In this week’s episode of the Mission Log, John and Ken dive into yet another fan-loved film, Star Trek III: The Search for Spock. It’s got everything! Mini Spock! Genesis planet! 1980’s hair cuts! Klingon bastards! Have a listen to the break down of the story of TSFS, how it was perceived during its debut in 1984, and how it holds up today. Listen to the latest Mission Log episode in our sidebar to your right, or hit the jump for embedded audio goodness.Then, tell us what you think in the comments!
Finding Spock proves easier than finding a way to find Spock. But Kirk, McCoy, Uhura, Scotty, Sulu and Chekov will not be dissuaded. Commandeer a ship or two and join Star Trek III: The Search for Spock.
Mission Log 093 – Star Trek III: The Search for Spock
Finding Spock proves easier than finding a way to find Spock. But Kirk, McCoy, Uhura, Scotty, Sulu and Chekov will not be dissuaded. Commandeer a ship or two and join Star Trek III: The Search for Spock.
This was the first Star Trek movie I got to see in theaters. So it always holds a special value to me, even if its not the strongest movie in the series.
And I still say that the look of 1980’s, studio model special effects beats out most modern day CGI special effects movies hands down.
Why did Ally K. not return for this movie?…Money????
2nd best Trek film IMO
Tackiest production values. “Sputtering” trans-warp drive – cringeworthy. Robin Curtis. ’nuff said.
Best Movie Ever!!!!!!!!!!!
@4 Anthony
Had to believe the sputtering transwarp drive was a purposeful, joke effect. It was supposed to sound like a backfiring, ugly truck. Was never a question in my mind that was supposed to be a joke effect.
@2 Ados
Alley had hit the big time in the intervening years between TWOK and TSFS, and ramped up her $$$ demands big-time. I remember Nimoy saying quite plainly, “We couldn’t afford her.” Robin Curtis has emerged as a great ambassador for Trek over the years, and she had pretty big shoes to fill as Alley’s replacement, so perhaps expectations were unrealistic, but just didn’t bring quite the same “mode” to the role. C’est la vie.
For myself, I wish they explained how the Enterprise had *starboard* side damage as it headed to the space dock in the opening scene, damage it had *not* sustained by the end of TWOK.
I think TSFS is a good, solid entry in the TOS movie series, not at all worthy of the “odd numbered Trek movie curse” dismissal. Its pacing was a little deliberate/uneven at times, and I believe that’s from the way the film was re-edited a bit further on in production, but the scene of the crew (minus Scotty) at Kirk’s apartment was a wonderful touch of the friendship of the bridge team.
I think the “finish” of TSFS where Spock is just in his robe, walking away kinda blankly, is a fair source of criticism – it was just, well, over without being over, and they all just kind of stand there in a semicircle. Pretty sure Nimoy commented about the “flat” finish of that scene. The “Stealing the Enterprise” sequence is dynamite in my book, although I admit to having a hard time truly accepting the idea that “a chimpanzee and two trainees” could run her under Scotty’s “automation center.” Ohhhhhkay….
Loved ILM’s effects, loved Spacedock, and while I certainly appreciate CGI, I always appreciate the incredible artistic detail that goes into believable, real photographic models. The exploding Genesis planet was probably not as good photographically as it seemed while it was being filmed, but Kruge fallling away into the fire a la Wile E Coyote was nothing short of priceless.
I remember being stoked when this came out on home video VHS, and it remains a fine, respectable entry in the Trek movie universe.
The self-destruct system for the Enterprise consisted of 2 methods:
1. Drop the anti-matter containment field and trigger a warp core breach.
2. Overload the main systems and phaser banks and leave the ship a wrecked hulk.
Kirk used #2.
I’ve been sampling these podcasts and really enjoy them. The humor is well thought-out and the insights are… well, inseeingish… ah hell. Whatever. It’s good stuff.
#4
While Kirstie was yummy in WoK, Robin Curtis made a darn fine Vulcan woman. She was also more plausible as a Vulcan with her demeanor than Kirstie.
“Tackiest production values. “Sputtering” trans-warp drive – cringeworthy. Robin Curtis. ’nuff said.”
Amen. Star Trek V was tackier though…
The best thing about Star Trek III was the line “The answer? “No”. I am therefore going anyway.” LOL!! That’s my Kirk!!! :-)
“Don’t call me tiny.”
I love Star Trek 3 just as much as 2, 4 or 6.
Star Trek 2 was a bit dark & claustraphobic, Star Trek 3 was a bigger brighter universe.
At the time and over the years, III has been “underrated”.
Nimoy’s directing builds the drama slowly but the last 1/2 hour of the movie really makes up for it.
It reminds me of a classic TV episode but with better sets.
I think its the best movie for Shatner and De Kelley. They both had a lot to do and you really cared about the outcome for their characters.
I’ve never seen a more dramatic door-opening sequence. The music only adds to the drama.