Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (1989)
I was quite looking forward to rewatching this. Is it really that bad, maybe my taste has changed over the years or have I just uncritically attached myself to the fandom narrative of this being the worst Trek movie?
It was better than I expected, but also a movie with as many lows as highs. First of all it looks pretty good. I really like the color grading, lightning and set designs. Everything has just gotten a notch up in that department. The opening scene in Yosemite is one of the best moments ever with Kirk, Spock and McCoy. DeForest Kelley is giving his best performance ever and Jerry Goldsmiths score is amazing.
The downsides is mostly with the script. It is not nearly as funny as it tries to be, the whole Klingon sideplot is totally unnecessary and the final showdown with the entity at the center of the galaxy wasn’t that exciting. Not to mention to ridiculously stupid dance scene. It tries to mix elements of both The Motion Picture and The Wrath of Khan which makes both the philosophical themes and action elements fall somewhat flat. Which is a shame, because the Sybok storyline had potential to explore themes of personal growth, friendship and the quest for a higher meaning in life.
Rating: 3.5