McCoy's scene with his dying father is some of the best acting in Star Trek and the best acting in DeForest Kelley's career.

"What does God need with a Starship?" Has got to be the single ballsiest move Captain Kirk has ever made. "Oh, you're an indescribably powerful incorporeal energy being pretending to be God... I've seen your type before" Type vibes.

I thought Kirk saying I need my pain was on a par with him saying let them die in the undiscovered country. Some good acting by Shatner in those two scenes

The scene with Sybok and McCoy regarding his father's death was quite emotional and well done.

I love all the “human” charms of this film. The scene where Kirk is on the bridge with his uniform shirt open talking to the admiral is really great. Kind of a slice of life film that wanted to be more akin to the motion picture but there wasn’t enough time to hone the script to a razors edge. Every aspect of production was set against shatner and his crew.

Star Trek V is unironically one of my favorite Trek movies. It's basically a longer TOS episode. DeForest Kelley delivers one of his best performances in that scene with Bones and his father.

I love the line from McCoy "you want me to hold him Jim?" I agree it wasn't a great film. But I will watch this a hundred times before I subject my family to Discovery or Picard.

One redeeming feature of the movie was the relationship between the trio of kirk, bones and spock. That part I did love as their bond not even sybok could break apart. As we know kirk would die alone in generations as predicted. Spock would visit bones before bones died and then head off to Romulus for trying to help unification.

My uncle commented last night: Star Trek V would've fit perfectly as a TOS episode. It's definitely a flawed film and definitely could've used a lot of various things: suits being very strict being one of those things that could've been removed. They should've delayed the film and altered a lot of things, such as the Enterprise breaking down should've been removed. If the film focused on family, mortality, faith, and belief, it could've had a solid structure. As you and many others have said; it's better than Bad Reboot Trek. I recommend looking up fan edits. Given Shatner's views on the past is the past, can't change it, I don't see a proper Director's Cut anytime soon.

Star Trek V has always been entertaining, regardless of its numerous issues. It’s greatest crime is kicking off the trend of constantly rewriting Spock’s childhood. Imagine trying to reconcile Star Trek V’s Spock with Discovery’s Spock. Spock grows up with two siblings, neither ever mentioned, both oblivious and unseen to one another as well. Must have been a *huge* house Sarek bought on that Ambassador’s salary.

I've always felt this film was underrated. There are some great character moments and interesting philosophical ideas here.

Loved the scene where Kirk refuses to let go of his pain " I NEED my pain!" peak Shatner as peak Kirk. Our pain helps make us who we are, if we can rise above it.

I believe this movie was written during a writers strike, so that's probably the reasons for the weak story line. But still, not really THAT bad. The friendship of Kirk, Spock, and McCoy, was really heart warming. They've acted like that all along, but this time, they actually said it out loud.

Jerry Goldsmith did his absolute best soundtrack work on this one. Also- There's a fan theory that states that the film was actually a dream that Kirk had. Interesting fact: The last track on the soundtrack is titled, "Life is a dream".

I liked it! The camp fire scene in Yosemite was pure charm. In comparison to more recent Trek efforts, this movie is golden...

Grew up with the original series in the 70's and Star Trek 5 was the first film I saw in theaters. I loved it! Only later I learned people didn't like it. Turning 48 years old in a few weeks and I still watch this movie and I still love it. It felt like a movie version of a classic TOS TV episode.

My first impression of the movie, when I saw it in the theater, was that they were trying to capitalize on the success of STIV by inserting as much humor as they could. The problem, of course, was that the humor worked in STIV because it was a "fish out of water" story - Sulu accidentally turns on the windshield wipers in the helicopter, because he doesn't usually pilot a helicopter. Scotty says that he's come "millions of miles" from Scotland, because he's used to thinking relative to the vast distances of space, and so on. Those things were appropriate for the situation they were in. The humor in STV was out of place, because it was often inappropriate for what we were used to from the crew when in the 23rd Centruy. I'll join the chorus and agree that it was still better than anything 2009 and since.

The camping bits are proper Trek. Such genuine warmth and kinship

I did very much like this movie. Compared to ST Discovery, Star Trek V is a masterpiece. One thing that Dave said, about Kirk losing a brother once, he states Kirk meant Spock, when Spock died in Wrath of Khan. Actually, on the original television series, Kirk did have a brother, Sam Kirk, who died on an episode of the original Star Trek series

I really did like the Sybok Character.

