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A mundane murder mystery made unique by adherence to a gimmick, and wonderful through the impressive performances of its cast. Masterful integration of writing and effects lend a bizarrely personal element to the most impersonal of premises in a movie that’s stylistically new but will leave novel narrative seekers searching.

Star Trek Beyond

Simon says he’ll date a zebra, but can’t quite Pegg the writing and the whole enterprise comes crashing down. Even zero-g disbelief suspension can’t save this shipwreck, which starts with miraculously parting principals from slaughtered sea of red-shirts, treks through a minefield of coincidence and culminates in a predictable fistfight.

Star Trek Into Darkness

Ludicrous flying car conclusion aside, the alternate Enterprise’s second journey is even more satisfying.  After some far-fetched terrorism and an old-western show-down with some Klingons’ cousins, reKirk et al learn that coming between Robocop and Sherlock is startlingly dangerous.  Oh, spoiler… the reveal is beautifully justified with countless ikahnic throwbacks.

Solaris (2002)

More visually impressive and in some ways more insightful, but certainly less revolutionary than Tarkovskiy’s original adaptation, Soderbergh’s rendition has larger scope but smaller span. Clooney and co-stars perform well in the stark but beautifully designed space station. Beautiful cinematography and breathtaking effects create visually spectacular rendition of original novel.

Star Trek

Fun film about lens flares and how red matter can be used to create plot holes in space-time. Compelling actors distract from fallacious screenplay. The most logical character(s) launches Kirk into space for being irritating, and later jeopardizes Starfleet for sake of potential future friendship. Warning: Film Not for Vulcans.