I agree with Matt Yglesias that a remake of Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, in which the original Star Trek cast travels back in time to pass climate change legislation, could be entertaining. But there are a couple of definite challenges to such a film. As Matt and I discussed over the weekend, what would the unidentified flying object that precipitated the trip back in time be? Would it still sing whale songs? Would it have a giant, Waxman-like mustache? Would references to the Berkeley Free Speech movement still fly? What would be the precipitating event leading to a line as awesome as Spock's "They like you very much, but they're not the hell your whales!"?
I love The Voyage Home for all the reasons Janet Maslin outlined in her 1986 review of the movie. She wrote then: "Mr. Nimoy directed this ''Star Trek'' installment, and indeed he should probably direct all of them. His technical expertise leaves much to be desired (in one special-effects sequence with a huge spacecraft hovering over a fishing vessel, the spacecraft doesn't even cast a shadow). But his sincerity is unmistakable, and it counts for a lot." I'm absolutely fine with the reboot of Star Trek as a stylish, intelligent action franchise with a lot of pretty young things in it. Fits the age and all. But I'll continue to love The Voyage Home, even if it's not the kind of movie that could be made today. Giving sincerity some great punchlines is a noble calling.