I remember being disappointed after leaving the theater because expectations were so high from 'The Wrath of Khan'. But on looking back in hindsight, this IS a huge movie for any 1st time director.
On the plus side, the acting by Bill Shatner ranks right up there amoung his best in the series, with hardly a false note (especially when he receives the bad news). The other regulars all have their moments, some are a little over the top...but ALL of them are better in #4 (and perfect in #6, just like they were perfect in #2). The non-series supporting roles are a little spotty, Kristie Alley is sorely missed (a tough act for any actress to follow). And Spock's clumsy metamorphosis was a story snag that was deemed necessary because 'learning while directing' AND acting in a larger role would have been too much for any performer. Too many closeups that was so 'in your face' on the big theater screen (did we really need to be so close to Sarek's upper lip? good thing the guy flossed); but it was a lesson Nimoy obviously learned because those distracting TV style closeups are absent from 'The Voyage Home'.
The music by the returning James Horner elevates the film to a grand type space opera that contain alot of epic set pieces (and explosions) and tries to camouflage some of the sillier moments. Too bad he didn't return for one or two more installments for continuity's sake because his music is phenomenal.
After #4 came out, I re-saw #3 and appreciated the movie's finer moments (there are many). At the very least the story actually MOVES (unlike #1 'The Motionless Picture'). And #3 prep'ed director Nimoy to free himself from the studio shackles and make the next installment his more personal film; and accomplish what many thought would never happen: to bring the Trekkers and general public together in an audience pleasing 'laugh out loud' adventure; #4 is a fond memory of one of the best times I ever had at the movies.
6 out of 10
Note: And lucky Spock even gets to break his cherry!
On the plus side, the acting by Bill Shatner ranks right up there amoung his best in the series, with hardly a false note (especially when he receives the bad news). The other regulars all have their moments, some are a little over the top...but ALL of them are better in #4 (and perfect in #6, just like they were perfect in #2). The non-series supporting roles are a little spotty, Kristie Alley is sorely missed (a tough act for any actress to follow). And Spock's clumsy metamorphosis was a story snag that was deemed necessary because 'learning while directing' AND acting in a larger role would have been too much for any performer. Too many closeups that was so 'in your face' on the big theater screen (did we really need to be so close to Sarek's upper lip? good thing the guy flossed); but it was a lesson Nimoy obviously learned because those distracting TV style closeups are absent from 'The Voyage Home'.
The music by the returning James Horner elevates the film to a grand type space opera that contain alot of epic set pieces (and explosions) and tries to camouflage some of the sillier moments. Too bad he didn't return for one or two more installments for continuity's sake because his music is phenomenal.
After #4 came out, I re-saw #3 and appreciated the movie's finer moments (there are many). At the very least the story actually MOVES (unlike #1 'The Motionless Picture'). And #3 prep'ed director Nimoy to free himself from the studio shackles and make the next installment his more personal film; and accomplish what many thought would never happen: to bring the Trekkers and general public together in an audience pleasing 'laugh out loud' adventure; #4 is a fond memory of one of the best times I ever had at the movies.
6 out of 10
Note: And lucky Spock even gets to break his cherry!