Star Trek II - The Wrath of Khan (1982)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Chris W

  
  I used to look down upon Star Trek-thinking it was boring and too nerdy. I slowly got really interested in it though, probably because I've gotten older and can appreciate stuff that I thought was boring when I was a kid. I saw the 2009 film, and really enjoyed it. I was told it… More
  I used to look down upon Star Trek-thinking it was boring and too nerdy. I slowly got really interested in it though, probably because I've gotten older and can appreciate stuff that I thought was boring when I was a kid. I saw the 2009 film, and really enjoyed it. I was told it was done in the spirit of the original series, so I watched some of the old episodes, and, while I wasn't blown away by them, I did like them. Now, having just watched The Wrath of Khan- I need to fully rescind my former thoughts and attitudes about Star Trek. I truly am more nerdy than I'm sometimes more willing to show or admit. This movie was fucking great. It dealt with great ideas and themes in a fun manner. Like I said, now that I'm older I can appreciate the intelligence of sci-fi. I really like Star Wars, but that's just a collection of genre films set in space. This is sophistcated and fun. The fact that this movie has overt parallels to Moby Dick doesn't hurt either. I finally get what all the fuss is about. Despite coming out in 1982, this movie holds up better than expected. True, the effects look dated, but they're still cool. It makes one appreciate how far cinema has come. The writing is good, the direction is strong, and the performances, especially by scene stealer Montalban are great. For me though, I think the best part was James Horner's score. It has everything one could ask for in a great piece of work-it is rousing, touching, and suspenseful. It's gonna take a while for it to leave my head. Maybe I'm letting my immediate thoughts dictate this review, but I can't deny that this film is awesome, and that Trek is now something I can say that I will consider becoming at least a casual fan of.

• Colin M

  
  The Greatest Star Trek Film EVER. Ricardo Montalbon's Khan Noonien Singh returns from his appearance in one of the greatest episodes of the original Star Trek series (Season One's "Space Seed"). Despite the greatness of the film, however, the Eugenics that… More
  The Greatest Star Trek Film EVER. Ricardo Montalbon's Khan Noonien Singh returns from his appearance in one of the greatest episodes of the original Star Trek series (Season One's "Space Seed"). Despite the greatness of the film, however, the Eugenics that created the villain and the intellectuality behind his inaugural episode is largely vacant here, which marks the film down from being truly perfect. Also, much of the pleasure of this film is gained only by first watching the "Space Seed" episode from the TV Series, and, if not, Kahn is merely a vengeful guy, rather than the complex former dictator true fans know him to be.

• Mike S

  
  By far the best film with the original crew. Somewhat slow to begin with, but once things get going, it's a non-stop ride of pure excitement. Impressive special effects for their time and it might be interesting to know that this was one of the first motion pictures to ever… More
  By far the best film with the original crew. Somewhat slow to begin with, but once things get going, it's a non-stop ride of pure excitement. Impressive special effects for their time and it might be interesting to know that this was one of the first motion pictures to ever incorporate CGI. Love the music score and Khan is hands down one of the all-time greatest movie villains - in any category!

• Jeff "

  
  Now, I nearly was a diehard Star Trek fan. I haven't watched the show, only a few episodes with my dad when I was a kid, but that was it. I like what I saw, but I never was blown away by anything. Personally, I preferred Star Wars. For this sequel, it's kind of hard to judge… More
  Now, I nearly was a diehard Star Trek fan. I haven't watched the show, only a few episodes with my dad when I was a kid, but that was it. I like what I saw, but I never was blown away by anything. Personally, I preferred Star Wars. For this sequel, it's kind of hard to judge because I haven't seen any of the other films aside from the most recent one. The recent one I thought was terrific. It also redeemed the Sci Fi genre after the lacking Star Wars prequels (Which I thought that the third one was the best of all). Now I haven't seen Star Trek:The Motion Picture, but I did very like this second entry. I thought the film had a very good story and decent enough acting. Considering that I really don't follow Star Trek, I think that this is a well made film that is definitely a landmark in the Sci Fi genre. The acting is fairly good, but it's nothing that great. The actors that in the Star Trek show and films are average, and aren't anything extraordinary. I thought the film had everything required to make a giood Sci Fi film. The film has a terrific story, and also boasts one of the most memorable film quotes ever in film. Sure at times the film feels slow, but theres enough story to keep you interested. Like I've said, I haven't seen the first Star Trek so I can't compare, but for what it is; this is a superb film. The Wrath Of Khan is a film that will definitely appeal to most Star Trek fans and it delivers a good story that keeps you interested till the end.

