Retro Review: Star Trek III: The Search for Spock
I popped in Star Trek III: The Search for Spock last month, and I guess I probably saw that movie 10 times or more, mostly on TV years ago. I basically wanted to know if the movie “held up”, especially since many trekkies seem to bash it, and mention it as proof of odd Star Trek movies sucking (1, 3, 5). With Rotten Tomatoes giving it a 77%, I decided to see the truth.
The Good
A lot of important events happen in the Star Trek universe: Spock returns, James Kirk’s son David is murdered, Bones carried Spock’s soul, the Enterprise gets blown up, and Kirk and the crew break StarFleet’s direct orders. All of this stuff is referred to in later movies.
Not boring at all. Whereas Star Trek: The Motion Picture was a bit slow, with a soulless villain, Star Trek III had humor, tragedy, and bonding. Klingon Commander Kruge is vicious.
Seeing Spock “grow up” on the Genesis plant was unique.
The Bad (just nitpicking here)
StarFleet’s pigheadedness is frustrating. Last time I checked, StarFleet officers were volunteers and don’t even get paid. For the StarFleet higher-ups to threaten Admiral Kirk with imprisonment for going to the Genesis planet is crazy. I realize from the plot standpoint, you always need some “by-the-book” authority figure to make the heroes “mavericks”, but in such an enlightened society Earth is supposed to be in future, it seems out of place.
Having StarFleet totally disrespect the Enterprise’s history, reputation, and crew is tough to swallow. How many times did they save the universe?
It seemed as if they were grooming Lt. Saavik to replace Spock in II and III, but actress Robin Curtis was an obvious (and generic) replacement for Kristie Alley.
The Ugly
Kirk’s son David Marcus’ mullet haircut.
Conclusion: I think the reason why The Search for Spock is underrated is because it comes after Star Trek II: The Wrath of Kahn, which is generally rated #1 on Star Trek fans’ list. Obviously, Christopher Lloyd* is no Ricardo Montalban, but he still has solid, if not great, performance, and is seen as a major threat to Kirk.
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You mean Christopher Lloyd.
I knew a guy who had that klingon dagger that unfolded into that 3 prong blade that was in that movie.
he was a bit eccentric and ended up giving me a crossbow as a gift.
he was one of those weird guys that actually had a star trek uniform and liked to attend those conventions.
Damn it Marty! Don’t change the past.
I recall loving Star Trek III. I never understood the naysayers.
As a kid, I didn’t realize Saavik was a different actress in III!
Great dialogue.
You can feel Kirk’s hate for Klingons, particularly after “David is dead.”
Not every villain follows through on a death threat!
Great fight scene between Kirk and the Klingon.
Between the death of Kirk’s son, the Enterprise being destroyed, and Spock returning … the movie was an emotional roller coaster!
Great review.
Thanks..I’m glad we’re all on the same page. The movie was and still is a classic.