Before the release of Star Trek Beyond, the new film series, masterminded by JJ Abrams, was languishing. The first film took audiences by surprise by rebooting the franchise in a way that connects with the rules of this scf fi universe, and coupled a great cast with superb action, it created an origin story that revived the brand. The second film, despite glowing reviews from critics at the time, is viewed less fondly. Star Trek Into Darkness is seen by some fans as the worst movie of the franchise, an exaggeration because surely that’s still Star Trek V. Abrams decided not to direct the third instalment, instead opting for Star Wars, and in doing so stealing Star Trek’s thunder. He was replaced by Fast and Furious reviver Justin Lin, the man tasked, along with Simon Pegg who co-wrote the script, with keeping the cinematic Star Trek relevant.
Thank Shatner, that’s exactly what they’ve done. Star Trek Beyond may well be the most expensive feature length episode ever made, because that’s what it feels like, and that is one of the films major strengths. What is franchise filmmaking if the films don’t feel episodic, a feeling that Kirk has three years into the crew’s five year mission.
The five year mission is going smoothly, despite Captain Kirk’s feeling of repetition. That is until the Enterprise is summoned to rescue a ship stranded on an uncharted planet. Things are going smoothly until a hive of enemy ships, led by Idris Elba’s Krall attacks the Enterprise forcing the crew to abandon ship and becoming trapped on the alien planet. From there it’s up to the crew, separated into groups, to try and find their way back to each other. 
Star Trek Beyond is more than just a movie, it’s a course correction. Many of the criticisms of Into Darkness have been taken on my Pegg, and his writing partner Doug Jung. Instead of a plot that is too reliant on past stories, Beyond just takes the classic Star Trek ingredients and updates them for 2016. The cast are predictably excellent, making you wish that you could see them every week on the small screen. Chris Pine plays Kirk as a frustrated man of action playing a delegate, still feeling like he’s in his father’s heroic shadow. Zachary Quinto’s Spock has his own mortality to deal with, after the news of the original Spock’s death. The real star is Karl Urban’s Dr McCoy. Criminally underused in the two previous films, Bones is finally given the spotlight as the films gruff heart. There is a tinge of sadness, as we get to see the final appearance of the late Anton Yelchin as Chekov, every moment he’s on screen makes you wish for a thousand more.
Beyond may be the strongest entry in this new franchise. Directed brilliantly by Justin Lin, the action is stunningly out there, the destruction of the Enterprise being a particular highlight. Let’s hope he comes back for the fourth instalment, and that he can keep this great cast for a few more missions.
