But it has to be asked: Is thatreallywhy most of us go to see a Star Trek film?
Maybe thats whyBeyondfeels slightly insubstantial.
He knows what they want and gives it to them.
Abrams is just a producer this time around.
And maybe thats the problem.
It plays more like a lost scene fromGalaxy QuestthanTrek.
The aimlessness of their five-year mission has resulted in a sort of spiritual drift, a malaise.
What they desperately need is an assignment with stakes.
And shortly after docking at a glitzy new Federation starbase, they get one.
Its up to Kirk and Co. to take him down.
But you begin to wonder,What is Krall avenging?Wheres his Khan speech?
Being hip to his motivation might have helped up the stakes of the story.
But it isnt revealed untilwaytoo late in the film.
Meanwhile, the Big Ideas found in the best chapters in theTrekcanon are nowhere to be found.
These are, by far, the best moments inBeyond.
Ultimately,Beyondis a movie about characters and character.
But thats half the battle.
The other half of the battle is… battle.
And Lin, who has such a strong track record with vehicular mayhem, doesnt bring his A game.
Once, I can buy.
Twice, just seems… weird.
Maybe he needs to exercise this passion in a different, more contemporary franchise).
I dont want to sound too nit-picky and churlish.
But the Trekverse is something that really means something to people.
For them,Beyondis a fine movie, its just not a very goodStar Trekmovie.
WithBeyond, it feels like just another summer tentpole with not enough going on underneath the tent.C+
