It's hard to believe that it's been 32 years since Star Trek II, The Wrath of Khan hit movie theaters across the world. Wrath of Khan is a remarkable picture on many levels, including:
So, any of you who know much about Star Trek perhaps remember that Khan (played by Ricardo Montalban, former leading man in both Hollywood and Mexican cinema) was a character in the original series from the 1960's. Wrath of Khan brings him back seeking vengeance against Kirk and the Federation. Those who may have caught the latest Star Trek reboot episode - Into Darkness - will no doubt realize that Benedict Cumberbatch's character is if not a direct re-visioning of Khan, certainly an homage to the character. Although, honestly as good as Benedict is, he just doesn't match the intensity Montalban brought to the character.
But enough of the preliminaries; here are the top ten reasons we still love Wrath of Khan:
Our only regret is that there wasn't a way to keep Montalban around for another couple duels with Kirk or maybe even they could have brought him back to kick off the Next Generation TV Series (instead his next major role was as a comic villain in Leslie Nielson's Naked Gun).
It just doesn't get any better than this - another classic that has stood the test of time.
- the fact that this was indeed the success that actually rebooted the Start Trek franchise
- this is the first movie that used modern CGI animation sequences in a significant way
- it showcased perhaps one of the great movie villains of all time...
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| Original movie poster from 1982 |
Khan and Kirk go at it back in the day
But enough of the preliminaries; here are the top ten reasons we still love Wrath of Khan:
- Wrath of Khan is the ultimate 80's big hair movie. Who knew that genetically superior humans in exile if left to their own devices would resemble Whitesnake?
- Wrath of Khan gives us the best one word one liner in movie history, oft repeated never equaled - Khannnnnnnnnnnnnnn !!!!!!!!!
- Kirstie Allen as a Vulcan was quite the treat.
- It highlights what is without a doubt, William Shatner's best toupee ever - that thing could act all by itself.
- Khan provides us the best movie cleavage of 1982, narrowly beating out Arnold Schwarzenegger's Conan for the top honor.
- Best medical procedure ever filmed (application of brain slugs).
- We get to see the Star Wars planet destroying device fully realized - the special effect was produced by ILM so one can only assume they started off where Star Wars left off.
- Best Bromance death scene ever - "the needs of the many..." This would make the toughest veteran or linebacker get teary-eyed.
- The most fashion conscious villains ever - the things they can do with sand slug leather!
- Best ensemble performance by the original series cast. Now they got together in several follow-ons including the whale hijacking one - but Khan was definitely the best of the lot.
The official Wrath of Khan Trailer
Our only regret is that there wasn't a way to keep Montalban around for another couple duels with Kirk or maybe even they could have brought him back to kick off the Next Generation TV Series (instead his next major role was as a comic villain in Leslie Nielson's Naked Gun).
Brain slugs, anyone?
It just doesn't get any better than this - another classic that has stood the test of time.
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