PSYCHO II

"It's 22 years later and Norman Bates is coming home." That was the tagline for the 1983 sequel to the 1960 original. Yes, for those of you unaware, they actually did make a sequel to one of the most popular horror films of all time. Is it bad? Well, according to me, no! Now, I know what you're thinking. How could they possibly make a sequel to once of the greatest horror masterpieces of all time?! Well, to answer your question, you just have to see it for yourself. What makes the film successful is that it direct try to beat or live up to the status or hype of the first. It's an 80s film and it knows that. It's nothing like the original, but it is a decent and enjoyable sequel.

  Norman Bates is released from a mental hospital 22 years after the events of the first film. He chooses to return to the Bates' House and tries to start fresh. While away in . After being dropped off, Norman gets a job working at a diner and even meets a cool co-worker who befriends him. When looking at his motel, he discovers it has become a motel for one night stands and young people that just need a place to chill. Norman, naturally is furious about this and wants things to be the way they were back in 1960. There are those that are happy for Norman but there is one person who will stop at nothing to ensure Norman's return to insanity... Starring Anthony Perkins, Vera Miles and a young Meg Tilly, Psycho II is in no way a replacement for the original, but it sure should not be missed. As far as the films that come after it, meh...I wouldn't recommend any of them. And don't get me started on the Vince Vaughn scene-for-scene remake...Nuff said.

Join in the Imagination and Fun with...

Earlier this month I checked out Miss Peregrine and to be honest...I was pleased!

Now, for those of you that don't know me, I'm a big fan of Tim Burton. I love his style, the way he things and his view on the screen. It's very dark and yet very suitable for children. This is a film I think all will enjoy and even though it's not fully what we expect in a Tim Burton movie, his style and trademarks are there throughout the picture. Let's get started, shall we?

Miss Peregrine

Starring Eva Green (Casino Royale, Penny Dreadful), this is a woman who doesn't age. Day after day she turns back time by going out with her peculiar children just before a German missile hits her house in 1943, and resets to 24 hours in advance. This in tern prevents her from aging but at the same time not being able to get attached to anyone due to this. It's almost a whole other world that only a few people from our reality have glimpsed through.

Jake is a young lad who goes day by day working at a department store setting up displays. Looking miserable, he doesn't have any friends except a co-worker named Shelly. Needing a ride to go to his grandfather Abe's house, Shelly takes him. On the way there, Jake calls only to realize that his grandfather is frantic on the other line yelling at home to stay away. Thinking that he's just off his rocker, Jake heads over anyway and upon arrival, something drastic has happened...

The night is dark and windy as Jake arrives at Abe's and discovers the house to be ransacked as if someone broke in and tore the place apart. With his grandfather nowhere in site, Jake heads outside and searches on. At first glance, it's just an empty backyard...but upon closer inspection, a figure lay still on the ground in a bathrobe. It's non-other than his grandfather. Checking to see if he's alive, Jake turns over him over and what he sees is quite peculiar indeed. He's there alright, however his eyes are missing. As Jake looks into the two empty voids, Abe comes to and says, "I thought I could save you. You must leave this place. Go to her. She will protect you." With Abe dead, Jake looks around and yells for help. Shelly appears, and behind her, stands a tall, slender being from the shrubs. Could this have been the being that killed his grandfather? Is this what he was warning him about? Shelly arrives and behind her, the creature comes out of the shrubs. Jake tells her to watch out and as she turns she begins to shoot at "nothing". Apparently this being is only visible to Jake...

Thinking that Jake is disturbed and mentally ill, his parents take him to a psychiatrist to try and "cure" his problems. Not being much help to Jake, he turns to his past and thinks about all those stories his grandfather tells him as a young boy. What on Earth was his grandfather warning him about? Why would he make this all up? This is where Jake's journey begins and will change his life forever...


SPOILERS

Apparently, Abe discovers this house on the coast of Wales during his time as a soldier during WWII and as it turns out, it's Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. What makes all these children unique, is that they have abilities never seen before, nor witnessed.

