ST3: Why I love it

[gomtuu20]

Even though Search for Spock was perhaps not quite as good as 2 or 4 (it is an odd numbered one you know), I've always loved it, but I wasn't sure why. I hated he destruction of the Enterprise. Some of the scenes on the Genesis planet kind of drag on a little. Saavik was recast. While the Klingon bridge was OK, it wasn't as good as it could have been. Cheesy klingon puppet pet. But here's the reasons why I love it.

Space and scale: ST3 never let you forget this took place in space. The "mushroom" space station had a sense of being huge. I love the exterior shots of the Enterprise approaching it which really gave a grand feeling of space. It was beautiful! While I love many forms of science fiction, space sic-fi is far and above my favorite. It gives a sense of exploration and thrill, as well as danger. It is unforgiving, but it is also wondrous. Star Trek 3 made me feel like I was really out in space. I think that is one of the reasons I like the Motionless Picture, in spite of its weaknesses.

They brought Spock back to Trek.

Kirk falling backwards at the news of the death of his son. Symbolic of how he was really knocked off his feet. We don't often see that with Kirk. It made him more human to me.

It lead to a lot of discussion as to whether or not Saavik got knocked up by young Spock. The look that she gives Spock after he gets his Katra back speaks volumes.

Shatner didn't direct it.

The humor was great. It really set up IV nicely. McCoy in the bar, "Don't call me Tiny", "How many fingers am I holding up?", "The word is no. I am therefor going anyway?", Mr. Adventure, "A lucky shot", I could go on, but the humor was just great.

Reverend Jim as the Klingon captain. John Larroquette as the "charming...federation flag" Klingon.

McCoy's speech to Spock about he missed him.

This movie really showed how much they loved each other. It showed how much Kirk was willing to sacrifice in order to save his friend, and how he was unstoppable.

I think that this movie is a worthy addition. I just love it!

 

[M-Red]

TSFS is special because it completely isolates the main characters and the Enterprise away from everything --- the extra crew, Starfleet command, Earth, all of it --- it's just Our Heroes taking Our Ship to find a lost family member. Consequences be damned. It's great. It's really the first time the TOS main crew gels together as a unit on the big screen.

And by doing this, it sets up TVH perfectly, which really expounds on this ensemble family unit of a tight-knit group. For all the great things about TWOK and TUC, neither of them have the TOS crew really tightly knit together like TSFS and TVH. In the latter, Checkov is serving on a different ship and Kirk is an admiral. In the latter, Sulu is a captain on another ship and all their careers are winding down. TSFS really is a story about the main people we know telling the rest of the universe to get bent because the family is the most important thing. It's great stuff. The escape sequence from Spacedock is one of my favorites in the franchise.

Also the first appearance of Spacedock itself.

And the first appearance of the Klingon Bird of Prey.


It has some flaws, but TSFS is great Trek. An underrated film that serves an excellent second chapter in the TOS film trilogy.

 

[Smellmet]

I would add that it's the most underrated trek movie out of all of them. The premise is, let's face it, preposterous, the genesis scenes look dreadfully cheap and the ending on vulcan drags things down a bit but theres so much to love here still. So many things were introduced into the star trek world, space dock, bird of prey, excelsior, and the humour was pitched just right - we're laughing with our heroes, not at them which was a mistake made by later instalments. The score is excellent, and as just mentioned the enterprise theft is one of my favourite scenes in the whole franchise. I love the search for spock.

 

[2takesfrakes]

I have to disagree, regarding the scenes on Vulcan dragging. From the time we see Uhura meet Kirk on the BoP platform to the infamous tagline, "... And the Adventure Continues ..." I'm transfixed! Had another director handled TSFS, I do not believe that they would've been as concerned with - or as invested in - the return of Spock, as Nimoy was. He judged the weight of the scene exactly right.

Our Heroes have risked everything - some, giving everything they had - in The Search for Spock. His re-emergence has to be a sombre occasion. Was the journey worthwhile? Should Spock have been left to rest, in peace - did we do the right thing, in our selfishness, in bringing him back? Is he forever compromised, some way? None of these questions are voiced, but the tonality of the scene suggests all of this uncertainty - and could not be rushed.

I love the Vulcan costuming and the look of Vulcan, in general. On Mount Seleya, though, there is a huge canvas with some rocks painted on it that looks rather dodgy, but Nimoy makes sure he's the only main character seen against it. But the mystery of Vulcan is portrayed very "romantically," if you like - in a story-book fashion. And that's Nimoy's doing. More than anyone, he understands this world and it's all onscreen. I'm very impressed with the Artistry of it, actually ...

 

[Smellmet]

I see it as a mere nitpick to be honest, agree in the look and costumes, but the whole ceremony to me just drags a little and gives the film a slight anti climatic feel. At least the sets look better than the cheap looking Genesis ones.

 

[F. King Daniel]

I love STIII. It's a fun action adventure, and does a great deal of worldbuilding.

 

[Elder Knight]

I remember that I wanted to cheer aloud when Spock appeared to be regaining his memories, but I restrained myself.

