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Phubbs -> Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (1989) (4/7/2012 4:33:18 PM)
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I remember when this was released many people thought it was the old crews final film due to the title. Then once people had seen it most thought that maybe it would be best if it was their final film.
This fifth adventure starts off on a good note with some nice sequences. A short intro with the main antagonist on the sandy world of Nimbus III which looks good (sandy desert like worlds always seem to look good in sci-fi films) and then a few good humoured sequences with 'Kirk' 'Spock' and 'Bones' enjoying their leave in Yosemite. Add to that a brief intro back onto the Enterprise where everything is in the process of being fixed and not working too well which gives 'Scotty' his usual opportunity to huff n puff, this also makes you smile.
After this pleasant start which all point towards the beginning of a good fun film things take a bit of a nosedive. Basically there is no real plot here and little explanation for anything. Renegade Vulcan 'Sybok' isn't really explained a tall unless you count 'Spock's' brief flashback where we are given more big news that he and 'Spock' are half brothers. We have no reason for his 'religious' crusade, where he came from or how he ended up on Nimbus III. There is also no explanation for Nimbus III, its inhabitants, its name (the planet of galactic peace?), why there are earth horses on it and why exactly everyone is on 'Sybok's' side.
Of course the main issue here is the fact they all run off looking for God in the centre of the galaxy. Personally I really can't think of a more risky idea than this! apart from possibly alienating a huge amount of the audience who will have their own religious views and beliefs that are sure to conflict. The flip side is you know straight away they won't actually find God as how could a sci-fi film proclaim what God would look, sound or behave like. How could the film makers preach or force their own beliefs and ideals of God on a world where there is such religious diversity.
So obviously you know the plots outcome and thus the film becomes pointless. On top of that the obvious alien creature/power, that isn't God, which they do come across is not explained. No idea what it may have been or what it wanted or how it lead them to believe it was the one true God etc...
Another issue that bewilders me with the Trek film franchise is how or why the special effects seem to have gotten worse as the sequels progressed. The first film really did have a slightly epic feel to it with some sweeping model work but this fifth entry really does look dire. As usual we get some dodgy looking bluescreen and shaky sets which I have come to accept (sign of the times) but the model shots look so poor in this.
The actual models are sound and are clearly well made but it just looks as though the act of putting them on film has been cheap and quick. From what I've read it does appear things were done as cheaply as possible and without the best folk available. To be honest you expect more from a huge franchise and its fifth sequel.
So a very silly choice of plot which could of completely back fired (amazed it didn't), plus it has too many similarities to the first Trek film with the 'V'Ger' story, dull pacing, poor effects and the rather creepy and definitely un-sexy fan dance by the aged 'Uhura' was a bit eww.
Not much really happens in this film after the events on Nimbus III in my humble opinion. Its a very mediocre outing throughout with a very predictable anti climactic finale which almost killed off anymore adventures for the original cast for good.
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