Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991)

One of the more successful Star Trek movies, the sixth installment benefits mightily from the writing and directing of Nicholas Meyer. Meyer is a big part of the reason Trekkers maintain that the even-numbered films in the franchise are the best. He wrote and directed Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan and co-wrote (with unsung producer Harve Bennett) Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home. Here he and four other co-writers utilize the Chernobyl incident and a dry wit to keep things interesting. Another new twist: this time around, star William Shatner shelves his usual histrionics and machine-gun delivery for a more subtle approach, and except for the talented Walter Koenig, the normally reliable supporting cast chews the scenery. The worst offenders are Nichelle Nichols, James Doohan, and especially the late DeForest Kelley, who seems incapable of delivering a line without putting a spin on it. Still, the rousing score and supporting actors (including Christopher Plummer, John Schuck, and Kurtwood Smith) are first rate. There's also a warm tone to the proceedings that gives the gallant original crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise a fitting send-off. They deserve it: For 25 years, they entertained viewers well. ~ Nick Sambides, Jr., All Movie Guide