PATRON TAKES - Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country
TAKES WILL BE READ 1/8 5PM EASTERN
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what time does st6 drop on patreon?
A proper send off for the TOS crew. First star to the right and straight on till morning.
At long last, you'll see why everyone was screaming at you to watch Star Trek VI before TNG, as well as why you were absolutely right not to do so. (Sorry for my long absences, guys. I've had this Patron Take composed in my head for at least a year, though.)
This is my all time favorite Star Trek movie because the themes have been relevant at every stage of my life. Do I want things to change, or to stay the same? Do I support a group, fight against a group, or take my own path? Do I shape the future, or step aside so others can? Almost every character is answering these questions for themselves, and the story is the consequence of all their choices combined. I love many of the other Star Trek movies for different reasons, but this one is a thoughtful reflection of life’s journey, wrapped in an excellent presentation.
I’ve always thought that the comment that Uhura made about having all that equipment for cataloging gaseous anomalies was a jab back at Star Trek five and the big vacuous gas bag of crap that it was
“That wasn’t his knee, not every species keeps its genitals in the same place, captain“ Another one of those lines that just stands out in the entire franchise Delivered by IMAN, or Martiel, or as you might know her, supermodel, and the wife of the late singer David Bowie
I always thought Chekov got a raw deal in this one. He's the audience surrogate, asking questions that Spock can answer, so they forward the plot. It hits a low point in the galley, where Chekov (former security chief in The Motion Picture) asks about the phaser setting off the alarm. It's a great scene, but it makes him look dumb. (Personally, I would have liked to see Dr. Chapel make a quick cameo in that scene. She could ask that question and it would make sense that she didn't know. Same result, better execution.)
in truth chekov never got much in any movie but what I will give credit in #6 is that they gave him for once, stuff to do that was his actual job, security. We only see snippets, but it shows him effectively doing his job - finding the blood etc etc. And looking back at that scene when we did not know who was the guilty party, it almost made him even look suspect as he did so for a split second - that to me was great use of unfortunately what has become a side-character.
I have more to say about this movie than you’d ever want to read. It’s my favorite of the TOS films. There’s a lot of connective tissue with TNG woven in, from the obvious (Colonel Worf and the wording of Kirk’s last log entry) to the subtle (a lot of tech terminology throughout the movie is more in line with TNG than the earlier films).
Story and execution, generally a solid A, as a kid/teenager I loved Star Trek 6. However, as an adult, the cracks begin to show with this movie. Knowing what we know about klingons by 1991, it felt really silly to have them romanticise human literature so much. The cold war connections were played a little too literally. Great movie but I felt it could have done with further script revision before filming. Although granted, there is a lot of *writing fire gesture* moments, especially between an introspective kirk and Spock when alone together. it's also odd we never truly got an explanation later in TNG on how Qu'nos itself was apparently saved and remained habitable. "Is it possible that we two, you and I have become so old and so inflexible, that we have outlived our usefulness?" *skip a bit* "Come on -I- need you." - That is Kirk fire right there, replies to his friend that he is still needed.
There's a line in the novelization, which I assume was in an earlier draft of the script, which I wish was in the movie. The end of Spock's line is "...would that constitute a joke?" and Kirk replies, "the difference between comic and cosmic is the letter S." That always made me laugh when I read it.
I think we hit a record with Patron Takes and comments for an upcoming reaction! Over 300! Wow!
All Home Releases of this movie edit out the countdown in the Torpedo Tube. When I saw this in the theater (more than once), McCoy's line "I'd give real money if she'd shut up" is directed at the female computer voice counting down while Spock and McCoy are frantically working on the Torpedo. For some reason, that I've never been able to uncover, the countdown has been removed. Instead, it sounds like McCoy is referring to Chang's Shakespearean rant. (Though, it seems unlikely it would be broadcast throughout the ship all the way into the torpedo tubes.)
Another line spoken by DeForest Kelley came during the court trial: Chang asks what "Stand Down" means, and McCoy replies "Retire," to which Chang then said, simply, "Ah." That was in the theatrical release and is now no longer found on any version I've seen since then.
This is my favorite of the bunch. Closely followed by III. They feel the most like TOS.
This is my personal favourite Star Trek movie. I love the political intrigue and detective story, Warner and Plummer are great guest actors, it rewards the viewer for paying close attention, tons references and trivia (which I'm sure you've been flooded with already by other commenters), and the send-off for the crew just gets me in the feels. Luv it ^-^
Good movie overall. Not one of my absolute favorites but I do enjoy it. They could have done a lot worse for a send off.
This movie, while it has a few hiccups, is a very good send off for the original crew. Certainly better than the previous one. The villain is engaging, and see Sulu the way you do is so cool!!
This is my favorite movie from The Motion Picture era and the only one I got to see in the theater. I was 10 at the time. Each member of the original cast gets a good moment. There are so many quotable lines from General Chang's non-stop Shakespeare to McCoy's "I'd give real money if he'd shut up" and McCoy to Kirk "What is it with you, anyway?" Not to mention Spock telling Starfleet to "Go to hell." Kirk's final Captain's Log and the cast signatures are a perfect send off. Fun facts: -General Chang saying "Don't wait for the translation!" , is a real-life quote of US ambasador to the UN Adali Stevenson. He said that to the Soviet ambassador during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. -The explosion of Praxis was dubbed "the Praxis effect" by Industrial Light and Magic and was the inspiration for the updated Death Star explosions in the Special Editions of Star Wars and Return of the Jedi. Tie-ins with other Star Trek: -Admiral Cartwright and the Klingon Ambassador return from Star Trek IV -Janice Rand returns as communications officer aboard the Excelsior -Kirk and McCoy's defense attorney Colonel Worf is Lt. Worf's grandfather -The peace conference is held at Camp Khitomer. Implied to be the same Khitomer where Worf's family was killed. -In Star Trek IV, Sulu hoped the crew would get the Excelsoir, he got it as Captain.
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This movie just gives me good feelings all over. Christopher Plummer and David Warner are fabulous! Fun Fact: Valeris was originally written to be Saavik but the creators decided that Saavik would never behave that way.
I am here for Michael Dorn reactions in open credits !!!
YES! And another favorite actor both guys know and love so well................ ML
I’m proud to say this is my favourite TOS movie, narrowly beating Wrath of Khan, mainly because of how politically meaningful and timely it was. Leonard Nimoy described it as “the Berlin Wall coming down in space” as a result of the Klingon’s own Chernobyl-like disaster, events we were all still reeling from in 1991. It puts to bed the conflict with the Klingons who’ve always represented the Soviet Union, just as that old enemy disintegrated in the real world. It’s a fight for peace, a fight to overcome prejudices that have built up in our characters over decades and a fight for everything Star Trek is supposed to mean. *****
My favorite movie out of the entire ST franchise. I was 11 and it was the first time I was anticipating seeing a movie in the theaters. The Star Trek 25th anniversary special aired just before it, pumping up the hype. I never knew until recently that the opening credit theme music is "Mars" of the Planets Suite by Gustav Holst. Love everything about this movie. Great casting and nice to see David Warner be given a better character than he had in ST5.
