For those
non-Trekkies that don’t know how the torch got passed, here’s the
sum-up: James T. Kirk (William Shatner) and a few of the old
regulars are in the film for the better part of the first and
third acts, and are otherwise over-shadowed by the Enterprise-D.
Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart, given a couple of
effective scenes amid the plot schematics) and the crew are up
against Soren (Malcolm McDowell), who wants to destroy stars in
order to gain energy for “the nexus”. In order to fight this mad
scientist, Picard has to resurrect someone who’s been dead for
seventy-eight years. You guessed it, it’s Kirk, who at first is
reluctant to be enlisted for help. Along with this, a sub-plot
follows Data (Brent Spiner) with an ‘emotion chip’ in his brain.
CRITIQUE
Star Trek
is
one of those franchises, like with the films released based on
Saturday Night Live characters, that isn’t very consistent and
relies on certain groups of fans for their pull. Whether or not
you prefer the old Star Trek to The Next Generation
or perhaps vice-versa may have an impact on accepting the
“transitional” film in the series, namely Star Trek:
Generations. Although there is something about the original
crew of the Enterprise and the filmmakers that were behind their
six films, which often inspired some awe for the genre, I’m not
entirely out of the Next Generation loop. The only problem
is, in the case of Star Trek: Generations, the content
doesn’t really fit the aspirations.
On the technical
side of things, it can be said that David Carson (mostly credited for
TV shows and movies) and his crew do a competent job. The special
effects are pretty standard if you’ve seen the Next Generation
TV show, with one neat little feature being the Stellar Cartography
bit. As well, the cinematographer John A. Alonzo brings some
interesting hand-held moments and framing. The other, better than
expected element is McDowell as Soren, who is given some screen time
to develop his character past the kind he might play on the TV show.
But besides that, unless you’re a die-hard Trek fan, the film
doesn’t deliver up to even minimal expectations.
William Shatner, a
pro at just looking the part of Kirk, doesn’t have the kinds of
lines a fan or just admirer might want in his last outing. The Data
sub-plot is under-cooked and poorly acted (maybe some will laugh). And
while the on-set locations are filmed with an eye for detail, there
isn’t a whole lot of interest put into the story. Perhaps this is more
to put on the blame of the screenwriters. In the end, Generations
is suitable to view if very interested in learning the chronology of
the films. Overall, it’s lackluster in the ways that count for a film
as opposed to TV, as though it’s just a TV-movie with guest stars such
as McDowell and Whoppi Goldberg.
THE VIDEO
Paramount presents Star
Trek: Generations in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen. Picture
quality looks pretty good. No major issues are spotted. Overall
an excellent transfer.
THE AUDIO
Paramount presents Star
Trek: Generations in English 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround.
Sound effects and dialogue come through well in this
presentation. Additional soundtracks include English 2.0 and DTS
5.1 Surround.
THE EXTRAS
While
certain features, such as “Captain Picard’s family album”,
“Creating 24th Century Weapons”, and the visual effects segments
are rather standard, some are stand-outs. The “Strange New
Worlds – Valley of Fire” is an impressive feature as something
to look for if you just enjoy watching the act of filmmaking on
real, splendorous locations. The Tribute to Matt Jeffries is a
must-view for Trekkies, and is a fitting tribute to the art
director (and original designer) on the Star Trek TV
show.
“The
Enterprise Lineage” is not entirely disinteresting. And the
“Uniting Two Legends” as well as the deleted scenes may fill in
some gaps on both the content of the film (including an
alternate ending) and telling tales of differences between TV
and film acting from the cast and crew. The film also has a fair
audio commentary by writers Brannon Braga and Ron Moore.
SUMMARY
If
you are a fan of the film, or just interested in seeing the film once,
then I would recommend the newly restored and special-feature packed
two-disc DVD. It should make for a pretty decent rental.
