Haha, I just happened to re-watch Star Trek V last night for the first time this millennium. It struck me that, for all of Shatner's well-known ego, the movie that he directed featured Kirk failing/falling, being shown as unreasonable at times, losing control of the situation, letting others take charge, and mostly avoiding big battles. I mean, he was still Kirk, but with a lot more humility than usual.

V is a guilty pleasure. It's super ambitious, silly (Go climb a rock shirt?), and most of it doesn't work - but I'm glad it exists.

The theme of this movie is great. Kirk can cheat death, but not without his friends.

Honestly, after a day to reflect, I think the story could've worked a lot better in the hands of a better director, and special effects that didn't come as a prize in a cereal box.