Great take - quick check though, although it was inspired heavily by Holst, it wasnt the same as "Mars" from the Planets suite. Heavily influenced, though 👍🏼
Another example how Trek broadens your horizon. Even regarding American presidential history: 'Only Nixon could go to China." At this point in my life I associated Nixon only with Watergate. But if it is ancient Vulcan wisdom said by Spock I had to look it up.
I saw it in the theater at 10. I still remember a old (old to me...he was probably my age now) Trekkie laugh at that line. I didn't really get it and didn't get it at the time. Lol
The feelings I have for this movie are so connected to the rest of the movies rather than the series, and it still was a BANGER, and that’s just a testament to the movie itself and how good it is ! I haven’t seen it in over a decade and it still holds a special place in my heart ! What a way to end their adventure !
With 'Qo'noS' or 'Kronos' we get a name for the Klingon planet at last. I still don't know why it took so long. I always found it odd calling it only 'Klingon homeworld" to this point. Even in 'Redemption".
They briefly referred to it as "Kling" in TNG's Heart of Glory, but I think everyone silently agreed that it sounded stupid and never said that again.
I keep seeing the word "racism" here and would simply like to pose a question to anyone who feels that the characters or story elements are "racist" in some way. Do Kirk and other characters celebrate or glorify racism, or is the characters' discomfort around race and cultural and species differences used as a plot device for redemption and growth? I find most viewer-reader-pundit complaints about supposed "racism" in artistic works to be cloying in a kind of "better point this out to cover my ass" way, an attempt to appear politically correct, and usually a signal that the viewer/reader has only a surface understanding of a work and hasn't gone deeper. If you walk out of the theater because a character or story seems "racist" to you, that's your prerogative, but you may miss the redemption arc, and that means that the problem isn't with the story or characters, but with you. Just sayin'...
To me, it depends on if you view this as an isolated work or as part of an established universe. Are the characters’ actions in this movie believable and understandable within the context of the story? Yes. Are they consistent with the previous 25 years of storytelling? No.
Love the channel guys, even if my opinion differs sometimes, Iove your honesty, don't ever change! Undiscovered Country is my favourite Star Trek film. Fun fact, the signing off at the end of Avengers Endgame was inspired by the end of this film!
My personal favorite of the core Star Trek films, even above Wrath of Khan. I consider VI so *perfectly* paced: so much is done in such a short period of time, from assassination to prison to perhaps the best space battle in the entire franchise. Yes, the movie makes the legacy characters morally questionable and it leans deep into post-Roddenberry in-universe fictional!politics, but I believe it's the best of the best of what 90s Trek was capable of doing. Whatever you think of this film, I can only hope it's at least a great ride for y'all.
Really great send off for the TOS crew. Great story, great fun, great film.
I love the Bird of Prey exploding at the end. I can watch that explosion on repeat. What a memorable special effect.
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My Favourite of the original Trek movies, I think this is personally S tier. I think the actors are all on their A game, the guest actors all do a fantastic job, Christopher Plummer as Kang is having a blast overacting, and it works great for his character. a lot of people have issue with the racism the main cast are displaying, which is fair, but in universe, it kinda makes sense. These characters have been in a state of cold war with the Klingons for most of their career, some have lost friends to it, others family. They are also old, and set in their ways, so change is something that is of issue. And it does get a chance for the characters to show growth in the film, and introspection, through Kirk's reaction to the Klingons. The music is also on point, and has a few of those great Trek moments, especially Kirks "Fire!" at the final battle. I do think the film would have been better if they'd managed to go with the original plan, and have Saavik in the place where Valaeris is.
Name me another franchise that had multiple banger scores.
Uhhhh... STAR WARS? INDIANA JONES? It doesn't have to be "best" or "better than others" in order to work the way it should and still be great in and of itself.
Perhaps you will review "To Kill A Mockingbird" from 1962 one day, and you can contrast why it was such a big deal to have Brock Peters, of all actors, refer to Klingons as "alien trash" in the 23rd century.
Probably the best TOS film, not to take anything away from ST: WoK but for me this just pips it. Christophe Plummer is great and I always get a bit emosh when they sign off at the end.
I added a comment earlier but have just binged the rest of the TNG episodes not yet on YouTube - I’ve never watched ST in release order and holy shit - the amount of storylines interconnecting throughout is crazy. Redemption, Reunification and the movie tying up is a big fat Ferengi chef’s kiss 👂😘👌👂
This movie has a special place in my heart as it was the first I saw in a movie theater. Terrific acting, great story, and great send off to the crew that had such a tremendous impact on us!
Hamlet has been translated into Klingon. Or more accurately, restored to the original Klingon. https://youtu.be/RF0k4qV1I1Y?si=qTya4U-BBjJ8WdUO
“We volunteered?!”
My favourite TOS movie, everyone played their part in it, and they didn't get too wrapped up in it being the end until the very end. The music in this movie was also fantastic, that opening score by Cliff Eidelmen, I still go back to it. Reminds me of a Danny Elfman Batman score. Nice cameo from Michael Dorn also, think he was Worf's grandfater in canon (?)
ST6 is my second favorite TOS movie and a solid send off to the original crew
As you well know, I'm a model builder and have the specific kit of the Klingon Battle Cruiser Kronos 1 depicted in the movie. Just wondering what you thought of it. You may not have noticed but there are many additions to the hull that are military medal decorations, each one signifying past battle victories. It had been through a battle or two...
My dad got me the model kit for the Kronos 1, I was a little too young at the time but I still thought it looked awesome
To me this isn't just the best Star Trek film, it's one of my top ten favourite movies ever made. I think there are so many fantastic moments in this, even just small things, such as a moment of dialogue. I love that the co-stars in the crew each get a lot to do. I also love the guest stars.
I thought this was a nice farewell for the crew. With Nimoy and Meyer in charge, it was a good bet this film would be decent. I felt there were a lot of good moments for many members of the original cast. Great twist in the story with Valeris , you can feel Spock's immense disappointment (great acting by Nimoy). I loved Sulu coming to the rescue in the end. "Second star to the right and straight on 'til morning." Ahhhh! Love the writing. The CAST SIGNATURES in the closing credits was an awesome touch! I remember getting emotional as I left the theater, knowing this was likely the end for my beloved childhood crew.