 

[Sybok Was Wrong]

This is the one where "family" became bigger than Starfleet careers- a big turning point for TOS. That carried thru rest of the movies, and gave TVH & TFF their strength.

Only "Amok Time" really went there on the series. Wasnt that one of the most important episodes?

The ONLY thing I would have changed: Robin Curtis should have been an entirely new character. Didn't buy her as Savvik. Kirstie Alley was too memorable.

TSFS is one of my favorites and the film that got me into Trek after "Return of the Jedi" wrapped up Star Wars. I don't buy the odd/even theory of Trek movies. All 6 are pretty good!

 

[gomtuu20]

They could have at least picked someone at least as....ample....to play Saavik.
I met Robin Curtis at a Con. She's actually quite beautiful in person.

 

[2takesfrakes]

Robin Curtis was very pretty, she had every business becoming an actress, but I agree that she shouldn't have been made to play Saavik. David Marcus should've just beemed down to Genesis with some other lady from USS Grissom, played by Curtis. She would have to be Vulcan for 2 reasons, though:

Spock's Pon Farr (which I can't see the character not going through, in his situation) and to further berate David as she reads him The Riot's Act for having screwed up, so badly and what it's cost everybody. And, now, that she HAS to be Vulcan, her not being Saavik draws as much attention to how awkward it is to have her playing Saavik. TSFS wasn't going to get out of it, either way. I feel they made the right choice, though ... just recast and hope for the best.

 

[Terok Nor]

I get the criticisms about some of the stuff in the movie but I still really enjoy it and consider it one of the best Trek movies. The whole odd numbered movie curse is only applied to TSFS because people perceive TMP, TFF, Generations and INS to be bad (though some of those movies indeed are bad).

 

[starburst]

They are bad but that doesn't hold exactly true as Nemesis is also considered bad and the odd v even numbered thing only holds true with people who like/dislike particular movies. I think its more prevalent because people generally like TWOK, TVH, TUC and FC more and ignore the fun "A-Team" like nature of the Enterprise crew against everyone of TSFS and despite some big effects, story and direction problems (partly due to budget, ILM not being available, a writers strike and, well, Shatner) TFF is actually pretty good in parts (especially with some of the set and prop design) and the story ironically is the most like a TOS episode at least in inception.

I really quite enjoy TSFS and just like TVH is a nice change in tone from the serious TMP and TWOK. Not to say the movies aren't serious but they have a great deal more humour and the feel of TOS (maybe Nimoy's input) despite minor nitpicks in changes to Saavik's character etc.

Plus who doesn't love the part where Styles threatens Kirk who calmly sits and orders Warp speed.

 

[Balok's Decoy]

Really the only thing that bothers me about this movie is the casting of Kruge. I don't think Christopher Lloyd makes for a very convincing or intimidating Klingon. Certainly not like Christopher Plummer, who was a terrific villain. Maybe I'm a minority in that opinion, but he just doesn't come off all that...I dunno...Klingon-y.

Other than that I think this movie is pretty strong. The effects and some of the Genesis sets haven't held up all that well, but all the katra and Vulcan stuff is really cool.

 

[starburst]

Ive always liked his performance, he's different to how we associate Klingon behaviour but then again so is Plummer's.

I agree that except for the planet scenes (problem with most movies like this) the film has held up well and has some of my favourite sequences and soundtracks in the Trek films; the Enterprise gliding in to a somber tune, the entire "Stealing the Enterprise" to name two.

 

[Kor]

Kruge is the cinematic counterpart to Bob the Discount Klingon from "Friday's Child."

Overall, I feel that TSFS did not come out to more than the sum of its parts.

Kor

 

[Seven of Five]

Kruge isn't an effective villain, Robin Curtis was miscast, and I thought the ending was middling at times.

However, I can't help but get caught up in the emotion of Kirk and co. standing up to Starfleet to rescue Spock, and thus I'm usually always along for the ride for the film's duration.

Kirk stealing the Enterprise is one of my favourite scenes in all the Trek films.

 

[Steve Gennarelli]

I have always loved "Star Trek III"...

Of all the films in the series, I think this one (thanks to Mr. Nimoy) starts off slowly and
by the end, builds to a crescendo and our friend and key family member is restored.

The film takes you on a journey and on quite an adventure...what more can you ask for...

...The Adventure Continues.... As the late great Gene Siskel said "...and when it ended, I wanted
to see "Star Trek 3 and a half" right then and there.....

 

[2takesfrakes]

I concocted this montage for another thread a long time ago. I may have even used it on startrek.com, I don't remember. But it does help demonstrate the amazing look of Vulcan. TMP really started the whole aesthetic, but TSFS presented it in force and it's wonderful. I hate what the series -ENTERPRISE- did with the look of Vulcan. STAR TREK: III got it right, with its Artistry. The mystery, the splendor, the majesty, the whole 9 yards ... Vulcan's never been more impressive ...

 

[TREK_GOD_1]

The premise is, let's face it, preposterous.

Specifics?

 

[Smoked Salmon]

Personally I think TMP, SFS and TFF are all seriously underrated.