This is a more dark times star trek movie, but it's a good movie that aged well. The only thing that is regrettable is that the movie was supposed to be almost an hour longer. So they cut huge scenes out of the original feature. I know it would have been a very long movie but it would make a lot more sense to most people. You should all watch the deleted scenes.
894 Reviews
It's a Shame the Final Adventure Was No More than a Flashy Action Film
brando64712 January 2011
I'm conflicted in my opinion of the final adventure of the Next Generation crew. I can see why a lot the fan community slam the film but I can't help but find some positive aspects in the movie. I agree that it's a good thing NEMESIS was the final film in the series, as the filmmakers appear to have given up recapturing the essence of the series years before and were more interested in putting out blockbuster hopefuls. The film opens with the marriage of Commander Riker (Jonathan Frakes) to Counselor Troi (Marina Sirtis), but the festivities are soon put on hold when the Enterprise-E locates a prototype android identical to Data scattered in pieces on a nearby planet. As the android (dubbed B-4) is reassembled, the Enterprise is dispatched to Romulus where the Remans have risen up against the Romulans and their leader apparently seeks to find peace with the Federation. The Remans are led by a clone of Captain Picard named Shinzon (Tom Hardy), originally bred as a weapon against Starfleet but eventually relegated to the dilithium mines of Remus. Picard struggles with the feeling that a portion of his identity was stolen as the Enterprise is discovers that Shinzon's intentions are not those of peace, but of destruction.
As has been the case with all of the Next Generation movies (with the exception of INSURRECTION), this film is visually beautiful. The CGI effects are at their peak and the production design of Herman Zimmerman continues to blow me away. I loved the design of the Remans: part Romulan, part vampire. It was some of the best makeup design in the series since the Borg were redesigned for FIRST CONTACT. The filmmakers have even learned from their mistakes of the last film and used a cinematographer who gave the film a wonderful cinematic feel, as opposed to the flat television lighting they'd regressed to before. Nothing about the film's visual style disappoints, but the same can't be said for the story. Most of the earlier films retained the depth of the series, but NEMESIS really is nothing more than a flashy action pic. For proof, you need to look no further than the entire last half of the film. There is some weak subtext to the story but the entire second hour is drawn out battle leading to the climactic confrontation between Picard and Shinzon about the enemy ship.
As seems to be the norm with all of the Next Generation movies, Picard and Data are the focal points here. The other crew members are usually given plenty of their own to do, but not here. A lot of the crew members are underused and I'm sure they weren't happy about being background players in their final feature film. Patrick Stewart is certainly the strongest member of the cast and carries most of the movie, and Brent Spiner is great as usual as Data (and B-4). I wish I had more positive things to say about Tom Hardy as Shinzon. He's a fantastic actor and has the skills to go face-to-face with Patrick Stewart (for those who doubt me, watch his screen test for the film). I just couldn't help but feel his character was too young and that really robbed me of any sense of danger from him. Had he been a bit more aged and worn, I might see him as a threat to Picard.
I suppose the film is a fun action flick, but it's just a weak STAR TREK film. It's shallow story can't be saved by it's impressive effects, but I wish the crew had been given one more chance to do it right before calling it quits. It's an entertaining two hours but aside from a bittersweet ending there's nothing entirely memorable about it. Fans of the franchise will be polarized in their views on the film and non-fans might be able to stomach it as an action-packed sci-fi romp. One thing's for certain: it's not the best time spent with the crew of the Enterprise.
As has been the case with all of the Next Generation movies (with the exception of INSURRECTION), this film is visually beautiful. The CGI effects are at their peak and the production design of Herman Zimmerman continues to blow me away. I loved the design of the Remans: part Romulan, part vampire. It was some of the best makeup design in the series since the Borg were redesigned for FIRST CONTACT. The filmmakers have even learned from their mistakes of the last film and used a cinematographer who gave the film a wonderful cinematic feel, as opposed to the flat television lighting they'd regressed to before. Nothing about the film's visual style disappoints, but the same can't be said for the story. Most of the earlier films retained the depth of the series, but NEMESIS really is nothing more than a flashy action pic. For proof, you need to look no further than the entire last half of the film. There is some weak subtext to the story but the entire second hour is drawn out battle leading to the climactic confrontation between Picard and Shinzon about the enemy ship.
