Review: Star Trek Beyond

That's right, I made it to the theatre twice in one weekend. That hasn't happened since before my son was born. But the wife and I were lucky enough to snag a sitter and go see the new Trek, because we're fans and all.

Star Trek Beyond is the third in the rebooted spin-off universe, and although well received by critics and fans, it isn't exactly tearing up the box office. Why, you may ask? I know I do, especially after seeing it.

Fellow movie fan Ryan T. Gelley said this is his favourite Trek flick, and I'm almost inclined to agree with him. It's certainly the best of the new series, and better than any of the Next Generation movies. I'd easily put it up there with Wrath of Khan and Undiscovered Country.

The blockbuster appeal of the Abrams films is alive and well, but screenwriters Simon Pegg and Doug Jung manage to make the film feel like an extended episode of the original series too. This is just another adventure during the five-year mission -- no more, no less. And I love that!

I also love that Pegg and Jung brought back the series' exploration of the human condition and sense of hope and positivity (is that even a word?) that Gene Roddenberry made sure his series embodied fifty years ago. Big questions are asked here about one's sense of purpose and mortality, and it gives weight to an otherwise action packed sci-fi adventure.

The banter fans enjoy between Kirk, Spock and McCoy is alive and well too. Just in case you were worried. Plus there is a touching, final farewell to the great Leonard Nimoy that put something in my eye and made me want to cry or some shit. Wanna fight about it!?!

Oh, there's a profound use of the Beastie Boys' Sabotage, but trust me, it works. A crowd-pleasing moment if ever there was one.

Yeah, Star Trek Beyond rates a Good. Please, cinematic gods, let this franchise live long and prosper!

Comments

The Animated Addict: "The Adventures of Tintin" (2011)

If you're a 40 + white dude, like myself, you may remember a comic series called " The Adventures of Tintin ". I know I remember them. This series, dating back to 1929, got turned into a animated feature film by Steven Spielberg in 2011. After buying a model of ship called The Unicorn, teenaged journalist Tintin finds himself on adventure that will take him from the high seas, to the low deserts, and from the distant past to the present. With his trusty dog, Snowy, by his side, Tintin uncovers a story connecting two men across the centuries.. . The story is really quite good. It's well crafted, and high paced- with just enough slow moments to build and develop the world and the characters. This is the sort of adventure story you'd find in the old serials of the 1930's and '40's. In fact, it felt like it was the sort of tale that you'd find Indiana Jones undertaking. I found myself swept up, and swept along as our hero swung from one e...

Grace Victoria Patterson returns

What's this? Two podcasts From The Basement in less than nine months? Has the world gone mad!?! No, but when past Basement guest Grace Victoria Patterson asked nicely if she could return to this fine podcast, Jason and Shawn -- agreeable sorts that they are -- said yes. Hence we have this new episode for your ear holes! Grace provides an update on her career, which has seen the cheerleader-turned-actress appear in no fewer than eight films plus a TV series, with more projects on the way. She and Jason talk all about this, plus some other stuff. What kind of stuff? Stick with us! And stay tuned, as The Basement Boys discuss a whole slew of movies and television, including the Netflix Jimmy Savile documentary, The Batman, the horror romp The Cellar and more! It's podcasting that's so awesome, you'll be awesomed out by its awesomeness! What are you waiting for? Push play and enjoy!

Unlock your fate with The Puzzle

When my dad wasn't working, building stuff or being my dad, he was making puzzles. It was a guaranteed way for him to unwind. So it was with great interest that I sat down to watch Italian filmmaker Davide Melini's award-winning short The Puzzle. You see, the mother in the five-minute film likes to relax with puzzles just like my dad. Unfortunately, her good-for-nothing son keeps harassing her for money. Losing herself in her favourite passtime, the mother soon discovers that completing this puzzle might unlock a nightmare. The Puzzle has been an official selection at more European film festivals than you can shake a stick at, and was voted Third Best Italian Film at the Rome International Film Festival in 2008. Having watched it, I'm not surprised. It's a tight little film that hits you hard in the final few seconds. You can tell Melini cut his teeth as an assistant director for legendary Italian filmmaker Dario Argento. But enough chit chat on my part. See if yo...

Search This Blog