This movie grew on me more and more as I got older and could appreciate what worked about it. In talking about the strength of the Kirk/Bones/Spock relationship and as a perfect call-back to Kirk's assertion that he knows he'll die alone... when the Klingon ship beams Kirk up and it's revealed that Spock was the gunner, Kirk says he thought he was going to die. Spock says, "Not possible. You were never alone." Kirk is overcome with emotion, you can even see a glint of a tear in his eye, and he goes to hug Spock. Spock says, "Please, Captain. Not in front of the Klingons." That little scene is the perfect encapsulation of what worked in this film. We see how far they've come as characters, both individually and their relationship with each other. It's a beautiful blend of heartfelt emotion and playful humor. I kinda wish McCoy had been in that scene but I'm actually settled on it being perfect as was. On a slight side note, I know Shatner is often given hell about his acting, but I honestly always thought he was a great actor, even in the earlier days of Trek. He has a unique cadence and definitely sported the slightly over-the-top style of acting that was more popular back then, but if you watch his expressions and eyes, he communicates the emotions really well and he could even be quite subtle to great effect sometimes. Going back to the afore-mentioned scene, when Spock spun around in that gunner's chair, the look on his face was so genuine. And then again when Spock said he was never alone. Shatner's acting in that scene was superb.

“There shall be no peace as long as Kirk lives!” That line in STIV, was all the setup you needed for V! You can kinda say we got that to a degree in VI, but the potential for a story of an all out war over one man is just incredible!” They had so many possibilities, and they went with this?!

Not a bad movie. Very flawed to be sure. I love Kirk's outburst of him needing his pain. Not the worst trek or not the best. Just somewhere in the middle.

But you've already hit upon the point of the film, by what you said, Dave. The point was that true family is often more than blood, and that together, we can come through our pains by taking them on together...as a family. The "looking for God" thing was actually the sub plot, and the theme of the bonds of family was the main plot line. Q.E.D. Plus, I've always liked Luckinbill, ever since "The Delphi Bureau".

This really is one of my favorites among the movies. TOS feel. Yes, much of it is janky, but so was TOS at times. I believe it was made with a lot of heart, and many scenes and concepts are interesting.

I think the "I need my pain" scene is wonderfully shot. The lighting, camera work, and acting all works very well in that scene. There's a stage play quality to it that somehow manages not to look cheap, while at the same time showing how Sybok's ability works. It's not coercive, it simply lays bare your most painful memory so you can accept it and leave it behind. Now it might have been a little better for the script if his ability was some form of domination, since it's a bit of a stretch that the crew would so willingly betray Kirk simply because a magic man helped them with some personal issues. That aside, I rather love this film.

Always enjoy Dave’s reviews. Star Trek #5 scene where the 3 are singing at a campfire is one of the most memorable scenes in all the Star Trek franchise.

Better than anything Star Trek out out after 2005. I genuinely love this movie despite it's flaws. Good review.

I would take this film over much of the new Trek on today. Your reviews are on the money...well done.

Star Trek V may not be a well enough rounded story to be a good movie, but it’s still good as a homage to a great series. It would have been an interesting idea for a TOS episode, and in that sense it was satisfying

The fact that the Enterprise can reach the Centre of the Galaxy relatively quickly is explained away in the J M Dillard novel of the movie by means of Sybock altering the engines to make it possible ( Talented bloke) , I'm sure there is somthing in the novel that gives the Klingons more back story and motivation too. Its over 30 years since i read it and that was recuperating from having my wisdom teeth removed so i was a bit preoccupied, but its a good read. (:

I can forgive the singalong since it pays off later "Maybe life is a dream..." On the rocket boots, thrust from the heels would make them very unstable. I always assume such devices include some kind of anti-gravity, with the thrusters providing, well thrust.

When I first saw Star Trek V back in 89 I hated it. Later after multiple viewings on cable and home video, it has become one of my favorites to revisit. I particularly like the Yosemite stuff. Yes it has lots of flaws, but it gets the friendship of the three main characters perfect.

I genuinely love this film, Def in my top 3 trek movies. The light hearted tone, soundtrack and script are all stelar to me. Don't get the hate for it.