Not for the video, but way back when I suggested you guys do the movies in chronological order, and pointed out how it set up a status quo for TNG. That being the Klingon Peace, and Worf's presence on the bridge. Given how it worked out, and that you probably appreciate Micheal Dorn's cameo as his grandpop 1000% more now... I was wrong, it didn't matter as much as I thought.
I wonder how you boys will take "Then let them die." in light of the whole "SHOOT HIM!" bit. Cause I know I thought ahead to this film everytime you guys brought it up.
Shatner hated the line, but the line was well earned after what happened to David. But it's important to note - as the movie proved - It was simply an emotional response from Kirk, nothing more. When push came to shove, unlike people like Admiral Cartright, Kirk didn't act on his hate for Klingons and backed the peace treaty. actions speak louder than words.
This is my 2nd favourite Trek movie and my favourite with the original cast. It's not perfect, but Nick Meyer poured his heart and soul into making it a proper sendoff for the TOS crew, at one point in tears fighting off budget cuts and a brief cancellation. It acts as a bridge to TNG, it gives us IMO one of Trek's most compelling villains, and between this crew's last mission being one of peace, and that ending log entry followed by the cast signatures, I can't think of a more fitting way to close out the adventures of this crew. Christopher Plummer and David Warner reprised their roles in the video game Klingon Academy, which expands a lot on their characters and acts as an excellent prequel to this movie IMO.
Pretty sure this is where Avenger's Endgame got it's "Signature Credit Sign Off," and yes, I understood that reference in the theatre and appreciated it all the more. A good wrap-up, sequel, prequel, set-up & conclusion film. Don't think anyone else has managed it.
The even numbered Trek episode are amazing because of the undeniably excellent guest stars they each had: Ricardo Montalban, Christopher Plummer, George & Gracie. Christopher Plummer was not only a top notch classically trained actor, but Shatner was once his understudy. The two were great on screen together here, and Plummer clearly had load of fun with the role while the director was afraid to hold him back! The three great TOS movies are actually each great in completely different ways for completely different reasons. So instead of trying to make futile comments like “I like this one better” we should recognize them as orthogonal axis, like the X, Y and Z axis in geometry. They are all very good, and don’t impinge on each other in any way.
A little bit of cool trivia. When the script was finished, many people didn’t like the racism in it including Gene Roddenberry and William Shatner. However when it was all said and done, Gene, on basically his deathbed, screened the film before it came out and gave it his final thumbs up approval, citing, “That’s a good Star Trek film.”
No where is it documented that Gene liked this movie. Quite the opposite (and he wasn’t on his death bed. He was very much up and around right up until he collapsed at his doctor’s office).
I watched this for the first time a couple weeks ago. I'd always heard good things about it, but my first reaction was "Meh". Maybe I need to see it a couple times more, but my next time will probably be when it's posted.
My feeling about it has always been good but not great.
just for fun here the translation: We art thy freighter Ursuva… six weeks out of Kronos… We is condemning food, things, and supplies…”Don't catch any bugs!
Well, this is one of my favorite movies, not just Trek Movies... So, if you don't like this... Oh well, I'll keep watching and be a subscriber haha. Interested on your views on a lot of really good scenes in the movie more than your overall view. Don't tell me the "Let them die" line from Kirk/that whole scene isn't great!
For me this is my favorite Star Trek movie overall of any of the casts. I don't know if I can say it is actually better than others but it's the one I love the most. It just has everything Star Trek is in one spot. It's diplomacy, phasers & torpedos, science solving problems, brotherhood, comradery, espionage, loyalty, and even deep personal emotions giving way for the greater good. Yes it had reused assets and the dialog was a little much but I enjoyed it all.
out of all the TOS movies this one is my Favorite, above all i love the Undiscovered Country. every that happens shapes the future of the Klingon Empire and the Federation, The Khitomer accords allows peace between the two powers. However it gives the old crew an amazing send off to quote Kirk "Second star to the right and straight on till morning, that way (waves hand)* also we Sulu as Captain. i could go on but i'll keep it short.
We're going to (Klingon) court! With Bones and Kirk! This movie falls somewhere mid-range for me in terms of the Star Trek TOS films. The cast's age is showing a little too much by now, and yet they manage to pull it off somehow. You have 2-3 captains on board 1 ship, and some characters like Chekov and Uhura who should've been promoted to captain by now but are stuck in their old jobs. Some of the dialog is stilted and too expositional (like firing hand-phasers on a starship). Kim Cattrell does a decent job with a character that was supposed to be Saavik. Shatner's overacting starts to show too much. But Sulu finally gets to command the Excelsior (after a scene on the shuttlepod mentioned it in Star Trek 2 that Shatner wanted cut), we get Nicholas Meyer's unused title for Star Trek 2, and a tie-in to TNG with Colonel Worf for the defense. A B+ for me.
As the "finale" of the TOS movie saga (counting Generations as a TNG movie) this is immensely satisfying. It builds beautifully on elements introduced in the previous movies and combines them in a political thriller that sets up the new status quo we see in future of TNG, which was at its own high point. I don't think there was ever a better time to be a Star Trek fan than 1991. The end credits with the signatures always make me emotional, no matter how often I see them.
Did you notice that when Martia as Fake Kirk points and says "kill him, he's the one!", she points above Real Kirk's head? Real Kirk then responds by pointing correctly. Martia gave herself away since she's accustomed to being shorter.
Holy smokes that's a great take on it. Any idea if it was deliberate?
Star Trek the undiscovered country was special for me. As a melienial it was the first startek movie I remember seeing on TV. Never saw the original at this point but was still able to follow along. It's a testament to the movie tha it's still good without the context. I mean yeah it's a lot better with it but I love that it's good on it's own and made me want to see these guys backstories. This is tied with first contact for me as the best. Fun fact I also saw first contact with out seeing almost any tng episodes. And not a single episode that featured ( redacted) and in the same way as 6 it still worked on it's own. P.s my first patreon take how id do
I don't think anyone has mentioned it yet, the wave effect of praxis exploding you've seen before when Ra's ship explodes in Stargate. It's also been used in independence day, return of the king, and in the special editions of Star wars for the death star explosions and of alderaan blowing up.
ILM got their money's worth out of variations of that, especially the 'seismic charge' from Attack of the Clones. The VFX technique is even known as the "Praxis Effect" afterwards, from this movie.
