When it comes to science fiction franchises there are what you could call two major players. One is a series of movies that take place in a galaxy far, far away. Otherwise known as Star Wars, these science fiction movies are based on pure fantasy and have little or nothing to do with reality. The other player takes voyages across the galaxy to boldly go where no man has gone before. Now consisting of six television series and thirteen movies the science fiction phenomena Star Trek is known by pretty much everyone in the world. Where Star Wars as mentioned is pure fantasy, Star Trek has always tried to take a more realistic approach and predicts a positive future for all mankind. The fun thing is that Star Trek fans usually don’t like Star Wars and vice versa. There a lot of hilarious sketches on YouTube where the two camps take pot shots at each other. However, I love science fiction in general, and have always loved both franchises. So that’s why today I’m continuing the Countdown to the Last Jedi with what by many is considered the best Star trek movie to date, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.
The Federation starship USS Reliant is on a mission to find a suitable planet for a topsecret project called Genesis. If succesful the so called Genesis Device will be able to turn a lifeless planet into a fertile one, ready to be colonised. Arriving at a possible planet that might qualify for the project, the Reliant’s captain, a man called Clark Terrel together with Commander Pavel Checkov beam down to the surface. To their astonishment they find what seems to be an abandoned cargo ship. Upon entering the wreck, Checkov sees a name that makes him stop dead in his tracks: Botany Bay. It brings back memories of his time aboard the starship Enterprise fifteen years earlier. The Botany Bay was the name of the ship that was commanded by the infamous Khan Noonien Sing, a genetically engineered tyrant. The Enterprise under the command of captain Kirk was barely able to defeat this criminal mastermind. In the end though, Kirk won, and marooned Khan together with his crew on the surface of the planet Ceti Alpha V. Checkov screams at Terrel that they must leave immediately. But just when they are about to, they get surrounded by a group of unknown assailants. When their leader reveals himself, Chekov is shocked to find out it is Khan. Still alive, and out for revenge against the man that took everything from him: Kirk. The captain of the Enterprise will soon find out that revenge is a dish best served cold…..
After 25 years this movie is still just as awesome as when it was first released. There is so much cool stuff in this film, that it’s almost impossible to mention everything. I’m going to make an effort anyway. For one thing it’s the original crew that will always hold a special place in my heart. No matter what you say about William Shatner, I think nobody can deny how truly terrific his role as Kirk was. And in this film I think he did the best job out of all the movies and tv episodes. In the beginning of the film we see a Kirk that is feeling old and finds himself bereft of energy. Having accepted a promotion might have possibly been the worst decision of his career. It is only when he returns to the Enterprise, and is forced to take command, that he comes alive again. This change is remarkable and portrayed perfectly by Shatner. But it’s also the enormous rollercoaster of emotions that the captain goes through in this film, that makes it so fascinating. Laughter, anger but also sadness because of the death of a major character and close friend of Kirk, will absolutely strike a chord in you, I guarantee you that.
But Kirk is ofcourse nothing without his two close friends Spock and Bones. It’s the comedic banter between the three that always puts a smile on my face. There are so many great moments with them in this film, both heartbreaking but also very funny ones that will have you bursting out with laughter. But let us not forget there is also the villain Khan, played by Ricardo Montalban. Perhaps the best, but certainly the most interesting enemy that Kirk has ever faced. The natural charisma, and pure evil wickedness of this character are a joy to behold. As much as you grow to hate him, you also don’t want him to die, which is always the sign of a great bad guy. On a fun side note, we also see a very young Kirstie Alley play the role of Spock’s protege, Saavik. It’s always funny to see someone play a completely different character than what they are used to. She pulls it off very nicely though, and Saavik plays a pretty important role in the unfolding of the plot.
