Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
A film review by Joel B. Kirk
SYNOPSIS:
Spock is killed when genetic superman Khan escapes from imprisonment
on Ceti Alpha V, commandeers the Starship Reliant, and uses the secret
Project Genesis to win revenge on Admiral James T. Kirk.
MY TAKE:
A darker, more dramatic entry in the Star Trek series, with William
Shatner's Admiral James T. Kirk worrying about age, and changes in the
fleet since he was in command.
This would be the debut of actress Kirstie Alley (CHILDREN OF THE
DAMNED), who would become popular with the television show 'Cheers,'
and would not return for the next film, (having her part taken over by
actress Robin Curtis, due differences with producers).
Ricardo Montalban (SPY KIDS) would be one of the most imposing
villains in screen history (contrasting his gentle persona from
television's 'Fantasy Island'). The last we saw his character, was in
the original series episode 'Space Seed.'
This film has heart, drama, action, put together so well, the only a
couple of the next few films have had success in duplicating this.
POSITIVE/NEGATIVE:
What's with the uniforms? They are an interesting change from the
'doctor-like' uniforms. Director Nicolas Meyer (TIME AFTER TIME, STAR
TREK VI: THE UNDISCOVERED COUNTRY) wanted a more military look, but
they prove too bulky, and too un-comfortable looking for the
futuristic look that ‘Star Trek' gave us.
John Winston, who portrayed Transporter Chief Kyle in the original
series, shows up as Commander Kyle on the StarFleet vessel, Reliant.
James Horner (GLORY, LEGENDS OF THE FALL, TITANIC, DEEP IMPACT) brings
a powerful score.
FINAL COMMENTS:
As usual with Star Trek films, this entry would prove to be successful
(being of the even-numbered films) and have fans clamoring for more. A
sequel was made for the next year: STAR TREK III: THE SEARCH FOR
SPOCK, with actor Leonard Nimoy as director. This would be one of the
most perfectly made films in the Trek universe, if not a perfectly
made film altogether.
MY RATING:
****1/2 out of *****
DIRECTOR:
Nicolas Meyer
WRITER(S):
Harve Bennett(story)
Jack B. Sowards (story and screenplay)
CAST:
William Shatner-Adm. James T. Kirk
Leonard Nimoy-Cmdr. Spock
DeForest Kelley-Dr. McCoy
James Doohan-Scotty
George Takei-Sulu
Nichelle Nichols-Uhura
Walter Koenig-Chekov
Bibi Besch-Dr. Carol Marcus
Merritt Butrick-Dr. David Marcus
Paul Winfield-Capt.Terrell
Kirstie Alley-Lt. Saavik
Ricardo Montalban-Khan Noonian Singh
Ike Eisenmann-Preston
John Vargas-Jedda
John Winston-Kyle
Paul Kent-Commander Beach
Judson Scott-Joaquim
GENRE:
Sci-fi/Drama/Adventure
RUNNING TIME:
113 minutes
YEAR OF RELEASE:
1982 by Paramount Pictures
EMAIL:
joelkirk@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
2004 Joel B. Kirk
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X-RAMR-ID: 37202
X-Language: en
X-RT-ReviewID: 1257476
X-RT-TitleID: 1019862
X-RT-AuthorID: 9404
X-RT-RatingText: 4.5/5
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