The Music of Star Trek, Part III

I decided to group the top five soundtracks for the Star Trek franchise all together because they're all so excellent that it was really hard to figure out which ones I liked the most. I honestly was torn when coming up with this list of the top 5 Star Trek scores because the music for each film is really excellent.

5. Star Trek V: The Final Frontier / Jerry Goldsmith
If there is one shining light in the mess that is Star Trek 5, it's Jerry Goldsmith's superb score which manages to rise above the fray. It's wonderful to hear the return of Goldsmith's theme for the Enterprise that he originated in The Motion Picture, as well as more extensive use of his Klingon battle theme. His music for the mountain climbing sequence at the beginning of the movie is beautiful and it's a shame it's only other use is in the film's penultimate scene to represent the friendship between Kirk, Spock and McCoy which is a major part of the movie. It's a very minor gripe, though, about a score that is otherwise excellent.

Highlights: 3. The Mountain / 7. Target Practice / 8. A Tall Ship / 12. Open the Gates / 14. Without Help / 20. The Barrier / 21. A Busy Man / 22. An Angry God / 23-24. Let's Get Out of Here / 25. Cosmic Thoughts / 26. Life Is a Dream (End Credits)

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4. Star Trek: First Contact / Jerry & Joel Goldsmith
After hearing it's beautiful French Horn theme for the first time in the movie theater in 1996, I was hooked on this soundtrack. Jerry and Joel Goldsmith's soundtrack for Star Trek: First Contact was the first movie soundtrack I ever owned and thus has a special place in my heart. The music is top notch from the father and son duo, though some of the music for the Data/Borg Queen scenes is a little too low-key for my taste. Otherwise, from its suspenseful and menacing use of the Borg theme to the main theme representing First Contact with the Vulcans, this remains one of my favorites in the franchise.

Highlights: 1. Main Title / 6. Red Alert / 14. Retreat / 23. Bridge Argument / 24. This Far, No Further / 25. Evacuate / 28. Flight of the Phoenix / 29. First Contact / 30. End Credits

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3. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan / James Horner
Having to follow-up Jerry Goldsmith's Oscar-nominated score for Star Trek: The Motion Picture would seem like a daunting task that no one could live up to yet young composer James Horner rose to the occasion for The Wrath of Khan. Both Horner's primary and secondary themes soar with great beauty that stand apart from Goldsmith's Enterprise theme. His scoring during the film's space battle scenes is fantastic, perfectly capturing the suspense and thrill of what we see onscreen. Horner's score is an instant Trek classic!

Highlights: 1. Main Title / 5. Enterprise Clears Moorings / 7. Spock / 8. Kirk Takes Command & He Tasks Me / 10. Surprise Attack / 11. Kirk's Explosive Reply / 17. Battle in the Mutara Nebula / 18. Enterprise Attacks Reliant / 19. Genesis Countdown / 20. Spock (Dies) / 21. Amazing Grace / 22. Epilogue & End Credits



2. Star Trek: The Motion Picture / Jerry Goldsmith
Jerry Goldsmith set the bar pretty high with his score for Star Trek: The Motion Picture. From his theme for the Enterprise (which would go on to be the main theme for Star Trek: The Next Generation) to his Klingon battle theme and his music for the V'Ger flying sequences, Goldsmith's music manages to stand above the movie it helps narrate. If there was a Star Trek score that should've taken Best Original Score in the Academy Awards, this is the one that deserved it the most. Full review

Highlights: 2. Main Title & Klingon Battle / 4. Floating Office / 5. The Enterprise / 8. Leaving Drydock / 11. Spock's Arrival / 13. Meet V'Ger / 15. V'Ger Flyover / 18. Games & Spock Walk / 21. Inner Workings / 23. The Meld & A New Start / 24. End Title / 25. Ilia's Theme

1. Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country / Cliff Eidelman

It would seem fitting that the #1 spot this list should go to Jerry Goldsmith's The Motion Picture. At the end of the day, Cliff Eidelman's one visit to the franchise in The Undiscovered Country rests as my favorite score. As soon as its first six notes begin to play you know that this is going to be something different and it truly is the most unique score in the entire franchise. Eidelman and director Nicholas Meyer were really smart to not worry about topping what came before with another fantastic march but instead create a beast of its own for this movie and it really works. Eidelman's music captures the suspense wonderfully while also doing a remarkable job scoring the quiet moments. His majestic theme representing the crew (used very sparingly) is outstanding especially in its rendition at the end of the movie. And who can go without mentioning the music during the climactic race to prevent war as the music grows louder and quicker with each passing moment. It's a shame Eidelman's career hasn't been bigger and I wish that he would get the opportunity to revisit this franchise for he truly delivered a classic score.

Highlights: 1. Overture / 3. Spacedock & Clear All Moorings / 4. Spock's Wisdom / 6. Assassination / 7. Surrender for Peace / 11. Rura Penthe & First Sight of Rura Penthe / 13. First Evidence & The Search / 14. Escape from Rura Penthe / 18. Dining On Ashes / 19. The Battle for Peace / 20. The Undiscovered Country / 21. Sign Off / 22. Star Trek VI Suite

The Music of Star Trek, Part II

8. Star Trek III: The Search for Spock / James Horner
James Horner's second offering to the Star Trek franchise is solid but not as successful as his first. Maintaining continuity between the two pictures, Horner gives more prominent focus to his secondary theme from The Wrath of Khan, giving it it's best rendition in the sweepingly beautiful Prologue and Main Title. His theme for the Klingons isn't very successful, consisting mostly of a lot of banging and clanging in the percussion section. The score's best moments come during the theft of the Enterprise sequence and as the crew returns in their stolen Klingon bird-of-prey to Vulcan. It's a good score that falls into the middle of the batch amongst the excellent music consisting of the Star Trek film franchise.

Highlights: 1. Prologue and Main Title / 6. Stealing the Enterprise / 12. Genesis Destroyed / 13. Returning to Vulcan / 15. End Titles

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7. Star Trek: Insurrection / Jerry Goldsmith
For Insurrection Jerry Goldsmith presents a gentle theme to represent the Ba'Ku people and some of the franchise's finest action music. Despite this, he never seems to really receive the opportunity to let his music shine the way he does with his other scores. That's not through any fault of his own as Insurrection plays more like a two-part episode than a feature film (see my May 2009 review). For what he's given, though, Goldsmith delivers.

Highlights: 1. Main Title and The Ba'Ku Village / 4. In Custody / 8. A Few Loose Ends / 10. New Sight / 13. Insurrection / 14. Not Functioning / 19. The Drones Attack / 20. The Riker Maneuver



6. Star Trek / Michael Giacchino
Following JJ Abrams' leads, Michael Giacchino takes the music of Star Trek in a much different dirrection than the rest of the franchise. He presents three very strong themes for Kirk, Spock and the villain Nero with Kirk's theme being the most prominent. Having said that, it feels like Kirk's theme (as heard in the cue Enterprise Young Men) should've been more. The action music is very exciting though similar to Giacchino's previous works. Overall, it's a solid score though there seems to be more style than substance here.

A big gripe that I have though (without holding it against Giacchino's music itself) is the mixing of the orchestra. For whatever reason, there is very little reverb in the mix, giving the orchestra a very dry sound. Hopefully Giacchino rectifies this technique in future scores.

Highlights: 4. Nailin' the Kelvin / 5. Labor of Love / 8. One Proud Mother / 14. Enterprising Young Men / 19. Chutes and Matter / 30. Nice to Meld You / 32. I Gotta Beam Me / 36. Trekking Down the Narada / 39. Nero Death Experience / 43. That New Car Smell / 45. End Credits

The Music of Star Trek, Part I

11. Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home / Leonard Rosenman
Despite a fan main title anthem, Leonard Rosenman's score is a mixed bag. The sounds found here don't match those in any other incarnation in the franchise and though (in concept) that's not a bad thing, Rosenman's sound doesn't work here. The cues representing the alien probe don't make for easy listening.