Miss Peregrine and her Peculiar Children

While in school, Jake shows pictures his grandfather gave to him depicting an invisible boy, a child made out of bees, a young child who can lift just about anything, and more. As stated earlier, Jake is taken to a psychologist and then has the idea to travel to England with his father to find this place his grandfather told him about...this Home for Peculiar Children.

Once arriving in Wales, his father can't wait but to get a drink of beer. Perhaps a perfect textbook example of a horrible father, Jake's dad couldn't care less about the "nonsense" Jake's grandfather told him and just wants to go to the beach, get some drinks and check out the area. Jake, determined to go to this house, convinces his father to let him go if he can go with someone. They find a group of kids who lead him to Jake's destination. Spotting the abandoned house, Jake continues to enter. No one is in here, the place looks dilapidated and as I watch this, my friend tells me it reminds her of her own father's orphanage that was torn down and abandoned. Then, shadows appear and a young girl stands in front of Jake calling, "Abe"? No idea what she's talking about, Jake flees and hits his head knocked out cold.

Once he comes to, he is suddenly transported back to 1943 and is introduced to Miss Peregrine. An animated yet mysterious woman who seems to be the caretaker of all the children that live here. Apparently Abe and Jake have the ability to see all that is happening. Now, I'm not going to summarize the rest of the film as you should see it for yourself, but just know that you're in for a surprise.

Seeing as I'm probably giving too much information out to you all, all I can say is that I recommend this film. I've seen it twice and love the vibe, atmosphere and talent in the roles here. This is by no means a masterpiece or an Oscar worthy film, but that being said, you should see it at least once and decide for yourself. Eva Green gives a superb performance as the title character and you almost wish you had seen her in the Tim Burton films of years gone by.



THANKS FOR READING! ARE ANY OF YOU TIM BURTON FANS? IF SO, PLEASE SHARE YOUR FAVORITE FILMS OF HIS AND LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK OF THIS MOVIE! ENJOY AND UNTIL NEXT TIME!

 Sources:
 -logo courtesy of Fanart.tv
-Miss Peregrine GIF courtesy of Mashable.com 
-Miss Peregrine and her children courtesy of Fanart.tv 

Why ALIEN is the Best...

In space...no one can hear you scream.

As we are now in October, I thought it only fitting to give you guys my personal take/semi-review of my all-time favorite horror movie ever: Ridley Scott's Alien. 

Not until 1979 did cinema goers and science fiction fans alike get exposed to something this horrific and violent as A L I  E N. Sure there's been a share of action and suspense with other films, but nothing quite like this. The science-fiction genre at the time consisted of entertainment like Star Trek, Star Wars-though some would consider it to be more fantasy-Battlestar Galactica, and several others. Although Alien would fall under the same category, Ridley Scott was adamant to show a crew in space not for the sake of exploration, but for the sake of getting home after making some money in the process. I'm sure most of us can relate to this. After working 9 to 5, the one thing on our minds is to clock out, go home and catch up with our personal lives. I know I do, anyway. This just happens to be in space. There are no gallant captains, no enthusiastic crew members and no time for new worlds so don't expect family night with this movie unless you're prepared. 

The film beings in the void of space. No major fanfare, no flashes of ships going by...but just space. The dead cold of space. Slowly entering the foreground is what sounds like a drum, or the equivalent of something sinister and malevolent if you will. Then, the sound gets louder and louder as the credits continue.  Meanwhile, you see these strange shapes which end up making out the title of the film once the director is listed. Check out the opening credits here:

USCSS Nostromo landing on LV-426

Now, we see our first glimpse of the USCSS Nostromo of Weyland-Yutani corporation. It's practically a floating ore refinery in space. Not as pleasing as the Starship Enterprise or as haunting as a Star Destroyer. It just...is. Again, very simple. If you can just imagine an oil rig in space, this would be it.

