Admiral Kirk's defeat of Khan Noonien Singh and the creation of the Genesis Planet are empty victories. When they arrive at Spacedock, they are shocked to discover that the Enterprise is to be decommissioned. Mr Spock is dead and Dr. McCoy is, seemingly inexplicably, being driven insane. Then an unexpected visit from Spock's father, Sarek provides a startling revelation: McCoy is harbouring Spock's living essence. With one friend alive and one not, but both in pain, Kirk attempts to help his friends by stealing the Enterprise and defying Starfleet's Genesis quarantine. However, the Klingons have also learned of the Genesis Device and race to meet Kirk in a deadly rendezvous. I think that The Search for Spock is easily the most underrated of the Star Trek movies. I loved it so much and was quite surprised to see it considered one of the weaker films but for me, it ranks up there with the more beloved in the franchise. There are many rollercoasters of emotions throughout this adventure as it manages to evoke them all from its barrel of laughs with the comedic witty banter to its more tear-jerking side with its frequent tragedies. Following on shortly after the climactic events of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982), we are instantly transported back to the badly damaged Enterprise as it limps home. Having the film continue straight after the last one was a great choice as we explore some of the events that before seemed to have little significance but are now being fully expanded upon. Opening with someone breaking into Spock's quarters was brilliant as it set an air of mystery as we see Kirk investigate. Grabbing the intruder, we find out it is none other than Dr. McCoy who speaks of needing help getting home to Vulcan foreshadowing the later reveal. During the climax of the last film, Spock gave his essence to McCoy. It leads to so many hilarious moments with McCoy acting like Spock from questioning things as not logical to attempting to use Vulcan powers on people to no avail was incredibly funny. My favourite sequence in the whole film is easily the stealing of the Enterprise. All members of the crew chime into a plan to help McCoy. Each member is given time to shine in this fun scene full of comedic elements. Once aboard the still-damaged vessel, they start reversing out of the space dock in a tense moment with the doors still closed that open just in the nick of time. It was also nice to see the return of Spock's father, Sarek, who appeared in the original Star Trek (TV Series 1966-1969). He brought some very moving scenes in his mind-melding with Kirk. The scene displayed a heap of emotive imagery with Sarek repeating Spock's final words as the camera lingers on Kirk's eye. Seeing it widen and well up was heart-rending as he relives the still-open wound of his friend's death. If you don't want any spoilers then skip past the red. *Spoilers* Unfortunately, this movie only throws more at Kirk, really getting personal for him. From the destruction of the Enterprise to the tragic murder of his son, whom he had recently reconciled with, there is no end to his suffering. David's death came as a real shock to me and was a big gut punch for Kirk. The Enterprise's self-destruction was a huge moment, in which ILM outdid themselves with the special effects. Seeing her slowly burn, revealing parts of the inside before exploding entirely, plummeting to Genesis was heartbreaking. Our villains, the Klingons, also make a return from the series being led by, an interesting casting choice, Christopher Lloyd, who was a menacing and powerful opponent. He has a grand face-off with Kirk on the burning hellish Genesis, which was extremely cool. Our adventure ends with the return of Spock, slowly regaining his memory as he is surrounded by his overcome friends. A magical end to this journey full of hardships. Overall, I don't care what people say, I love The Search for Spock. It is so underrated with countless moments to enjoy and get emotional too. With outstanding effects and phenomenal acting, there is no end to quality in this beautiful feature. Also, take a look at the next journey in Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986), my all-time favourite Trek movie!
Runtime: 1h 45m
Director: Leonard Nimoy
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