And what a great plot it is. Sure it is your basic revenge story, you will get no argument from me there. But it also contains so many layers and great lines, that it’s so much more. Above all it is a story about friendship. The needs of the many, outweigh the needs of the few, or the one. That line really bears great weight in this film especially near the admittedly very heartbreaking end. Another recurring theme is the fact that you are only as old as you feel. Always continue doing what you love to do, for as long as you can. Before you know it, time will be up. This being a 25 year old movie, one might argue that the special effects do not hold up so well. But even those I think are still very good. All in all what we have here is a remarkable and solid science fiction adventure that can be enjoyed by everyone. You don’t even have to be very familiair with the franchise in general to watch this movie. I have been wracking my brain to find something negative about this film, but I really can’t find it. I’m going to leave you with the trailer from those days. Coming up next for this countdown feature will be Tron Legacy. Thank you for reading as always!
I give Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan a 10 out of 10 score.
10 out of 10? Man, that’s a lot! I have never watched a lot of Star Trek movies, not because I like Star Wars, but… just for some unknown reason! They are not so popular in Russian culture. I did watch though the 2009 film and the next installments.
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Haha…yeah I just had to give this one a 10/10. I really enjoyed seeing it again, and really couldn’t find anything negative in this film. So that’s why I gave it a perfect score. The new movies are interesting, but honestly they just don’t feel like Star Trek. This one will always be my favorite, and I highly enjoyed it. I think you will too, especially knowing your taste in movies 😀
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So which of the old movies would be the best to start with?
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This one for sure. The first film, while not really bad, is just very slow. The story for that one is pretty good I have to admit, but it’s not even close to this one 😀
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But if you have Nexflix, you should consider watching the original series episode Space Seed first, since it introduces Khan and Kirk to each other.
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”Space Seed”? Thanks! 🙂
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That’s very good advice indeed 😀
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This one and 4 are my favorite movies from the original cast. 🙂
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Totally agree. Part 4 was really funny, but also a truly terrific story. I always liked the fact that mankind was almost unable to save themselves because they made an animal species extinct. 😊
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Visually a bit dated, but still a great flick.
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Yeah, loved seeing this one again. It’s great to see that a film that is now 25 years old still manages to impress 😀
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i’m one of them weirdos who likes both. but if I had to choose it’d be Trek all the way. “Khan” is a classic.
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Haha, well than I guess I am a weirdo too lol 😂 Seriously though both are awesome. For me though, I think if I were forced (pun intended) to choose I would have to go with Star Wars😊
Khan is definitely a classic. Really great to see a movie still leave an impression after 25 years 😀
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so true. it’s the best written and most honors Trek lore. 🙂
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I am a fan of both as well Michel!!! You did a great job of portraying the essence of the story! I think this is the BEST Star Trek as well!!! Yay!! I’m a Treckie as well and agree with your rating!!!💚🤘😄 Fantastic Review as always Michel! I always look forward to your awesome reviews.😊🏆✨♥🌌🌠
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Awwww…thanks so much for your terrific support every time Dani 😊😊 You are such an amazing person 😊😊😊
Glad you liked the review, and yes this movie is definitely amazing. Loved it to bits, and it was great to see it again after not having seen it in a quite a while. Thanks again for your lovely comment 😊😊
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Of course Michel! I will spam up your page! Lol. I interact with all of my followers back everytime especially the super awesome ones like you!!!!😊😊😊💙💜💛 I’m glad you enjoyed watching the movie again Michel! Yay!😊🌠🌌✨
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Haha…well I have never considered it spam in any way lol 😂😂(unless WordPress does it’s annoying thing again 😂). But I do as well, it’s the thing I love the most about blogging, interacting with everyone and continually meeting cool people: some are just a bit more awesome than the others, like yourself for instance 😉😊
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Aww Michel! You touched my heart! I’m so happy! Yay! I had a really rough last 2 days so needed this!!!😊
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Sorry to hear you had 2 rough days. My week has not exactly been very amazing either 😢 Glad that it’a almost weekend though. Happy that my comment made you smile. Take hood care of yourself, and if you are ever in need of a talk, you know where to find me 😊
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You are very kind, my friend!🤗 I’m so sorry your week has been kind of ugh yourself. It seems so many people are having a hard time lately and that hurts my heart!💔 I hope things get better for you and if you ever need to talk about anything hit me up!😁😘🤗
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Yeah, it’s okay. Luckily the weekend is almost here. There have definitely been a lot of things going on lately but I try to keep my head above water as best I can 😊 Thanks so much for the offer: as I said the same goes for you. That is never, ever a problem 😀 Thanks for your incredible kindness 😊
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💚😊🙌😗💖🖤💚💙❤💘💛
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Spot on review Michel! This is definitely my favorite Star Trek movie. As Kirk says, KHAAAAAAAN!😈
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Haha lol😂😂😂😂 Gotta love that scene 😂😂😂 Thanks for the kind words, always appreciate it 😊
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Wow, 10 out of 10? This movie sounds great. I’ve never seen the old Star Trek films before but reading your review, it does make me wonder. I’m definitely going to watch it in the future. Thank you for sharing! And as always, your review is great and fun to read. 😀
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Thank you very much. It’s always a joy to read your comments 😀 But this is definitely a terrific film. Even though it’s now 25 years old, it’s still a highly entertaining movie that is worth the watch. I hope you will enjoy it 😊
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Maybe it’s a great film because it’s 25 years old so better catches the original spirit of the show.
