After watching this movie, I’m torn.

Do I want to enter Starfleet and join the Enterprise, or would I rather not suffer premature graying and hair loss?

Such was my reaction to the exhilarating display of Star Trek Beyond.

“To boldly go where no one has gone before”…No kidding.

I’m not a huge Trekkie (don’t judge), but I’ve seen a fair number of episodes and movies, and dang, this one hovers right at the top for a number of reasons.

If you’re worried about spoilers, fear not. This is a spoiler-free review.

Onward to the main event.

Plot

As expected with a film whose value derives mainly from the action and flash, the plot did its job and then some. With such movies, I often worry about the boom-and-blast explosive elements swarming onstage and taking over the entire play.

While Star Trek Beyond included plenty of action, it didn’t let it become an incessant roar that drowned out the quieter moments and slower pace. Most of the time, the plot reminded me of a high-adrenaline rush—think racing down a twisting mountain road with a looming drop-off to one side.

That didn’t mean the action overpowered. It meant that even the calm scenes were infused with such intrigue that I couldn’t help but lean forward in anticipation and wonder, “What’s coming next?”

Because a few times, the plot decided to swerve into an unexpected direction. A slap as if to say, “HA! Now you’re *really* paying attention.”

Fun, rollicking entertainment at its best.

Setting

One word: Yorktown. (No, not Virginia. Or if so, news flash: I’m moving there tomorrow.) I want to type out a string of sentences that do justice to the magnificence and creativity on display. Mostly I’m just staring at the screen with a look of geeky giddiness plastered on my face.

As soon as I saw Yorktown, I was hooked. My imagination turned cartwheels at the similarity yet otherness of it. I want to live there. Right now.

Oh, there was this other place too. Unique. Bizarre. Chilling. (Insert more mental cartwheels of glee.) That’s what set Star Trek Beyond apart and turned it from a vanilla ice cream cone into a double fudge sundae with extra cherries.

Not only did the setting stimulate my imagination like it hasn’t been in a while, it reminded me why I enjoy fantastical stories. Adventure. Exploration. Discovery. New places to find yourself immersed in.

Can’t beat it.

Characters

Sadly, but unsurprisingly, the weak section in what was a great movie. For the most part, Mr. Resident Badman could have been a clone of so many others who’ve gone before. A few tweaks made him somewhat interesting but didn’t pull him out of Averageville. Oatmeal flavored with honey but lacking the cinnamon.

On the plus side, I appreciated the addition of a particularly fun and fascinating character. Another bonus was the lack of selfish characters. No one dominated the screen time, and some favorites (Bones, anyone?) received the attention they deserve.

Huzzah for cinematography equality.

Also, I could watch a movie solely based around Scotty.

Summary

If you’re a Trekkie, you’ve probably already seen the movie—and if not, Go. Watch. It.

If you’re a normal geek who enjoys a romping space opera—like me—Star Trek Beyond won’t blow your mind but is worth watching.

My favorite of the new Star Trek movies. And it left open many possibilities for the future. Because let’s face it. We don’t want to stop boldly going where no one has gone before.

Did you enjoy Star Trek Beyond? What was your favorite part? I’d love to hear your thoughts.