Photo: Paramount Pictures
Star Trek, refashioned by director J.J. Abrams into an origin story even a non-Trekker could love, beamed up a big $76.5 million at the weekend box office. Expect a sequel to be announced pronto and salary hikes for Chris Pine’s Kirk and Zachary Quinto’s Spock. Many fans were rooting for the gross to break $100 million and put the newbie in reach of last summer’s Iron Man. But the miracle didn’t happen — yet! Star Trek is, let’s face it, a tired franchise. A paltry $30 million debut for 1996’s Star Trek: First Contact was the best opening in the 10-film series, until now. Thanks to Abrams and his young cast, the Starship Enterprise is looking good to live long and prosper. Which begs the question. What is the best Star Trek movie and what is the one you wouldn't watch again even with a gun at your head?
BEST: Until No. 11, my vote would have to go to 1982's Star Trek 2: The Wrath of Khan. At the risk of incurring the wrath of Trekkers, the first Star Trek movie in 1979 was a snore. The sequel has the real juice, namely a roaringly comic Ricardo Montalban as the evil Kahn, a role he created in the “Space Seed” episode of the TV series in 1967. His hair gone white and his skin like Corinthian leather, Montalban is a sight to see as he lures Admiral James T. Kirk (William Shatner is pure ham on wry) from his desk job and back into command of the Starship Enterprise. Leonard Nimoy is also splendid as Mr. Spock, showing a half interest in a half Vulcan officer (Kirstie Alley). Director Nicholas Meyer digs deep into the tensions between Kirk and Kahn. “Let them eat static,” orders Kahn when the Enterprise tries to establish radio communication. And I totally loved Kahn springing his secret weapon — it enters through the ear and makes the target “extremely susceptible to suggestion.”
Honorable Mention: 1986’s Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home. Nimoy directed this one and did himself proud. A giant, cigar-shaped alien probe is threatening to vaporize Earth unless it can talk turkey with a humpback whale. But this is the 23rd century, and humpbacks are extinct. That’s the spur to send Kirk, Spock and the Enterprise crew to boldly go back to San Francisco, circa 1986, and steal two humpbacks to mollify the probe. Save the whales and you’ll save the Earth. It’s a good joke with a pertinent kick, especially when the crew deals with pizza, beer, Health Care and other artifacts of a primitive time.
WORST: For me, it’s no contest: 1989’s Star Trek V: The Final Frontier dominates the wall of shame. Directed by William Shatner, the film is deeply, irredeemably embarrassing. With Shatner in command — not only does he star and direct, the story was his idea — Kirk is the whole show. Called back to the Enterprise (despite the budget, it still looks like a flying waffle iron), Kirk must rendezvous at the center of the galaxy with — get this — God! The trip gives Kirk time — way too much time — to consider the big who-and-what's-out-there questions of existence. The dull gab never stops, heaven looks like the California desert tinted red, and the film is devoid of grace, wit or the excitement needed to rouse you out of a justifiable coma. In my review, subtitled Windbags At Warp Speed, I noted that “Shatner can't direct for diddly.” For my troubles I received a wonderful letter from the man himself. Actually, it wasn’t a letter. The man who would be Denny Crane simply tore the review out of Rolling Stone and wrote on it in red pen four words pithier than any in the movie: “Fuck You, Bill Shatner.” I treasure the note. Not the movie.
More Star Trek on the Travers Take:
• Review: Star Trek
• At the Movies With Peter Travers: Star Trek
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JJDoucheBag | June 14, 2009 8:40 PM
Worst Star Trek ever. Only appeals to the MTV generation who are easily woo'd by scenes no longer than 2 seconds and big explosions in their faces.
Derek | May 22, 2009 10:13 AM
Have you watched Khan lately?? It really doesn't hold up well. Very cheesy and lightweight. I loved Undiscovered Country too, but the new movie was incredible! Great all around. One of the reasons is we have movie actors (except Quinto)instead of bad TV actors. Shatner is such an over actor. For the Trekkies who don't like this movie, I think of The Onion headline: "Trekkies hate new Star Trek movie for being 'Fun' and 'Watchable'"!!!!!
