Review of Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (1989) by Andrew E — 03 Sep 2008

It's so bad that it's shit but that makes it good but it is shit. Bill only Directed one Star Trek movie and thank God! Its not that he is a poor Director but it would seem that nobody gave him any respect, leaving him with poor special effects, a weak cast (who all look fat and sleepy) and a very low budget. The film is saved pretty much by DeForest Kelley's emotional journey over his father's death and what's more this scene also dips the film into a very raw, contested issue (euthanasia). He gives one of the few good performances in the film and, along with Bill and Leonard Nimoy, is really outstanding.

Nichelle Nichols looks like shit wrapped in old shit. Why would anyone ever allow that woman to remove her clothes? Her undeserved smug attitude from start to finish pissed me off.

Checkov and Sulu need to get a room, after all they are the Bert and Ernie of the Enterprise.

As for Scotty, in space no-one can hear you scoff the buffet, apparently. The same comic neurosis that worked in 4 and later in 6 does not work here. On the contrary it makes him look bumbling and idiotic.

Sybok is shit and Sean Connery (the first choice for the character) would have been infinitely better.

Perhaps this film should have been the final frontier for the series but thank God it wasn't because Star Trek 6 is fucking wonderful!