5 Reasons Star Trek Beyond Can Stay

Like most third chapters in a film trilogy (looking at youSpider-Man 3),Star Trek Beyond’ssparkle is just a little duller than its predecessors’. But that doesn’t mean you should wait for it to come out on DVD or On Demand or that illegal website you’ve probably already downloaded it from.

Let’s countdown the reasons you should overlookStar Trek Beyond’stribble-sized flaws:

5. Witty Banter and General Comradery:If there is really only one reason to go seeBeyond, that reason’s name is Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy (Karl Urban). Honestly, every word out of the Doctor’s mouth is sharp, hilarious, and what everyone is there for – that same ol’ dialogue each episode of the original Star Trek (1966) could deliver. But Urban’s Bones is even more sarcastic, even more cheeky, and even more in a love-hate-relationship with where he is at and what he is being made to do (“…Jim, I’m a doctor!”).

Urban is just downright perfectly paired with every other cast member on screen. Bones however, isn’t the only one to share some great repartee with the other characters – Scotty (Simon Pegg) is another contender for having the best lines in the film (though that could have to do with Pegg co-scriptwriting, but eh, who knows?). But honestly, wait for Bones and Spock’s scenes – you won’t be disappointed.

4. Anton Yelchin:In one of the film’s closing scenes, The Enterprise gang celebrates Kirk’s birthday and raises a glass to “absent friends.” This is followed by a clear shot of the late Anton Yelchin – his character Pavel Chekov toasting along with the others. With Yelchin’s passing so fresh in the memory of many viewers, it becomes almost cathartic to laugh at Chekov’s adorable voice, watch his fast-pace work, and marvel in Yelchin’s perfect timing. Though it’s bittersweet to see one of Yelchin’s last performances, it is still nice to see his never-disappointing portrayal of Pavel Chekov, proudly played and highlighted throughout the film.

3. Chris Pine being all winey but still Piney:Beyond’s opening begins with a captain’s log done by none other than the Captain, James T. Kirk (Chris Pine). This log lets the audience in on whatThe Enterprisehas been up to in the years sinceInto Darknessended (it’s been nearly three years, in case you’re wondering). But the viewers quickly learn that Kirk has become the unthinkable…bored, uninterested, tired – whatever you wanna call it, Kirk wantssomethingto happen. But who could blame him? He and the crew have signed up for a five-year mission in which there really is no end-goal – just diplomacy, just findings – and no action.

For a wild-at-heart Kirk, sitting still and talking the talk doesn’t cut it anymore. His wishes are granted though (whether he likes it or not), and drama and drawn-out action sequences soon ensue. However, Pine never loses the charisma, charm, and compassion that make him a great Kirk – even if his character claims to be tired of being him. Here is a written plea for Pine himself to never get tired of being Kirk.

2. Battle Scenes:There are many overdone action sequences, confusingly long chases, and scene-changes so fast amidst the carnage they could give anyone warp speed-whiplash; but none of that really matters whenBeyondcompletely nails a battle/attack scene.Beyond’svillain, Krall (Idris Elba), is on amission (even though that mission can seem a bit drastically…misguided), and he’s prepared to take down Kirk and his crew for it. When Krall’s baddies zone in onThe Enterprise, it almost seems like resistance is futile (spoiler: it basically is).

Krall’s mini-attack ships number among the thousands, and they move in a honey-bee like synchronization. They practically mirror the tiny black magnetic-looking “microbots” Hiro fromBig Hero 6(2014) created for the science fair (assuming Trekkies would know what Big Hero 6 is). Much like those microbots became destructive weapons, Krall’s versions literally tear throughThe Enterprise’shull, becoming exit ramps onto the ship once they breach it. Their initial attack is one of spectacle, and most definitely one of great horror. But in the moment, everyone in the theater will be wondering how Krall’s “bees” even move like that (another spoiler: everyone will find out, don’t worry).

1. Because Idris Elba, duh:Look, his face is covered in clunky alien makeup and prosthetics for practically the whole film, and his silky deep accent is mostly absent too – but… Idris Elba is in this film. ‘Nuff said.

Elba doesn’t get much of a chance to show off his acting chops or to make the audience swoon – even as a villain (because everyone knows villains can have that affect: enter Benedict Cumberbatch’s 2013 edition Khan *swoon*). But the point is, Elba makes an appearance – could be inThe Jungle Book(2016) or inThor(2011), it doesn’t really matter. He’s there. Don’t disappoint Idris: go see him.