Lt. Ellen Ripley and cat Jonsey 

The crew of the Nostromo are people like you and me. Well, if you're middle-class anyway. The crew consists of seven officers. There's Captain Dallas (Tom Skerrit) who just wants to get back on Earth and complete their shipping of ore. Second in command is Lieutenant Ripley (Sigourney Weaver), a laid back yet dedicated officer on the ship. She is the one that follows protocol to the T and even has a cat on board with her: Jonesy. Third in command is Kane (John Hurt), a steadfast crewman who jumps at the chance to go on away missions. A smoker, casual and passive at times, he's the man who puts the entire crew in danger. There is another officer, Lambert (Veronica Cartwright), who's a communications officer if you will and also can't wait to get home. Powering the ship are two men who complain about getting their fair share in payment. Parker (Yaphet Kotto), the chief engineer, and his dopey companion Bret (Harry Dean Stanton), who can't says nothing but "Right" in response to people. Last but not least, there is Ash a science officer with something more up his sleeve.

As this crew are accustomed for long journeys back to Earth, the ship is operated by MUTHR, the computer system on board to keep things on track. All of a sudden, the ship awakens all seven occupants. What for? The crew isn't even half way back to Earth! It is discovered that a new life form has been discovered on a not-too distant planet known as LV-426. While Parker, the ships engineer and Brett aren't too keen on going after discovering they won't get any shares, they reluctantly agree and the ship proceeds to the planet

Once on the planet, Captain Dallas assigns two additional members to accompany him on the planet. Discovered what looks to be an abandoned ship, Kane jumps at the chance to board it, not knowing what will lye in store for the rest of the crew...and the audience for that matter...For those of you that have yet to see the film, I suggest you watch it and then get back to me.

Two major factors bring this film to the spot light.

A SENSE OF ISOLATION

The interior of the Nostromo...did you hear something?

Sometimes you don't need to have action happening every second in order to be freaked out or uncomfortable. The sets do all of that for you. The long corridors; the lighting; the humming of the engines and the shadows are enough to make one feel uneasy. From the first shot of the interior of the ship, I felt like I was in the Overlook Hotel in space. Less is more and Scott does that wonderfully. Isolation is a major part why this movie is superior to the ones that follow. What's around the corner? Who's around the corner? 

Once the Alien gets released on board the ship, you hardly see it. Where did it go? The fact that you barely see the damn thing is enough to shit your pants. That makes it all the more freaky and entertaining when it DOES appear and kill some of the crew. 

CREW EXPENDABLE:

Another aspect to the film I love is the sense of greed and how the people on board this ship risk their lives for a measly paycheck. What about their lives? Do they matter to the company that sends them out here? Simple answer: No. I love this factor because it can relate to us in the real world. So many lives are expendable in society and when it comes to war, especially wars started on false pretenses for money and oil, officials send human lives out there as canon fodder if you will.

All in all, Alien is my favorite of the series of movies and that being said, would you agree with me? Is so, please explain in the comments below. If not, please let me know in the comments below! Thanks for reading and until next time...

 

 -sources

•  Alien Logo courtesy of  Fanart.tv

•  YouTube channel everyone needs titles for opening credits 

• -Nostromo landing on planet courtesy of Wikipedia

• -Ellen Ripley courtesy of Wikipedia

•  -Image of interior of Nostromo courtesy of Movie-Screencaps.com

 

Extreme Ways

A few days ago I saw the new thriller Jason Bourne with the long-awaited return of star Matt Damon. I've been anticipating another entry in the series for quite sometime and it was speculated that Jeremy Renner was to return with perhaps a teaming up with Damon's character. This, however, was not to be as director Paul Greengrass was lured to return for at least one more entry in the series. Damon, having tired of the role, was unwilling to return without this particular director.

I've been a fan of the Bourne films since the first movie. I had no idea who the character was (a lot like himself, get it) but when my mom sat me down and had me watch it back in 2002, I was hooked. Who knew it was going to spawn into the phenomenon that it did. The following two films starred Damon and further progresses his experiences on the lam from the CIA. In 2012, although it was announced by Damon that his last movie was to be the end of the line, Universal still pushed for a sequel with or without him and thus we get The Bourne Legacy with Jeremy Renner. The film was poorly received as audiences wanted Damon to return, however it did turn a large profit. 

Jason Bourne is back with a vengeance!