As seems to be the norm with all of the Next Generation movies, Picard and Data are the focal points here. The other crew members are usually given plenty of their own to do, but not here. A lot of the crew members are underused and I'm sure they weren't happy about being background players in their final feature film. Patrick Stewart is certainly the strongest member of the cast and carries most of the movie, and Brent Spiner is great as usual as Data (and B-4). I wish I had more positive things to say about Tom Hardy as Shinzon. He's a fantastic actor and has the skills to go face-to-face with Patrick Stewart (for those who doubt me, watch his screen test for the film). I just couldn't help but feel his character was too young and that really robbed me of any sense of danger from him. Had he been a bit more aged and worn, I might see him as a threat to Picard.
I suppose the film is a fun action flick, but it's just a weak STAR TREK film. It's shallow story can't be saved by it's impressive effects, but I wish the crew had been given one more chance to do it right before calling it quits. It's an entertaining two hours but aside from a bittersweet ending there's nothing entirely memorable about it. Fans of the franchise will be polarized in their views on the film and non-fans might be able to stomach it as an action-packed sci-fi romp. One thing's for certain: it's not the best time spent with the crew of the Enterprise.
Its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses
davidmvining22 November 2019
Warning: Spoilers
The final even-numbered movie of the original ten films may not be as strong as the others, but it fits in, in terms of quality, with the best of the odds. It's underrated and a bit underappreciated.
Nemesis doesn't begin well, though. It's first fifteen minutes or so are, to put it kindly, odd. We have a meeting of the Romulan Senate, a body set with ruling an empire spanning several star systems, and it look like the nice office of an administrator. It feels really small. There's a lot of high emotion running around with people we don't know (and will never get to know), and then a little device that kills everyone in a green glow, turning them to stone and dust. The scene serves a couple of narrative purposes (introducing the mass assassination which sets up the antagonist's rise to power and the weapon/MacGuffin of the film), but it probably shouldn't have been the first scene of the movie, if a scene at all.
We then transition directly to Riker and Troi's wedding. There's an effort to paper over the movement in tone as Picard starts the scene addressing the screen directly with thoughts on duty, but it's still awkward in and of itself. We go from mass murder, a speech on duty, to a light-hearted wedding in about 2 minutes. It's handled poorly. And this wedding gets really lighthearted, with Data making odd use of the word conjugation, Worf getting drunk off Romulan ale, and Data singing Irving Berlin.
Finally, we get aboard the Enterprise, but we still have one moment that simply doesn't work to go. I'm a Star Trek fan, in case you may not have noticed. I've seen every hour (save some of Discovery), I know the characters' histories well, and I understand enough of the technobabble to get me through. There's a moment here where they detect a signal and decide to investigate. It's positronic, you see, and there's an ominous tone of music at the reveal. I remember my first viewing, and I was confused. Why was this so important? In order to realize how important it is, you have to remember a few things. The first is that Data's brain is positronic (check, I recalled that easily). The second is that Data is the only functioning android left (I had to dig around a little bit, but okay). The third is that no one else has been able to replicate a positronic brain since Data's creator, Dr. Soongh, died decades before (slipped my mind). If this movie is designed for Trekkies, it may be reasonable enough to assume they can recall all of this and feel the same sense of shock as the characters display. For general audiences? Nope, not even close.
Okay, I've complained enough. Those three meandering paragraphs are complaining about the first fifteen minutes, and we have about an hour and a half to go. What we get in that next hour and a half is actually quite interesting. We get two sets of doubles and questions about what makes us who we are, our genetic (or positronic) makeup, our experiences, or a combination thereof.
The Romulans cloned Picard years back in an abandoned plan to replace him with a double agent (I love the detail of the plan simply being abandoned because a new party came to power). This clone, Shinzon, grew up, after his exile, with the Remans, an underclass of Romulan society, where he became a tested battle commander in the Dominion Wars. He used that position to orchestrate the assassination that began the movie and build a massive attack craft called the Scimitar.