The main indication that it was not ILM was the fact that the enterprise's impulse engines were blue instead of the normal red color.

I have always loved the scene when Sibok tempts Kirk and McCoy and Spock, and it turns out they have all accepted themselves as they are and hence can not be controlled by fear.

This film has gradually been redeemed thanks to fan edits, particularly VFX revamps and correcting the Deck 76 goof. Look them up if you haven't already done so.

When I saw this is the theater, I realized why I like TOS Star Trek: it was about the relationships between the characters. No this isn't the best ST movie but it has some very memorable and legit great moments.

When I saw it in the theater in Japan, I was pretty hyped because we got to see Starfleet "troops" in action, even though the special effects sucked. I think that had Shatner been given a proper budget and time, the film could have been really good.

I saw it in the theater with my Dad- I remember him being upset with all the things you've mentioned, and as you also stated- it was redeemed by the message of friends as family. I, as a kid, liked the idea of the false god and the redemption of Spock's brother. Amazing how a movie that wasn't great back then would be considered to be beyond a masterpiece in 2022. Thank goodness for the backlog of amazing literature, stories, movies and tv from decades long past!

They could've played with Sybok's telepathic (or whatever it is) connection to "god" by referencing Spock's mind being touched by Vger in The Motion Picture - especially given that Vger was a machine intelligence and not biological. Maybe being a full vulcan with the family's genes gave Sybok a stronger ability.

I’m glad he eventually said he likes it anyways. I hear so many folks put this movie down and I think it’s fun!

"I need my pain!" is one of my favorite lines from the franchise and something I feel is very true to life and the human condition.

I rewatched this recently (all of the original Trek films in reverse order, actually, for some reason) and found it to be rough but quite charming. Bad scifi, a really rough movie but still a decent Star Trek adventure. Weird sex stuff, questionable creative choices, bad special effects and a few annoying renditions of 'Row, Row, Row Your Boat," really pull the movie down and give it the reputation that it has earned. Also, no one can direct Shatner quite like Shatner. He's so fun in this movie. Star Trek V is peak Kirk.

Good conclusion Dave, I wholeheartedly agree with you. I absolutely love the musical score for this film, and the rescue scene of the hostages is a stand out for me. Star Trek 5 also has the distinction of being the first Star Trek film that I ever bought on VHS, so it holds a special place in my heart for that reason alone.

I've always suspected that the "God" of Sha Ka Ree might actually be Satan. He does mention something about being cast out, or exiled there long ago. But then again, what would Satan need with a starship?

One of my fave Trek films, the family feel, brotherhood of the leads.... Perfect. I never understood the hate.

Star Trek V was a great movie. I think it has a great story.

I felt Star Trek V sorely needed a starship dog fight. Like have the 'god' take over a ship and have that amped up ship and the enterprise duke it out. (It's been a long time since I watched it.) The enterprise has to fight him to keep him escaping out into the galaxy.

I love this movie. Always have.

I have always enjoyed the original Star Trek films if and only because of nostalgic reasons. That being said, we have to consider these in line with their series episodic stories. Many had some message, others didn't. Sometimes a film can be nothing but fluff and simply be something to watch as a distraction from reality. In other words, sit back and enjoy it with your popcorn and kill some free time.

Fun Fact: My brother and I do the Vulcan Salute touch as seen in this movie (and much more effectively and tragically in Star Trek II) and yeah, we've been through a lot (once it was through glass). So that's a cultural effect this movie has had.

people can say what they want about Star Trek 5. but after recently watching it I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. Look to me it's an episode from the third season it's a little shaky we all know it's bad parts but at its core it has a great campfire scene. The antagonist isn't a villain out for revenge but actually wants to free everybody from their pain.