One part of the movie that always caught my attention was when the Klingon cruiser was drifting away after it got shot. Chekov says "she's still listing", followed by Kirk's quick (and obviously ADR'd) line "she's spinning out of control!" As if they figured that Chekov's accent was unintelligible and no one knows what listing means. Another obvious bit of ADR was offscreen Chekov "we must respond personally, the universal translator would be recognized" to make it clear why they're using books. I'd bet these were the results of test screening feedback
It's a fair bet general audiences have no idea what listing means, being that it's a nautical term. Sort of like when the guys questioned why Riker used the phrase "hold fast". A lot of nautical language that gets lost in a sci-fi context. Personally, I think all that naval tradition is key to the flavor of Star Trek. Almost completely missing in Nu Trek.
Kirk's racism is completely understandable. Years and years of war and dealing with them, with his son getting murdered by Klingons as the final straw in Star Trek III. It's actually not a prejudice without cause. And it certainly doesn't help that not once in ToS did Kirk ever meet a "good" Klingon.
Kang, Koloth and Kor may have come close in TOS, but Kruge killing his son in ST3 deeply changed him, until this moment in ST6 where he finally can lay his anger to rest.
Second star to the right, and straight on til morning.
My favorite thing about this movie is that finally every cast member has something to do. Everyone plays at least some pivotal role in the story/solves a problem. As much as I love the main 3, TOS has always struggled to incorporate the supporting cast. They even put George Takei on his own ship so he didn't have to interact with Shatner (lol), but he still gets a fine send off and it's great seeing him as captain. Even the new characters like Valerus, Gorkon (the late great David Warner returns again), and General Chang are fantastic. P.S. Chang even got his own video game called Klingon Academy that has live action cutscenes with Christopher Plummer himself as your Instructor.
Chang and Gorkon in Klingon Academy is a fantastic prequel, of sorts, to ST6: https://youtu.be/ZMz-GwQ6IDU?si=ZEbNw4bRhyW99bHS
"If the shoe fits..." I really enjoyed this one. I remember seeing it in theaters as a teenager and really loved all the aliens and action. The only real detractor for me was the fake looking blood. I think you guys will love this one and be shocked with the developments in the storyline. Particularly with what happens to Praxus, the excellent comedic parts, and Kirk's character growth. It has everything you could ask for in a Star Trek Movie. Now when is Josh going to tell us about his D&D adventures. The people must know!
Had to be pink/mauve coloured, as red blood would have instantly made this R-rated. I agree it looks fake, but it was a great early use of realistic fluid modelling by ILM way back in 1991 - just prior to the VFX being perfected for the T1000 in Terminator 2
I still hope that somewhere in Kim Cattrall's house is an envelope where she kept the pictures she'd taken of herself on the Enterprise bridge, lounging in nothing but her Vulcan ears. Nimoy tore them all up when he discovered what was happening, fearing the reputational damage.
My favorite movie of the Original Series. By far. ST2 is second.
Same...
For those wanting some extra Klingon ~looore~, check out the "Star Trek: Klingon Academy" video game from 2000, starring David Warner and Christopher Plummer reprising their roles as Gorkon and Chang: https://youtu.be/ZMz-GwQ6IDU?si=dJ4pVTcKkkewbk6G
Torlek: "General, I mean no disrespect by this sir, but I have often wondered: why you quote the words of this 'Shakespeare'? A human poet? This has caused me some confusion..." Chang: "Yes yes, I can see how that would seem perplexing, however this is not such a mystery. Remember my first lesson to you: "Know thy enemy"? I have spent the latter half of my life studying human culture and their history... I encountered this Shakespeare early in these studies. He was one of their greatest warrior-poets, eloquently writing of the same virtues we strive for. A pity he was born to a people who can not... adequately appreciate the meaning of his work. He would have made such a fine Klingon..." Given Christopher Plummer is an accomplished thespian (as is David Warner and Patrick Stewart), this makes this speech so wonderfully meta 😆
Man, that early-movie attack scene with the confusion, the firefight aboard the Klingon ship, that still gives me chills.
Nichelle Nichols hated the translation scene. It showed Uhura incompetent as a comunication officer for not speaking Klingon fluently. She is right but I still consider the scene as quite funny. I remember my Trek buddy at the time and I closed for weeks every second sentence to each other with 'Reen?'.
This is one of the things I was referring to in my take, when I said too many of the characters didn't ring true
S tier flick with one flaw: the dummy shot during the destruction of the prototype bird of prey scene. It's almost as bad as the Fifth Element dummy shots in the opera house. Did any SFX/effects end up popping out at either of you or even take you out of it?
What's a 'dummy shot'?
This is the send-off that the original cast deserved. Everything from beginning to end is wonderfully done, from the storytelling to the opportunity for all of the cast to have a moment to shine
I have returned to give my take! This is up there with 2 and 4, rotating as my top pick depending on my mood. Time has really caught up to them now, but a great story and a proper goodbye. If I had to find one thing wrong, I would say structurally it is a murder mystery with only one suspect.
I can't help but feel you guys are going to take issue with Kirk's hateful viewpoint on Klingons (at first), thinking he's better than that or something. Well, he's not. We know Kirk's more of a soldier than a diplomat, prone to obsession, and even though he was told to stay out of his life and never talked about it, cared that he had a son out there. His hatred was ugly, but understandable.
Some of our best characters are those that are flawed. It is our nature.
This had the potential to be another Superman IV: The Quest for Peace disaster - Paramount fired Harve Bennett, and wanted something in theaters for a 25th anniversary cash grab with a slashed budget and the script wasn't a priority. They even hired the same screenwriters as Superman IV. But then they wisely hired Nicholas Meyer who could maximize a small budget, and can quickly rewrite a superior script.
"Then send in your own writers Goss!!" Kidding aside - fully agreed. Meyer directed 2 and wrote 4, so writing and directing 6 he smashed it out of the park
In general I don’t think Star Trek works well in movie form. The ethos just doesn’t translate. And this is the worst example. Take YET ANOTHER story about a god-like being and say nothing really new about it while making a bunch of old people try to look like action heroes. I struggle to pay attention to this movie and there are so many just cringey moments.
Sounds like your describing Star Trek V, not Star Trek VI.
not my favorite trek film, but i think its probably the best one. it really takes 'star trek is a place' to the level it should always have been, and will be moving forward
This is my favourite Star Trek Movie, it has it all - a great plot, excellent acting from the crew and Shakespearian actors, a proper budget for visual effects and probably the best score in all of ST. Only the 2nd and 8th movies come close IMO. Signed up for Patreon as I couldn’t wait for this one…
Welcome aboard!
