Pop Culture Movies and More: Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986)

Branded as fugitives by the very Federation they swore to protect, the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise dutifully returns to Earth to face charges for crimes committed in the course of rescuing a resurrected Spock. But en route, it is learned that the Earth is being ravaged by a strange alien probe demanding a response from a life form that no longer exists. They discover the strange sounds of the probe are the songs of the humpback whale, which has been hunted to extinction by the 23rd Century. Commandeering a captured Klingon Bird of Prey, Kirk and his crew plan to save Earth by venturing to 1986 San Francisco to recover the whales, bringing them back to their time. A journey more alien to them than anything they have ever encountered in the far-off reaches of the galaxy. We are finally here folks, the big one. The Voyage Home is my all-time favourite Trek movie in the series tying very closely with Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982). I had such a wonderful time with this delightful adventure that sees two subjects I am most enthusiastic about joined together. Science fiction and the 1980s. Of course, the film was made during the 80s, which instantly also makes it amazing but to have them go back in time to that period was honestly a magical experience. I have always had a passion for that decade, like a nostalgia for a time I never knew and this movie only fueled it even more. Following on from the emotional escapade of Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984), this movie takes a much more comical approach which entails countless hilarious moments whilst delivering an important message. Having the crew try to understand the customs and life of the 20th Century was fantastic as it leads to so many misunderstandings and complications along the way sure to keep you chuckling. I laughed so much during this movie with this off-the-charts level of comedy. Not only are these scenes funny, but the acting of the cast is brilliant as they work off of each other perfectly as per usual, especially with their witty dialogue. I was truly blown away by just how many clever comedic moments were crammed into this masterpiece. My favourite scene in the whole film has to be the infiltration into the hospital to rescue Chekov, who was injured. Dr. McCoy gets some time to shine in his finest hour, showing his skills and knowledge but also, some superb criticisms of the 'dark ages' medical systems. He even heals random patients on their search. I love it when he gives an old lady a pill for her failing kidney, which leads to the highlight during the escape when they pass her shouting "The doctor gave me a pill, and I grew a new kidney!" The plot is equally amusing if you really think about it. Going back in time to rescue whales to save the future from a space probe sounds so absurdly weird, yet funnily enough, it works incredibly well, especially with conveying such an important message. During the 80s humpback whales were in danger of extinction and this film did go a long way in helping them out but it also applies to all species. Going forward we should not be so blasé about other species or help in their extinction as to quote Spock, "To hunt a species to extinction is not logical." I think stories like this are what separates Star Trek from other sci-fi projects and where it excels. Being set on Earth we have more of a connection to these characters/stories than in other movies, like Star Wars, having a deeper relation to it (at least in my opinion). I further liked how this film featured no antagonist, taking the time to develop on character whilst giving a good message filled with a great deal of heart. Overall, I thoroughly adore The Voyage Home as it takes the prize as the best Trek movie. There is so much I want to talk about but I'd be here forever so it is much better to watch it for yourself and experience the overwhelming enjoyment to be had in this phenomenal sci-fi comedy. Easily the highlight is the characters who generate endless amounts of banter, humour and entertainment in every scene. I cannot stress how necessary viewing this movie is, especially if you need some cheering up. Also, look into the next adventure in Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (1989).