STAR TREK II: THE WRATH OF KHAN

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STARRING: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, George Takei, James Doohan, Ricardo Montalban, Walter Koenig

1982, 113 Minutes, Directed by: Nicholas Meyer

Description: Inspired by the "Space Seed" episode of the original TV series, the film reunites newly promoted Admiral Kirk with his nemesis from the earlier episode--the genetically superior Khan (Ricardo Montalban)--who is now seeking revenge upon Kirk for having been imprisoned on a desolated planet. Their battle ensues over control of the Genesis device, a top-secret Starfleet project enabling entire planets to be transformed into life-supporting worlds, pioneered by the mother (Bibi Besch) of Kirk's estranged and now-adult son. While Mr. Spock mentors the young Vulcan Lt. Saavik (then-newcomer Kirstie Alley), Kirk must battle Khan to the bitter end, through a climactic starship chase and an unexpected crisis that will cost the life of Kirk's closest friend. — Amazon.com

Trekkies like this one more than Star Trek - The Motion Picture film in the series. While the plot is a tad stronger and the characters not overshadowed by spectacular special effects like in the first film, the film however suffers from rather flat designs and camera work (almost like television.)

Only die-hard trekkies though will remember the bad guy Khan from countless re-runs of the original 1960s on late night television.

However, not even Spock's much-hyped death at the end could prevent the franchise from flourishing. Thus the commercial and critical success of this movie ensured the franchise's longevity - several TV shows and big screen sequels followed. The latter are: Star Trek III - The Search for Spock (1984), Star Trek IV - The Voyage Home (1986), Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (1989), Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991), all of which featured the old crew of Kirk, Spock, et al.

The baton was passed to the Next Generation crew in Star Trek - Generations (1994), Star Trek - First Contact (1996), Star Trek - Insurrection (1998) and Star Trek - Nemesis (2002).
 

• Read the script.
• Read about The Highs and Lows of Celluloid Star Trek.

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