Following in the path of 2009’s Star Trek and 2013’s Star Trek Into Darkness, director and lifelong Trek fan Justin Lin (Fast & Furious 6) has stepped up to take the Enterprise and its crew in a bold new direction. Where previously Abrams set the majority of his story within the shiny chrome interior of the Enterprise, Lin literally does away with the grand vessel and throws his characters into the unknown of a strange new alien world. It’s a plot device that he picks up directly from the original series, and which gives this film a new sense of direction and energy. This ‘escape and evasion’ storytelling has a real nostalgic feel to it, and is a grand way to keep audiences guessing as the action picks up speed.

Lin also pulls back the focus of the movie from the usual trinity of Kirk (Pine), Spock (Zachary Quinto) and Uhora (Zoe Saldana), and showcases more action from the perspective of its supporting cast including Simon Pegg’s Montgomery Scott and Karl Urban’s Dr. Leonard ‘Bones’ McCoy. This greater character canvas results in a deeper and more involved story for audiences, as well as some unexpected character moments, especially from Urban who steals the movie with his pithy one-liners. Newcomer Sofia Boutella is a great new addition to the franchise and conveys an alien rock chick charisma as Jaylah, a mysterious alien with a connection to Krall, and whose ‘bad girl’ antics make her a much-needed ally to the crew of the Enterprise in this their most desperate hour.

A movie is nothing without its bad guy though and Star Trek Beyond gets a worthy one with Idris Elba’s alien warlord Krall. This blue-skinned, reptilian beast is the walking embodiment of hate and vengeance, and he certainly gives Kirk a run for his money. Idris really disappears into this vindictive character through the use of some amazing prosthetics which add to the character’s menace. It’s a different side of Elba than we’ve seen before, and after this I’m thoroughly keen to see him embrace his villainous side in further roles.

Audiences familiar with Star Trek will also be aware that the Trek family suffered some absolutely heartbreaking tragedies recently with the passing of Trek legend Leonard Nimoy and the shocking sudden death of young star Anton Yelchin. While both of these losses were heavy blows for the cast and crew they do their utmost to honour them in the most sincere and loving way. Yelchin is absolutely animated on screen as plucky young comms officer Chekov, and from all accounts you’re certain that he had a ball with this role, which like the other supporting characters, gave him a wealth of screen time, and some genuinely cool moments. To both of these amazing performers, Star Trek Beyond is a fitting tribute and a wonderful representation of their characters.

If you’re looking for a blockbuster rush Star Trek Beyond has it all. So pull up a seat, grab your popcorn and prepare for warp speed.

Image source: Paramount Pictures

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When aspiring novelist Brian Bloome (Anton Yelchin) meets delicate beauty Arielle Pierpont (Bérénice Marlohe), he soon finds himself caught up in a whirlwind of emotions and love. But it all becomes complicated when Arielle admits that she is happily married with children, and Brian finds himself a part of a very different kind of affair.

5 to 7 is a thoroughly entertaining character study of two people, and the reasons that they come to love one another. If you’re not sold yet, then maybe these points will change your mind.

5. The delicate cinematography of Arnaud Potier

5 to 7 is first and foremost a beautiful piece of cinema to behold thanks to its cinematographer Arnaud Potier, who captures the city of New York with a graceful reverence. Potier’s soft-focus lens captures the extravagance of wealth and prestige that Brian finds him in after becoming entangled with his new lover.

4. The bickering nature of Glenn Close and Frank Langella

While they only appear briefly, Glenn Close and Frank Langella make a hilarious impression on audiences as Arlene and Sam Bloom, Brian’s disapproving parents. Their comedic timing is spot on, and lending their star power certainly doesn’t do any harm.

3. The husband and the mistress

When Arielle first proposes her unique relationship to Brian, she informs him that her husband Valery (Lambert Wilson) also has a mistress of his own – the delightful, and warm spirited Jane (Olivia Thirlby). While Valery is a debonair man who is happy with his wife’s new lover, and even teaches him a thing or two, Jane becomes Brian’s companion and guide to the world of 5 to 7 romance.

2. A resonate tale of all-consuming love

Writer/director Victor Levin has crafted a beautiful tale about the forever changing and dynamic force of love. Through the characters of Brian and Arielle, he examines the concepts of connection and attraction, and how two people can be together without true and total commitment. At times, his film is dashing and exciting, mirroring the passion of his two main characters while other times it is tinged with sadness and regret. It could be argued that Levin has presented a complete representation of the universal theme of love, and just how far people will go in pursuit of it.

1. The mermaid and the writer

Central to 5 to 7’s success is the relationship that is shared between Arielle and Brian. Likened to The Little Mermaid, Bérénice Marlohe’s Arielle effortlessly sweeps Brian of his feet with her beauty, charm, and drive to experience life. Playing opposite Marlohe is Anton Yelchin as aspiring writer Brian who summons the courage to meet this stunning beauty, and is pulled into a world he could never have of imagined. The two characters are complete and total opposites, but thanks to the formidable talents of the actors playing them, every moment of passion and love feels very real.

Image source: 20th Century Fox.

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