With Sybok, his story becomes even more tragic in the beta stuff. Sybok's mother was Sarek's first wife and the vulcan version of a religious zealot...abandoning and annulling their marriage. It also hints that the mental manipulation he had was also due to inadvertant contact with the creature there, and one of the reasons that Spock didn't mention his brother is that he barely knew his brother, being extremely capable with his telepathy when young...and needing isolation due to it, plus the potential madness there. It is the worse of the TOS era movies, but at the same time, it is also one that I've found that I really like. The events also seem like something that really set the stage for the events of the next movie with the potential for peace...after all, it was working with a Federation crew that a Klingon crew killed a "god" like in their own mythology...and despite everything in Generations, I kind of see that as another continuation of things...and, in a way, Kirk did still die alone, his family wasn't there for him. Of the movies with the TOS cast, it seems, almost like TMP is the odd man out as a single movie arc...WoK, SfS, and VH are basically one big arc, TFF, TUC, and Gen also have an arc mixed in it. As a side note, for the captains log part, I always assumed that the log "book" was more of a specialized version of what would eventually develop into the PADD, mainly being tied into the ships computer, but having a backup memory system so that it could be easily found if there was an incident and having a lot more security features because of that.

The guy digging holes in the beginning of the movie was also in one of tos episodes. He was one of the deputies on the OK corral episode.

This movie is a perfect example when the producer, director, writers (oddly both director and producer had their hands in the cookie jar) and studio work against each other. When there is such conflict behind the camera, it is amazing that movie was ever finished.

Unpopular opinion in bound! Take Kahan out of it, this could be my fav. Yes the graphic are terrible. There are so many themes in here that resonate with me. Cord being sent to pasture. Spock needs his help and he says he is to old. "dam you Sir, you will try". Of course the scene with the 3 of them with Spock's brother. The hot head Klingon.

There are two points you overlooked about this movie that I feel are important to note. One of these weakens ST:V more, the other strengthens it a bit. The weakening point is that the "great barrier" in TOS was on the outer part of the galaxy. This is made known in the second pilot, "Where No Man has Gone Before." It's reiterated in "By Any Other Name." So it's even more puzzling why the Enterprise can get to the centre of the galaxy and to the outer limits of the galaxy when Voyager cannot get home. However, in the TNG episode "The Nth Degree," we find that the Enterprise D is able to also go to the centre of the galaxy because of new principles of travel that Barclay discovers and employs. There they meet another floating head character from a species called Cytherians. So the Enterprise D in this episode is at the centre of the galaxy where the Enterprise A had been and they encounter a being that resembles ST:V's "god" character. I find that satisfying and helps to save the movie just a bit.

I actually love this movie - warts and all! It has everything that a great episode of the original Star Trek series would have - the relationship between its three central characters in Kirk, Spock and McCoy, as well as its exploration of a relevant issue. In this case, does God exist? And if so, who wouldn't want to meet him and what would you ask or say to him if you could?

One thing to mention is this was back during the "small galaxy" era of Star Trek where tge galaxy was tiny and you could go from one point to any other in the matter of a few days. I think one of the best, admittedly rarely mentioned, improvements to Star Trek during TNG was to make the galaxy huge and this became a important truth in DS9 and Voyager. Sadly Kurtzman Trek has returned to the Small Galaxy view.

Kirk : "All I ask is a tall ship, and a star to steer by." McCoy : Melville. Spock : John Masefield. McCoy : Are you sure about that? Spock : I am well-versed in the classics, Doctor. McCoy : Then how come you don't know "Row, Row, Row Your Boat"? [Spock raises his eyebrows]

I'm in favor of giving this movie a special effects makeover. I think it would help it a lot. It's not a bad Star Trek film, just not as good as it probably should have been.

It is the only Trek I watched that I remember liking 100% on first viewing.

You nailed it. And it’s probably the closest adaption to the television series. I’d rather spend time watching these likable characters than any in nutrek, which lack in the fun department. This also is the best soundtrack of all the films

I wish they would of explored Sybok's combination of logic and emotion. A much more difficult proposition than totally supressing all emotion.

Glad to discussed this film, I think that was overall quite a fair review (and a lot better than the joke summary at the start of course - which is where most people leave it at). I always thought this film received too harsh of a bad rap and wasn't all as bad as people remember, where the general consensus calls for a 5.5 or 6, I'd still give it a 7 even if it could be much better. You make many good points, like about how they take over the ship pretty easily, that could've been explained better, at least a fire fight scene or four, taking over engineering, the bridge, etc, that would've been good cinema. I don't have a star chart, but we know that the Federation is near the Beta quadrant (from Star Trek VI actually), so it is conceivable they are also closer to the centre of the galaxy than they are to Voyager 70k l/ys away. I think the central theme was about values. Valuing close relationships, valuing a belief in something bigger than yourself.

