Retrospective: Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984)
Joel B. Kirk
A film review by Joel B. Kirk
SYNOPSIS:
Admiral Kirk jeopardizes his career by stealing the Enterprise in an
attempt to rescue Spock's body and soul, sent to an engineered planet
called Genesis in the previous film.
MY TAKE:
There is a thought among Star Trek fans that the even numbered Trek's
are more successful than the odd numbered entries. I don't see it with
this film. Any film is successful if it has strong writing and a
strong story, and you care about the characters.
Driven by box-office hype, actor Leonard Nimoy became hot property
with Paramount. Will or won't he return as Spock?
Leonard Nimoy would not only return as Spock, but as director, doing a
competent job in the process.
This would be the third movie in the Star Trek franchise, and the
second part of a trilogy that started with STAR TREK II: THE WRATH OF
KHAN (1982). Like its predecessor, STAR TREK III carries over the
drama, engaging storyline and the somber air, from the previous
picture. (Some, however, may believe the film too much somber).
Moreover, this entry may be more for Trek fans than the non-Trek fans,
as many references toward Vulcan mythology and character back stories
(such as Spock) may go over a non-disciple's head.
Each Enterprise crewman (or crewwoman) gets something to do, aside
from the majors: Kirk, Spock, and McCoy. It's not much, but a step up
from the background parts that they usually are regulated to:
*Sulu shows his stuff when he is insulted. (Don't call him 'Tiny').
*The beautiful Uhura has an amusing scene with a young hothead
officer.
*Scotty shows just how good he is (and dedicated to his longtime
Captain), by sabotaging a vessel he to be transferred to.
What about Chekov? Well, maybe not everyone has much to do after all.
Merritt Buttrick returns as Dr. David Marcus, Kirk's son. However,
Bibi Besch, who portrayed Dr. Carol Marcus, Kirk's old flame, is no
where to be seen.
Robin Curtis takes over the part of Lt. Saavik, portrayed by Kirstie
Alley in the previous picture. Miss Curtis has made the part her own,
but Alley brought a certain appeal to the character that was missing
with Curtis' portrayal: Edginess and sex-appeal.
Multi-talented Christopher Lloyd (television's TAXI, BACK TO THE
FUTURE, ADDAMS FAMILY) is on board as Klingon Commander Kruge. John
Larroquette (television's NIGHT COURT, and HAPPY FAMILY) is one of
Kruge's officers, Maltz.
A fun little space opera that hints at the end: 'The Adventure
Continues.'
POSITIVE/NEGATIVE NITPICKS:
James Horner (TITANIC, GLORY, DEEP IMPACT, LEGENDS OF THE FALL)
returns with the themes that gave feeling to the previous pictures. He
creates one of the most memorable themes since Jerry Goldsmith of STAR
TREK: THE MOTION PICTURE (1979).
There are cameos by Phil Morris, the son of 'Mission Impossible' Greg
Morris—who still has had bit parts in the current Star Trek
franchises, and had played the ‘son' of his father's character in a
Mission Impossible revival in the 80's.
Robert Hooks, a 70's film star, is the father of actor/director Kevin
Hooks (who was one of the kids from the 70's show THE WHITE SHADOW,
and the director of STRICTLY BUSINESS, FLED, BLACK DOG).
Miguel Ferrer, who shows up as a helm officer, is the son of famous
actor Jose Ferrer.
FINAL COMMENTS:
This is one of the few Trek films that can stand multiple viewings,
and satisfy any movie-goer with a taste of adventure.
MY RATING:
***1/2 out of *****
DIRECTOR:
Leonard Nimoy
WRITER:
Harve Bennett
CAST:
William Shatner-Adm. James T. Kirk
Leonard Nimoy-Spock
DeForest Kelley-Dr. Leonard McCoy
James Doohan-Montgomery Scott
George Takei-Sulu
Nichelle Nichols-Uhura
Mark Lenard-Sarek
Merritt Buttrick-Dr. David Marcus
Dame Judith Anderson-T'Lar
Robin Curtis-Saavik
Christopher Lloyd-Commander Kruge
Phil Morris-Trainee Foster
Scott McGinnis-"Mr. Adventure"
Robert Hooks- Admiral Morrow
Cathie Shiriff-Valkeris
Stephen Liska-Torg
John Larroquette-Maltz
James B. Sikking-Captian Styles
Miguel Ferrer-First Officer of the Excelsior
GENRE:
Sci-fi/Drama
RUNNING TIME:
105 minutes
YEAR OF RELEASE:
1983 by Paramount Pictures
EMAIL:
joel...@sbcglobal.net
Copyright 2004 Joel B. Kirk
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X-RAMR-ID: 37459
X-Language: en
X-RT-ReviewID: 1268279
X-RT-TitleID: 1019863
X-RT-AuthorID: 9404
X-RT-RatingText: 3.5/5