The new film takes places 10 years from the events of The Bourne Ultimatum and it's confirmed that Jason Bourne has survived from supposedly being shot by corrupt CIA branch head Noah Vosen. On his own again, Bourne is found to have survived by hiding low in out of the country. But, when ex-Treadstone operative Nicky Parsons does a computer search to expose all hidden US organizations and discovers Bourne's whereabouts, the CIA trace her and thus a new search begins for Jason. Nice going' Nicky... Tommy Lee Jones stars as the main "baddie" if you will, as these films don't really have villains but just hellbent high authoritative officers that will stop at nothing to take down the world's most hunted man: Jason Bourne. Adding to the chase, actor Vincent Cassel is added to the cast as Bourne's number one assassin.

Probably the best thing about this film, is the return to action and straightforward storytelling. I love a movie with a good plot and story, but seeing as this is the fourth Bourne film (not counting Legacy) the audience already knows his mission and what is he running for. Now, the focus is where to go from here. Sure there is some repetition with these movies, but this is what makes these films so awesome. We knew that he survived after being shot in the end of Ultimatum, and it's been a long time since we've seen him, so having him back is awesome. And boy does he kick ass in this movie! 

As for the director's style, Greengrass is known to be a documentary director, meaning he tries to make his films as realistic as possible, bringing the audience right there with the star. There are pros and cons with this way of directing. The cons are that it's difficult to make out exactly what you're watching a times; the camera still moves even during scenes of no action (which is not necessary); zooming into something to get a better view doesn't help when the scope is already moving from left to right. The pros: you are right there with the actor, you feel like you are documenting something, thus making it appear more realistic and believable; keeping the audience involved with what is going on in the film. Although I don't think I'll ever really get used to the camera moves, I do highly recommend these movies and think you all will enjoy this film. 

In conclusion, Jason Bourne is a breath of fresh air in the days of generic films and although the classic formula is still here, there is still room for new energy and different characters to keep it alive. I recommend it.

Now, to my readers, what is your favorite Bourne film and why? Would you like to see more films in the franchise or has it run its course? Please let me know in the comments below. 

Star Trek VI Review

"So...this is goodbye."

As the tagline goes from The Matrix Revolutions: "Everything that has a beginning has an end." Welcome to my review/retrospective of Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered County.


THE SERIES:

In 1966, a small NBC television series called Star Trek hit screens on weeknights. William Shatner, Leornard Nimoy and Deforest Kelley starred in the hour long space opera traveling in a ship called the Enterprise. Each week, the crew traveled to strange new worlds in our galaxy dealing with the dangers that followed. Sadly, after three years, NBC pulled the plug on the show due to declining ratings and in 1969, Star Trek was no more.

However, in the early 1970s, Star Trek returned to television in the form of a Saturday morning cartoon and all the cast, with the exception of Walter Koenig, returned to do the voices. In 1974, that show ended and Star Trek was nothing outside of comics and toys. And then Star Wars came...Once Star Wars was a massive hit, Paramount cancelled a plan to make a new Star Trek live-action show and instead decided to produce a motion picture. In 1979, Star Trek: The Motion Picture hit the big screen. Fans had to wait a whole ten years to see their favorite characters in live-action and the result was not to everyone's expectations.



THE MOVIES:

The first movie was a financial success, however not highly praised critically. Gene Roddenberry, the producer of the movie, and creator of the series itself, stepped down and the next Star Trek movie was made under far less of a budget. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan was a huge success critically and is considered the best of the all six original films. A growing success of movies came out during the 1980s and Gene Roddenberry's creation was as popular as ever! So popular in fact that he started a new show on his own called Star Trek: The Next Generation. This, however did not feature the actors we've come to know and love and it was a stretch for some people. On the big screen, however, the original actors continued to be featured and until 1991.

Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country is perhaps the best movie in the entire series of films. We've all known Captain Kirk, Mr. Spock, Dr. McCoy, Scotty, and the rest for 25 years and since 1991 was the 25th anniversary, Paramount felt it was the perfect idea to make one last hurrah with these characters. Time certainly has gained on them since the show started, and the movie captures a perfect sense of family and history. The movie depicts Captain Kirk's last time in command of his beloved ship and his struggles to accept the fact that he's not the young, gallant Captain he once was.

It is the best swansong to any series wither it be a movie or television show. This is the true ending to the original Star Trek.


