Review of Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991) by Andy C — 03 Nov 2010

I know everyone and their mother think that Star Trek II is the best Star Trek movie out there. Don't get me wrong, I think it is certainly incredible, and depending on what mood I'm in, I'll can side with those believers.

On a technical and spiritual level though, the Undiscovered Country has the Wrath of Khan beat.

A quick synopsis of pros and cons, before a full length review:

1. This movie has enough for really any time of fan, whether their interests lie in sci fi, comedy, suspense and drama.

2. This movie was also directed by Nicolas Meyer, the same guy who did the The Wrath of Khan.

3. This movie has a more complex plot than any of the other movies.

4. It's very accessible like the Voyage Home, and you dont have to be a trekkie to get the plot(aka Search for Spock).

5. There is plenty of screen time for all of the members, and not so centered on the "Big three"(Kirk, Spock, McCoy).

6. As always, great cast aside the regulars(Christopher Plummer was a great Klingon).

Cons.

1. This was the last movie to feature the entire original cast.

2. In Blu Ray format, the makeup is more noticible, giving some actors a weird look about them...

3. I got nothing else....

I just love how this a movie that anyone could relate to. In the beginning, the Klingons are a dying race that are in dire need of alliance with the federation, even though they've been at war with each other for centuries.

Spock believes that there is a possibility that this could work, so he convinces the council to get the Enterprise to rendezvous with Chancellor Gorkon of the Klingon Empire(trekkies, don't hold me to mispellings or accidently giving someone the wrong title during this review).

There's a lot of fear and doubt from both parties during this rendezvous, and Kirk the most hesitant because of the memory the death of son at the hands of the Klingons. Kirk gets framed for doing something pretty bad to the Klingons, and the plot takes off from there.

Some of the best scenes come from the interactions between the Enterprise's crew and the Klingons. This is pretty much all due to the incredible casting picks. Christopher Plummer is absolutely obsessed with the role and steals almost every scene. David Warner is completely convincing as the all noble chancellor.

The bridge crew feel really comfortable in the movie.(maybe they were relieved this would be the last time they would have to put up with Shatner), and I am happy that I lot of them had the opportunity to act and be part of the script. Sulu got the shaft in this one(no pun intended), as he was only in a few scenes. (they were very important scenes though).

Some other underlying themes in this movie:

1. being too old for being useful for society.

2. discrimination.

3. fear of change.

4. being able to forgive for the loss of a relative.

I would say that their are no points in the movie where it feels like the movie is dragging, as there is a nice steady flow from one scene to another. For once, this movie doesnt deal with time travel or have any significant plot holes. It's almost like a crime drama set in space.

That being said, it will have enough explosions and photon torpedoes to keep the action fan satisfied.