3. Shatner Can Act
Yes. We've all heard it a million times about what a ham William Shatner can be. However, many have said that he actually puts in a great performance in Star Trek II. He is remarkably good in the scene where Spock died on the other side of the glass. And there are times I still get a lump in my throat when Kirk, with his voice breaking, says, "His was the most... human". But still, I think he's even better when he discovers his son David, whom he only just met in the previous film, is dead. Apparently, director Leonard Nimoy told his good friend Shatner to react however he felt best. And its a great reaction. Shatner very briefly looks around in disbelief, then goes to sit down and falls out of his chair and on to the floor. And just repeatedly mutters, "You Klingon b**tard, you've killed my son". And then, realizing he still has people counting on him, the character still manages to pull himself together. But Shatner still plays Kirk as a man doing his very best to pretend he's got it together because he has to appear he's got it together. It has got more layers than it appears at first glance and it's really well done. Other notable scenes include Kirk's solemn personal log used at the beginning of the film, showing him still quite affected by Spock's death and the mind-meld with Sarek where Kirk relives his final conversation with Spock before his death and Kirk helplessly whispers, "No..." And, on a level of pure vengeance and anger. I dig the "KHAAAAAAAAAAN!" line as much as the next guy. But, for me there's nothing better than Kruge trying to drag Kirk to his death and Kirk kicking him in the face shouting "I...(kick)...have had...(kick)...enough of you!!"