Star Trek III: The Search For Spock

Wiz RECOMMENDS Star Trek III: The Search For Spock After three Star Trek films I have come to a realization: I'm a Star Trek fan. The characters are charismatic and interesting. It has a clear and distinct vision. And for someone who likes military on film, Star Trek's intellectual spin on militarism is surprisingly fun and interesting. But Star Trek III: The Search for Spock continues where the excellent Wrath of Khan left off with a simple conceit: Spock is believed to be on the Genesis planet and Kirk has to find a way to get him back. And that simple story leads a fairly brisk 1 hour and 45 minute film. The film is slight, but doesn't feel it: it's just a fun, engaging film that continues the story. But one interesting the film showcases is Vulcan mysticism: the whole concept of Spock's "mind meld" and what it does to Bones is interesting, but it is paired with the fascinating beliefs of the Vulcans. But the film has a few snags: first, the special effects are a step down from Wrath of Khan...which in turn was a step down from The Motion Picture. In defense of Spock, there is one action scene involving the Enterprise and a Klingon warship and it's not a bad sequence, it just isn't as visually interesting. Also, the hand-to-hand combat in the end...laughably bad. But the biggest step down from the last movie is that of Saavik. This character was a training recruit of Spock played by Kirstie Alley, who did a decent job in the role. In this film, it's played by Robin Curtis...which is a rather sizable downgrade. Now, I can imagine that playing a character who is supposed to be unemotional but still someone who is likable is a hard thing to manage...but Curtis essentially plays her as someone who sounds like a robot. On top of that, she looks unnatural in the role itself. Still, The Search for Spock does two things well: make it's story entertaining and want to watch the next story, which is precisely what it did. After Wrath of Khan, it's a satisfying continuation of the story.