The other double is Data. Investigating the positronic signal (followed by the single most pointless action scene I think I've ever seen), they discover a since unspoken of early model of Data, named (small ugh) B4. B4 is a simpleton in comparison to Data. Having none of Data's lived experiences he's a blank slate. Perhaps he could reach Data's potential, but it would take years.
The story has the two pairs move around each other, testing each other's strengths and weaknesses against the backdrop of the Scimitar's imposing presence. There's no denying that Shinzon can't be just out for an olive branch for peace with the Federation, but Picard is fascinated by his clone and the questions that he raises. B4 had been found and reprogrammed a bit by the Remans as a lure to bring the Enterprise close to Romulan space, making it the closest to Romulus once the call comes out for talks. He was also built to try and hack the Enterprise's computer.
Eventually, everything dovetails after Sinzon kidnaps Picard for a transfusion meant to save Shinzon's life. Data, disguised as B4, rescues Picard and the two ships end up in a chase for Federation space. The Enterprise is no match in any way against the Scimitar, and the eventual fight leaves the Enterprise crippled after a desperate ramming maneuver that only partially harms the larger Romulan ship. There are parts to this battle which people have problems with, and I don't like the moments themselves, but they tend to be small moments. Troi uses her psychic ability at one point, and the filmmakers highlighted her eyes with light, but missed in one shot. Some Romulan warbirds show up at one point and help the Enterprise, but the conversations around it are odd. There's also a hand to hand fight between Riker and the Reman viceroy that leads to a bottomless pit in the middle of the Enterprise (which is just weird). Still, the overall effect of the battle scene is actually quiet effective.
And then we get to the great part of Nemesis. Data is the single best part of the movie, much like in First Contact. Picard is on the Scimitar at the end of the battle, trying to destroy the weapon that is about to wipe out the Enterprise when Data floats over to the enemy ship. After the final confrontation between Picard and Shinzon that leaves the Reman dead, Data shows up and wordlessly uses a techno device to send Picard back to the Enterprise. It's a one way, one use tool. Data flew over to the Scimitar to save Picard, says "Good-bye" to the empty space that Picard had just occupied, and then destroys the weapons and the ship, sacrificing himself.
Some critics of the film say that this actually means nothing because of B4. Earlier in the film, Data had downloaded all of his experiences to B4 in the hopes of helping him grow. From the meta side, this is an obvious attempt to ensure that Data comes back for the sequel. However, that reading can't apply to Data's thinking in his final moments. Whether B4 becomes Data or not is something that can't occupy him in that moment. B4 is another android completely. Data's consciousness is there in that physical body and cannot be transferred. His choice to send Picard back and destroy himself to save the rest is all about Data throwing himself on the proverbial grenade with the understanding that everything he is is about to be extinguished forever. His instance of consciousness has no hope of finding further life. His sacrifice in that moment is total.
I find Data's death in Nemesis more affecting than Spock's death in The Wrath of Khan.
Overall, the movie does have its problems, but I also find that its strengths are alternatively well handled and quite affecting. It's the weakest of the five even-numbered films, but it's definitely not bad.
Nemesis doesn't begin well, though. It's first fifteen minutes or so are, to put it kindly, odd. We have a meeting of the Romulan Senate, a body set with ruling an empire spanning several star systems, and it look like the nice office of an administrator. It feels really small. There's a lot of high emotion running around with people we don't know (and will never get to know), and then a little device that kills everyone in a green glow, turning them to stone and dust. The scene serves a couple of narrative purposes (introducing the mass assassination which sets up the antagonist's rise to power and the weapon/MacGuffin of the film), but it probably shouldn't have been the first scene of the movie, if a scene at all.
We then transition directly to Riker and Troi's wedding. There's an effort to paper over the movement in tone as Picard starts the scene addressing the screen directly with thoughts on duty, but it's still awkward in and of itself. We go from mass murder, a speech on duty, to a light-hearted wedding in about 2 minutes. It's handled poorly. And this wedding gets really lighthearted, with Data making odd use of the word conjugation, Worf getting drunk off Romulan ale, and Data singing Irving Berlin.
