Everyone is separated after the first battle. Mr. Spock and Dr. McCoy (Zachary Quinto and Karl Urban) are together. This leads to some classic throwback Spock/McCoy moments, which has not yet really been seen in the new series of movies. Captain Kirk and Chekov (Chris Pine and Anton Yelchin) are another team. Scotty (Simon Pegg) is alone, but soon meets up with a new ally, Jaylah (Sofia Boutella), while the rest of the crew is held prisoner. Krall is putting together a new weapon that can threaten the entire Federation.

J.J. Abrams is the one who revitalized the Star Trek universe when it appeared to be finally dead. Justin Lin, who turned the Fast and Furious franchise into what it is today, takes over the directing and has brought the franchise up to the next level. This outing is not only the best of the new movies, a argument could be made that this is the best Star Trek movie yet, even surpassing Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.

Not only does this new movie have great and exciting action scenes that can get you rocking in your seats, there’s some depth to it too. The movie also gives a loving tribute to the late Leonard Nimoy, but also acknowledges the untimely death of Anton Yelchin. Like all good Trek movies, all the characters have their moment to shine, and Yelchin certainly does here. Abrams has already announced that his part will not be recast in the next movie and he will be missed.

There’s been plenty of disappointing sequels this year and not too many summer movies to talk about. This is what a summer blockbuster is supposed to be. It’s got action, humor, characters we like and a good story to tell. To gain the full experience, check it out in IMAX 3D.

4 Swords