The general opinion is, odd numbered Trek movies are bad, and even numbered are good.
Star Trek 3: The Search For Spock is a mixture of success and faliure making a proof of that statement questionable.
Rather than an example of exemplary, tight scriptwriting (like Wrath Of Khan), this is an exercise in serialised storytelling. The objective, to resurrect the deceased Mr Spock in a way that satisfies the need of a family adventure movie, while using the characters and situations set up in the last movie. It's brisk and fun...but never contains the depth or intelligence of Star Trek 2. Although it still takes itself seriously, this is more of an ensemble adventure rather than a dramatic, thought provoking science fiction drama.
Leonard Nimoy takes over in the directors chair and does a solid job. But he's a director without a strong vision and is underserved by a shitty budget. The set redressings (to save cash) are obvious, the new sets embarressing (the Genesis Planet and Starfleet officers lounge are frankly crap) and is made even worse by overlighting everything (the scene in Spocks quarters being a rare exception).
Fortunately the money's been spent on the effects, and it shows. FX shots aren't reused from previous movies and tons of new models have been designed, icluding Spacedock, The Excelsior and the iconic Klingon Bird Of Prey, which are imaculately lit by ILM.
Shatner again proves what a strong performer he can be when he reigns it in, Mark Lenard provides gravitas as Spock's dad Sarek and Christopher Lloyd is a memorably intense Klingon commander. Only Robin Curtis disapoints as the recast Saavik, draining the naivety from the character, leaving blandness. In fact, the only scenes that drag feature her and the returning David Marcus on the planet's surface.
A fun, but technically flawed movie, which breaks the odd numbered rule then. But you may disagree...
