It's an amazing time to be a Star Trek fan in 2016, especially one that grew up watching "The Original Series" and its sequel-esque film series that includes the epic cult classic "Star Trek II: Wrath of Khan" and the political conspiracy driven finale that is "Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country". The Trek franchise celebrates 50 years come September 8 this year, and much has come past the voyages of the original starship Enterprise - including a "Next Generation" manning a new legacy ship, the exploits of a space station called "Deep Space 9", and the journey of a lost ship called "Voyager". These are just some of the well-known spin-offs that have turned Gene Roddenberry's small science fiction idea into a mega popular franchise - which is honored with the timed release of a new installment in the semi-rebooted "Alternate Reality" film series that began with 2009's "Star Trek".
When Paramount Pictures pushed for production of what would eventually become "Star Trek Beyond" to meet the deadline of 2016 - the franchise's 50th Anniversary, there was plenty of changes and moves that began to make fans wonder how the film would fare under the command of a new director. J.J. Abrams, who directed the 2009 film and its 2013 sequel "Star Trek Into Darkness", would not return as director since he was helming Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens. Instead, he and his production Bad Robot would serve as producers for the new sequel. Eventually, directorial duties would fall on the hands of Taiwanese American director Justin Lin - best known for his involvement in the Fast and Furious film franchise.
Production soon went as schedule, and when the first teaser arrived - it was met with mixed reactions from the fanbase. Eventually better suited trailers (like the one embedded below) were released and felt more appropriate for a "Star Trek" film... But the question was would Beyond meet expectations and serve to catapult more interest for new fans as well as honor longtime Trekkies at the same time? Check after the jump for my thoughts!
Most of us know the story of Tarzan - the wild man raised by the apes in the jungle and who has the ability to communicate with the animals of the wild. Created by Edgar Rice Burroughs, the character has seen so many adventures and adaptations since his first appearance in the early 1900's that he is considered one of the first "heroes" of fiction to date. Several film adaptations of Tarzan have also been made, varying to a degree on presenting his origins as well as assimilating back into civilization, marrying his true love Jane Porter, and eventually returning to his jungle roots following his disillusionment with mankind.
Now comes a film that dares to take a look into possibly expanding the mythos and pursuing the further adventures of the man who's birth name is John Clayton in "The Legend of Tarzan". Directed by David Yates of Harry Potter films fame as well as the upcoming spin-off film "Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them", The Legend of Tarzan is the kind of film that doesn't linger around the premise that it needs to retell Tarzan's origin story - rather we are propelled forward to a time when he has already been educated, returned to civilization, and is happily married to Jane Foster. Unfortunately, Tarzan once again gets called to the wild when an expedition at the Congo leads to the discovery that slavery is prevalent and the Belgium Government is seeking rich minerals to pay off their immense debts. What follows is an adventure that exposes conspiracies, reignites rivalries, and sees a hero reasserting his reputation as lord of the jungle.
THE LEGEND OF TARZAN - Official Trailer 2
Straightforward and action-packed in every way possible as well as combining a good mix of drama, comedy, and epic storytelling, The Legend of Tarzan features quite an ensemble cast that includes Alexander Skarsgard in the titular role, with Margot Robbie playing his lady love Jane Porter. Samuel L. Jackson provides the excellent action comedy relief as American envoy George Washington Williams, while Christoph Waltz plays the big bad henchman of King Leopold named Leon Rom. All these talents give level to the playing field in this movie, and the narrative is constructed well enough to give brief flashbacks of Tarzan's primal life while still maintaining focus on the present day adventure.
Ultimately, I'd recommend this film to Tarzan fans - especially those who grew up reading the books and watched the Disney animated movies and cartoons. It's the kind of film that feels on step with the mythos, and could potentially expand into a franchise if they decide to revisit this storybook hero's life again. Special Thanks again goes to Warner Bros. Philippines for bringing this to our shores! Go catch it now!
