Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (1989)
Dir. William Shatner
I love all but one of the TOS films. I've watched them dozens of times and would never want to be without them. I've upgraded from VHS to DVD to Blu-ray. I've gave Paramount more money than they probably deserve for the same film over and over. Nevertheless, even from a vantage point of that nature, I'm able to look at them objectively. So, Star Trek V... eh? Set phasers to critique.
It's new challenges time and a new ship for the old crew. There's a problem in the Neutral Zone (again) and only Captain Kirk can sort it out. Why only Kirk? Because he's William Shatner, of course. Oh, and he's now also the film's director.
It's new challenges time and a new ship for the old crew. There's a problem in the Neutral Zone (again) and only Captain Kirk can sort it out. Why only Kirk? Because he's William Shatner, of course. Oh, and he's now also the film's director.
I doubt that anyone who isn't a Trek fan would've made it this far into the films, so I'll not be saying anything that deep down most fans don't already know. The Final Frontier has got some problems.
It starts out just fine, with the Enterprise command staff enjoying some downtime while on shore leave - all except chief engineer Montgomery Scott (James Doohan), who's got his hands full working miracles on the barely functioning new ship (but to Mr Scott, that's better than a holiday!), and, for unexplained reasons, communications officer Uhura (Nichelle Nichols).
Captain Kirk, Dr McCoy (DeForest Kelley) and Spock (Leonard Nimoy) are getting back to nature, roughing it in the picturesque Yosemite National Park. It's playful nonsense that's genuinely fun and occasionally heartwarming, and it works as a contrast to what follows.
The story touches on philosophical and theistic concerns; and by avoiding delving too deeply into either it adds food for thought without risking offending all but perhaps the most religiously-sensitive viewer. Alas, as it goes on the cracks begin to show in the script, and besides a few excellent character scenes, and some decent comedic moments, it lacks a crucial spark.
The bearded antagonist (Laurence Luckinbill) isn't a typical movie villain. He doesn't go in with guns blazing. His monologues are somewhat inspiring. In truth, he's actually kind of charming and may even have viewers cheering him on from time to time. His origins strike me as a bit dubious, but, upon reflection, his divergent nature is arguably one of the film's strengths.
The special effects are a mixed bag. The finale, in particular, suffers from not having enough money invested in it. Budget cuts forced the scripted earth-shaking spectacle to be abandoned. It was supposed to be impressively apocalyptic, with angels and demons dramatically flying around, in support of the story, but instead it has all the explosive power of a warm shart.
Captain Kirk, Dr McCoy (DeForest Kelley) and Spock (Leonard Nimoy) are getting back to nature, roughing it in the picturesque Yosemite National Park. It's playful nonsense that's genuinely fun and occasionally heartwarming, and it works as a contrast to what follows.
The story touches on philosophical and theistic concerns; and by avoiding delving too deeply into either it adds food for thought without risking offending all but perhaps the most religiously-sensitive viewer. Alas, as it goes on the cracks begin to show in the script, and besides a few excellent character scenes, and some decent comedic moments, it lacks a crucial spark.
The bearded antagonist (Laurence Luckinbill) isn't a typical movie villain. He doesn't go in with guns blazing. His monologues are somewhat inspiring. In truth, he's actually kind of charming and may even have viewers cheering him on from time to time. His origins strike me as a bit dubious, but, upon reflection, his divergent nature is arguably one of the film's strengths.
The special effects are a mixed bag. The finale, in particular, suffers from not having enough money invested in it. Budget cuts forced the scripted earth-shaking spectacle to be abandoned. It was supposed to be impressively apocalyptic, with angels and demons dramatically flying around, in support of the story, but instead it has all the explosive power of a warm shart.
But before things go to shit, there's an intimate scene involving McCoy aboard the ship that, for me, is the highlight of the film. The low-key lightning and sympathetic pace at which it unfolds help it pack a real emotional punch. DeForest Kelley was a great actor, given the chance.
Overall, although a bit of a misfire, at its best ST: V resembles the TV series with extra padding.
- Kirk: "In the TV show, women fought over me. Now all I get are rocky crevices." -
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