Star Trek TOS Movie Reviews – Does B-G-B-G-B-G Hold Up

Star Trek TOS Movie Reviews – Does B-G-B-G-B-G Hold Up

In case you haven’t noticed yet, I am a bit of a “Star Trek” TOS (The Original Series) 1966-1969 fan. Oh yeah, I love all the other series as well. Six movies are based on the original series. While I will watch any of the six, they are not all of the same quality in terms of story, acting, effects, and audience enjoyment.

I have often heard that the films are in order: bad, good, bad, good, bad, and good. For this episode, I want to examine this often-quoted idea. Of course, this will be completely subjective, but I will try to be as fair as possible.

Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979)

The first TOS film, Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979), was released ten years after the television series TOS was canceled. In between the TOS and The Motion Picture, the franchise was marketed to the following generation in the form of two seasons of “Star Trek: The Animated Series” 1973-1974.

Double Academy Award-winning director and film genre polyglot Robert Wise was hired to direct the first Star Trek film. In 2020, I had the pleasure of interviewing author Joe Jordan about his book, “Robert Wise: The Motion Pictures.” The interview is still available on YouTube, but be warned, it suffers from a lack of technological know-how.

Mr. Jordan told me that Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979) was plagued by an unfinished script and reached the point on set where actors were required to sign off when they received script updates.

On IMDb.com, Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979) has a relatively low 6.4 rating[1]. On RottenTomatoes.com, the film has a poor 51 percent rating on the Tomatometer and only 42 percent audience approval[2], making it one of the more divisive entries in the series. But its ambition was undeniable. As one critic wrote: “It’s Star Trek as 2001: A Space Odyssey—with more uniforms and fewer emotions.”

Great film critic Roger Ebert gave this film three out of four stars and said in part in his December 7, 1979 review:

“… Star Trek: The Motion Picture” is probably about as good as we could have expected. It lacks the dazzling brilliance and originality of 2001 (which was an extraordinary one-of-a-kind film). But on its own terms it’s a very well-made piece of work, with an interesting premise. The alien spaceship turns out to come from a mechanical or computer civilization, one produced by artificial intelligence and yet poignantly “human” in the sense that it has come all this way to seek out the secrets of its own origins, as we might.

There is, I suspect, a sense in which you can be too sophisticated for your own good when you see a movie like this. Some of the early reviews seemed pretty blase, as if the critics didn’t allow themselves to relish the film before racing out to pigeonhole it. My inclination, as I slid down in my seat and the stereo sound surrounded me, was to relax and let the movie give me a good time. I did and it did.”[3]

Let’s rewind to where the Star Trek film franchise first launched—Star Trek: The Motion Picture debuted in 1979, directed by Academy Award-winner Robert Wise, known for The Day the Earth Stood Still and The Sound of Music. The original cast returned, led by William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, and DeForest Kelley.

The story follows Admiral Kirk as he takes back command of the newly refitted USS Enterprise to investigate a massive, mysterious cloud heading toward Earth—one that’s destroying everything in its path. Inside this cosmic enigma is V’Ger, a sentient machine with a lost identity and an existential dilemma. The film is a high-concept science fiction piece, leaning into visual spectacle, philosophical themes, and a slow, deliberate pace. It’s more about atmosphere and awe than action, and that’s both its strength and its weakness.

Why is The Motion Picture notable? Because it dared to treat Star Trek as serious, cinematic science fiction at a time when space operas were booming. It set the visual tone for future films and reintroduced audiences to the Enterprise crew after a 10-year absence. For anyone who enjoyed TOS, having the original crew back on the bridge was exciting enough! Is it a great film? Not quite—but it’s a bold one. It may not be everyone’s favorite, but it deserves respect for laying the foundation for the future.

Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982)

The next film, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982), was directed by Nicholas Meyer. This is my personal favorite of the series. Khaaaannnn! It is based on “Star Trek” TOS 1966-1969, Season 1, Episode 22 “Space Seed.” In that episode, the Enterprise encounters “SS Botany Bay,” a ship with dozens of people in suspended animation.

