When Star Trek fans learned that J.J. Abrams was far too busy with launching another franchise (that little indie named Star Wars) to helm the third Star Trek movie, many were saddened. Then, it was revealed that Justin Lin would be helming Star Trek Beyond and it seemed like the Fast & Furious helmer could possibly be the right choice. Now that Star Trek Beyond is out on DVD and Blu-Ray, it’s safe to say that producers could not have chosen a better director to boldly take this franchise where it has never gone before.
Lin has produced a wickedly entertaining and a thrill-a-minute action flick that keeps firmly within the Star Trek universe and mythology… all while giving it breathing room to go where it wants in the future.
The film picks up midway through Captain Kirk and his team’s five year mission to explore the corners of the universe. He’s feeling a bit reflective as the story commences, wondering about his tiny little place within the enormity that is the places he explores. Hanging in the balance is a potential promotion to Admiral. It is an appealing job move, but it is one that will take him from his beloved Captain’s chair, piloting the USS Enterprise, and place him at the helm of an advanced star base.
Suddenly, his current job breaks him from his mental wandering and has him swinging into action. There is a mysterious nebula and the Enterprise is the only ship that can possibly find their way through it. While doing just that, they come under attack by an alien race (led by Edris Ilba). Seems there’s an alien artifact aboard that they want, and they are quite determine to retrieve. Was the entire thing a trap?!
As their current mission becomes clear – survival – something else sharpens into view as well for the crew of the Enterprise. Their fight to live another day could leave Federation history rewriting itself.
For off, Lin was an excellent choice to take over for Abrams. His sense of the world of Star Trek is powerful and his respect for the mythology (all of it, heading back 50 years) is as true as it gets. The returning cast are more than aligned with their roles and bring a sense of elevated power to their performances for their third go-around, particularly Pine and Zachary Quinto as Spock.
Elba is a vicious Trekian villain and could be the best evil-doer of the first three rebooted Trek films. The action is top notch and also some of the best of the entire series.
When it comes to bonus features on the Star Trek Blu-Ray and DVD, there are a bounty of extras that are sure to please new and longtime fans.
Beyond the Darkness explores Lin’s love for the Star Trek series and chronicles his effort to bring that passion to every element to this film’s creation. From the script, casting, the role of Yorktown in the film, to even Sulu’s sexuality, this bonus feature shows how much of a handprint the director put on this film… which is astounding. Most first-to-a-series helmers would be shy about adding their opinions to their initial take on a series. But, not Lin. He is all in, and because of that fact, it has risen to the best of the renewed series. Also refreshing is hearing others speak about Lin and his work, from Abrams to screenwriter and co-star Simon Pegg.
Another fascinating bonus features that is a must-see is the over-eight-minute Divided and Conquered. It illustrates how the film chose to separate main characters during the action sequences in hopes that the collective tension would add to the thrills of the overall scene. And yes, it works.
Elba’s characterization gets a spotlight with the wish-it-was-longer A Warped Sense of Revenge. The classically trained British thespian outdoes himself in his latest villainous turn and it’s fascinating to see how the talented actor brought the evil this time around.
As a longtime fan of the Star Trek universe, it was great to see how a production designer and Lin’s creative team created the different worlds our heroes visit. Exploring Strange New Worlds is another must-see bonus feature on a home video release full of them.
In that vein, we also recommend, New Life, New Civilizations which is a fascinating look at how Lin and his team designed and introduced new aliens for the franchise.
Sadly, two souls were lost since the filming of Star Trek Beyond wrapped, Leonard Nimoy and Anton Yelchin. You will not want to miss For Leonard and Anton, a delightful look at the two Star Trek actors who are no longer with us.
Film Grade: A-
Bonus Features: A