The only things worth watching Star Trek V for: 1. The shuttlecraft design is one of the best in Trek 2. Caithlin Dar 3. Lawrence Luckinbill's performance 4. Goldsmith's score in this one absolutely rules 5. The way McCoy pronounces "marsh melons" in the campfire scene

that "show me your pain" scene with Kirk is one of the best scenes in all of Star Trek

A good, clear-minded review that I pretty much entirely agree with (with the exception of ranking it as better than the 3 Bad Robot movies); especially your appreciation of Sybok's story which is very solid and the underrated Laurence Luckinbill gives one of ANY treks ;best guest starring performances.

All well said. ST V has flaws in the script/story, particularly in tying it altogether and a making a more satisfying ending. The lower budget shows and the loss of ILM hurt. But it is still to me a very Star Trek kind of story there were trying to tell and chemistry was there between the main trio. Sybok was a very good character, well acted and memorable and his redemption arc was handled very good. It is vastly more full of heart and fun to watch than any of the post 2009 slop.

I like V a lot more than the super-jokey IV. And ya gotta love the scene of the two lost helmsmen, Checkov and Sulu. That was hysterical I thought.

Every time Kirk says, “I lost a brother once…” I always immediately throw in, “Yeah, and you played him!” Anybody remember Sam from _TOS: “Operation: Annihilate”?_

I think there is interesting ideas and a good story in there. It just needed to be fleshed out better. Over all I think it's an issue of execution. It would probably work better as a single episode. It's like they felt there wasn't enough of the core story so they had to add in all the extra stuff with the Klingons and the antagonist being Spock's brother. It's a frustrating watch because I think I can see what they were trying to do but it just misses the mark.

Good day Dave, thanks for this review as well as many other interesting contributions over the years. I really enjoyed your clear and fair appraisal of this particular film. You have a fine talent for expressing clearly some great highlights, interest points I was unaware of and in making some balanced observations in media. I had just re-watched this film last week and I feel in a way your post has been something like having a pal over with common interests. This seems to be reflected in some appreciative comments and it's nice to see some similar minded folk liking the same things. Very enjoyable review. Warm regards and best wishes from the Cape of Good Hope peninsula SA

Thank you for reminiscing about these old trek movies it’s a shame new trek is so terrible, and laughable that some consider it cannon

ST V had two of the things I liked the most in the entire franchise. Sybok's monologue explaining why feat and dogma held back people for generations is awesome. The scene in which Sybok returns command of the Enterprise IS fantastic. BTW, he didn't manipulate the crew, he generated instant loyalty. They never were disloyal to him in any moment, before or after. This is the ONLY movie of the entire franchise dealing with exploration. Well, maybe the last in the Kelvin timeline, but since I wrote the Kelvin movies off long before it was filmed, I can't say for sure. There were many plot holes in the movie that were explained in the book adaptation - the Enterprise was able to cross the barrier because Sybok modified her shields, and the Klingons were able to follow because the Enterprise hadn't her firewalls installed yet (dawn rushed launch), and Klaa was able to hack her computer. Klaa also had a nice subplot in that book. Some of the biggest flaws, Sybok's backstory with Spock, could be done much better - maybe Sybok was Spock's best/ only friend growing up? And Kirk was aware of this, but still felt disappointed in Spock for failing his duty to the ship?

Definitely better than any Star Trek content since 2005! Great vid Dave!!!

This movie is so much better than Nemesis, yes this movie is full of plot holes but the scenes with kirk, spock and bones they are some of the best. Nemesis is so boring, i fell asleep 3 times in a row trying to watch it, i never finished it, but i cured insomnia

Love your work, Dave! Thoughtful and intelligent...need more blokes like yourself.

I guess the theme is about friendship vs religion. Spock's half-brother is so involved in his goal, he keeps ignoring the importance of trusting his sibling. Whwn he realize that, it was too late. Kurt kept his faith with his friends.

I actually like this one better than undiscovered country. The whole cold war allegory and scooby doo plot was a bit much for me.

Seems to me every time you use the transporter in Star Trek, you are essentially cloned. The first time you use it you are destroyed and then another version of you ends up somewhere else. The new you would not think anything is amiss (neither would anyone else), but you would not be looking through that persons eyes anymore. The same scenario was played out in the movie "The Prestige", where every time he transported, he would drop the original "him" in a water tank and drown. That's dedication.

