Star Trek Beyond

Space. 'The Final Frontier'. This is the franchise of Star Trek. For fifty years it has explored strange new entertaining ideas, sought out generations of fans and boldly dealt with controversial, history-changing issues. The legacy continues with Star Trek Beyond. Halfway through their five-year mission, the Enterprise crew discover their biggest challenge yet after becoming marooned on an unknown planet due to a deadly trap. Using ingenuity and survival skills, they must band together to stop the evil plans of Krall (Idris Elba).

JJ Abrams' rebooted franchise fell 'into darkness' due to the indulgent mess of the sequel, particularly insulting Trekkers. Director Justin Lin thankfully puts Trek back on track in its anniversary year. Lin undoubtedly handles the action with confident panache (without lens flairs!) but more impressively, with Simon Pegg's co-written script, handles strong Trek themes like 'togetherness', while deepening/developing relationships through many excellent character moments. For Trekkers, loving references to Trek history abound, none distracting, some progressive, others utterly touching.

For the first time, the cast feel a unit with strong chemistry/comradery, each owning their iconic roles. Pine, Quinto and Urban particularly allow Kirk, Spock and McCoy more humour and dramatic depth. Elba's villain suffers in under-development throughout, but ultimately proves imposing and overall satisfying.

Star Trek Beyond is entertaining, poignant cinema for Trekkers and non-Trekkers alike.