• xGary X

  
  Old genetically engineered adversary Khan reappears after being marooned on a desolate planet by captain Kirk 15 years previously to wreak bloody vengeance. The second big screen outing by Shatner and co was far more in the spirit of the original series than the slow moving but… More
  Old genetically engineered adversary Khan reappears after being marooned on a desolate planet by captain Kirk 15 years previously to wreak bloody vengeance. The second big screen outing by Shatner and co was far more in the spirit of the original series than the slow moving but visually spectacular first film, and is widely regarded as the best Star Trek movie. I did not like the recent reinvention much as I found it to be a tacky exercise in cheap laughs and corny action aimed at the lowest common denominator. But the fact is, in full expectation of seeing a superior Trek film I found myself watching Wrath Of Khan through objective eyes, and as a result I also found myself realising that it isn't very good. The production design is not only dated, but also just generally poor and odd looking (especially the costumes), the dialogue clunky and immature, and seeing two of the biggest small screen hams facing off against each other on, well, small screens (they never actually meet in this film!) I found myself laughing at it a lot more often than with it. I grew up with Shatner, Nimoy and Kelley and so they still have a place in my nostalgic heart but if I was to be honest, if I saw this for the first time now, I'd find it a tacky exercise in cheap laughs and corny action aimed at the lowest common denominator. I just hope I can keep my objectivity on hold for the next time I see Star Wars or my reality as I know it will come crashing down around my ears...

• AJ V

  
  So much better than the first Star Trek movie, this one is often considered the best Trek movie of all time, it's not my favourite, but it is a great sci-fi movie and as I said, a great improvement over the first.

• Michael E

  
  though its not one of the worst movies ive ever seen i was never that interested in the old star trek series and this movie really wasnt that entertaining, (so far ive only seen nemesis, wrath of khan, and close encounter)

• Richard C

  
  A-

• Ross C

  
  With the movie's title emphasising the Khan-Kirk rivalry it's easy to forget the prominent sub-plot that ran into the next movie as well - the terraforming Genesis device. This was a time when you could make an action sci-fi movie with a kick-ass bad guy without cutting down… More
  With the movie's title emphasising the Khan-Kirk rivalry it's easy to forget the prominent sub-plot that ran into the next movie as well - the terraforming Genesis device. This was a time when you could make an action sci-fi movie with a kick-ass bad guy without cutting down on the hard-core sci-fi concepts. The main story was fun, but I think the depiction of futuristic science in the sub-plot influenced me a lot as a child.

• Jens S

  
  After the raving reviews I heard about this over the years, I finally had a look and ended up severely disappointed. The effects do not look good, even for 1982, look at Star Wars 6 from '83 instead. The pace is awfully slow and even Spock's death doesn't work as shock… More
  After the raving reviews I heard about this over the years, I finally had a look and ended up severely disappointed. The effects do not look good, even for 1982, look at Star Wars 6 from '83 instead. The pace is awfully slow and even Spock's death doesn't work as shock value anymore, because we all know he came back. Even the often praised bad guy Khan is nothing but a stereotype. I simply don't get it. Kirk's crew had a few much more enjoyable adventures later. It also proves what a brilliant kick-start J.J. Abrahms gave the franchise last year.

• Tim S

  
  The best Star Trek film? Quite possibly.

• Carlos M

  
  Infinitely superior to the first film, this impeccable sci-fi movie offers everything a fan could ask for: lots of elegant dialogues, expert pacing, bad-ass action, constant tension, good drama, wonderful performances, a great vengeance-driven villain and, above all, a very… More
  Infinitely superior to the first film, this impeccable sci-fi movie offers everything a fan could ask for: lots of elegant dialogues, expert pacing, bad-ass action, constant tension, good drama, wonderful performances, a great vengeance-driven villain and, above all, a very well-constructed plot with an unforgettable ending.

• Anthony L

  
  You are, and always will be, the best Star Trek film ever. Live long and prosper Star Trek 2!

• Thomas B

  
  if you're not convinced by the great storyline, ahead of their time special effects and the appearance of Kirstie Allie, William Shatner's "KHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!!!!!!" should make you love the movie anyway.

