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Star Trek III: The Search for Spock Full Reaction

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Ryan

This is the movie that least deserves the "All odd-numbered Star Trek movies are bad" common wisdom, as it's a perfectly fine film that just had the bad luck to be sandwiched between two truly exceptional ones. It's also unfortunate that for anyone going back to the series now, it looks like Spock's death was just a cynical marketing ploy that they immediately overturned, just like what's currently going on with Ms. Marvel. In fact, they fully did intend to have him permanently killed in Wrath of Khan, and Nimoy even only agreed to be in the film because of that. But then he was surprised to find himself actually enjoying playing the role again for the first time in ages thanks to just how great the movie was, and was suddenly open to bringing him back, resulting in the last-minute addition of the "Remember" line and the shot of the coffin on Genesis. Another demand for doing Wrath of Khan was that he get to direct the next movie, but unfortunately that career never went much of anywhere, with his biggest movie outside Trek being the box office smash but critical bomb Three Men and a Baby. And you'd better believe a lot of Mandalorian fans were hoping Bo Katan would say "I have had enough of you!" when she shot Christopher Lloyd!

Anonymous

It immensely warms the heart, Jess, to see and hear you express love and appreciation for this, perhaps the most underrated Star Trek film. As you may or may not know, there is what’s known as the Star Trek curse which says that the odd numbered films are shit and/or letdowns. I see Ryan’s commented on it as well. This film is why I've never fully bought it as this film makes my top five favorites of the franchise. The reason why this film gets labeled bad/underwhelming is because it had the misfortune of following Wrath of Khan, and its immediate follow-up is one that tends to be universally regarded as one of the best of the franchise. So, to see you love this film as you did, Jess, was great. Another thing that’s great was that you were not spoiled in advance, which boggles the mind as to how you achieved that. I did love your confusion at the beginning, particularly as you knew that the last film ended with Spock dead and his body packed in the sunglasses case and shot onto the planet. It's a touch of brilliance that Leonard’s name is left out of the opening cast list, thus preserving the surprise, which by the way, yes, Supernatural could “take a fucking note” as you put it. It is so well done how they open with the lingering grief for Spock, especially the toast that Kirk, Sulu, Uhura, and Chekov shared. Said scene ended up being eerily prescient in that following Leonard’s death in 2015, they became the last surviving members of the main cast, a number that is now three following dear Nichelle’s death last year. Mark Lenard makes a striking showcase of Sarek’s grief for his son. As to the villainous aspect, Commander Kruge is one of the most underrated villains of the franchise. Again, having to follow Khan is to blame for the lack of love for him. I liked how you described Christopher Lloyd as Commander Kruge being something you did not know you needed, and our dear Doc is most terrific in the role. He really does fly off the handle at the end, especially after poor Snuggles gets killed which enraged him, and understandably so, because after all, even bad men love their fluffy boys. It is an emotional high point that it was Bones that Spock entrusted with his Katra. In rewatching the film, I knew you’d love the stealing the Enterprise sequence, particularly Sulu having one of his best moments ever. George actually was reticent about the moment, but he saw he was wrong and came around. It is a shame, I agree that Uhura does not join the crew. Nichelle herself wasn’t too happy, but she loved the big moment she got. I reconcile that she likely needed to stay behind so that she could cover their escape and make it harder for reinforcements to follow. I'm told in the novelization that we’re given scenes of Uhura and Sarek getting shit done on the diplomatic side of things which, though I've not read the novelization, that would further help balance things out. Good catch on recognizing Miguel Ferrer by the way. I KNEW it was coming and highly anticipated your marvelous commentary on the sartorial aspect of the film. Yes, they did the damn thing with the costumes. My favorites were Uhura’s lovely ensemble in the one scene, and especially Sulu’s sharp looking poncho jacket adventurer look. The dark turquoise color especially really suited Sulu. It was a very handsome look on him.