About three months before retirement from Starfleet, Captain Kirk and crew are ordered to take the Enterprise-A out to escort a Klingon ship to Earth for peace talks. Spock's father, Vulcan Ambassador Sarek has called for a diplomatic meeting on Earth and Spock essentially vouches for Kirk--whose son was killed by a Klingon--to be the special envoy. Now, even though Kirk loves being in command, he would rather accept retirement than rendezvous with a Klingon Chancellor's ship. He would just as soon open fire and start an all out war. Since Sulu is now a captain and no long a part of the Enterprise crew, Spock's protege, Valeris (played by Kim Cattral) volunteers. With the ship underway, Kirk has a moment in his quarters voicing his concerns in a Captain's Log: "I've never trusted Klingons. And I never will. I can never forgive them, for the death of my son. It seems to me that escorting the Klingon chancellor to a peace summit is problematic at best. Spock says this could be a historic occasion, and I'd like to believe him. But how on earth can history get past people like me?" As Kirk is about to get ready to head to the bridge, Valeris seems to be standing right by his quarters when she enters with his luggage. Was she standing there this whole time?

After Valeris talks with Kirk, she goes to speak with Spock who tells her that this will in fact be his last voyage on the Enterprise as a member of her crew. Valeris manages to hide the least bit of sadness in her face and responds, "I could only succeed you, Sir." To that, the chime rings informing all senior officers to the bridge to greet the Klingon Chancellor's ship.

Kirk-hesitant as ever and still upset with Spock that he was chosen to be the special envoy-hides his bigotry as best he can and invited Gorkon and crew on the Enterprise for a diplomatic dinner. This should be good...

A dinner of sorts

Well, the Klingon's arrive. Chancellor Gorkon introduces his crew, daughter Azetbur and finally his chief of staff, General Chang who has much admiration for Captain Kirk as a boy has to a baseball. At a pause, Kirk gives a look of confusion as he has been known throughout the galaxy to have beef with Klingons. After a brief tour, a dinner is prepared for all and as Khan said to Kirk years before, "Diplomatic dinner is only war time concealed." The high tension at the table is very evident and being served Romulan ale, on the request of Valeris, makes it even worse. When Chekov makes a statement that "We do believe all planets have a sovereign claim to inalienable human rights", the Chancellor's daughter responds that "the Federation is nothing more than a homo-sapiens only club." Another member of the crew claims that this is leading to the "annihilation of our race!" McCoy responds, "That's not true!" "No?" "NO!" After some more bickering back and forth, General Chang tells Kirk, "To be or not to be. That is the question which preoccupies our people, Captain Kirk. We need breathing room!" Kirk replies, "Earth. Hitler. 1938." Clearly having no idea who Hitler was, Chang shuts up and there is an awkward silence.

After Gorkon and his party leave for his ship, the crew contemplates for a minute with some bickering about the Klingon eating habits and everyone is a bit tipsy from the ale served. Valeris said she had ordered Romulan ale to help make the evening go more smoothly. That, it certainly did not. It's bad enough Kirk already hated the Klingons.

Kirk, in his quarters tells ships galley that Romulan ale is no longer to be served at diplomatic functions. As he is about to get some rest while having a hangover to end all hangovers...let alone space hangovers, Spock summons Kirk to the bridge. Arriving, Spock detects a form of radiation occurring. Kirk asks everyone if they know about the surge, and they don't know as they are all having surges in their heads from the damn ale the night before--a shot is fired! Out of nowhere, a shot is fired on the very Klingon ship they are escorting to Earth! No! Who could have done this?!!! Kirk, signals his absolute and total surrender proving that it was not him who had fired. Spock, looking at the memory banks, tells him that the Enterprise did, in fact fire two torpedoes. It's not like Kirk to do something like this...Is it? He wouldn't just fire on a ship without reason...would he? We've known Kirk too long to not believe that he would do such a horrible thing...Even to a Klingon ship. Has his age really caught up with him?