• Jason O

  
  I haven't seen the other Star Trek movies yet, but i know one thing: "Star Trek II: Wrath of Khan" is one of the best movies I've ever seen without a doubt. I've been a longtime fan of the original series and this movie couldn't have been any better.… More
  I haven't seen the other Star Trek movies yet, but i know one thing: "Star Trek II: Wrath of Khan" is one of the best movies I've ever seen without a doubt. I've been a longtime fan of the original series and this movie couldn't have been any better. It's about Captain Kirk (who is now Admiral Kirk) meeting an old enemy he once had battle with in the Tv series: Khan. Khan wants a device called Genesis that supposedly can create a whole new planet with life. Therefore, Kirk takes over and tells the new crew that they will have to mature a little early. Once Kirk beams onboard the ship that Genesis was created on, he finds a woman he was once involved with, Dr. Carol. He also finds out from her that he has a son. Will the up and coming crew and the aging Admiral Kirk along with Spock and the rest of the classic crew of the Starship Enterprise be able to finish off Khan and save Genesis? "Star Trek II: Wrath of Khan" is one of the best movies I've ever seen in every aspect. It has great special effects, action sequences, and sound effects, especially for a movie during the early 80's. You'll notice that when you see parts of the movie such as when Dr. Carol shows Admiral Kirk something that makes him feel young again and while the U.S.S. Enterprise is battling Khan in the nebula. But more importantly, the movie also has great acting by everybody, but especially William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, and Ricardo Montalban (Khan). Wait until you see the courageous feat that Spock accomplishes during the movie. NOTE: That was my Amazon review from the year 2000. I like nearly all the Star Trek movies, but this one's the best of them all to me, and that includes the new one.

• Aaron N

  
  Kirk: Khan, how do I know you'll keep your word? Khan: Oh, I've given you no word to keep, Admiral. In my judgment, you simply have no alternative. Ok, I've given Star Trek its chance and I still don't care. This movie is decent with its revenge plot involving… More
  Kirk: Khan, how do I know you'll keep your word? Khan: Oh, I've given you no word to keep, Admiral. In my judgment, you simply have no alternative. Ok, I've given Star Trek its chance and I still don't care. This movie is decent with its revenge plot involving Ricardo Montalban mixing with the love triangle that is Kirk-Spock-McCoy. Brain slugs are disgusting, genesis is silly (with or without Phil Collins and Peter Gabriel), and Kirstie Alley hasn't exploded yet. James Horner's score works, but this is just a submarine movie in space, which I didn't much care to get into. McCoy: Where are we going? Kirk: Where they went. McCoy: Suppose they went *nowhere*? Kirk: Then this will be your big chance to get away from it all.

• Curtis L

  
  KHAN!!!! Better than number 1, but still an over glorified episode of a cheesy tv show. Khan had some creepy boobs.

• Cassandra M

  
  I've always held a special place in my heart and mind for this second installment in the "Star Trek" movie series. Mostly, because this is a movie that appeals to both places. Not only is this movie loaded with the original characters from the series, it also touches… More
  I've always held a special place in my heart and mind for this second installment in the "Star Trek" movie series. Mostly, because this is a movie that appeals to both places. Not only is this movie loaded with the original characters from the series, it also touches on such subjects as revenge, family, duty, age and, of course, sacrifice. That was the best thing about the series - that it touched on topics that were (pardon the expression) universal, no matter the species. Everyone is uniformly fine right down the line, especially Montalban's Khan (returned from the "Space Seed" episode of the original series); all hatred, vengeance and single-minded of desire to see his enemy laid out before him. Namely, Kirk. Alley is rather fetching as Saavik and it's a shame she wasn't carried over to the next film. I can't help but, seeing her on TV anymore, to expect her to raise an eyebrow in contemplation. Buttrick makes a complex character out of David, the son Kirk never knew he had. Hurt feelings and resentment meld somewhat explosively with a new-found father/son relationship. And what can one say about Spock, Bones, Sulu, Chekov, Uhura and Scotty? They are characters some pivotal to the plot at hand or not, it's always good to see them. For anyone who hasn't seen the movie, I won't discuss it in great detail. The story is simple enough (scientists find way to rejuvenate life on dead planets; Khan finds escape from prison planet, vows revenge on Kirk), but there is one plot point that will, if you are unfamiliar with it, blow you away. Suffice it to say, never has friendship been elocuted so well in this or any movie before or since. Ten stars and a special Kobuyashi Maru simulation for "Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan".

• Jason S

  
  Now this is more like it. After the slowness of the first movie we are treated to a great adventure with this one. Khan is brought back as he seeks revenge on Kirk and I enjoy every line that is spoken from this man. Each scene he is in I drink up as I am amazed at his delivery. The… More
  Now this is more like it. After the slowness of the first movie we are treated to a great adventure with this one. Khan is brought back as he seeks revenge on Kirk and I enjoy every line that is spoken from this man. Each scene he is in I drink up as I am amazed at his delivery. The rest of the cast is on spot as well and the story flows well and feels like a big screen version of the show we knew from days long gone. It has a great space battle and an ending that always pulls at the ol heart strings. The music is amazing as well.

• Dean !

  
  A pretty good Star Trek film with some good effects for the time.

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