It was a relic of the Eugenics Wars of the 1990s. The people on the ship were genetically engineered superhumans led by Khan Noonien Singh (Ricardo Montalbán). Khan and his band take over the Enterprise, but Captain Kirk and the crew retake the ship. They place Khan and his group, plus a female crewmember who had become Khan’s girlfriend, on an empty planet, Ceti Alpha V. The planet would give them a chance for life but also keep them away from civilization.

Released in 1982, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982), is widely regarded as the crown jewel of the original Star Trek films. Directed by Nicholas Meyer, the film reunites the TOS crew again, including William Shatner as Admiral Kirk, Leonard Nimoy as Captain Spock, and DeForest Kelly as Dr. McCoy. It features a very muscular Ricardo Montalbán in a legendary return as the vengeful Khan Noonien Singh. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982) is the beginning of a three-film story arc that continues with the film Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984) and concludes with the film Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986). The movie holds an impressive 7.6 rating on IMDb, a 90% score on Rotten Tomatoes, and a 90% audience score on the Tomatometer. It gave us one of the most iconic Star Trek quotes of all time: “…the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one.” That line alone cemented this film’s place in pop culture.

The plot centers on Khan’s return after being exiled on Ceti Alpha V in the original series episode “Space Seed-1967” Now seeking revenge against Kirk for abandoning he and his group on what became a desert wasteland planet, Khan hijacks a starship that was looking for Ceti Alpha VI, the USS Reliant, and sets his sights on obtaining Genesis, a powerful terraforming device. What follows is a tense, emotionally charged game of cat and mouse between two brilliant minds—Kirk and Khan. At its heart, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982) is about aging, loss, and the price of leadership. The emotional climax, involving Spock’s ultimate sacrifice, is one of the most powerful and heartfelt moments in sci-fi cinema.

Why is Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982) so notable? Because it gave Star Trek the dramatic weight and narrative tightness it needed after the slower-paced Star Trek: The Motion Picture. It deepened the characters, introduced real consequences, and shaped the future of the franchise. Is it a good movie? No—it’s a great movie. Whether you’re a lifelong Trekkie or a newcomer looking for a place to start, this film is essential.

Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984)

Let’s now jump to 1984 for the third cinematic voyage of the Starship Enterprise in Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984). Directed by Leonard Nimoy—yes, Spock himself—this installment picks up right after the events of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982). The returning cast includes William Shatner as Admiral Kirk, DeForest Kelley as Dr. McCoy, and James Doohan as Scotty. The film holds a 7.3 rating on IMDb, a 79% Tomatometer score, and a 59% Audience Score, indicating it’s somewhat divisive. But as Kirk says in one of the film’s most emotional moments, “The needs of the one outweighed the needs of the many.”

The story follows Admiral Kirk as he defies Starfleet orders and steals the Enterprise to return to the Genesis Planet in hopes of rescuing Spock—whose spirit, or “katra,” resides in Dr. McCoy’s mind. Meanwhile, the volatile new planet that was seen being made at the end of Wrath of Khan is unstable., The crew, on their journey to the new planet, must now contend with hostile Klingons, led by Commander Kruge, played with sneering intensity by Christopher Lloyd, who are bent on stealing the secrets of the powerful terraforming device, Genesis. The stakes are deeply personal for the crew, and the movie explores themes of loyalty, friendship, and sacrifice. This film leans more into emotion than action, and Leonard Nimoy’s direction ensures Spock’s absence is felt even as his presence only subtly grows towards the end of the film.

The Search for Spock serves as a bridge between two of the most iconic Trek films, notable for its emotional depth and world-building. While it may not reach the action highlights of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982), it’s essential viewing for fans, particularly for its character moments and the powerful destruction of the USS Enterprise, a bold move that still stuns. Final verdict? It’s a good movie, especially when seen as part of the trilogy that includes II and IV. It’s heartfelt, adventurous, and full of that Trek spirit.

Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986)

Let’s beam back to 1986 for one of the most beloved entries in the Star Trek film franchise — Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986). Directed by Leonard Nimoy, again, the film stars William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, James Doohan, and the entire original crew of the Enterprise. This time, there are no space battles or Klingon standoffs. Instead, the crew time-travels to 20th-century San Francisco to save Earth with the help of… whales. Yes, whales. It may sound unusual, but audiences loved it — the movie boasts a strong IMDb rating of 7.3, a Rotten Tomatoesscore of 85%, and an impressive Audience Score of 81%. As Kirk famously quips in the past, “Double dumbass on you!” — a perfect encapsulation of the humor that defines this movie.

The story picks up after the events of Star Trek III, with the crew aboard the stolen Klingon Bird-of-Prey from Commander Kruge heading home to face the consequences of their actions. But Earth is under threat from an alien probe sending out signals only humpback whales can respond to — a species that, in the 23rd century, has long been extinct. So, the crew has to travel back to 1986 to bring a pair of whales forward in time and save the planet. What follows is a fish-out-of-water comedy with Star Trek’s trademark optimism and a surprisingly strong environmental message. From Spock trying to swear like a human to Scotty attempting to converse with a 20^th-century computer mouse, the humor lands perfectly while still serving the sci-fi narrative.

The Voyage Home is not just a great Star Trek film — it’s a genuinely fun movie that even non-Trekkies can enjoy. Leonard Nimoy’s direction brings warmth and humor without losing the franchise’s deeper themes. It’s notable for being the most accessible film in the series, and it proved that Star Trek didn’t have to rely solely on space battles to be compelling. This film was both a critical and box office success, cementing the original crew’s place in pop culture history. Final verdict? A resounding two thumbs up. If you’re looking for a Star Trek movie with heart, laughs, and a little ecological consciousness, this is the one to watch!

Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (1989)

Next on the list is Star Trek V: The Final Frontier — the often controversial fifth installment in the Star Trek film series, released in 1989. This film premiered during the second television “Star Trek series, Star Trek: The Next Generation,” which ran from 1987 to 1994.

Directed by William Shatner himself, who also reprises his iconic role as Captain James T. Kirk, the film once again stars Leonard Nimoy as Spock, DeForest Kelley as McCoy, and the rest of the original Enterprise crew. On IMDb, the film holds a modest rating of 5.5, while the Tomatometer score sits at 22%. The Audience Score (Popcorn Score) is 24%, making it one of the lowest-rated entries in the franchise. One memorable—and often mocked—quote comes from Kirk: “What does God need with a starship?” That line pretty much sums up the strange ambition behind this film.

The plot follows the crew of the newly christened USS Enterprise-A as they’re pulled into a hostage situation on the planet Nimbus III, orchestrated by Sybok, Spock’s half-brother. Sybok is on a quest to reach the mythical planet Sha Ka Ree at the center of the galaxy, believing he’ll find God himself. As the Enterprise journeys toward this mysterious destination, the crew grapples with questions of faith, pain, and identity. The film attempts to explore profound themes, such as the search for meaning and spiritual enlightenment. Still, it stumbles with an uneven tone, awkward humor, and budget limitations that leave some of the visuals underwhelming. It’s notable primarily for Shatner’s direction and for pushing the boundaries of Star Trek’s philosophical core, albeit with mixed results.

Ultimately, Star Trek V: The Final Frontier is widely regarded as a misfire. While it had noble intentions and a few touching moments—especially scenes that explore the friendship between Kirk, Spock, and McCoy—the execution fell short of expectations. Critics and fans were disappointed, and even the cast has poked fun at it over the years. Still, for those who want to watch all 6 movies or curious Trekkies, it’s worth a watch, just keep your expectations in check.

Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991)

Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991) was directed by Nicholas Meyer, who previously helmed The Wrath of Khan. This sixth installment in the original Star Trek film series brings back the legendary crew of the USS Enterprise, including William Shatner as Captain Kirk, Leonard Nimoy as Spock, and DeForest Kelley as Dr. McCoy. It also stars Christopher Plummer as the Shakespeare-quoting Klingon antagonist General Chang and Iman as Martia, a shapeshifter that Kirk and McCoy meet along the way. The film boasts a solid IMDb rating of 7.2, accompanied by a strong Tomatometer score of 83% and a Popcorn Score of 82%, indicating both critical and audience approval. One memorable quote from the film comes from Spock: “There is an old Vulcan proverb: Only Nixon could go to China.” That line sets the political tone for this Cold War-inspired sci-fi thriller.

