| Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (1989) | |
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Rating: 5.5/10 (63,973 votes) Director: William Shatner Writer: Gene Roddenberry, William Shatner, Harve Bennett Stars: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley Runtime: 107 min Rated: PG Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy Released: 09 Jun 1989 |
| Plot: Captain Kirk and his crew must deal with Mr. Spock's long-lost half-brother who hijacks the Enterprise for an obsessive search for God at the center of the galaxy. | |
Way back in the late 60s, William Shatner & Leonard Nimoy had a clause written into the Trek contracts that meant that whatever one was offered, the other would be offered. Therefore, as Nimoy had been granted his wish to direct a film (in fact, two films), then Shatner was entitled to take advantage of the same. Hence, he came to direct this fifth entry into the series, and as a result managed to have himself labelled as the crafter of the worst film in the franchise.
The original script had it that the crew of Enterprise would set of on a mission to find God, only to find Satan instead. Feeling that it was a bit too preachy, changes were made and instead the idea of seeking the creator was kept, but it would turn out to be a ploy by a mad entity trying to escape the prison of the great barrier. The film begins with Sybok, a Vulcan (and Spock’s half-brother), taking the diplomats on the ‘Planet of Galactic Peace’, Nimbus III, hostage. Using his mind melding abilities, he manages to brainwash people into following him, and once Enterprise arrives, he slowly manipulates the crew to take him on a journey to the centre of the galaxy, past the great barrier, and seek ‘God’. At the same time a Klingon named Klaa is seeking action, and hearing about the Nimbus III incident decides that Kirk would make a good target, and so sets off to destroy him.
It isn’t the first time that Trek has tackled theological aspects, and the definition of what makes a God, having been a topic covered in a variety of episodes of the original series, and the more recent Next Generation. Therefore, it could have been handled well, with the Klingon presence thrown in for some antagonism and action. Sadly, Shatner’s direction leaves a lot to be desired, and his lack of skill at directing action makes for some dull moments when they should be thrilling. His capturing of static moments of dialogue is effective enough, but his insistence on ensuring the camera is on himself most of the time means that it is more an ego-stroking project than anything else.
There are one of two great moments. Spock’s vision of his birth, highlighting his root fear (being rejected by his father for having human blood) is beautifully captured. Support from Laurence Luckinbill as Sybok is of a high standard, and he always seems to steal the scene away from everyone around him. Throw in the return of Jerry Goldsmith as composer, and you at least have a strong soundtrack. But these moments are lost in among a woefully conceived rock-climbing scene towards the start of the film, a plodding overall nature, and a cringe-worthy sequence with Uhura putting on some bizarre exotic dance.
I was hoping that revisiting this film so long after last viewing would open my eyes up to some positives, and convince me that it wasn’t as bad as I recalled. Sadly, it was, and even die-hard Trek fans will find little to love within.