MJC | May 17, 2009 2:19 PM
Speaking as a Trekker who watched Star Trek when it was on in the 60's, this movie was a steaming pile of dung.
ohsnapiam56 | May 12, 2009 9:01 PM
The new ST movie was incredible. And I agree with one poster...Uhura WAS always flirting with Spock on the original series...go to youtube and see for yourself. I really hope they continue the storyline of Spock/Uhura...probably will because Zachary Quinto has said he would like to. The version opens up new possiblities...they could meet the Botany Bay again!! (altho Ricardo is sadly gone from us now). The Borg. And on and on. This movie is right up there with the Wrath of Khan except Eric Bana didn't do it for me. BTW, did anyone notice when Eric Bana yelled "Spooooooock!"? Like "Khaaan!"
Star Trek is for Nerds | May 12, 2009 8:03 PM
I want to this movie open-minded, but tainted by the memories of my parents' obsession with Star Trek. The first half of the movie was great, but the second half of the movie the trekkies behind me started cheering and I reminded me why I hate Star Trek.
Jordan | May 12, 2009 11:21 AM
There's actually a lot of really cool, almost Bradbury-ian ideas in the first Star Trek picture (1979), and though I personally love it, it is most certainly leaden, especially in comparison to the new film! As a life-long Trekkie, and as a person who owns and watches every Trek film -- good or bad -- this new film is absolutely the finest outing in the franchise. Hands-down. It's a perfect film, that struck such a PERFECT balance between honoring Star Trek lore and history and characterization and yet totally appealing to a mass audience. That's a feat they've never quite accomplished (and always wanted to) until now. Looks like they finally got the right creative team!
sticklegs | May 12, 2009 10:40 AM
The VOYAGE HOME & FIRST CONTACT were very funny. The funniest scene to me is with Spock and the kid playing his music loud on the city bus, with every passenger applauding on the bus. 2nd funniest scene? Checkov "WHERE DO YOU KEEP YOUR NUCLEAR WESSELS?".
First Contact? funniest lines and scenes? WORF "ASSIMILATE THIS!!!!"
Christian | May 12, 2009 10:11 AM
KHAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNN!!!!!! It has weight, story, acting, campy fun (Montalban's outfit!), and Shatner rocks it.
2nd place: The Voyage Home. Ridiculous plot, but that has nothing to do with it. It's the funniest of the bunch, and Nimoy is just awesome as a director of this one.
WillnPL | May 12, 2009 5:49 AM
I go back and forth between Khan and 1st Contact as the best movie, Khan certainly was the touchstone for story and action, but Contact has it for acting hands down, the scene between Picard and Lily is the best in all the movies.
Steve | May 12, 2009 1:30 AM
Love the new Trek. Loved also Wrath of Khan, Voyage Home and First Contact.
And by the way, dear Mr.Travers - please research a bit more. It is "Khan". Not "Kahn". As you can see in the comments, most picked up your way of spelling it, unfortunately.
If you think that´s nitpicking by a Trekker, well, then I apologize, Mr. Trawers.
ilovradio | May 12, 2009 1:29 AM
Wrath of Khan is the Ultimate Star Trek movie. We would not be sitting here commenting about any of this, or even the performances from the small screen STNG,DS9,Voyager,or Enterprise without the smashing success of that movie.
I shall leave you like you left me and my lovely wife... buried alive...
KKKHHHAAANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN!!!!!
-------------------------------
Kirk, you're still alive my old friend...
BRING SHATNER BACK TO LIFE...as Capt. James T. Kirk and and give him better dignity than the crap that was in Generations Nexxus ribbon..
sticklegs | May 12, 2009 1:01 AM
Did anyone notice the reoccuring pattern thread through the development of Kirks character??. Young Kirk hangs off the side of a chasm after totaling the sports car, Kirk hangs off the side of the Romulan drill, as the romulan thug tries to stomp Kirks hands, Kirk hangs off the side of the platforms on the Ramulan ship, before informing his attacker that he has the attackers gun. IN the orignal series Kirk wasn't just a fighter, he also used his wits to get out of tough situations.
The only familiar line missing in the movie was "He's Dead Jim!" Of course those aren't exact quotes. But, as I have mentioned on this blog 3 times I LOVED THIS MOVIE!