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Could not agree with you more on that. And honestly I do love vintage movies as well 😊
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Be sure to watch out for how Khan and Kirk frame the same events in different narratives to justify their own decisions.
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Do what you love for as long as you can is something I can get behind. I wonder what youngsters will think when wrinkly old me is still playing video games and watching anime.
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Lol….I think I will join you in the retirement home: definitely will be doing all that stuff until the day I die 😊😊
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I’m 36 and have no intention of stopping either of those things.
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Haha, good for you! Never do that. I’m 41 myself, and I don’t have any intentions of doing that either 😊
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Great movie! Not seen it for years, but I love me some Star Trek. I used to love Star Wars too, but over the last few years its commercialisation has turned me off completely to such a degree that I now have no interest in it whatsoever. (I think it was seeing Star Wars tissues in my local Boots that was the last straw!) Of course, I pass no judgement on those who still enjoy it and indeed am quite possibly going to spend tomorrow playing a Star Wars-themed board game, I just don’t enjoy the movies and related ephemera any more.
Anyway, enough justifying myself. Star Trek II is a fantastic movie and everyone should watch it. 🙂
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Hmm, I do think you have a point there. I’m pretty worried about the future of Star Wars myself. Now with a completely new trilogy announced that is unrelated to any of the previous films, and even a tv series, I feel that they are going to ruin it all. There is the old saying, too much of a good thing is well too much. Star Wars boardgames can be a lot of fun. I had the pleasure of playing a few of them (all by Fantasy Flight Games), and they are amazing. I hope you will have a great time 😀
As for this movie, it really is amazing. I was especially surprised at how much fun it still is after 25 years. It really doesn’t show it’s age which is quite honestly a terrific achievement. Thanks for your comment 😊
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I was afraid Disney would turn Star Wars movies into musicals, but instead Rogue One and Force Awakes were way better than the prequels.
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I agree with you on that point. I’m just a bit worried now that they may bring out too many movies and that eventually the quality of them will go down. So far though I agree that Disney is doing a great job 😊
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Someday, I’m going to watch all the original films. I want to watcg Star Wars too but I never know where to start.
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If you can, you should start with “Space Seed” the original show’s introduction of Khan.
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Noted.
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Well I can help you out with Star Wars. As strange as this sounds, it is best to start with Episode IV (that was also the first one that was released), than Episode V and VI. Then go back to the beginning with Episodes I-III, Rogue One, to finally end with Episide VII. In this way you will get the most enjoyment out of all the movies, and the biggest surprises 😊
The Star Trek original movies are best watched in order. Not all of them are of the same quality as this one though 😊
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Got it. Off to hunt the DVDs down. 😁
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I understand liking one and not the other, but I think some people take the ST v SW rivalry so seriously it suggests they have over-identified with one, as if it has filled in some gap in her personality. I speak from experience, having been overly pro-Trek as a younger man.
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Hmm that moght be the case. I don’t know I have never had that problem as I simply like both 😀 I started with Star Wars, and later rolled into Star Trek through television 😀
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This movie was my introduction to the star trek franchise and it did not disappoint. I was 10 when I first watched it and it captured my little heart and mind and set me on a path of adventure. Today I’m a huge star trek fan.