The plot kicks off with an explosion on a Klingon moon, setting the stage for a fragile peace between the Klingon Empire and the United Federation of Planets. When the Klingon Chancellor is assassinated, Kirk and McCoy are framed and imprisoned, leading to a race against time to prevent all-out war. What makes this film particularly notable is its reflection of the real-world political climate of the early 1990s, specifically the fall of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War. It’s a Star Trek film steeped in espionage, political intrigue, and moral complexity, giving longtime fans a mature and suspenseful narrative while bidding a dignified farewell to the original crew.

After avoiding an all-out war with the Klingons, Starfleet Command has ordered the Enterprise to return to Earth to be decommissioned. Kirk decides to take his ship on one last cruise instead, and notes in his log that a new generation of explorers will continue their legacy—a nod to “Star Trek: The Next Generation” TV series.

Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country stands out as one of the best entries in the franchise. It’s sharply written, tightly directed, and full of the wit and gravitas you’d expect from the Enterprise’s final voyage under Kirk’s command. Nicholas Meyer balances action with diplomacy, and the cast delivers one last performance full of heart and heroism. This was not just a good movie—it was a great one! If you’re a fan of Star Trek or thoughtful science fiction, this is a must-watch.

Summation of the “Good-Bad” Theory

The “Good, Bad, Good, Bad, Good, Good” theory (often shortened to B-G-B-G-B-G) is a popular fan shorthand used to describe the wildly fluctuating quality of the six original Star Trek: The Original Series films (1979–1991). The pattern suggests that every even-numbered TOS film is a “good one,” while the odd-numbered entries are weaker or flawed by comparison.

Let’s break it down using the summaries from the article:

1. Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979) – BAD
   Visually ambitious and directed by the legendary Robert Wise, but hampered by a slow pace, an unfinished script, and a lack of emotional resonance. While some praise its philosophical underpinnings and cinematic scope, it’s widely regarded as a cold start to the film franchise.
2. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982) – GOOD
   Universally acclaimed and widely considered the best of the series. With a gripping revenge story, real emotional stakes, and iconic lines (“The needs of the many…”), this film redefined what Star Trek on the big screen could be.
3. Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984) – MIXED to BAD
   Leonard Nimoy’s directorial debut carries emotional weight and important plot developments, but lacks the pacing and impact of its predecessor. Many fans give it a pass only as a transitional chapter in the trilogy started in Wrath of Khan.
4. Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986) – GOOD
   A fun, comedic time-travel story with an environmental message and huge crossover appeal. Often called “the one with the whales,” this is the most accessible and arguably the most crowd-pleasing Star Trek movie.
5. Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (1989) – Fair to BAD
   Directed by William Shatner, this entry is infamous for its muddled plot and low production values. Its ambition to tackle big philosophical questions is undercut by campy moments and budget constraints. A noble misfire with a few memorable quotes (“What does God need with a starship?”).
6. Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991) – GOOD
   A Cold War allegory cloaked in a murder mystery, this finale offers a strong script, great performances, and a dignified send-off for the TOS crew. With Nicholas Meyer returning to direct, the series ends on a high note.

Summary Verdict

So, does the B-G-B-G-B-G pattern hold?

Surprisingly… yes. It’s not a flawless theory—The Search for Spock has strong defenders, and The Motion Picture has gained a cult reevaluation in recent years—but overall, the pattern reflects general critical and fan consensus:

• Odd-numbered films tend to be slower, more experimental, or structurally weaker.
• Even-numbered films tend to deliver stronger narratives, better character development, and broader appeal.

Still, even the “bad” ones aren’t without merit. For longtime Trekkies, just having the original crew together is half the fun, and each movie contributes something unique to the legacy. Let me know in the comments what you think of these Star Trek movies or the B-G-B-G-B-G pattern. Like and subscribe for more content.

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[1] https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0079945/

[2] Star Trek: The Motion Picture | Rotten Tomatoes

[3] Star Trek: The Motion Picture movie review (1979) | Roger Ebert