Mike. J | May 11, 2009 11:21 PM
I grew up a trekkie starting with the Next Generation...Was never really a huge fan of the original series until I was older and started watching the movies. I think the new movie was great. You just have to think of this new continuity as sort of like a "mirror universe". That should make all the tried and true Trek fans happy. Only thing that really bothered me about this was the size scale of all the ships. I mean when was the original Enterprise ever big enough to have a entire water treatment facility on board. I mean the ship looked like it was a mile long when it was being built. If you know your tech specs from the show, you'd know that the original Enterprise was only 200 meters long, at best!! That being said I still think it was a BA movie and I'll be waiting for the sequel!!
sticklegs | May 11, 2009 10:59 PM
Undoubtedly, this new STAR TREK Movie was excellent. It was well worth waiting for. I have already seen it twice. I understand there is a sequel already in the making for release in 2011. This new STARK TREK, didn't box itself in a corner. It left ample room for the introduction of the Klingons, Tribbles, etc.I am sure the characters personalities will be developed further. I enjoyed Hearing PIKE ask SULU if the parking break was off, and listening to CHECHOV attempting to access a computer that didn't recogize his voice due to his accent. I enjoyed the insight, learning that McCoy joined the fleet due to a nasty divorce hiw wife getting the entire planet and all that was left was his "BONES". Uhura being a star student protege of her mentor SPOCK. Some persons found the relationship, between SPOCK and UHURA to be a surprise. In the original series, KIRK and UHURA had shared a kiss. Abraham Lincoln indicated UHURA was a charming "negress" However perhaps no one ever noticed that UHURA Had always tried to bring out or see the human side of SPOCK, how comfortable UHURA was of teasing SPOCK during the original series.
I think some have mentioned some dismay that this new STAR TREK has strayed from the original concept. Quite the contrary, I think Gene Roddenberry would have been proud of JJ Abrams. The young cast was depicting, young cadets trying to find their place, rather than mature, seasoned crew members. Kirk's daring, full of adventure, his confidence, that swagger. Scotty and Chechov were PERFECT! SPOCKS character was just what one would expect of a young person from two worlds. The feelings he had as a young adult, remiscent of those he felt as a bullied child. Yes, his original character lacked the show of emotion. However, this new movie provided an explanation for the way he was portrayed as "young" SPOCK.
Chali | May 11, 2009 9:10 PM
For me it was VI, the Undiscovered Country. It was well done all the way around, great acting, story, direction, writing, etc. Plus, it was the only one of the series that actually affected the "history" of the world they all lived in (the whole universe, and not just the overall story of the Enterprise itself).
Star Funk | May 11, 2009 7:14 PM
Khan is still easily the best star trek movie. How can anyone even think of this new (non) Trek movie being the best? On sheer entertainment value, it might be second best, but I am having trouble calling it a Star Trek movie. How about Star Trek: Neo Strikes Back?
Anonymous | May 11, 2009 6:51 PM
Best. Hands down... Not cheesy Jar Jar Binks characters. and the CGI effects are tasteful.
Finally worth a movie to pay for.
Paul | May 11, 2009 5:32 PM
Best Ever - the new Star Trek. Finally takes the title from Wrath of Kahn.
Worst Star Trek movie ever? No question, "Nemesis" followed closely by "Insurrection" followed very closely by "Generations." All nothing more than 2 hour TV episodes that was filled with psychobabble when the characters were not spewing technobabble.
KAH | May 11, 2009 5:10 PM
The new ST is the best of the bunch IMO, and Khan was good too.
I've never been a ST fan per se, and I've only seen a couple others besides those two, but I doubt any of the ones I haven't seen are worse than Nemesis. I now have zero intention of ever checking out Next Generation.
deano | May 11, 2009 4:56 PM
This version of Captain Kirk is certainly a weenie compared to Shatner. Pine sure gets his butt whipped in fights pretty easy. Shatner would have shown them Romulans the floor with his fists!
dfez | May 11, 2009 4:36 PM
THIS MOVIE IS FANTASTIC. ACTUALLY, IT'S PROBABLY THE BEST TREK, AND THE BEST SCIENCE FICTION MOVIE, PERIOD, IN A VERY LONG TIME. There's plenty of action, a great script, and decent acting from all the characters, who were all well matched for their famous roles. Spock and Kirk were fantastic! Also, the special effects were wonderful.
