New ’Star Trek’ goes where other sci-fi capers have gone before

CHRIS Pine

“Star Trek Beyond,” the third installment of the popular sci-fi reboot, offers different character dynamics while introducing the threat of an undocumented space menace.

Directed by Justin Lin, whose prior credits include some of “The Fast and the Furious” films and episodes of “Community,” the new film often traverses familiar territory, however.

The crew members of the spacefaring Enterprise, firmly developed in two prior movies, go on a mission that brings them to uncharted regions, and find a vast fleet of unknown origin waiting for them!

Captain Kirk (Chris Pine), planning a hiatus from commanding the ship, leads that  cohesive core team, perhaps for the last time—the mission, after all, goes awry, sending the Enterprise crash-landing on an enigmatic planet.

“Star Trek Beyond,” while still kinetic with its seamless meshing of effects and stunt work, goes on previously visited paths, narrative-wise—the temporary separation of the team, hence the new dynamics; the introduction of a hesitant new ally (Jaylah, played by Sofia Boutella); and the new foes possessing secrets that are hidden in plain sight.

If anything, the story cowritten by Doug Jung and Simon Pegg gives the latter’s Scotty character more to do, just like cohorts McCoy (Karl Urban), Chekov (the recently departed Anton Yelchin), and Sulu (John Cho).

Sulu is revealed as a homosexual and a parent, to honor the original actor, George Takei, who is gay. Save for these changes and the “main” trio—Kirk, Spock (Zachary Quinto) and Uhura (Zoe Saldana)—having significantly less burdens, the adventure is pretty average and unchallenging.

The antagonists, while shown as a powerful threat, may have a clear motivation, but certain revelations about their past are vague and, ultimately, unsatisfying. (Similar tropes were more clearly defined and addressed in various media, from the “Doctor Who” series to various superhero comics).

Sure, “Star Trek Beyond” can be considered fun. It’s hardly thorough, however—which keeps the film from becoming truly enjoyable.