reviewed by Charity Bishop
     

There was some doubt among the masses heading into this film whether or not it could redeem the horrific box office bust that was the first Star Trek movie. Fortunately, The Wrath of Kahn proved to be a success!

It's difficult not to feel old when surrounded by young, naive cadets, but that is the current mental state of Admiral James T. Kirk (William Shatner). "Retired" from missions and now an instructor at Star Fleet, he is not very excited at the prospect of accompanying the Enterprise on a two-week training mission. The doom and gloom attitude that accompanies his presence soon begins to influence his friends, causing them some concern toward his mental state. Fortunately, a distraction soon arises that forces him to confront the past. The Federation has authorized scientists on board a space station to conduct experiments in creating life from nothingness. Dubbed the "Genesis Project," their findings have proven conclusive and they are almost ready to begin testing. But then they receive an unusual command from Admiral Kirk to turn over all their research. Problem is, Kirk did not send the message and knows nothing about it.

The Enterprise is full of cadets in training, beneath the instruction of Captain Spock (Leonard Nimoy), but they have no alternative but to investigate -- hoping the cadets, including the determined Vulcan Lt. Saavik (Kirstie Alley), are up to the potential task of combat. What Kirk and the rest of his crew do not realize is that a recent expedition onto an unknown planet has unearthed an old adversary, who intends to make Kirk pay a terrible price for his participation in his imprisonment. It becomes personal and the stakes become even higher when it is made apparent that the vicious Kahn (Ricardo Montalban) intends to use the Genesis Project not to create worlds... but to destroy them.

Considered the best of the original films by most fans, I will admit that this production did not impress me as much as it wanted to. I think part of that is a result of having it be a full-length feature rather than a more traditional forty-six minute episode. This allows for slower scenes but also means that the pacing is not as ambitious. I thought Kirk's midlife crisis was jut a little bit pathetic and never liked Kahn enough in the original series to enjoy prolonged scenes with him. Having said that, however, I think a second viewing knowing the "style" of the production would make me more fond of it. It is nice to see all the familiar faces back -- albeit, much older! -- and the longer format does allow us to learn more about the characters. I thought it was especially fun that we got to discover what set Kirk apart from the other cadets during his initial training (a back story that the 2009 film took at face value and "turned on its head") -- it is the same thing that ultimately brings him out of his "funk" and reminds us of the best aspects of his personality (his determination and ingenuity). It's also something of a tearjerker since toward the end, a major and much beloved character meets his death. The acting throughout is good but is exceptional in that scene -- understated but highly emotional and so positively true to the characters that the audience cannot help being impacted by it. It's as much of a loss for us as the crew of the Enterprise.

There is not much humor in the screenplay so it takes a more "serious" and even at times sinister approach but there are still the typical character interactions that we have come to expect. McCoy and Spock barely get along, and Kirk is generally forced to play peacemaker. The villain is hammy and I confess to snickering a bit at his outrageous costume and "bronzed" muscles, but overall it's a fun trip into space. There are a few content concerns but nothing major. Profanity makes frequent appearances (most of it is restricted to d**n and "hell") but there was one use of GD that felt out of place. The typical violence one might expect is present in the form of explosions, fist fights, exchange of weapons fire, etc. More squeamish viewers will cringe when an alien entity is encouraged to slither in through the ear canal and infiltrate the brain. There's no sensuality but reference is made to an illegitimate child.

Religious connotations are present in relation to the Genesis Project and it is interesting to hear both perspectives. Spock insists it is only logical and useful to create new worlds, while McCoy takes a more traditional view that only God is capable of creation and it is not something man should be toying with. This premise of humanity tampering with things it cannot begin to comprehend adds another element to what otherwise might have been a very straightforward action film. Knowing what is coming makes the ending slightly less traumatic but even with the assurance that not all is as it seemed, certain revelations and conversations toward the end made me a little emotional. I would not say that this was the "greatest" science fiction film ever made but it is entertaining and for fans of the characters, is a bittersweet return to the Enterprise.