After beaming aboard said Klingon ship, Kirk is witness to a blood bath of Klingons dead in puddles of blood. Pink blood. They enter a corridor, Chancellor Gorkon has been shot! As if things weren't bad enough, there was a massacre in the ship as well! On the eve of peace! Dr. McCoy, funny as ever, tries to revive Gorkon and for a mere few seconds, Gorkon comes to. His lasts words are, "Don't let it end this way, Captain..." Arrested by General Chang without hesitation, Captain Kirk and Doctor McCoy are taken into trial on the Klingon home world of Qo'noS.

Doctor McCoy was unable to save Gorkon.

Meanwhile, on 1701-A, Spock begins an investigation putting Valeris in charge. The ship is to be searched from bow to stern and not one place will be overlooked. The missing boot from one of the assassins. Apparently the surviving Klingons on the ship said they had seen two Starfleet officers wearing magnetic boots beam aboard their ship after the first hit from the Enterprise. When a starship has shields up, there is no way for someone to beam aboard. However, when the shields are down-like the Klingon ship was-anyone would be able to come aboard, and that is exactly what occurred. After the officers beamed back to the Enterprise, they managed to also beam aboard some blood particles that were floating. The hunt is still on for the killers. Gravity had not been restored until after the assassins left the ship, hence the blood still floating and the need for gravity boots.

Meanwhile, Kirk and McCoy are taken to a Klingon penal colony on the asteroid Rura Penthe, for a life sentence of labor and torture. Upon arrival, Kirk befriends a fellow prisoner by the name of Martia. She seems nice, and well...quite attractive. Responding to how she knows their names, "We don't get too many presidential assassins." Kirk replies impatiently, "We didn't kill Gorkon!" "Of course not." She responds. "But there is a reward for your death." McCoy adds, "That figures." Now, Captain Kirk realizes that this whole thing was a rouse and that he's been set up all along. Kirk is catching onto something here. A few nights later, Martia appears in Kirk's cell and has a plan for escape. When they both escape the prison, they travel in the clear to where ships can reach people for transport. In the colony, the area had no electricity, save for a magnetic shield to prevent beaming. Now they are in the clear and able to escape! Martia, however, has other plans and lured Kirk and McCoy in the clear for no other than for them [Kirk and McCoy] to be captured and killed. When Martia turns out to be a Chameloid, or Shapeshifter, she mirrors Kirk's image and the two fight before the Klingon raid shows up. Killing the "wrong" Kirk, the Klingon in charge decides to tell Kirk who wants him killed. "Since you're all going to die anyway, why not tell you. His name is-" and suddenly both prisoners are beamed aboard the Enterprise.

TRAITOR!

With Kirk and McCoy saved, Spock informs them that a Klingon Bird-of-Prey vessel fired on Gorkon's ship, thus seeming to frame the Enterprise! Someone must have changed the data banks on the ship to make it seem like torpedoes were fired upon. Someone on the inside and using Kirk as the guinea pig. Heading up to the bridge, Kirk, Spock and McCoy walk down a corridor when all of a sudden two bodies pop up in front of them. They were both killed with phasers on stun at close range. Kirk says, "First rule of assassination: kill the assassins." Then an idea pops up in his head. What better way to find the true killer than to pretend the assassins survived and had statements to be made? A ship wide chime comes in announcing "Statements to be made my Yeoman Burke and Samno." All is quiet in sickbay. Then, like a dark light entering a room, someone tiptoes in with a phaser. As they get closer to one of the "alive" assassins, Spock turns on a light revealing that it is no other than Valeris! Spock's protege! The one that he wanted to succeed him! The one in charge of the investigation! And yes, the one who also had the idea to serve Romulan ale during the already tense diplomatic meeting!

On the bridge, Captain Kirk and crew confront Valeris and tell her that a new location for the peace conference is taking place. But where? Valeris would know. Desperate, Kirk orders Spock to beat it out of her and performs a Vulcan mind-meld...or rape...and informs Kirk that the conference is no longer on Earth, but that the new location is still unknown. As Spock had told Kirk those many years ago, "The needs of the many, outweigh the needs of the few. Or the one." This would have to have been Spock's reasoning to force Valeris to get the information out of her. A full scale war between the Federation and the Empire would most likely take place and extreme measures must be taken. With Valeris in the brig, and Captain Sulu helping the Enterprise, the two ships are also on the lookout for a Klingon Bird-of-Prey that can fire while cloaked. Sulu has the location of the peace conference and informs Kirk that it's on, "Camp Khitomer, near the Romulan boarder." Now Kirk knows where to go! The Enterprise speeds to it's destination at maximum warp.

