I've talked about Star Trek on multiple occasions. I've reviewed the animated series, first film and second film. It's also a franchise I've referenced more times than I care to go back and check. It's a franchise I very openly have a lot of affection for, in terms of the classic series, Next Gen & DS9. And now I'm looking at the third film based on the original series, The Search For Spock.
Story:
We open where Wrath of Khan left off. Spock is dead. The Genesis device is in Star Fleet's hands and the planet it left behind is being studied. The Enterprise is on her way back to Earth when Doctor McCoy starts demonstrating some concerning behaviour like breaking into Spock's old quarters and talking like him. Meanwhile, a group of Klingons have learned about Genesis and they intend to take the device by force so that the Federation can't leverage it against them.
There are a few issues with this film. First of all, we discover that ambassador Sarek wants Doctor McCoy brought to Vulcan as he possesses Spock's "Katra" but this important Federation ambassador can't arrange passage to bring McCoy to Vulcan for some reason. There's also a line about how Kirk has had a very distinguished command based off of logic. Which is kind of laughable. Kirk is the Captain who was known for "Cowboy Diplomacy", bending Star Fleet's rules on a regular basis and seducing/ being seduced by alien women so often that you have to hope Federation medicine can eliminate VD. Logic my tuchus.
That being said, the film holds up really well overall. The exploration of how to deal with something as powerful as the Genesis device is compelling. The fact that the Klingon concerns are fully legitimate and make a lot of sense really works to the film's favour. Kirk and his crew may have to take action for reasons that come across as contrived but the way the film works off of their skills and gives them individual chances to shine is a real treat. It also manages to keep a real sense of tension based on them having to rescue the rejuvenated Spock from Genesis within a time limit. I also appreciate that Kruge, like Khan before him, doesn't fall for Kirk's very blatant attempt at baiting him
Characters:
The original series cast are all very well written in this. The antagonists are also very compelling. It's clear that the idea of the Federation gaining power through using the Genesis device as a weapon is horrifying for Kruge and his crew. They see themselves as being forced into action for the future of their species, their world and their way of life. Then we have the Federation. They make a lot of decisions in this film that we, the audience, are very clearly not supposed to agree with. However, those decisions actually make a lot of logical sense in context.
Cinematography, Visuals & Effects:
This is a very good looking film. It doesn't have the epic space battles of Wrath of Khan, but the effects, ship designs, and overall cinematography all look good. The one thing that really doesn't work is the bit where Kruge falls to his death. That shot has not aged well.
Acting & Music:
The acting is very good. We have the seasoned talents from the original series, but without resorting to cheesy elements to make it look like a series for kids. Christopher Lloyd is amazing as Kruge. He conveys so much about the character's complexity solely through his mannerisms and the way he delivers his lines. The music is really good. James Horner did an Excellent job of capturing the Trek aesthetic.
Final Thoughts:
I feel like Search for Spock is a bit under-rated because it follows on the coat-tails of Wrath of Khan and just doesn't hold up as well as that film. It's still a great Star Trek film with lots of compelling ideas, intrigue and high quality sci-fi adventure. I'd give this one an enthusiastic 8/10.
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