I went to a star trek convention, well not really a convention. It features one actor and they talk for a couple of hours, answer questions and then do autographics afterwards. In this particular event the actor was Wiliam Shatner himself. He talked about ST 5, His comments were he knows is was not good and that no one in Hollywood had any idea what they are doing. To Quote him "People... in...Hollywood...don'tknowwhatthey'redoing". They just try to make something and hope people like it. He also said many of the things he wanted in the film just did not work out. The movie just did not come together like he invisioned it. For instance he wanted rock monsters on the planet at end of the film. They only had money for one guy in a rock suit and he wanted smoke coming from the rocks. They had people blow smoke through a tube to try to create it. He said it was pathetic. He talked about a great many things. But I thought his part about ST 5 was particularly interesting. For the Record this was at the San Diego Convention Center. I don't know the exact date. But it was definitely after ST 5. Over all William was gracious to everyone. It was just a few hundred people. So it did not get crazy.

I do like that the crew are back in uniform, on a ship, going on a mission. Unlike III or IV. Don't get me wrong, I like IV. But there's something about getting out, in uniform, on the ship, on a mission. The same thing that Picard is missing. Oh, and as a sailor, I LOVE the observation lounge with ship's wheel, wood floor, compass, and other nautical memorabilia.

It's a great storyline...ripped off from Harlan Ellison and Gene Roddenberry. Ellison was approached to write the script for STTMP and his idea was the Enterprise meeting God by breaking through a barrier in space. Gene's original idea was a giant computer that essentially made the known universe. Ellison was told, and I quote: Not Big Enough. Cut to years later the idea is retooled and voilá: The Final Frontier. And Ellison never sued. You can read about this in Harlan's book Harlan's Watching or Stephen King's Danse Macabre.

i was so glad 6 came out because I thought for sure this movie killed the franchise for sure

Makes sense for Klaa, Kirk was their unicorn, the one that always got away. To fight against Kirk was an honor, Kolath remarked to Dax that he always regretted not getting to face him in battle.

The tie-in comic adaptation had the rock monster ending as well some interesting dialogue differences like... Spock: "I've lost a Brother!" Kirk: "I lost two brothers, but I was lucky... I got one back!" Either the movie pruned a reference to George (Sam) Kirk or the comic inserted one.

According to Shatner, he wanted to do Dante's inferno in space. Where heaven and hell are literally planets. Apparently the studio vetoed this

An underrated movie and has lots of great bits. The bond between the 3 in the park scenes are just Sublime. For me Voyage home, Khan and Undiscovered country are the best of the film series.

This one has some excellent character moments. I don't ever skip it.

The main saving grace of this movie... whiskey is THE secret ingredient to good chili.

I have an extremely fond memory of seeing this with my father when I was a child, and oddly enough it was the very first Star Trek movie I saw in theaters. Was it terrible, definitely, was it still awesome, most definitely

There was a great book published in the early eighties called enterprise. In that book Spock had a brother named, Steven. A full Vulcan who strives to even feel Emotion. He dispises the fact that Spock is using All his will power to resist what he craves.

Spock had a similar "deeper telepathic ability" Sybock had. Remember, Spock had a telepathic link with V'ger.

''God is a busy Man" which platys over the desert walk is a Most Excellent piece of music, if nothing else.

An absolute love letter to TOS - Shatner understood the original show better then anyone gives him credit for. He nailed it. The relationship between the big three, the action adventure, the little bit of cheese; Kirk vs an omnipotent godlike being, some fist fights, an alien bar, a 3 breasted cat lady.... how can you not love this movie.

i've always loved the final frontier there are so many great scenes and lines in it

Yes a flawed film, but still really enjoyable, an interesting idea, some great moments and an attempt at something new. Far better than anything Trek today.

Once again, I completely agree with your assessment. The Final Frontier is certainly one of the weaker films in the franchise, but I’ve always enjoyed watching it. With each subsequent viewing, I like it more and more. It has some great character moments and the story clearly wants to explore some big ideas, even though it doesn’t amount to much in the end. The original crew at its worst is still LIGHT YEARS ahead of current Trek! 🖖