know exactly what the film needed to be better than it was.