Rating: 
Summary: Lighten Up!!
Review: For the last 11 years, Star Trek V has been criticized mercilessly by critics, alleged Star Trek "fans" and even some Next Generation cast members. Yes, there is sloppy editing in points and if you are obsessed with special effects, then I guess there are some slips here and there. However, the film offers a good deal of interesting moments. We finally get to see Kirk, Spock and McCoy explore their friendship in a venue other than the ship!! Most importantly however, the much maligned Shatner, long criticized for hogging screen time, gives us more of ALL of the co-stars than we see the in the other Trek films. The Motion Picture offered virtually nothing for Uhura, Scotty, Chekov and Sulu to do. ST II gave Chekov a little more screen time but Uhura, Sulu and especially Scotty were hard to find. (Not to mention that the theatrical cut of II removes a fine scene with James Doohan in sick bay when his apprentice dies and Scotty asks Kirk why? A powerful scene left on the editing room floor.) III leaves Uhura in the dust somewhere, in IV Sulu might as well not be there and in VI, again Sulu gets short shrift as do the rest. In V, everybody gets in on the action. Uhura is allowed to do more than just open hailing frequencies, she flies the shuttle, distracts the Nimubs III outpost guards etc. Chekov has some nice moments as the "Captain". Sulu is on the ground with Kirk as he was in the original series. Scotty is allowed to venture out of the engine room. The jail break scene is priceless! More than any of the other films, V has the feel of the first two seasons of the original series where more attention was paid to the co-stars. In V you get the feeling that these characters are really something of a family and that they care about each other. Particulary effective is the characterization of Spock. Nimoy does a nice turn playing a weaker, more unsure Spock which is how the character should be played given the events in III and IV. However, as the movie progresses, Spock gets stronger. His old nature slowly returns as the challenges mount and finally the Spock of old is back when he takes command of the Enterprise in an attempt to save Kirk. He says to the old Klingon General, "You will try" when the General hesitates to confront a hostile bird of prey. In those three words, Spock's ability to command is fully returned to him. Something he had lost after he died. I find in this movie that Spock is not only unsure of his actions regarding Sybok, but that the sub text is that he is questioning his ability to be an officer in Starfleet. Five has various problems agreed, but the characters are never closer. That closeness holds somewhat in VI only to be butchered yet again in the horrific Star Trek Generations. The only time that picture is at all intersting is when the old crew or in the later parts, Kirk, is on screen. Again, cut were made which reduced Koenig and Doohan's roles to virtually nothing and though the addition of Sulu's daughter is a nice touch, Kirk's apparent unfamiliarity with her is disturbing. Yes it is supposed to show that Kirk gave up a personal life blah blah blah. But why not have Kirk responsible for helping her through her career in Starfleet afterall, though Generations leads us to believe differently, Kirk's devotion was not just to the Captain's Chair and his duty, but also to his ship and crew. I cherish V because it does effectively what ALL the original Trek movies should have done more of, give more story time to the co-stars and show the powerful connections between all seven of the characters.
Rating: 
Summary: Top notch Star Trek and filmmaking
Review: This is an excellent film dealing with the classic Star Trek themes of religion, government, and the human and alien mind. This is of course territory which desperately needs attention, and of the Star Trek films this may be the one that does so best. The Final Frontier gives us a different perspective on the Federation, particularly with the nicely drawn dystopic city on Nimbus III; the Neutral Zone, in my opinion, has always been one of the most interesting and multifaceted aspects of the Star Trek universe, and it's nice to get such an extensive view of this part of it. In a way, all of the Star Trek films are dealing with narrative, and particularly the forces which influence history. Here we have a beautifully done opposition of several established governments; a radical faction with a suite of complex driving forces, and catalyzed by a charismatic prophet; the Enterprise's crew, which is a breed unto itself; and, last but not least, God himself (there are nice echoes with the wonderful episode "Who Mourns for Adonais?"). But not only are the big elements put across wonderfully. The character interaction in this movie is truly superb. Every one of the big seven has a moment; Chekhov and Sulu get their much-deserved time in the spotlight; although we never get enough time with Uhura, she does have an excellent role in this movie; Scotty has beautiful continuity with his character in the episodes. This movie also has the most extensive footage of the Kirk-Spock-McCoy triangle, not least of which is the campfire scene. The versatility of this trio and their cameraderie is of course one of the very best things about the Original Series; they can make us laugh and cry and think, all in the space of five minutes. And speaking of fine acting, permit me a rhapsody on guest actor Lawrence Luckinbill. He is Star Trek's most complex villain; in fact he brings the part off so well that Sybok doesn't come across so much as a villain as a unique and powerful figure. I won't spoil the story, but I would like to say that he prompts a fascinating revision of Spock's character. Sybok's charisma is palpable; in a sense, he is the bridge between the unique humans in the movie, and the generalized theme of prophecy, shamanism, mythology, religion, &c. (take your pick of related themes). Because of its humor and seriousness and several breathtaking scenes, this movie can be watched countless times, always pointing out and helping to answer new questions. Here is thoughtful science fiction which is a joy to watch. I think William Shatner did just fine.