As the Enterprise is almost at transporter range, a voice from speakers malevolently saying, "I can see you Kirk...Can you see me?" Kirk knows that voice! He's heard it before and despised the sound of it. Chang...the Klingon that found Kirk and McCoy guilty, the Klingon that praised Kirk for being a "cold warrior"...and the Klingon that was Gorkon's own chief of staff! That little lying creep!

A sudden attack ensues and the Enterprise is taking hits from a ship it can't even see. At this rate, they're as good as dead. Then, out of another quadrant, Captain Sulu and the crew of the Excelsior take charge and endure hits from the Klingon ship; but not before Commander Uhura tells Kirk that there must be a way to track the cloaked vessel. "Well, the thing's gotta have a tailpipe." Spock and McCoy then head to the torpedo bay to modify a torpedo to track the plasma from the enemy ship. With the shields collapsing, Kirk chimes in yelling for them to hurry up! On ships speakers, Chang is heard citing Shakespeare and McCoy tells Spock, "I'd give real money if he'd shut up!" With the torpedo set and ready, Kirk-as only he can-yells, "Fire!" and the torpedo is away headed towards Chang's ship. A look of defeat, Chang simply says, "To be or not to be." And the battle is won. It is a small victory, however as now Kirk must continue onto the planet.

"It's about the future, Madam Chancellor!"

After Chang's ship is destroyed, Kirk and party beam down to the conference to stop another assassination. Having everyone split up and scatter like a pack of cockroaches, he starts towards the Federation president during his speech. Pushing through a crowd of delegates, Captain Kirk rushes and knocks the president out of the way as to avoid a sudden bold of a rifle intended for him. As the assassin looks for another target, and has his sights on Valeris, Scotty knocks down the door behind him and shoots that sucker to the next world killing him instantly. Now, there are two versions of this death. In the theatrical cut, it is seen that a Klingon was indeed the would-be assassin; however in the VHS edition, it is discovered that a Starfleet officer was dressed as a Klingon. Either way, the films ends the same way. Peace has been reached and Kirk proves himself innocent and years of hostility between the Federation is over.

When asked what the meaning of all this was, Captain Kirk tells the new Chancellor of the Klingon Empire, Gorkon's daughter Azetbur "Some people think the future means the end of history. Well, we haven't run out of history quite yet. Your father, called the future, the undiscovered country. People can be very frightened of change." Astonished and convinced that Kirk was indeed not part of this conspiracy, the daughter and newly appointed Chancellor says, "You've restored my father's faith." To which Kirk responds, "And you've restored my sons."

Kirk facing the end of his career

Parting ways with Captain Sulu's ship, the Enterprise is on her own. A sudden message from Starfleet Command comes in and Uhura tells the captain that the ship needs to be put back to spacedock for decommissioning. Kirk looks at the main screen as if to get a plead from it to say, "Don't worry Jim, it's just a joke." Coming back to reality, he asks himself, Is this really the end? No...It can't be. Can it? No more adventures? No planets to travel to? People to save? These thoughts are going through his head as he knows that time is gaining up on him and that the days of his youth are long gone. Things have to change, but why can't I be in charge of my ship for just a little longer? The thought of having to lose the Enterprise for the final time after the countless times he fought to get it back flew through him. The Enterprise was the one lady he really cared for. The thought of him having to settle down on Earth and catch up with the life he left behind didn't appeal to him in the least.

With almost a tear in Kirk's eye, Spock breaks the silence of the inevitable and remarks, "If I were human, I believe my response would be: 'go to hell'. If I were human." To that, Kirk shoots a little smile and with a line from Peter Pan, replies, "Second star to the right. And straight on 'till morning." And with that, the Enterprise sails off into the sunset. With 25 years of saving the galaxy and traveling to new worlds, it is time for Captain Kirk to pass the baton and hand the keys to another crew for a Next Generation.