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).

Runtime: 1h 59m

Director: Leonard Nimoy

Genre: Action / Adventure / Comedy / Sci-fi

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Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984)

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

Genre: Action / Adventure / Sci-fi

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