This is by far my favorite Star Trek movie. I love every minute from beginning to end. It is a perfect send off for the original group of actors that made us love Star Trek
The real star of this movie is George Takei! Captain Sulu is amazing (especially the opening scene) - wish we'd got to see more adventures with him on the Excelsior. The rest is fine. B+
There are wonderful analogies with the real 20th century as it wound down in parallel with the fictional 23rd century. Praxis represents Chernobyl. The failure of the Klingon empire represents the collapse of the Soviet Union. The peace process with the Klingons of course represents the end of the Cold War. It's very Star Trek in its optimism, and extremely Star Trek in its insistence on drawing clear parallels with the real world.
All true. But of course it also is the bridge to the Klingon-Federation relationship in TNG. Represented most obviously by Kirk's and McCoy's public defender Colonel Worf, who is supposed to be Lt. Worf's grandfather. At least Michael Dorn cornfirmed this was the intention of the filmmakers.
I hate seeing our formally noble characters turned into racists (with the notable exception of Executive Producer Spock). This is so far away from the way they were portrayed in the original series. Kirk’s attitude at the beginning of the movie is entirely out of character for him. For all of the movie’s strengths, I actually prefer Star Trek V because that at least understood the characters.
I actually liked the character growth. Kirk spent a lifetime dealing with Klingons... And finally they killed his son and he logically had that resentment. And the whole thing comes full circle over the course of the movie. For narrative reasons, it's part of his Arc for the film. I don't think characters need to be completely rigid. They're allowed to change and grow and even regress. That's what makes them interesting.
MCU Endgame stole the cast signing the frame at the end from Star Trek VI. Your whole lives have been a lie.
Kirks second most iconic line in this movie "let them die!" Pretty much a "shoot them all!" To me:-) they can add that to their meme roster.
That line is a most human, the most honest response. Kudos to the writers to make Kirk REAL.
Sulu's "Fly her apart, then!" as he hauls ass to help his friends is his defining moment and one of my favorite moments in the whole franchise.
And it's such a well delivered line
Every star trek movie is different and that one is no exeption this time being a conspirecy/political/... I frankly dont know how that genre is called. 😉 S-tier for sure!
"Whodunnit", according to Walter Koenig in the 25th Anniversary Celebration
I love Kirk mentioning how the Enterprise will soon be in the care of another crew. It is a wonderful way to mention TNG. The ending is such a perfect way to pass the baton from TOS to TNG. it is bitter sweet but so hopeful.
No. He ment HIS Enterprise at this point. The 1701-A. The A was new at the end of IV. Although we never saw it, it is likely the A got a new bridge crew after VI.
The dots are joining together in THE LORE!
This is probably my favorite of the Star Trek Movies, I'm sure the others have said all the fun facts so I'll just say it's a great send-off and a great "end of the cold war" allegory. Shame we never got a show for Captain Sulu.
The mindmeld between Spock and Valeris was brutal, but what surprised me was the use of both hands when Spock was trying to find out where the conference was. That was intense, but unnecessary as Spock could have told Captain Kirk to contact the Excelsior and ask Captain Sulu instead of subjecting Valeris to that final part of the meld.
The sorrow regret, and shaking in Spock’s voice as he says “she does not know” hits me hard. He doesn’t show emotion. Rarely at least. But at that point, it hurt him so badly to have to do that, it killed him.
How'd you guys like the cast's signatures used for the end credits? Markus and Mcfeely, the screenwriters of Avengers: Endgame which did the same thing with it's credits, confirmed that they 100% lifted it from Star Trek 6.
I love the dark tone. It doesn't take away from the TOS comradery. What a wonderful sendoff for the OG crew.
I wonder why he didn’t use Gayne Rescher again? A good DOP is versatile, and will follow the director’s instruction, although Rescher’s “style” would still be present. Hiro Narita did great, but I would have loved to have Rescher back
I have always had issues with this movie. Too many of the characters didn't ring true to me. There were major flaws in the plot. The constant quotes from other places got so tedious. Still, there was enough I enjoyed to give it a B. I put 1,2, and 4 above it
Its too obvious Valeris is a villain. Cattrall plays her emotionally….”A lie?” “An error”. She smiles and trots off. Huh? She wasn’t right for the role, or made dumb choices. And the conversation in Spock’s quarters gives her intentions away. Instead, she just should have inquired how it changes now that he’s leaving, and what his future steps are.
So a few things. 1) Valeris was originally written to be Saavik, but Leonard Nimoy did not want to ruin her character with that. 2) This marks the return of ILM to the Star Trek Franchise. I hope you enjoyed the major bump in effects quality from Star Trek V. 3) This Movie ties in with TNG's Redemption 2 parter which you just watched. Spock mentions forcing Kirk to make peace with the Kingons as his reason for not involving anyone else in his reunification efforts. The Khitomer Conference, and the Khitomer Accords set up the franchise for the future TNG exists in. An alliance between the Federation and Klingon Empire. Overall, this movie does a ton of world building for TNG and beyond. The entire fabric of Next Generation's political setting is set up here. The Khitomer Accords are one of the foundational pieces of lore in the franchise. Also relevant, Worf's family was killed during a Romulan attack on Camp Khitomer.
Yeah, The Romulans wanted revenge for the Klingons betrayal of their agreement that when one either the Romulans or the Klingon empire were drawn into war with the federation the other would join ag UFP as well. They signed that treaty with the romulans receiving D7 cruisers from the Klingons and the klingons getting access to cloaking technology seen in TOS.
Despite a few flaws this movie is still an S-tier for me and it's the second best of the TOS movies after TWOK.
An amazing way to end the TOS era movies. I get emotional seeing the signatures at the end. Although, I always had to lower the volume during the Valeris mindmeld when I was young.... parents thought it could be porn. Actress was practicing for the later role in sex and the city.
By far my favorite Star Trek film of the bunch. Captures everything I love about the characters with tons of TNG influence thematically. I do think that when Kirk fights himself he kinda turns into Tim Allen tho
How did you like Michael Dorn's performance in the trial scene, and what did you think of the idea of Worf having a grandfather named Worf?
Worf (TNG), Son of Mogh, Grandson of Worf (ST6) 😉
Nice to see the USS Excelsior finally show up as a “hero” ship after getting clowned on in Star Trek 3. Interesting that after the embarrassing failure that was the experimental trans-warp drive, it’s clearly been abandoned. Mr Scott was totally right when he said “If my grandmother had wheels she’d be a wagon”.
It’s a wonderful send off to the OG crew. It’s one of those movies that crosses the genres and really can be enjoyed by any lover of movies. Mystery murder plot. And its relevance to real-world events. The Klingons were always an analogy for the Soviets. This was representative of the fall of old rivalries, end of the Cold War, and repercussions of lax safety leading to the Chernobyl disaster. My wife loves this movie and it’s one that I probably have memorized from all the times I have watched it. It doesn’t age. I hope you see the original version that was in theaters and VHS. There are three little scenes they cut but, to me, those scenes add even more to the film, even though one was kind of a Scooby Doo scene. I hope you love it as much as so many of us do.