Finally, we get aboard the Enterprise, but we still have one moment that simply doesn't work to go. I'm a Star Trek fan, in case you may not have noticed. I've seen every hour (save some of Discovery), I know the characters' histories well, and I understand enough of the technobabble to get me through. There's a moment here where they detect a signal and decide to investigate. It's positronic, you see, and there's an ominous tone of music at the reveal. I remember my first viewing, and I was confused. Why was this so important? In order to realize how important it is, you have to remember a few things. The first is that Data's brain is positronic (check, I recalled that easily). The second is that Data is the only functioning android left (I had to dig around a little bit, but okay). The third is that no one else has been able to replicate a positronic brain since Data's creator, Dr. Soongh, died decades before (slipped my mind). If this movie is designed for Trekkies, it may be reasonable enough to assume they can recall all of this and feel the same sense of shock as the characters display. For general audiences? Nope, not even close.
Okay, I've complained enough. Those three meandering paragraphs are complaining about the first fifteen minutes, and we have about an hour and a half to go. What we get in that next hour and a half is actually quite interesting. We get two sets of doubles and questions about what makes us who we are, our genetic (or positronic) makeup, our experiences, or a combination thereof.
The Romulans cloned Picard years back in an abandoned plan to replace him with a double agent (I love the detail of the plan simply being abandoned because a new party came to power). This clone, Shinzon, grew up, after his exile, with the Remans, an underclass of Romulan society, where he became a tested battle commander in the Dominion Wars. He used that position to orchestrate the assassination that began the movie and build a massive attack craft called the Scimitar.
The other double is Data. Investigating the positronic signal (followed by the single most pointless action scene I think I've ever seen), they discover a since unspoken of early model of Data, named (small ugh) B4. B4 is a simpleton in comparison to Data. Having none of Data's lived experiences he's a blank slate. Perhaps he could reach Data's potential, but it would take years.
The story has the two pairs move around each other, testing each other's strengths and weaknesses against the backdrop of the Scimitar's imposing presence. There's no denying that Shinzon can't be just out for an olive branch for peace with the Federation, but Picard is fascinated by his clone and the questions that he raises. B4 had been found and reprogrammed a bit by the Remans as a lure to bring the Enterprise close to Romulan space, making it the closest to Romulus once the call comes out for talks. He was also built to try and hack the Enterprise's computer.
Eventually, everything dovetails after Sinzon kidnaps Picard for a transfusion meant to save Shinzon's life. Data, disguised as B4, rescues Picard and the two ships end up in a chase for Federation space. The Enterprise is no match in any way against the Scimitar, and the eventual fight leaves the Enterprise crippled after a desperate ramming maneuver that only partially harms the larger Romulan ship. There are parts to this battle which people have problems with, and I don't like the moments themselves, but they tend to be small moments. Troi uses her psychic ability at one point, and the filmmakers highlighted her eyes with light, but missed in one shot. Some Romulan warbirds show up at one point and help the Enterprise, but the conversations around it are odd. There's also a hand to hand fight between Riker and the Reman viceroy that leads to a bottomless pit in the middle of the Enterprise (which is just weird). Still, the overall effect of the battle scene is actually quiet effective.
And then we get to the great part of Nemesis. Data is the single best part of the movie, much like in First Contact. Picard is on the Scimitar at the end of the battle, trying to destroy the weapon that is about to wipe out the Enterprise when Data floats over to the enemy ship. After the final confrontation between Picard and Shinzon that leaves the Reman dead, Data shows up and wordlessly uses a techno device to send Picard back to the Enterprise. It's a one way, one use tool. Data flew over to the Scimitar to save Picard, says "Good-bye" to the empty space that Picard had just occupied, and then destroys the weapons and the ship, sacrificing himself.