I would highly recommend seeing this on IMAX if you can.
sticklegs | May 11, 2009 3:38 PM
Black Hole Issues, scientist only theorize, that they "THINK" happens in a black hole. All they know is that things appear to get sucked in including light, and nothing escapes out...
I think my favorite STAR TREK MOVIES? WRATH OF KHAN, THE VOYAGE HOME AND FIRST CONTACT
David Nielsen | May 11, 2009 3:35 PM
I did not like this new movie it was not Star Trek.
Rick_in_Raleigh | May 11, 2009 3:31 PM
I just wanna know how a canyon got in the middle of Iowa (I'm talking about the scene where young Kirk sends that car flying over the edge of one).
Otherwise, loved it, loved it, LOVED it.
sticklegs | May 11, 2009 3:27 PM
It's true that Spocks mother didn't die in the original series. But, as the movie premise goes, that the future was changed due to NERO's interference in the space time warp. So with this in mind, just like the "In Search of Spock" this leaves a sequel open to many possibilities of resolving issues, that were a contrary to the original series. Having been an avid star trek fan from 1966 on. I noticed there were alot of things that were alluded to, in the original series, that were directly addressed, which provided a foundation to give depth, and understanding to the characters we grew fond of. So any new movies, will only develope the characters personalities further. Also keep in mind that the Star Trek series in the 60's portrayed Middle aged men, rather than young inexperienced recruits trying to find themselves. Highlighting Spocks emotions in this movie, helped to build a foundation because it reminded us that he was half human, so therefore, he was still fully capable of feeling and experiencing human emotions. But chose to follow his father's culture. Both of his parents giving Spock their blessing to chose either or both their cultures.
My only disappointment was they didn't do more to develope SULU's character more. Well anyway, it's only fiction
So the Sky's the limit...:)
JHO | May 11, 2009 2:43 PM
I have to disagree with the "Honorably Mentioned" film. Star Trek IV is probably that next worst Star Trek film behind the afore mentioned V. With reference to the best...this new one is good, but the Undiscovered Country wins it (with the Wrath of Khan a close-close 2nd.
Tony Darrick Baker | May 11, 2009 2:36 PM
My all time favorite was actually The Undiscovered Country. Kirk was thrown into the slammer for allegedly killing the Klingon Chancellor.
Wrath of Khan and the latest Star Trek are both good too. The Voyage Home might have been nostalgic and funny but it was a little too "save the whales" for me.
Phil said "How do you go into a black hole and not get crushed into nothing? You don't come out the other side 25 years in the past. Come on."
Phil, keep in mind that we haven't put a man on mars. We have supposedly put a man on the moon, but that was almost 50 years ago so I'm starting to doubt that!
My point... if Star Trek can "beam you up" then who's to say that a wormhole doesn't actually crush someone, but rather re-materializes them on the other side 25 years out of whack!
Debb | May 11, 2009 2:26 PM
I heartily disagree with the Final Frontier being the worst movie. Nemesis is the worst movie - that's where they kill of Data (How dare they!)
In any event, the Final Frontier has some buried treasure. ie: The Caitian at the bar in Nimbus III and Kirk's "I need my pain!!"
We learn that Spock has a sibling and McCoy performed euthania upon his father.
And the female Klingons were hot!
So, far from disliking STV - I anticipate those moments and enjoy them over and over.
wanda | May 11, 2009 2:24 PM
spock' mother did not die in the tv series. i did not like her dying, but the movie was great action and comic at the same time. loved scotty and bones.
GROUCHO | May 11, 2009 2:11 PM
The new Trek should have opened
with the old Spock in bed at deaths door and as he expires the last word he mutters is
"Cloverfield". Enough said.