Spock assaults Valeris on the bridge of the Enterprise. He forcibly mind melds with her and tears through her mind to get to the answers they desperately need. Even Spock is willing to compromise his ethics when the stakes are high enough. Star Trek VI is the perfect series finale for TOS. Everyone gets their time to shine, Kirk and Spock face their shortcomings and learn important lessons and the Enterprise flies off into the sunset at the end. First Trek film I saw in a theater when I was 11. Still a contender for Best Trek Film Overall!
It was his ethics that motivated Spock to do what he did. I see no conflict.
I know this is long, and I tried to condense it! Hoping some of it is read. There’s a lot to praise about this film, but I’ll leave that to others since it is widely considered a favorite. What has always bothered me about TUC is that its low budget really shows here. The blatant redress of TNG sets (specifically Ten Forward as the president’s office and the observation lounge as the dining hall) really stand out as cost-savings measures. The lack of on-location shooting really shows here too. While they did film 1 scene with Shatner and Kelley at Bronson Canyon (the night time scenes for Rura Penthe) and they sent a B-team up to Alaska to film their stand-ins on a glacier, the rest of the film is shot on sets and it just feels closed off. Say what you will about Shatner’s direction, but at least he had the balls to spend half of Trek 5 filming outdoors! It’s a great movie, but I just wish they would have chosen a different, more upbeat story for the final outing of the TOS cast. This movie makes me miss the fun, the adventure, and the optimism. If they had been able to go out with a film like The Voyage Home, I’d say that would be a perfect ending. Alas, they’re going out with a movie that excuses racism of our heroes, and with a score that takes itself way too seriously (I miss Goldsmith and Horner). It’s a great film, but it’s not perfect and there are better Trek movies. Giving this one an A for “almost S”
That's fair, but the only reason it got made is cause Nicholas Meyer new how to stretch a dollar twice as far. For what he got in this film for his budget, I think the quality to cost ratio is quite high. Many of the more expensive Trek films didn't do so well, like 1 and 5, so after 5 not doing so well, they didn't get the budget for this film it had, but they spent it well, on the things that probably matter most, the cast. I can see the optimism of this film isn't in the fun adventure, but in that we can, even at the age of this crew, be better, move passed our flaws, which is what Trek has always been about, humanity bettering itself.
The score in this movie is without rival, at least from the previous movies. Eidelman is somewhat of a nobody, but knocks it out of the park from the start. I know you guys don't really notice scores, but I'd recommend listening to the end credits if you can.
Nah, it’s fine, but a blatant ripoff of Holst’s “The Planets”.
Gene Roddenberry, saw a rough cut right before he died. Unfortunately, he did not like it. Too dark, and bigoted characters. Not what he wanted. But then again, neither was WOK, and they’re both brilliant.
Roddenberry wanted no conflicts between the core characters of TNG in season one, and how did that work out? As I typed under another take, one of the most mystifying things about 80s-90s TREK is how its creator seems to have either totally forgotten what made a good story a GOOD STORY, or --perhaps more likely-- was willing to sacrifice that in the name of his "vision for humanity." Most of the time when something is clunky, it's got Roddenberry's hand on or in it, with the excuse of "humanity has outgrown this in the 23rd (or 24th) century." Without getting spoiler-y, one thing that I like about later TREK --beginning, in fact, with DS9, and continuing through the two most recent live action TREK series-- is that the producers and writers aren't afraid to explore the difference and sometimes wide gulf between humanity's ASPIRATION to be more and their FAILURE to embody that aspiration.
This is a movie about seeing past old grudges and a reminder that many people benefit from stoking conflict. The story was especially pertinent at the fall of the Soviet Union, but the lesson is a timeless one.
I’m biggest issue was I didn’t believe Kirk would’ve said, and meant, “Let them die!”. I imagined he had just said it in anger and then immediately regretted it and took it back. It wasn’t until later that I learned William Shatner felt the same way and put in a regretful expression, like “I didn’t really mean that. Forget I said it.” They ended up editing it out, but you can kinda still see it when it cuts back to Kirk.
But it was probably realistic for a lot of people thinking about Russians...
The overture, the opening, Sulu as captain, I could go on. I love Kim Cattrall as Valeris though I know some don't. Incredible pacing. By far for me the best part of the movie is how every actor just absolutely wears their character like an old pair of shoes. Everyone is so comfortable in their roles and the camaraderie is just unreal.
That opening overture. So dark and brooding. Like the opening of Stravinsky’s “Firebird”. Then gradually crescendos into a powerful, blasting march, dark and ominous, and finally hanging onto that last chord of the french horns and snares….and then….BOOM! Praxis. The opening titles give me goosebumps. Sets the mood and lets you know this is a dark, serious movie that will be a real adventure with an ominous atmosphere. So well done. I listened to it twice in my car last night on loud volume, and I pictured myself on opening night watching those credits on screen, anticipating. The Praxis blast is so sudden, you almost jump.
"S" automatically. I mean even the teaser you watched was "S" tier. So creative using the Enterprise as a screen with scenes projected onto it.
And Christopher Plummer (General Chang) narrating
Takei pushed heavily to get fan support for a Sulu spin-off. Not sure why Paramount wasn't interested.
While not on television, George Takei did star in a trilogy of full-cast audio dramas as Captain of the Excelsior. They are still available on iTunes & other platforms and use binaural sound mixes, so are best experienced with headphones. The story titles are: Transformations, Cacophony, and Envoy.
My favorite TOS movie. Best looking, amazing sound mixing (got an Oscar nomination for it), best effects and by far my favorite music score.
Great film. I don't have a favourite TOS movie but this is surely one of the top contenders, and along with 1 & 2 it's on my most re-watched list. It's wonderful to the see the cast all getting moments to contribute and shine, the story is solid, and the stakes believable. The end hits me in the feels every damned time. The space scene direction is top notch too. This is the movie that makes me really appreciate just how big the Enterprise actually is, not to mention Excelsior. It's like I've never been this close... Easy S tier.
One of the main characters of this film that rarely gets talked about is the musical score. This guy scored his ass off. The opening is an homage to Mars the Bringer of War and it's brilliant. The whole score is brilliant. This composer came out of nowhere and just knocked it out of the park.
Then all he did afterwards was free willy sequels.
On opening day in the theater this film was amazing. The audience was cheering and very much clapping with each signature showing up on screen. It could not have been a more vibrant crowd that made most of the experience feel like alive theater play. Very ENERGIZING to say the least.
Same for me I’ll never forget it, took the afternoon off work specifically for that first showing (in the UK).
