fardell24

38 Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
Rewatch. The second Star Trek movie. A better presentation than the previous movie (not to denigrate Robert Wise's direction, nor Gene Roddenberry). Nick Meyer did a rather good job. Of course, the concept of the Genesis Project could be seen as hubris. McCoy's view of it, that it poses an ethical dilemma, for the Federation, as well as anyone else who would use it, is one which I agree with. This would be right, given what happens when Khan finds out about it. Ricardo Montalban makes a good villain.
(Better than the original episode, Space Seed, in 1967.) Khan's main motivation, revenge against Kirk, is well realised. Joachim's objections to this are also well done, acting as a voice of reason that is ignored. But the major part of the story is towards the end, where Spock sacrifices himself to save the Enterprise crew from the Genesis Wave. This part of the film is very well written especially Spock's last words to Kirk. (“I have been, and always shall be, your friend!”) Even after a great many viewings this is still rather poignant.
The funeral that follows this is rather good, as an excellent follow up to this climax. The shot of the torpedo leaving the Enterprise and entering orbit of the Genesis planet as the new sun rises above it, to some strains of Amazing Grace, is remarkably well designed. Meyer did rather well at this point. It is easily the best out of the Star Trek films so far. 9.5/10.