1 of 4

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

the Federation, Klingon, and Romulan councils. From there, he forces the crew to his bidding by having them confront their inner deamons (basically its Vulcan mind-control he uses upon them), and thus making them a whole differant person. Under his leadership, Sybock takes the crew to the Great Barrier where God resides.

As I learned more about this film, the original intent was to make Sybok almost more serious like Khan had been in "Star Trek II," but the film-makers wanted to lighten-up the film as best they could. Luckinbill is not totally at fault as Sybok. He makes the character as he is. Being corrupted by his own desires while giving an almost over-the-top performance of a visionary, holy man. The only problem was that they didn't take his character in much more darker and serious direction like they could have. The same is true as to Spock's relationship with Sybok. It is understandable why he would not kill his own brother, but this was brand new to the fans who never knew about it to begin with, and thus we are not given any back-story as to their relationship. It was just thrown out there with the plot, and not as accesible like it could have been.

More is true about Kirk's relationship where in the original script, Spock and McCoy would betray him as well. Both Nimoy and Kelley objected strongly to this. They felt their bond with each other was too strong to allow that to happen. I must say in all honesty that is true in many past episodes of the original Star Trek series. As well as novelizations and comic books which have come before this movie. Still it would have been interesting to see them take that in a motion picture like this. Although they do their best when Spock faces the issues of his birthright, and McCoy deals with pulling the plug on his dying father (which really in a way is Kelley's best moment as McCoy).

The visualization of the film isn't too drastic. I particularly liked moments the crew shares on Yosemeti National Park on Earth, and the rock climbing scenes with Kirk on El Capitan. Still there isn't much in the way of space battles like you could have in a Star Trek movie. Once again, the Klingons are downplayed as stupidly with a young, punk-like Captain of their ship wanting to make a name for himself by killing Kirk. Stock-footage from previous films is used a bit here. Obviously, considering the cost of special effects back in 1989. You see a perfect example of this with God himself where he is just an effect projection. This only adds more to the thought of how they were going to present God visually. In terms of science fiction (and considering what many could perceive of the almighty) it is sometimes plausable to watch, but not stunning as it could be. With CGI in today's world, you can make this better. Considering this was Shatner's first time as director, how much real creative power could they have really given him anyway?

Insult to injury is added more when the film is not as serious as I have previously stated. There are many embarrassing moments like McCoy singing "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" that make you cringe. If Shatner would have had more sense, he owuld have demonstrated better leadership as a director, and possibly an editor (another lost moment). There really are 3 types of filmaking as director Bryan Singer has stated: the story, the acting, and the editing. Those ingrediants sell the product in the end.

Though the film does have its interesting moments, it is to me, and I'm sure to many the weakest film entry of all time. What was Bill Shatner really thinking about when he got mixed up in this?

Learn more about this author, Ryan Burton.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about Movie reviews: Star Trek V: The Final Frontier?
We want to hear your view. Write now!