Star Trek III: The Search For Spock – Immediately after losing their friend and comrade, Spock, the battered and grief-stricken crew of the Enterprise limp back to the Federation Space Station. Upon learning from Spock’s father that his son may have merged his mind with a crew member and has the chance to be properly laid to rest on his home planet, Admiral Kirk and a small elite team set out to grant their friend’s last wish.   

Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984) – Director: Leonard Nimoy

Rating: PG

Running Length: 105 mins

Starring: William Shatner, DeForest Kelley, Christopher Lloyd

Genres: Science Fiction, Drama

REVIEW: STAR TREK III: THE SEARCH FOR SPOCK

It has been a good rule of thumb for some time that the Star Trek films with an even number are the best and the odd numbers are of dubious quality. So then, how does ‘Star Trek III: The Search For Spock’ fair with regards to this unofficial rule? Honestly? It would be incredibly unfair to say this is a ‘bad’ film – it is in the unenviable position of being the middle part of a trilogy and follows the devastating events of ‘Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan’ and could easily have just been a filler movie so that the final part of the trilogy could truly shine.

However, ‘Star Trek III: The Search For Spock’ gives you everything you’re looking for in a Star Trek story – especially the camaraderie amongst the crew of the Enterprise (unsurprisingly stolen from underneath Starfleet’s nose for a noble cause). This is likely due to the film being directed by Mr Spock himself, Leonard Nimoy. Keeping to a small cast benefits the story – a small rag-tag group of heroes, a decreasing number of enemies with only a handful given much personality to ‘cling-on’ to and 3 members of a neutral party that the heroes need to save. Even the sets are minimal – you have the space station – home to the officious Starfleet who are left behind by the goodies on their mission, two ships (good vs evil) and the planet below them which is becoming increasingly unstable.

What makes ‘Star Trek III: The Search For Spock’ stand out is William Shatner’s Kirk – a man forced to keep going despite dealing with the grief of losing his best friend and then facing further grief when his son (who he has only recently found out about) is put in jeopardy. Christopher Lloyd, who plays Klingon Captain, Kruge, who gives what could just be a stock baddie, plenty of personality without hamming it up. While you recognise him as the villain, it is difficult not to respect his leadership qualities and understand his disdain for peace with a hitherto despised enemy.

While compared to other Star Trek films, ‘Star Trek III: The Search for Spock’ is a little forgettable, it is by no means a poor relation – certainly taken within the context of the trilogy, it is a movie with plenty of story and a particular plot point has unexpected repercussions Kirk later in the franchise.

CONTENT: IS ‘STAR TREK III: THE SEARCH FOR SPOCK’ SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN?

The movie opens with the ending of the previous film – Spock’s death and funeral. This in itself is sad but after, the crew are suffering grief and are subdued.

A Klingon ‘Bird of Prey’ Starship attacks a Federation ship without provocation. A member of the Klingon crew is onboard, acting as an ally although in subtitled dialogue shows they are a double agent. Realising that they will be included in the attack, they accept their fate wilfully and without fear. The Klingon Captain, Kruge, shows them respect and gives the order to fire, a flicker of regret runs across his face but he stands firm in his decision. Some kids may not understand why someone is killed by their own people so may need some reassurance here.

Spock’s coffin is left on the newly created Genesis planet but later, Kirk is told that there are life signs in Spock’s quarters. When he goes to investigate, Kirk finds a darkened room with the door forced open. He hears Spock’s voice calling out to him and then sees a man sitting mostly in darkness across the room. The turns out to be a well-known crew member but his mind has been taken over by Spock so he is not himself. This scene is quite spooky and could be frightening for some kids.

The possessed character is taken away and an incidental character says ‘They’re moving him to the funny farm!’

A Klingon on the ship is ordered to only target another ship’s engines so as to disable them – however he destroys the whole ship, killing everyone on board. He tries to make an excuse but Kruge shoots and kills him, a light engulfs his body and he screams as he disappears.

When captured, a character is asked questions about a powerful device that the Klingons want to possess. She answers honestly that she knows nothing about the device but Kruge tells her ‘I hope pain is something you enjoy!’ indicating that she will be tortured until she gives them more information.

Kruge orders his men to kill one of the captives, a knife is brandished and the man holding it walks slowly behind them, choosing which to kill. One of the captives bravely fights back but does not win the fight. In dialogue it is confirmed that this character is dead causing a loved one to collapse with grief.

CAN I SEE A CLIP?

VERDICT: IS ‘STAR TREK III: THE SEARCH FOR SPOCK’ FOR KIDS?

‘Star Trek III: The Search For Spock’ is a contained story with minimal sets and a skeleton crew with simple motivations so it is easy to come to it with little background knowledge. Therefore it’s a film that kids can follow with little need for explanations. However this is an adult’s movie so some of the actions of the characters may be confusing and the violence – while there is virtually no blood or gore – could be a bit strong.

• Violence: 2/5 (little blood or gore but includes stabbings and shootings)
• Emotional Distress: 3/5 (grief is a major aspect of the movie and is a motivator for much of the crew)
• Fear Factor: 2/5 (the scene in Spock’s quarters could be a little scary)
• Sexual Content: 0/5
• Bad Language: 1/5 (some mild cursing)
• Dialogue: 2/5
• Other Notes: deals with themes of death, grief, hope, disobeying orders and friendship.

Words by Laura Record