Rating: 
Summary: Wow...
Review: Well I got the DVD as a gift from a relative who thought that it would be a welcome addition to my collection. I think not... so I come here to see what others say and what do I see... an average of 3 stars. My God, or is that just My slightly evolved being... Let's go over what is wrong with this picture: 1. The acting; sub par and everyone can see it 2. The story; I mean there's not supposed to be spoilers here, but an implied romance between two characters, a strip scene with a 50+ year old woman. (Let's be honest here folks, I don't care how desperate you are, seeing Uhura doing a fan dance is something that gives most sane people the willies.) Spock's ½ heretofore unmentioned brother. 3. The story; Sorry, but for all of those other reviewers who thought that this was a wonderful flashback to the 60's; every character except Kirk is made a fool of. Every one. From the flying Spock, to the lost Sulu, Checkov, and Scotty, to the fan dancing Uhura. Even the Enterprise is made to be a fool. 4. The special fx; it's been covered but they are extremely cheesy. What's right: 1. The music. Jerry Goldsmith is once again at the top of his game 2. The interpersonal scenes with Kirk, Spock, and McCoy. Okay, even I have to admit that Shatner understood this very well, perhaps better than any of the other writers and directors of previous Star Treks. Those approximately 5 minutes of scenes worked really well for me. The DVD: No real extras, and just an okay transfer. The verdict: No wonder Paramount treats it's fans like dog poo... with people out there who give this movie 4 or 5 stars being the ones who go back to see the movies over and over again, there is no reason for Paramount to ever produce a decent movie or show for that matter. Please don't waste your money on this DVD.
Rating: 
Summary: Should Have Let It Bake a Little Longer
Review: Shatner, already reeling from fan outrage at his tongue-in-cheek anti-Trek comments, really took it on the chin for this one. But not deservedly so. Certainly, as far as directing goes, this film is no less pedestrian than the third film, and its humor is no more silly than the fourth. Where it truly suffers is in the special effects department, a fact that in part reveals how empty many modern sci-fi adventures are. The story foolishly blends the first film with a TV episode called "The Way to Eden," often regarded as one of the worst, with predictable results: Kirk and crew are hijacked by Spock's fanatical half-brother on a religious quest that is ultimately disappointing for everybody involved. While quite a bit in this movie feels incomplete--special effects, Jerry Goldsmith's score, the climax--Shatner and crew manage to muster a few genuine emotions, particularly in scenes revealing the past. Another 15 minutes in the oven and this one might have turned out okay. Widescreen DVD neither helps nor hurts.
Rating:
Summary: In case you missed I- IV
Review: All right, this video can never be mistaken for Star Trek II - The Wrath of Khan, which was possibly the best Star Trek Movie ever, but this video does have it's charm. Star Trek V takes allot of abuse since Shatner took his turn at the directors chair this time around and that was, well, maybe a mistake. Nonetheless, this is a valuable movie for it's classic Star Trek humor, as well as a setting for a new Enterprise adventure "to find God". In case you don't know, in Star Trek II Mr. Spock died. He was brought back to life in Star Trek III, and ah yes, in the process Enterprise 1701 was destroyed. You will find some jokes about Spock's "death" here, and now you will get it when you hear them. In this Trek, a new ship, Enterprise 1701A is given to the crew, but it's hardly space worthy. This gives the miracle working ships engineer Mr. Scott lot's of things to fix. There is a shaky peace with the Klingon Empire, but we all know Kirk hates Klingons and they don't like him very much either. While as usual, Mr. Spock remains the voice of reason through out all, however, the video introduces Spock's brother yes, brother, played very well by Lawrence Luckenbill, as a Vulcan who embraces emotion. He hijacks the Enterprise, and takes it's crew on a quest to find God. On the way there, there's lot's of fun action. Do they find God? Well, when the find who they find things get serious as so they should. This is not the most effective outing for the Enterprise and it's crew, but it is a thought provoking video for a moment or two and at other times it's just good fun.
