2016 was not the first year that both a Star Trek and Star Wars film were released in theaters. But in 2002, Star Trek gave us a sequel, whereas Star Wars gave us a prequel; last year, both entries were prequels (more or less), and both were more action-packed than usual installments in which madmen attempted to blow up cities, and old faces turned up for cameos. Also, both were scored by the same composer, and... okay, enough talk. Time to vote.
Myself, as a lifelong Trekker, I take no pleasure whatsoever in saying that I freaking hated Star Trek Beyond. Its story felt like that of a Sega Genesis product, the script reduced the fine cast into playing parodies of caricatures, the action was deafening and incomprehensible, the villain made Nero seem complex, and the only two moments I liked at all were the handling of Spock's passing and the glimpse of the classic crew.
Rogue One, on the other hand, was the first time I on balance liked a Star Wars movie released after my birth. (No, not at all a Force Awakens fan, though I do find AOTC endearing in its awfulness.) It's far from a great flick; its characters are thin and the plot is undercooked, and if it weren't part of a beloved franchise we all know and love I doubt many of us would have liked it nearly as much. Still, I liked the cast and what character work we got, the action looked great, and I wasn't miserable while in the theater, even though the auditorium wasn't as well-heated or home to as comfortable seats as the place I saw Beyond. Also, bonus points for keeping "A Star Wars Story" out of the title screen.
In short: my vote goes to Rogue One. I wish I could join the consensus that Beyond was a fun, cheery adventure, but I never want to see that movie and its stupid animated subtitles again.
Myself, as a lifelong Trekker, I take no pleasure whatsoever in saying that I freaking hated Star Trek Beyond. Its story felt like that of a Sega Genesis product, the script reduced the fine cast into playing parodies of caricatures, the action was deafening and incomprehensible, the villain made Nero seem complex, and the only two moments I liked at all were the handling of Spock's passing and the glimpse of the classic crew.
Rogue One, on the other hand, was the first time I on balance liked a Star Wars movie released after my birth. (No, not at all a Force Awakens fan, though I do find AOTC endearing in its awfulness.) It's far from a great flick; its characters are thin and the plot is undercooked, and if it weren't part of a beloved franchise we all know and love I doubt many of us would have liked it nearly as much. Still, I liked the cast and what character work we got, the action looked great, and I wasn't miserable while in the theater, even though the auditorium wasn't as well-heated or home to as comfortable seats as the place I saw Beyond. Also, bonus points for keeping "A Star Wars Story" out of the title screen.
In short: my vote goes to Rogue One. I wish I could join the consensus that Beyond was a fun, cheery adventure, but I never want to see that movie and its stupid animated subtitles again.