Shanda | May 11, 2009 2:09 PM
I have never, nor had I ever wanted to be a Trekkie. I watched it because the cast and previews made it look interesting. I was right! I loved it. Yes, there were a few oddities such as the black hole thing, but that is why it is in a SCIENCE-FICTION francise. The fiction aspect is what allows differences and originality. Too many films are trying to stick close to what people have commonly seen as the "norm." I am glad Abrams chose his own version of a black hole.
Kilroy | May 11, 2009 2:05 PM
"And how do you explain away Spock Prime having a conversation with young Spock. They can't occupy the same space-time and just blow it off like Spock Prime did!"
Dude, that's old fashioned 1950's paradox science fiction. Read up on the new stuff, like quantuum theory, 12 dimensional space and parallel universes. That's only one Spock in an infinite continuum of Spock universes. You'd think you'd be up on all that by now.
Hell, comics explained that in 1985 with "Crisis on Infinite Earths". And that's a COMIC!!!!
cap7707 | May 11, 2009 2:05 PM
"Star Trek: First Contact" was pretty good. The Borg were menacing as fuck.
Bill | May 11, 2009 1:27 PM
I just watched Wrath of Kahn on Friday and agree, it's the best (with Undiscovered Country second, NOT The Voyage Home).
The fact that William Shatner sent you that note of his "feedback" on your Star Trek V review makes me like him even more. Too bad he didn't include an audio recording of him screaming your name, a la "Kaaaaaaaahnnnnnnnnnnnnnn!!!!!"
Phil | May 11, 2009 1:23 PM
I loved the movie, but I have to take a couple of shots here since nobody else is:
How do you go into a black hole and not get crushed into nothing? You don't come out the other side 25 years in the past. Come on.
And how do you explain away Spock Prime having a conversation with young Spock. They can't occupy the same space-time and just blow it off like Spock Prime did!
OK, Spock and Ohura kissing is one thing, but is that all they could come up with for a time warp to make this movie go?
Still, these are my thought AFTER seeing the show and it did not ruin it for me. It just made me wonder how much un-scientific liberty they were going to take to keep the story going.
Any answers?
Mike | May 11, 2009 1:08 PM
What were the critics thinking when they loved this movie? The plot holes were enormous, the fast promotions way too laughable, and the lens flare effects completely distracting. Also, what was up with all the amazing coincedences serving as plot connectors? Eg. Kirk just happens to stumble into a cave inhabited by none other than the marooned Spock.
Really makes me wonder if Abrams was able to blackmail all the critics into loving this ridiculous film.
And, no, I'm not a Trekkie. I never found the classic "Star Trek" to be anything other than a marginal way to waste an hour of my time. I went into this film wanting to love it because I hoped it was going to finally make Trek interesting to me. It didn't.
The InkSlinger | May 11, 2009 12:30 PM
I wholeheartedly agree that "The Wrath of Kahn" was the best of the Trek movies. It is responsible for carrying the movie franchise. The fans wanted another one and have never gotten it. More's the pity. Montalban knew what he was doing when he went over the top and chewed up the scenery with his egomaniacal Kahn. He is sorely missed.
As many have noticed, the new movie borrows heavily from the "Wrath of Kahn" in many of it's references and dialogue. Abrams must have used this as his stepping off point, just as Singer did with "Superman Returns" by using the second Chris Reeve Superman movie for his stepping off point.
One of the glaring inconsistencies I noticed was Bana's Nero using the same kind of creature on Pike as Kahn used on Chekov but nowhere is there an indication as to what happened with the creature after that. Was it removed later or did McCoy (wonderfully by Karl Urban)remove it?
I don't know about you, but the overly passive aggressive kissy-face scenes between the new Spock and Uhura made me uneasy. There was no indication in any past Star Trek episode/movie that would justify this kind of touchy-feely interaction between these two characters (although I'm jealous of Quinto for being able to kiss such a hottie as Saldana).
Overall though, I loved the movie and the explanation of an alternate reality that very pointedly made it clear that this was not going to be the Star Trek so many of us grew up with. It is indeed Star Trek: Reboot. May the franchise Live Long and Prosper.
Mork from Ork | May 11, 2009 12:12 PM
Yeah I miss the TV show Mork and Mindy. It was sooo good!
PigDog | May 11, 2009 12:11 PM
I completely agree with your picks, as well as your honorable mention.