Star Trek: Generations
A film review by Joel B. Kirk
SYNOPSIS:
Captain Jean-Luc Picard and the Captain James Kirk meet in a time
nexus and combine forces against a scientist who is jeopardizing the
lives of millions of people.
MY TAKE:
This was already hyped because due to the demise of the legendary
Captain James T. Kirk, which we actually suspect will be back in some
other incarnation of Star Trek-as you can't really kill off an icon,
especially in Star Trek. Note STAR TREK III: THE SEARCH FOR SPOCK.
Moreover, it was the fact that two popular commanders from two eras
would meet fight along side one another.
Unfortunately, the result is a rushed picture. It's entertaining, but
more of a let down. A big-budget television episode, where one may
wonder when the commercials come in, or what time next week the second
part will be showing.
POSITIVE/NEGATIVE NITPICKS:
Too many elements that are not structured in a coherent manner may
leave the viewer wondering.
Other than a gimmick to bring the two captains of the two eras
together, what exactly is the nexus? Whoopi Goldberg's (television's
WHOOPI and STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION) Guinan describes it as
'being filled with joy,' or something of that nature. (This may
indicate the writers did not know what the nexus was either).
The plot where Patrick Stewart's (X-2, X-MEN) Jean-Luc Picard laments
over his nephew and brother who died in a fire isn't really given full
realization; only another element to play once the character enters
the nexus. Moreover, Data still learning to be fully human, (even
after seven years around humans) gets kind of overdone.
Who is Malcom McDowall's (I, SPY, A CLOCKWORK ORANGE) Dr. Tolian
Soran? What has happened to him to have made him to so eager to
sacrifice any one, and anything to make it to the nexus?
Kind of insulting to the viewer is apparent stock footage that was
utilized in a battle scene between Enterprise-D and the Klingon Bird
of Prey (i.e., the scene from STAR TREK VI: THE UNDISCOVERED COUNTRY
when the U.S.S. Excelsior and U.S.S. Enterprise batter another Bird of
Prey). On the other hand, there is a cool scene where the
Enterprise-D, after the battle crash lands on a planet; one of the
most cinematic scenes in Trek yet, and practically the best scene in
this entire film.
Lastly, the composer from the television series was brought over also,
creating a theme that borders on generic.
FINAL COMMENTS:
Yes, it's an entertaining film, but it could have been better. Maybe
if the producers took some time off after the series made its run
before bringing them to the big screen we've might have had a more
thorough film.
How would Kirk have related to the 24th century? How would he have
related to being 'the legend' and inspiring 'the next generation'?
MY RATING:
** out of *****
DIRECTOR:
David Carson
WRITER(S):
Rick Berman (story) and
Ronald D. Moore (story) &
Brannon Braga (story)
Ronald D. Moore (screenplay) and
Brannon Braga (screenplay)
CAST:
Patrick Stewart-Captain Jean-Luc Picard
Jonathan Frakes-Cmdr. William T. Riker
Brent Spiner-Lt. Commander Data
LeVar Burton-Lt. Commander Geordi LaForge
Michael Dorn-Lt. Commander Worf
Gate McFadden-Dr. Beverly Crusher
Marina Sirtis-Counselor Deanna Troi
Malcolm McDowall-Dr. Tolian Soran
James Doohan-Scotty
Walter Koenig-Commander Pavel Chekov
William Shatner-Capt. James T. kirk, retired
Alan Ruck-Capt. John Harriman
Jacqueline Kim-Ensign Demora Sulu
Jenette Goldstein-Science Officer
Tim Russ-Lieutenant
Patti Yasutake-Nurse Alyssa Ogawa
Barbera March-Lursa
Gwynyth Walsh-B'Tor
Whoopi Goldberg-Guinan (uncredited)
GENRE:
Sci-fi/Action/Adventure
RUNNING TIME:
118 minutes
YEAR OF RELEASE:
1994 by Paramount Pictures
EMAIL:
joelkirk@sbcglobal.net
Copyright 2004 Joel B. Kirk
========== X-RAMR-ID: 37467 X-Language: en X-RT-ReviewID: 1268286 X-RT-TitleID: 1058984 X-RT-AuthorID: 9404 X-RT-RatingText: 2/5
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