If you would have told me about a film's plot involving humpback whales and space and time travel set in the 1980's, I would have laughed. If you also explained to me that this was a Star Trek movie, I would be quite shocked and thought that this is something that would not work. That said, this is what Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home is about and in some ways, it is the strongest Star Trek sequel and demonstrates why Star Trek is such a great sc-fi series of movies.
In the year 2286, there is deadly probe which is moving through and has taken over space and on earth it is causing storms, sun blocking and power outages while sending out strange signals. It is eventually determined that the signals are humpback whale calls, and the Enterprise must go to the present 1980's of San Fransisco to get to the whales and stop this probe.
Though it's a strange plot that is original and creative, the idea of the movie being set in the San Franscisco Bay area might be the most original. Being from 23rd century, the cast creates interesting and funny comedic scenes with the crew lost in the 1980's erawhere they learn about pizza, punk rock and all things 80's. For the animal lovers, the whales are portrayed in a sc-fi way with a lot of charm and love. A plot that shows us once again what a great director Leonard Nimoy is and how he can really work with a different type of plot.
This involves basically the same cast that we have known and loved from the prior movies with more fine work from Catherine Hicks as Dr. Gillian Taylor who is the unexpected star here. Hicks really helps move the plot along and also brings charm and chemistry to the role and also makes this film seems more realistic.
This is also one of those Star Trek films that has many settings. Following an ending on a Vulcan planet, the film then uses three settings which including Earth. The sets are difficult to pull off but the effects, design and structure really work.
As with all Star Trek movies, one important question is "Where does this film fit into the Star Trek series?" Following in the footsteps of a drama, The Search for Spock, The Voyage Home is a refreshing comedy that does not go overboard with it that fits perfectly into the series.
Frankly considering the very different plot, I am not sure why this worked for me or why it became one of my favorite Star Trek movies comparable to the classic Wrath of Khan film but it does. Even though this is set in the 1980's, this is a film that could live on forever with any audience no matter what decade they view it.
4/5
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