Rating: ***
Director: Leonard Nimoy
Special Effects: Industrial Light & Magic
Cast: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, Deforest Kelley, James Doohan,
Nichelle Nichols, George Takai, Walter Koenig, Christopher Lloyd, Robin Curtis
Picking up right where "Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan" (1982) left off, this film lacks the hardcore action and effects sequences of its predecessor. It still looks good and is entertaining, though. The Genesis Planet is growing, and Spock's body is regenerating at an extremely rapid rate. The command crew of the Enterprise hijacks the dry-docked Enterprise and makes for the planet in a desperate attempt to reunite Spock's body and soul. However, there's a nasty Klingon ship piloted by Christopher Lloyd that's also interested in the planet, and they eventually have a nifty little showdown. Most of the film is overly talky and melodramatic, but it really pays off in the incredible Enterprise self destruction scene. Brilliantly realized and gorgeous to watch, it's also a rather tear-jerking moment to see the ship you've grown to cherish go down in a giant ball of flame. Incredible. Spoiled by somewhat cheesy dialog and so-so acting, another disappointment is that Robin Curtis replaces the much sexier Kirstie Alley as Vulcan lieutenant Savik.