Rating of
3.5/4
Surprisingly good odd-numbered Trek
JTurner - wrote on 05/31/09
At the end of STAR TREK II: THE WRATH OF KHAN, one of the series' most beloved characters, the vulcan Spock, made a tragic sacrifice to save the Enterprise which cost him his life. However, even Leonard Nimoy (who simply IS the character) felt that fans were horrified at the fate of Spock, so he helmed this second sequel, aptly titled THE SEARCH FOR SPOCK. Even though the plot does not have the depth and sophistication of its predecessor and some scenes run longer than necessary, Nimoy compensates for this with some breathtaking action set pieces (the whole scene where Kirk and company steal the Enterprise and the climactic confrontation with a nasty Klingon commander--wonderfully played by Christopher Lloyd) and engrossing scenes of character development. Furthermore, the performances are all top-notch--even William Shatner manages to turn in some surprisingly effective moments of genuine acting. It has been widely stated that the odd-numbered STAR TREK films are inferior to the even-numbered ones, but STAR TREK III is an exception to the rule. Actually, it's better to appreciate this film as the second entry to a three-act space adventure (beginning with II and ending with STAR TREK IV: THE VOYAGE HOME), as it obvious ends with the words "the Adventure Continues". Indeed!