Highlights: 1. Logos & Main Title / 10. Hospital Chase / 14. Home Again & End Credits
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10. Star Trek: Generations / Dennis McCarthy
Dennis McCarthy has provided more music for the Star Trek franchise than any other composer, having provided music for episodes for every modern television series. Unfortunately, McCarthy is never able to shake the television mindset as he makes the jump to the big screen with the crew of The Next Generation and most of his music sounds like it could be found in another episode. That's not to see it's not enjoyable; it certainly is. Unfortunately, when in comparison to the works of Goldsmith, Horner and Eidelman, McCarthy's score falls short.

Highlights: 16. Coolant Leak & Crash Landing / 24. To Live Forever
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9. Star Trek Nemesis / Jerry Goldsmith
Jerry Goldsmith's fifth and final score in the Star Trek franchise is also his weakest. There's very little going on in the first half of the score and it's not until the last half does he really open up the orchestra's sound. Unfortunately, when he does the action music is rather uninspired, especially for someone renowned for scoring action movies. One of the score's biggest problems is its lack of a distinguishable main theme. It's a shame that Goldsmith finishes his Trek career like the cast of TNG; with a whimper.

Highlights: 4. Enterprise Flyover / 21. The Scorpion / 24. Preparing for Battle / 25. The Battle Begins / 28. Team Work / 34. Final Flight

The Villains of Star Trek: The Best of the Worst

Here we have it, my top 3 villains in all the Star Trek movies!

3. General Chang / Christopher Plummer / Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country

Nothing says over-the-top more than a one-eyed Klingon reciting Shakespeare. But Christopher Plummer's engaging and very entertaining performance sells it as the original Star Trek crew's final adversary. Plummer is so mesmerizing in his scenes in the Klingon court room ("Don't wait for the translation! Answers me now!") and in the climactic finale ("Cry havoc! And let slip the dogs of war!") that you wish he had more time onscreen!

2. The Borg Queen / Alice Krige / Star Trek: First Contact

The impact of the Borg Queen on the Borg -- whether positive or negative -- will be debated for years...by Star Trek fans, that is. But in the context of First Contact, she's a resounding success! Alice Krige mixes the right balance of sinister and sex to make the film franchise's first (and only to date) villainess.

1. Khan Noonien Singh / Ricardo Montalban / Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan

Since The Wrath of Khan's release, Khan has been the gold standard to which all Star Trek villains (both TV and movie) have been held. Few have held up to the timelessness of Ricardo Montalban's chest-bearing, vengeance-seeking Khan. Seeking to avenge the death of his wife, Khan's motives are pretty simple yet it's Montalban who sells the character and gives Star Trek its ultimate baddie.

The Villains of Star Trek, Part II: The Middle 3

The middle of the pack of Star Trek's villains are the ones who aren't all that bad but are flawed enough in their own right to not be too great, either. They're the ones who had the potential to be great but just couldn't quite get there. The order is fairly interchangeable, depending on how you feel about a certain villain at the time.

6. Kruge / Christopher Lloyd / Star Trek III: The Search for Spock

It'll be tough for anyone to be the villain that follows Khan, regardless of how great you. Though Christopher Lloyd gives it his best shot, he doesn't quite measure up to Ricardo Montalban. Not that he's really all that bad or anything, it's just that Kruge's power-hungry grab for the secret of Genesis doesn't have much motive behind it. The part is underwritten and, overall, Kruge just isn't a very enticing villain. But Lloyd's ruthlessness and cold-heartedness when it comes to the execution of Kirk's son does set the standard for all Klingons to follow in the years ahead.



5. Shinzon / Tom Hardy / Star Trek: Nemesis

Star Trek has proven throughout its history that some of the best conflict comes with one's self. A clone of Jean-Luc Picard, Nero is certainly a threatening villain and Tom Hardy does stand his own against Patrick Stewart. There was plenty of potential with the concept but what undermines the character (and ultimately the movie itself) is that the writing of Nero is inconsistent as he shifts from wanting to get to know Picard, to wanting to kill Picard, to destroying Earth, to destroying Picard, to destroying Earth, then back to Picard and back again. There was a wonderful opportunity there, unfortunately it was squandered.