I think this is my favorite
After this film sat with me for years, its my opinion that they actually went overboard with the Shakespeare quotes. I watched and was like “ok, we get it. They love Shakespeare”. Chang didn’t have to quote it in practically every scene. Did he REALLY have to spin in his chair like a little kid yelling quotes during the battle? Less is always more. Count the times they quote. Its a bit too much! Still an “S”!
Gee it sure sounds like you loved it...
A Tier. I feel like TOS grew up a bit for this movie to match the more sophisticated tone of TNG. Having our characters of 25 years confront their long held prejudices and admit they were wrong was a great way to close this chapter of the franchise. I did however always feel it was a big miss not having Saavik be the the one who is lured in to turning on Starfleet instead of creating Velaris. Giving her that arc all the way from ST II and maybe finding more redemption at the end than Velaris would have been more impactful to me. It could have shown younger generations are just as susceptible to the older ones in succumbing to biggotry.
Alley wouldn’t do it and sadly Meyer refused to even consider Robin Curtis, which is a huge shame. Nimoy should’ve used his EP credit and put his foot down on that one.
S Tier , second best movie after Khan
I'm torn between II and VI as my favorite, with VIII (if you continue counting) right behind them.
Proof that only evil assholes, quote and love Shakespeare. To bad TNG didn't learn that
I found this to be kind of funny to see Worf in this movie. Does a great job being an attorney. But his presence does make me wonder how long Klingons live, since there is quite a bit of the difference between when Kirk was around and when Picard is around. Overall, an enjoyable movie! Definitely an A rating in my book.
Supposedly it's Worf's grandfather.
One effect from this film re-dressing the existing TNG sets... we lost the cool display of previous ships called Enterprise from the TNG Observation Lounge/Briefing Room, as the set was used as the formal dining hall for the Enterprise-A. That's why the gold ships on the wall disappeared during Season 5 of TNG.
Someone else mentioned Valeris originally was going to be Saavik. I really wish they had gone with that edgy choice, because it would have made so much impact to what was going on. You wouldn't suspect her, Spock's anger about it would make more sense, and her having witnessed Klingons murdering David gives her motivation. And it would bring everything back to Star Trek II. Maybe it would've been controversial, but it would be the more interesting choice.
Wow. I never heard that, but doing a character transposition in my head, imagining Valeris is actually Saavik, it makes so many anachronistic plot and character elements make sense.
Nothing in the movie (or anywhere on screen, I believe) tells us that Colonel Worf is Worf's grandfather, but publicity materials at the time said so. So, if you think about it, our TNG Worf is technically "Worf, Son of Mogh, Son of Worf."
S tier, easily. Not just one of my fave TREK movies (I'm torn between this and WRATH OF KHAN as my favorite TOS cast movie) but one of my top ten of all time period. I love both ST II and ST VI because the theme of both movies, really, resonates as I get older: AGING, and how does someone who's "past their prime" continue to contribute and make a difference? It seems to be an amusing subplot in WRATH OF KHAN-- Kirk has to wear reading glasses, hahaha-- but there's no missing it in UNDISCOVERED COUNTRY. Spock states that theme explicitly, for those who need it explicitly stated, in one of my five favorite Spock lines EVER: "Is it possible that we two, you and I, have grown so old and so inflexible that we have outlived our usefulness?" The thing I love about UNDISCOVERED COUNTRY is that it easily depicts what FINAL FRONTIER tried to do, but which seemed forced: the easy knowing familial cameraderie between all of the characters. The scene where they all leave the stateroom dinner horrified at how it went... you can tell these characters have a history and love each other. Spock committed the terrible faux pas that sets the story in motion, but of course Kirk forgives him. McCoy to Kirk: "What IS it with you?" Even Sulu, in his absence, feels like he's in that familial cocoon. That sense of cameraderie is all we wanted from a final TOS Trek movie... and they did it without it feeling "fan servicey" in the least. Wow. Just generally speaking: this movie really shows the difference between "fan service" and "doing what fans don't know they really want." Example: I don't think any fan would have written in Sulu in command of his own ship, but it's exactly what the fans wanted. It's still a tossup for me between 2 and 6 being best ever, but can you see why fans say that the even numbered TREK movies are the best ones?
"Is it possible that we two, you and I, have grown so old and so inflexible that we have outlived our usefulness?" Agreed that was a great line, but his follow on “would that constitute a joke?” always baffled me and spoiled it a bit.
I think the first 45 minutes or so of this movie are perfect and the final battle is great. Everything during the Rura Penthe section is meh except for the Bones-Kirk heart to heart, but overall it’s excellent. Grade: A
This.
Used a lot of redressed sets from TNG in this one including one actor. That's okay, it worked. I think that's what changed the back wall of the briefing room fom TNG 5th season on. No more enterprise half modles against a wood grained wall. All in all though, this movie is a great farewell to the original cast. One more trivial observation, Klingon blood is pink?
Had to be pink, as red blood spray from being shot would have mandated this film get an R rating. Pink blood - no R rating 😉
I’m fully expecting a “Holy sh!t, is that Janice?”
For me, this is now the best Trek movie with the TOS crew, I watched it again in anticipation of your review and then I watched the home video / directors cut (which only has 2 different scenes plus a few alternate shots) and loved it even more. I suggest you watch the home video / directors cut around the end of season 5 TNG, definitely before DS9 starts. It’ll not be a chore I promise! What gave me a real buzz then and now is the scenes with the Excelsior. Really pleased for George and Grace (the actors not the whales) got to have a showcase appearance. Uhura also gives the suggestion that saves both ships, what’s a shame is that originally those lines were for Sulu and Rand to say - as the Excelsior in the opening log is researching gaseous anomalies. Never mind it was Uhura’s gain after being made to look a bit silly with the Klingon bit.
There once was a woman from Venus, who's body was shaped like ah... nevermind. It was better in the original Klingon.
Nic Meyer stated recently that he feels this movie has aged badly because relations between the US and Russia have gotten worse rather than better, and the Admiral Cartwrights and General Changs of the world were smarter than he gave them credit for. Sorry Nic, but you're wrong on this one: it's reality that's aged badly. Star Trek VI is timeless.
Epic comment, 100%
Here's a joke, the Klingon Bird of Prey attacking Enterprise and Excelsior is a.....(Drum roll)...........John Cena class. Because you couldn't see it 🤔😂
Oh, that is terrible. I kinda love it.
The viridium patch is a bit of a plot contrivance - what the hell was in there that could be detected TWO SECTORS AWAY? Radiation, much? 😂 Other than that, a strong final entry to the TOS movies with a banging score🖖
A big ugly spider like thing that nobody ever noticed? What kinds of things can you smuggle in to a Klingon show trial and prison?
