Action combines with humor to make “Star Trek Beyond” soar

What It's About: Whether you are a Trekkie or not, "Star Trek Beyond" is easily digestible popcorn entertainment, fueled by friendship and injected with enough brilliant whiz-bang to please sci-fi fans.

This latest bouncy, shiny installment in producer J.J. Abrams' popular reboot of the original 1960s TV series and movie franchise, mixes comical camaraderie and dramatic conflicts with top-notch visual effects.

Abrams handed the directing baton this time to Justin Lin, who worked on four "Fast and Furious" films. He knows how to slickly pace a blockbuster at thrill ride level, and the screen is packed with dazzling images and deep space wonder.

This time, the U.S.S. Enterprise faces danger to help a species in the United Federation of Planets —- not only from the treacherous territory but a lethal enemy hell-bent on destroying them and anyone else in their path.

While the action is zippy and intense, the plot can get convoluted, and the villain Krall's motives are a little wonky.

The plot might be weaker than the previous two, but the acting is stronger.

The Starfleet Command's characters are appealing, and the performers have enriched their roles so that the relationships are its heart.

A poignant tribute to the late Leonard Nimoy, an icon as Vulcan Spock, deepens the film's sentimentality and seeing Anton Yelchin, who was killed in a freak accident this year, is bittersweet. Both actors are mentioned at the end credits, with Nimoy's death woven into the plot.

Performances: The well-cast actors in the original 2009 "Star Trek" are all back for the third go-round, and have made the roles their own. The chemistry is obvious, producing crowd-pleasing smiles and laughs from beginning to end.

Chris Pine ("The Finest Hours") and Zachary Quinto ("Margin Call") excel as the leaders Captain James T. Kirk and Commander Spock, working beautifully as a team, and the affection and respect is genuine.

Simon Pegg ("Shaun of the Dead") fits excitable engineer Scotty to a "T" while Karl Urban ("Dredd") is hilarious as the tightly wound Dr. "Bones" McCoy — of course, he's going to say that famous line. John Cho ("Sleepy Hollow") as pilot Sulu and Zoe Saldana ("Avatar") as Lt. Uhura are effective.

And of course, it's emotional watching Anton Yelchin's last time as eager hard-working Chekov.

New are Idris Elba ("Beasts of No Nation"), disguised in elaborate alien makeup, as the despicable and imposing Krall, and Sofia Boutella ("Kingsman: The Secret Service") as fearless and feisty Jaylah.

What Works: The screenplay, co-written by actor Simon Pegg ("Scotty") and Doug Jung, concentrates heavily on snappy repartee and warm humor.

Because I am not a Trekkie, the inside jokes go over my head, but it's not distracting. I have seen enough of the TV and films to get the gist of what's happening. I'm not alone, though, for they recognize this and have made it easier for people who aren't the fan-boys and girls to understand.

The techno mumbo-jumbo is authentic enough, but takes a backseat to the human story, which is why this franchise is engaging.

The makeup and costumes are eye-popping and complex, and it's evident many hours and much detail went into getting a panoply of people to look striking and different.

The undercurrent of different ethnicities working together in peace and harmony does not go unnoticed.

What Doesn't Work: As in all computer-generated effects movies, the frenetic action is fast and furious, and can be hard to follow — especially with swirling cameras. The villain unleashes a swarm, and it's hard to figure out sometimes what is the point — except unfettered mayhem.

This movie is very, very loud.

The strong suit for this engaging, well-made adventure is that it features characters you are happy to catch up with on their voyage.

They honor the past and embrace the present. Their only message for the future remains: Live long and prosper.

This story was originally published July 22, 2016 at 9:05 AM with the headline "Action combines with humor to make “Star Trek Beyond” soar."