The needs of the one outweigh the needs of the many
Starring:
Directed by:
Rating: 6/10
Running Time: 105 minutes
Certificate: UK: pg
On DVD
Country: United States
This film picks up the story where the last Star Trek film finished. William Shatner is Admiral Kirk who, with his crew, is returning the Enterprise to port for some essential repairs. Their victory over the evil Khan and the successful creation of the Genesis Planet is no consolation for the death of Spock (Leonard Nimoy). To add to their dismay, on arrival they learn that their beloved Enterprise is to be scrapped rather than repaired. Soon Kirk has even more on his mind, as Dr. 'Bones' McCoy (DeForest Kelly) starts acting strangely without apparent cause.
After a visit from Sarek (Mark Lenard), Spock's father, Kirk finally understands that Spock is not entirely dead – his living mind was passed to McCoy during a mind meld and it can be returned to his body. Kirk and his crew resolve to steal the Enterprise back in order to return to the Genesis Planet and find Spock's body so that he can be restored to life. However, the Genesis Planet is unstable and under quarantine, and to make things worse the Klingons have learned of Genesis and are also on their way there.
This is the second film in a story arc trilogy, and as such it has a difficult role to play. Although there is plenty of action, it cannot really come to a satisfactory conclusion as the story continues into the next film. A fair amount of time is spent on Spock's rather clumsy metamorphosis that might be better used exploring some of the characters' feelings about being fugitives. Shatner seems more comfortable as Kirk than we have seen before, perhaps relieved to be facing the familiar Klingon enemies for a change.
The Special Edition DVD continues the Star Trek franchise's attempts to make improvements to the theatrical releases.
It's Got: A strong emotional theme to the storyline.
It Needs: Fewer silly moments and a more convincing metamorphosis of Spock.
DVD Extras Another 2-disc edition packed with extras. Extras: Commentary by director Leonard Nimoy, writer/producer Harve Bennett, director of photography Charles Correll and actress Robin Curtis, Text commentary by Michael Okuda and Denise Okuda, Captains Log - the making of, The Star Trek Universe, Speaking Klingon, Klingon and Vulcan costumes, Terraforming and the Prime Directive featuring NASA scientist Dr. Louis Friedman, Archives of storyboards and photos, Theatrical trailer. DVD Extras Rating: 7/10
Alternatives:
Independence Day, Star Trek - DVD Movies Collection, Star Trek IV - The Voyage Home, Star Wars, Titan AESummary
This middle part of a story trilogy is not as strong as the films that precede and follow it, but it moves along with some pace and does succeed at staying on track.
