| Review : |
While it may not be the best Trek film, it's certainly one of the most enjoyable. It also had the ability to reach out beyond the ordinary fan-base, with it's strong conservation message and 'present time' (now 'past-time' of course) setting. Many elements seemed to work well. The cast worked perfectly together, and had now known their characters for almost twenty years, so that is not surprising. Leonard Nimoy is obviously a good director, and produced a result which not only fitted together well, but where everyone was able to contribute. There were some great moments, probably too many to list, and all the main cast got at least one good line. As a zoologist, I think they did a fairly good job at making the whales look and behave realistically. They also remembered that they migrate, and have to be released in the right place at the right time of year. Finally, this was one of the least violent films, with no fistfights, one weapon fired at a door and two slightly comedic chases. However, it had its flaws. The alien menace going for Earth (a gigantic chocolate Swiss roll) might have been a bit over-used by now. I also can't understand why they shrank the Bird of Prey, then made it bigger again for the scene menacing the whaling ship. Then there was the new bridge. Why not be a bit more consistent? Of course, the whales weren't quite perfect either. Just releasing them might not work, they have to learn to bubble-net their food and must know the migration routes. However, I'm not quite sure if they went too far trying to get through to non-Trek fans. Maybe they sacrificed a little too much to do it. Also, because of its setting in 1986, it does not date very well. Still, let's not ruin it. Overall, it was a very enjoyable film. I wanted to give it a 4, but it just doesn't quite make it. Pity I can't give it a 3.5 |
