[I am posting five reviews of STAR TREK VI. I could easily swamp the group with reviews of this movie, so I will probably not post any more unless they say something very different than those posted here (e.g., a review of the fashions in STAR TREK VI :-) ). Followups are directed to rec.arts.startrek to keep the discussion in the appropriate group. -Moderator]
STAR TREK VI: THE UNDISCOVERED COUNTRY
A film review by Randall Rhea
Copyright 1991 Randall Rhea
The latest (and perhaps the last?) chapter in the Star Trek saga stars the usual crew of the Starship Enterprise, along with a notable performance by Christopher Plummer as a Klingon war general, and even a cameo appearance by Christian Slater as a starship crewman. Of all the Star Trek films, this one is the most like a plot from the 1960's television series, and will probably be the most interesting and exciting of the six films to "Trekkies" and the general public.
With the recent collapse of the Soviet Union, the topic of the film is very timely. Due to the upcoming destruction of their own planet due to environmental mismanagement, the hated Klingon empire decides to make peace overtures to the Federation. Thanks to the naive instigation of Spock, Captain Kirk is sent on a diplomatic mission to escort the Klingon chancellor to a peace conference. The story then unfolds like a Sherlock Holmes murder mystery (Holmes is quoted by Spock during the film) as a plot to sabotage the peace process is uncovered by Spock, Scotty, and the usual crew.
The special effects are spectacular as usual, but they are not as important to the film as the interaction of the characters or the message of the story. The acting is superb throughout; this is probably Shatner's best and most believable performance ever, and although they may be getting a bit old, the rest of the crew's performances are fresh and lively. The screenplay is very well done, and it is spiced with intriguing philosophy and humor, particularly when the Kingons and humans conflict in an expected clash of cultures. ("You haven't read Shakespeare until you've read it in the original Klingon language.")
I found myself enjoying the film and getting quite wrapped up in it; unfortunately, it ends rather abruptly and expectedly. It was as if someone said, "Well, we've got to get this move finished by Christmas, so we'd better wrap it up now." After such a good buildup, the ending was a bit disappointing because is was not as well thought-out as the rest of the film.
I do, however, highly recommend this enjoyable and intriguing film. I recommend seeing it at a 70mm theater with a good sound system, as the special effects are more exciting.
Rating: * * * 1/2 (highest rating : * * * * )
-- Randall Rhea Informix Software, Inc. Project Manager, MIS Sales/Marketing Systems uunet!pyramid!infmx!randall
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