I love this movie. Actors are on point, writing is great (except one thing I’ll mention) and the SCORE sets a tone of mystery for this film unparalleled in Trek in my opinion. Beautiful “ride off into the sunset”, as it were. One thing I didn’t love is the scene of Uhura trying to speak Klingon. I realize it was for comedy, but I think it should have been Chekov struggling to speak while Uhura was either off shift or somewhere else. She can then come in clutch to drop some fluent Klingon to save the situation. Would have given Nichelle a badass moment celebrating her character for the last 25 years. All in all, I hope you enjoyed this send off for one of the most influential crews in entertainment history 🖖🏼
Damn I absolutely love that idea. Get this guy in the writer's room!
Christopher Plummer absolutely hamming it up as a Shakesphere quoting Klingon is maybe my favourite thing in all of Star Trek. Also, very few lines in Star Trek go as hard as "FLY HER APART THEN". Yeah, this is definetly my favourte of the TOS cast movies.
"I'd give real money if he'd shut up..."
Star Trek VI was a fitting end for TOS and the final scene was perfection. It was a bit too militaristic for Trek but given the subject matter understandable
The very first trek movie I saw at the cinema, always loved this one, the score, the look of the film and that closing scene. Compare and contrast the visual effects here to ST5 and its night and day Industrial light and magic sure got mileage out of that praxis explosion effect…
I saw this one at the theater too, on the last day of its first run, in a multiplex in Georgetown DC where it ran in one of the side theaters on a screen that was literally no bigger than a lot of large screen LED TVs in some guys' mancaves are. My rule for movie theater seat selection follows the Siskel and Ebert rule-- middle of the theater, width of the screen back-- and going by that, I was in the first row, neck craned looking UP the whole time. It was still awesome.
A fun who done it! This keeps you on your toes, and it is still a good rewatch. S- tier for sure
It's "The Hunt For Red October... IN SPAAAAAAAACE!" This film ranks right up there with Wrath Of Khan for me... not just because it's the same director, but also because it's a proper send-off for the Original crew.
A great final TOS movie. Through the grudge he Kirk had for the Klingons seems to be a departure from the Kirk that broke bread with Klingons in Star Trek 5. At a convention I got a hold of a copy of the script and then Valeris was Savvik. Nick Mayer wasted to get Kirstie Alley back but she was doing Cheers, others were upset that Savvik because a turncoat so in the end Spock had yet another young female protégé. Despite some fans having problems with Nick Mayer's urge to 20'th centuryize Enterprise operations (Uhura is pouring through old books to try to speak Klingon and having a mess hall rather than food synthesizers) this is definitely a loved movie. And finally, I bet George Lucas was watching when Praxis exploded with that shock wave ring, because he decided to retroactively put that force ring effect in his special edition Star Wars films.
I am emotional with you both coming to this point. The original series says goodbye.....and Star Trek is never quite the same again. I don't think that is a spoiler, as much as an inevitability. I can't say enough great things about this movie, as it is everything we all deserve in the last TOS entry. Acting, writing, direction.....superb. So good, it made Paramount reconsider their decision to retire them.
Thank goodness they decided to do one more movie after ST5. Much more satisfying goodbye to this ensemble. I wonder if the classy end credits with the cast autographs inspired Marvel to do it for Avengers Endgame? Shout out to David Warner and Christopher Plummer. Their voices / performances are usually the first things that come to my mind when I think about this movie.
They absolutely inspired Marvel. Kevin Feige confirmed Star Trek was an influence on him the book “MCU” by Joanna Robinson, David Gonzales & Gavin Edwards
Curious if you guys picked up on some of the political allegories: Praxis exploding (Chernobyl), fall of the Berlin Wall (neutral zone), the old Klingon empire being Soviets, Gorkon = Gorbachev, etc.
I always likened Praxis to Chernobyl
Nicolas Meyer delivers again! The end of the cold war allegory, with the neutral zone as the Berlin wall, Praxis as Chernobyl and the Klingons one last time being the stand in for the Russians. The original cast's last time all together, it's the best conclusion to their combined stories, and way better than the Original Series finale of The Turnabout Intruder. "Second star to the right and straight on 'till morning," Kirk concludes feeling young and quoting Peter Pan as they fly off into the sunset one last time.
Keep in mind that Turnabout Intruder was not filmed as a finale.
Utter pinnacle of Trek Movies for me. Everyone gets great character scenes and truly memorable lines (Uhura and Chekhov are my faves). Did you guys feel like this was an appropriate send-off for each cast member? Was Worf's Lawyer-Grandfather an exciting cameo for you?
Great way to finish off the adventures of the TOS crew and tie TOS and TNG together. I like how Khitomer, the place where the peace conference is held is the same place where Worf's parents were killed in a Romulan attack 50 years later and Michael Dorn's cameo as an ancestor of Worf. Also have a good guest appearance from supermodel Iman as the shapeshifter. She later went on to marry David Bowie. And of course there is Christopher Plummer as Chang.
It's a tough call between Wrath of Khan and Undiscovered Country, which is better. Maybe it's just the bitter-sweet ending of it all.
I have come to appreciate this one more as the years have gone by. There are some complexities and subtleties to this one that didn't really land for me the first time I saw it. Also, I was so deep into TNG back then that I just don't think I cared that much about seeing new adventures for this crew anymore. In hindsight, it's a decent send-off for the original crew (and I love the signatures at the end).
"If there is to be a brave new world, our generation is going to have the hardest time living in it..." Prophetic, both for Star Trek and the world we live in. My first Star Trek theatre movie when I was 8, and my fave of the OG cast. Context, continuity, and a bridge forward to the next gen while acknowledging the past. What are you guys now expecting from ST7..?
Well, my friends. Here we are. The end of an era. At age four I was introduced to Star Trek with the Special Longer VHS tape of The Motion Picture, and just a few short years later I had digested all of TOS and the TOS films. Now, I have done the same with you guys once again, two and half decades later. It's been an amazing journey. As one era comes to an end, another begins. It's been a Hell of a ride, gentlemen. Live Long, and Propser. \\//,
A great movie, honestly. Fun plot, memorable characters and Christopher Plummer absolutely devouring the scenery make it one of my favourite of the TOS cast movies. Plus, we get to see new places we haven't before!
William Shatner was Christopher Plummer's understudy when he was performing Shakespeare on stage at Stratford. Plummer was excited and jumped at the opportunity to share the screen with Shatner. The character of Valeris was initially supposed to be Saavik, which would have made the twist much more interesting and less obvious.
I wish the character had been Saavik. I think it is too obvious from the beginning that it was her.