4. Nero / Eric Bana / Star Trek (2009)

Eric Bana gives a solid turn as the bald tatoo-faced Romulan from the future who manages to not only kill Kirk's father, but also Spock's mother and the entire planet Vulcan as well. Despite this, though, his backstory is rather lacking and his motives are never explained well within the context of the movie. Of course you can find all of that if you read the four-part Star Trek: Countdown comic book series that leads into the movie. But who besides a die-hard Star Trek fan is going to do that?

The Villains of Star Trek, Part I: The Bottom 4

With Star Trek Into Darkness, J.J. Abrams' second foray into the Star Trek universe, coming out later next week, a lot of buzz has been surrounding the identity of Benedict Cumberbatch's villain. Reviews have slowly begun trickling out since the film's release overseas and the reaction has been mostly positive to kind of mixed. Into Darkness currently sits at 83% on rottentomatoes.com (24 positive reviews, 5 not-so-good) but one thing they all agree upon is Cumberbatch is excellent.

With that being said, I thought I would take the time over the next few days to reflect on the villains of the Star Trek film franchise. Over the course of the franchise's 11 films, there have been 10 villains and some of been excellent and some not-so-much. We'll begin with a look at the villains who just didn't measure up.

10. Ru'afo / F. Murray Abraham / Star Trek: Insurrection

Severely underwritten and badly overacted, Ru'afo is one of Star Trek's most one-dimensional villains. Provided with no real backstory, no other motive than vengeance and a thirst for eternal youth, F. Murray Abraham's talents are badly wasted in a very un-engaging and not very interesting character.

9. Sybok / Laurence Luckinbill / Star Trek V: The Final Frontier

Though the premise of a Vulcan uninhibited by the confines of logic is an intriguing concept for a villain, any potential is squandered in Laurence Luckinbill's portrayal of Sybok the Jolly Vulcan. Granted, he's not given a lot to work with besides walking around for most of the movie with a large grin from pointed ear to pointed ear, but that robs him of any real sense of villainy or menace. Not that that's the intention of the character, but if he's really not such a bad guy, you can't help but wonder why Kirk doesn't just sit down the guy and sing a couple of campfire songs in the first place?

8. V'Ger / Star Trek: The Motion Picture

Momentum builds (sort of) throughout The Motion Picture towards the big revelation of V'Ger's identity at the heart of the cloud spaceship. Is it an alien? What are their intentions? One can't help but be disappointed to discover that V'Ger is nothing more than a self-aware probe from 20th century Earth that's trying to return home to deliver its research to its creator, mankind. The premise isn't actually all that bad and fairly original and very much in the mold of Star Trek's exploring strange, new worlds. Unfortunately, the payoff isn't executed well enough after two-and-a-half hours to really benefit the concept. If the movie itself had been better, V'Ger could possibly have ranked higher on this list.

7. Dr. Soran / Malcolm McDowell / Star Trek: Generations

Tolian Soran will forever be remembered as the man who killed James T. Kirk. Unfortunately, that's about all he'll be remembered for. Though Malcolm McDowell gives a solid performance, the part is underwritten and, for the most part, pretty forgettable.

Keeping Up with Nicholas!

I can't believe it's been so long since the last time I posted! I've decided to go ahead and post a couple pictures of little Nicholas (or as Maggie and I call him, Nicky). It's hard to believe that he's now 3-months-old! Time sure has flown since his birthday on February 4th!

I looked at Maggie this evening as we ate dinner, Nicky sitting in his bouncer next to the table, and I said to here, "I still can't believe it." Three months have gone by and there are times I still can't believe I'm a father!

Things really hit home for me when I had a conversation with the assistant director at my center late last week. I was talking to her about the "fussy" stage that Nicky's been going through this past week. She looked at me and said, "You're telling me the same thing all parents tell me at three months." But that's when it hit me; I'm a parent!

With Mother's Day right around the corner and Father's Day not too far behind, I guess it's time for me to get used to thought that I'm a parent!

Enjoy some pics of Nicholas John David Sears!