Rating: 
Summary: A good try, but it's just not good
Review: Oh, I can credit Star Trek V for trying to be the most personal film of the series, and the most spiritual. If tehre's one merit I can give it, it is the fact that it does feature some good old-fashioned humor that is truly funny. The setup itself is actually quite good. So why does this film have a rather low rating? Well, there are the special effects, which are absolutely awful. These effects are reasonably better than films from the 1950's but this is unforgivable in comparison to any other Star Trek film. The Star Trek Enterprise looks more like a toy model than a starship. The pacing is rather slow, due mostly to the clumsy action scenes, which are more of a bore than anything else, but the biggest fault is saved for last. When I read about this film, I pictured the planet which "God" lived on to look lush and beautiful, something like Genesis from Star Trek III, only even more breathtaking and wondrous. Instead of beautiful scenery, we get a barren landscape. The confrontation at the end is also rather anticlimactic. Though it is interesting to note that the ending might be implying that the entity the crew encounters is actually the Devil (but it's never actually clarified). This is a film that features good ideas, but it just doesn't seem to know what to do with them. I'm not even sure Trekkie fans will enjoy it.
Rating:
Summary: Not as bad as some people say
Review: I thought Star Trek V was okay.I'll admit some of the special effects aren't all that good(but they're still entertaining),and when I first saw the film I expected the ending to be a lot better.I also got a little tired of the running gag of everything on the new Enterprise not working right.(it was funny for a while,but the gag wore a little thin) Those things aside,I thought most of the film was pretty good.It was cool to find out Spock has a half brother named Sybok.I thought the plot was interesting,up till the part when they reach the great barrier,anyway.I know the campfire scenes at the beginning bothered a lot of people,but I though they were alright,even a little funny.I guess the main reason I didn't dislike this film is the cast has such great chemistry together.The musical score by Jerry Goldsmith is very good,too.Overall,While this is probably my least favorite of the Star Trek films,(either this or the first one,it's a toss up)I didn't mind it too bad and there are a lot of worse movies out there!
Rating:
Summary: Good direction but a poor script.
Review: There are some brilliant moments in "Star Trek V", surrounded by some really bad ones. First off what's good? The cinematography, music, sound, and direction are all in fact very good. Shatner shows deft skill at movement and tone in a scene. There are scenes in this film between Shatner, Nimoy and DeForest Kelley that are sublime. Now what's not good... The plot, some of the performances, visual effects and the entire last twenty minutes. The plot is a noble intention; Star Trek crew meets God. It's problem is it's execution. In all Trek adventures, Kirk and the crew are the most active participants in the adventure. Here, they almost stumble upon God. And that's another problem. The concept of God can't be adequetly addressed in a Star Trek film. How can ANY director deal with this subject matter in a tidy 105 minutes while still adhering to demands of Star Trek? Now while Shatner provides good direction, his perfomance here seems rushed and even a little tired. Kirk looks like he's been up all night studying for mid-terms. The other performances seem so-so. Nimoy does a walk through and the other Trek actors look like their trying to steal the scenes from each other. Perhaps they felt a little competion from Next Generation? The visual effects here are the worst in the entire series. We all know that ILM lost the effects contract on this movie but there are plenty of effects houses that can offer good effects. I don't understand how a big franchise film like "Star Trek" couldn't afford another leading effects company. The 2-D effects shots have no blur resulting in effects that look like drive-in "let's go to the lobby" type animation. This film is pretty much a mess. While a good intention to take the Trek into something different, the result is a disappointment.
Rating:
Summary: The Worst of the Treks, But Still Entertaining!
Review: This is, by far, the worst STAR TREK film ever released. Shatner was trying to be Leonard Nimoy, and fell flat on his face. The story seems mumble jumbled at times, and the visual effects are less than enthusiastic. But still, the character development and the battle scenes were great. The idea Kirk and company battling God was crazy (My entire family agrees that they were not fighting God FOR REAL. What they were fighting against was a demon who had tried to take control of Heaven from God, and God banished him to the planet Sha'Ka'Re, creating the Great Barrier around the planet to keep him from getting out. And, like all demons [and Satan himself], he tried to make everybody think that he WAS God.). The plot was fair, and the scene where the shuttle craft flies manually into the shuttlecraft hangar aboard the Enterprise (and crashing into the net) has got to be the best visual effect of the entire movie. STAR TREK fans will enjoy this a little bit, but not much. Grade: B-
Rating:
Summary: Terrible
Review: This is by far the worst Star Trek film ever made. (Along with that yawner "Star Trek 1") Stupid script and lousy special effects. Very boring. Very dull. Do not buy Star Trek V.
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