I’m one of those Trekkies that will have the star wars argument with you and then when it’s over admit that I love star wars to (though not as much) and that they both have their perks.
Excellent review of an excellent movie!
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Thank you so much, I really appreciate the kind feedback 😀
I was introduced to Star Trek through television The Next Generation being my first experience with it. The first movie I saw was Star Trek III.
Haha, well you won’t get any arguments from me lol. I love both enough, even though my heart does love Star Wars just a tiny bit more 😊
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Very excellent review 🙂 I’m a fan of both for sure. Although I am more into Generation and Voyager in the Star Trek universe. But the movies are really good, and this one in particular is such a classic and still holds up very well 🙂
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Thank you as always 😀 I’m a big Generation fan as well. I just love the original cast in the movies. They have such a great friendship and comradeship between them. That’s what makes it so cool/ this movie though will always remain my favorite. Every once in a while I watch it again 😀
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I have not watched all the Star Trek movies, but after I watched The Wrath of Khan, I had a feeling it was going to be my favorite Star Trek movie of all time.
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I have watched them all (including the new ones), and there is no doubt in my mind that this one will always be my favorite one 😀 Cool to read that it’s your favorite one as well. Thank you for your comment 😀
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Totally agree with you. One of the most beautifull Star Trek movie. Nothing compare with recent Sci-Fi movie. A real Classic!
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Thank you 😀 Yes, I don’t think any new Star Trek film is ever going to beat this one (that said, I don’t think the current new Star Trek movies really have a Star Trek vibe anyway); but you are so right, this is an absolute visit. Thanks for your comment 😊
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I had so many Star Trek flashbacks reading this post. Star Trek was the Saturday night entertainment, when I was growing up (it and xena warrior princess). It was so cool. I always wanted to build one of them teleporting machines.
Sadly, I am now old and wise enough to know, that its probably physically impossible to build a teleporter 😦
Great post I really enjoyed reading it 😀
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Haha, no I don’t think it’s possible to buy a teleporteer, but who knows maybe in a 1000 years from now? 😂😂
I had a lot of fun rewatching this one too, brought back a lot of great memories and was pretty amazed at how much fun this movie stil is 😀
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Yay! Star Trek! I used to watched Star Trek too. I don’t remember the titles but I always love their teleporting. The ship is awesome too and wouldn’t be it so great to travel on it? 🙂 I’m glad you still rate it 10 for an old movie even though the special effects can’t compare to today’s level. Great review!
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Thanks again 😀 Star Trek has always been a lot of fun. The tv series have way too many episodes now (lol), so I can’t remember all the titles either.
This film will always remain the best one of the movies though. It’a not dated even in a single way, and still am awesome watch 😀
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I do love how passionate you are in your writing. It truly comes across well. You have a fine talent, Michel.
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Awww thanks for the incredibly kind comment. You are always so kind, really appreciate it. How have you been, hopefully all is well?
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Yes, I’m doing quite well. Thanks for asking. Just been a little busy with other non blog related things but I’m properly back now.
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That’s good to hear. I’m glad you are doing well. Yeah real life can certainly get in the way of things at times. But cool to read you are bsck 😀
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Thanks, Michel. Hope you enjoy my content.
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hehehe oh my goodness that’s so true about star wars and star trek fans (I can relate as someone who much prefers star wars 😉 ). I don’t think I’ve seen a ten out of ten score from you, which is impressive and that KHAAAANN thing is rofl-funny 😉
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Haha, no this is just such a good movie, despite it’a age that I just had to give it a 10/10 score.
Though I myself am also just a tad bit more of a Star Wars fan,I honestly do like both franchises.
Have, glad you enjoyed reading this and it made you laugh as well 😀
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hehe fair enough 😉 I’m definitely on the star wars ship lol 😉 To be honest though, a lot of people I know really like both 🙂 But I really enjoyed reading this 😊
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I still love The Voyage Home, I remember going to the cinema to see it, TWOK is great though.
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The Voyage Home is definitely great too. Love the storyline for that one 😊
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