Quite instantly besting its predecessor, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan is darker and richer than anything Star Trek we have seen before and are likely to see again. It’s all about one psychopath’s quest for revenge against Admiral Kirk and the consequences thereof. It also is the first chapter in a three film arc that makes the early Trek films worthwhile and unique.
Khan was a villain in an episode of the Star Trek TV series. He was some kind of genetically altered superhuman and was banished to a desolate world after being thwarted by then Captain Kirk. Many years later, a Federation science team is taken hostage by Khan, who manages to lure Kirk to his outpost. Khan is an embodiment of evil and lusts for revenge. But he is also incredibly smart and well-read. He is a sort of philosophical madman, which creates for a very engaging story and an interesting matchup with Kirk.
However, two things could have made this movie solidly good: better special effects and consistency with the title score. I was immediately shocked to find that the opening music was not the same theme as for the original Star Trek film. I still haven't found a reason for this. Consistency is important in a movie series and changing your opening music is anything but consistent.
Also, the TV sensibilities are back and the visual effects show it. The budget was tight, which never helps, and maybe “true” fans of Star Trek wouldn’t mind some mediocre effects here and there, but it was a slight turnoff to me. All in all, this is a pretty well done piece of science-fiction. Watching The Wrath of Khan with an open mind will allow you to appreciate what Trekkies have going for them. While it’s not spectacular, my guess is that it wasn’t really trying to be in the first place.
Good fun, and you’ll finally understand why Trekkies pause and shout “KHAN!!!!”
Quite instantly besting its predecessor, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan is darker and richer than anything Star Trek we have seen before and are likely to see again. It’s all about one psychopath’s quest for revenge against Admiral Kirk and the consequences thereof. It also is the first chapter in a three film arc that makes the early Trek films worthwhile and unique.
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