From the beginning
of the
Federation, the Prime Directive was clear: no Starfleet expedition
may interfere with the natural development of other civilizations.
But now Picard (Patrick Stewart) is confronted with orders that undermine that
decree. If he obeys, 600 peaceful residents of Ba'ku will be
forcibly removed from their remarkable world, all for the
reportedly greater good of millions who will benefit from Ba'ku's
fountain-of-youth-like powers. If he disobeys, he will risk his
starship, his career, his life. But
for Picard, there's
really only one choice. He must rebel against Starfleet...and lead
the insurrection to preserve paradise.
CRITIQUE
Star Trek:
Insurrection is the ninth feature-length film based on the hit TV
series. The script is by Michael Piller who has written many
episodes for Star Trek shows including The Next
Generation, Deep Space Nine and Voyager. The
main problem with the script is the execution of the story, which
feels like an extended two-hour special of TNG with a big
budget. Granted, the movie looks fantastic in terms of visuals
(cinematography by Matthew F. Leonetti, production design by
Herman Zimmerman, and visual effects), and Jerry Goldsmith's music
score is good, but the "story" could've been better told.
There are several
spots in the script that drag down the movie, especially the
attempts at humor involving Data. The obligatory chase scenes are
fun to watch, and the reveal of the cloaked Son'a ship is an
interesting scene, but what it boils down to is the flaw in the
story; Picard doesn't stop to think that perhaps the lives of
millions of Starfleet people and the aging Son'a people are worth
more than the lives of only 600 Ba-ku (who have enjoyed their
"paradise" for quite some time). The Son'a are supposed to be the
bad guys in the story, but their intentions are not violent. Only
when challenged by Picard and the insurrection do the Son'a take
pre-emptive action. Insurrection is not a bad film by any means,
it's just painfully average. Jonathan Frakes does a decent job
directing and the acting is solid for the most part.
THE VIDEO
Paramount presents
Star Trek: Insurrection in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen.
This is a decent presentation that shows a few flaws. Optional
subtitles include English and Spanish.
THE AUDIO
Paramount presents
Star Trek: Insurrection in English Dolby Digital 5.1
Surround and Dolby Surround. A French Dolby dub track is also
available.
THE EXTRAS
Disc 1:
Text Commentary by
Michael Okuda and Denise Okuda
Disc 2:
Production
It Takes a Village
Location, Location, Location
The Art of Insurrection
Anatomy of a Stunt
The Story
Making Star Trek Insurrection
Director's Notebook
Creating the Illusion
Shuttle Chase
Drones
Duck Blind
The Star Trek Universe
Westmore's Aliens
Star Trek's Beautiful Alien Women
Archives
Storyboard
Photo Gallery
Advertising
Teaser Trailer
Theatrical Trailer
Original Promotional Featurette
FINAL THOUGHT
Star Trek:
Insurrection may be flawed in terms of the story, but the
visuals and certain moments in the movie make for general/decent
entertainment. The extras here are nice to have and overall I'm
recommending this two-disc set.