Anonymous

I see what you mean about David. I think I'm kinder to it than you were, but I see what you mean about your feelings on his part. That does hurt seeing his death and Kirk and the crew’s reaction to it. Seeing the destruction of the Enterprise is a powerful emotional wound. Your reaction to that being a stand-out moment. Me, I see it through the tears, and I tell myself the lie, that Kirk doubtlessly tells himself, which is, “She’s only a ship.” Of course, I hear myself say that, and my heart breaks further, and I cry even harder. Now onto Spock’s resurrection, and again, how you managed to not be spoiled about that is an achievement for the ages. I knew full well that the scene where Bones speaks with Spock would be an emotional moment for you, and I STILL was not prepared for how much your reaction got to me. It is beyond amazing seeing the great Judith Anderson as the Vulcan priestess. God, do I love it so. I see Ryan commented how Spock’s resurrection can now feel like a cheap cop-out. And though I fully understand how people would see it that way, I don’t agree. The reason being, like you said, it shows the love our heroes have for each other and that they’re willing to risk everything to get their friend back. Also, though Spock is revived, it is not without cost, and it is a heavy cost. There's a line, “Where there is death, there must always be death.” It’s highlighted well when Sarek expresses both his gratitude and his sympathy to Kirk for all that Kirk did, and all that Kirk lost. Mark was great conveying the recognition of a father sharing empathy for another father that had to sacrifice their son so that his son could live again. Then there’s the big moment of Spock alive again. I don’t mind that you chose not to let the tears flow for the sake of your health. I could see it in your eyes how the scene got to you. As it is, in rewatching this film, I shed enough tears for the both of us. Everything about your reaction to that final scene, well, words are failing to do justice to describe the emotions that I felt upon seeing your reaction. This whole reaction was most beautiful, Jess. It won’t be any bother if it’s longer than two weeks until the next reaction to Star Trek. I await word either way, but however long it will take will be no problem. Thank you so, so very much for this beautiful reaction, Jess, it was just so lovely to see.

Anonymous

I remember when this had come out, I think it was in Starlog magazine, there was an article about how they brought Spock back using regeneration, and pointed out Doctor Who beat them to the concept by 18 years :) You are right... it is a nice treat to see everyone dressed in normal clothes instead of their uniforms. One thing I wasn't sure you had caught because you were reacting to the beginning of what Adm. Morrow said about Scotty not being able to go on shore leave because they needed him on Excelsior and didn't catch what he said at the end- he promoted Scotty to Captain. 2nd from the original crew to make Captain after Spock did in the last film.

Ryan

I feel like another reason this film isn't more loved is that it peaks way too early, as the whole sequence of stealing the Enterprise is one of the most thrilling, engaging setpieces of the entire franchise...and then there's still an hour of the movie to go. But there's still plenty of great stuff in that second half, and I especially love how the movie doesn't pretend that the core cast can handle the ship all by themselves, and shows there's a good reason that it typically has that huge crew.

Anonymous

I have heard that thought thrown around, and it does make sense. I don’t necessarily agree with it, particularly as you say, the second half has plenty of great stuff. Still, the thought does make sense as the stealing the Enterprise sequence is a remarkably great moment of Star Trek. And yes, that is a nice touch showing our main characters struggling with the ship by themselves and highlights why the crew size is what it is.

Jenny Chalek

Thank you so much for this, I always enjoy seeing you react long-form. I'm sorry you're still in pain after your surgery, hopefully it will clear up soon! Take care!

Anonymous

YAAAAAAYYYYYY!!! This is my favorite Star Trek Movie with the original crew. It blew my mind as a teenager and made me a full-blown Trekkie. I went to my first conventions after this. Over the years I saw Leonard Nimoy, Nichelle Nichols, James Doohan, George Takei, Majel Barrett, William Shatner, Grace Lee Whitney in person. (And later Next Gen people, too.) The stakes in this movie, the concept, the end of the Enterprise, returning characters. The moments Scotty, Uhura, McCoy and your fave, Sulu, got shine (I knew you'd love them)! Just so great. I've been looking forward to this reaction for months! Lol. You did not disappoint! Thank you! May you continue to heal and feel true relief from your breathing issues! (I love ST IV, too, but its a totally different vibe. But fun!)

Ryan

If you’re wondering about the recast of Saavik, Kirstie Allie very much wanted to play the role again, but her agent didn’t get the message and made a big stink about her getting a substantial pay raise, causing the studio to just pass on her.

Anonymous

Nice to see this one getting some love. People someones discount it because it comes after Kahn. I don’t know maybe it’s a female thing, but I have the same reaction as you. Definitely more feels. Glad you’re getting better. Those surgeries are no joke. The not crying was fine. You don’t have to full out sob every time, you nut 😊 That was a lovely reaction. Thank you

Anonymous

I’ve been looking forward to this! It’s a close call, but this might just be my favourite of all the Trek movies. I could watch that ending scene a hundred times and just seeing that subtle joy and relief growing in Kirk’s eyes as the scene goes on would still make me cry!

Anonymous

Another very enjoyable reaction, thank you - and I'm pleased you're doing well after your operation!

Jeff Clark

I'm sure you've already answered this at some point, but after the original series movies are you planning on continuing with the Next Generation movies and/or series?