The “Star Trek” franchise was constructed on the premise of boldly going the place no human has gone earlier than, and “Part 31” embodies that mantra after which some. The story takes place approach past the Federation’s attain, in lawless, seedier corners of the universe the place nightclub house owners eat eyeballs with their martinis and use naughty phrases. Starfleet characters are additionally few and much between, and the story facilities the motion across the sociopathic Philippa Georgiou (Michelle Yeoh) as an alternative of an admirable hero. So, whereas the Paramount+ movie technically embodies the franchise’s need to discover new terrains, the opposite parts beg the query: is it actually “Star Trek?”
Nicely, the consensus amongst most critics is that “Part 31” is “Star Trek” in title solely — a film that is extra paying homage to up to date motion flicks than, effectively, “Star Trek.” As IGN’s Jordan Hoffman wrote, “Part 31 will infuriate ‘Star Trek’ followers and bore everybody else. It’s rote and spinoff and does not even look good.” The same sentiment was shared by Den of Geek’s Joe George, who opined that “‘Star Trek: Part 31’ applies a veneer of ‘Trek’ references to an unpleasant, forgettable TV film.”
These evaluations sum up many opinions pertaining to “Part 31,” however they are not the one points critics had with the movie. With that in thoughts, let’s boldly discover a few of the different evaluations that have not been form to director Olatunde Osunsanmi and author Craig Sweeny’s film.
Star Trek: Part 31 is a confused film
Viewers solely want to look at just a few episodes of “Star Trek: Discovery” to totally perceive “Part 31,” however normal audiences and newcomers will get the gist of the story. It is also evident that the filmmakers needed to increase the franchise’s lore, however let’s simply say their good intentions did not end in a great finish product.
In accordance with GamesRadar critic David Opie, “Part 31” is tonally far and wide and lacks a cohesive imaginative and prescient:Â
“‘Star Trek: Part 31’ does not know what it desires to be. Is it a severe exploration of the legal underbelly, a camp throwback to the noughties, or a tonally off mixture of the 2?”
Elsewhere, some critics argued that “Part 31” fails to take advantage of its glorious forged, which incorporates the magnificent Michelle Yeoh, Omari Hardwick, Sam Richardson, and Kacey Rohl. As Collider’s Samantha Coley famous, “Rohl additionally does a strong job as younger Rachel Garrett, and had she been given extra to do, it will’ve been enjoyable to see her sink her enamel into the early days of certainly one of Starfleet’s most legendary figures.”
On a extra optimistic notice, /Movie’s senior information editor Jacob Corridor praised “Star Trek: Part 31” for stepping out of the franchise’s idealistic consolation zone and embracing trashy B-movie qualities:Â
“[H]onestly, ‘nerdy B-movie sleaze’ is a taste of ‘Trek’ we’ve not seen earlier than, and one which I discovered myself more and more having fun with because the movie’s whirlwind tempo dragged me alongside by way of set piece after set piece.”Â
It appears the film may not please all Trekkies, nevertheless it’s in all probability going to seek out followers amongst those that admire some schlock and awe.
“Star Trek: Part 31” begins streaming January 24, 2025, on Paramount+.