Some critics of the film say that this actually means nothing because of B4. Earlier in the film, Data had downloaded all of his experiences to B4 in the hopes of helping him grow. From the meta side, this is an obvious attempt to ensure that Data comes back for the sequel. However, that reading can't apply to Data's thinking in his final moments. Whether B4 becomes Data or not is something that can't occupy him in that moment. B4 is another android completely. Data's consciousness is there in that physical body and cannot be transferred. His choice to send Picard back and destroy himself to save the rest is all about Data throwing himself on the proverbial grenade with the understanding that everything he is is about to be extinguished forever. His instance of consciousness has no hope of finding further life. His sacrifice in that moment is total.
I find Data's death in Nemesis more affecting than Spock's death in The Wrath of Khan.
Overall, the movie does have its problems, but I also find that its strengths are alternatively well handled and quite affecting. It's the weakest of the five even-numbered films, but it's definitely not bad.
the end?
dr_foreman6 February 2004
Warning: Spoilers
It's a shame that "Star Trek" is having a tough time surviving in a market that's glutted with bigger budget, "sexier" stuff like The Matrix, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter...
Compared to those blockbusters, Nemesis appears almost quaint, with its heavy reliance on computer graphics that were state of the art - several years ago. Paramount simply isn't investing enough money in these films to keep them looking up-to-date, which is a shame, because Star Trek still has plenty of relevant things to say.
Or does it? You could look at Nemesis as a triumphant return to form, filled with all the action and humanism we've come to expect from these films, or you could look at it as a clumsy rehash of plot elements from "The Wrath of Khan" (revenge! space fight! dramatic death!) and "The Undiscovered Country" (peace with our moral enemies!). I have trouble deciding if this movie is good enough to justify continuing the franchise; I've got nostalgic feelings for the Next Gen crew, even though I prefer the originals, and maybe those feelings are acting in the same capacity as beer goggles.
So what works? Stewart, Frakes, Spiner. The battle is fun. Some of the "deep" questions raised about identity, cloning, and nature vs. nurture got me thinking (although, in the end, they were largely irrelevant - the whole thing devolves into a fight!). What doesn't work? Stilted dialogue. Techno-babble. Boring sets (particularly for the Enterprise). Trying to pass off California filmed through a filter as an alien planet.
Final verdict? First, Star Trek needs a rest. Then, it needs more money. That's what happened to Doctor Who in the last decade, and Godzilla and James Bond went through similar trials in the 1980s. It's bound to happen to any long-running franchise. When it comes back, it does need to be better than Nemesis, not because Nemesis is terrible, but because it's a bit tired. New creative blood revitalized the original crew's films - Nicholas Meyer and Harve Bennet, who knew nothing of Star Trek, managed to give the series the jolt it needed to remain popular for a decade. Another dose of outsiders, with outside perspectives, will be needed to get Star Trek up and running again, sometime in the future...
Compared to those blockbusters, Nemesis appears almost quaint, with its heavy reliance on computer graphics that were state of the art - several years ago. Paramount simply isn't investing enough money in these films to keep them looking up-to-date, which is a shame, because Star Trek still has plenty of relevant things to say.
Or does it? You could look at Nemesis as a triumphant return to form, filled with all the action and humanism we've come to expect from these films, or you could look at it as a clumsy rehash of plot elements from "The Wrath of Khan" (revenge! space fight! dramatic death!) and "The Undiscovered Country" (peace with our moral enemies!). I have trouble deciding if this movie is good enough to justify continuing the franchise; I've got nostalgic feelings for the Next Gen crew, even though I prefer the originals, and maybe those feelings are acting in the same capacity as beer goggles.
So what works? Stewart, Frakes, Spiner. The battle is fun. Some of the "deep" questions raised about identity, cloning, and nature vs. nurture got me thinking (although, in the end, they were largely irrelevant - the whole thing devolves into a fight!). What doesn't work? Stilted dialogue. Techno-babble. Boring sets (particularly for the Enterprise). Trying to pass off California filmed through a filter as an alien planet.
Final verdict? First, Star Trek needs a rest. Then, it needs more money. That's what happened to Doctor Who in the last decade, and Godzilla and James Bond went through similar trials in the 1980s. It's bound to happen to any long-running franchise. When it comes back, it does need to be better than Nemesis, not because Nemesis is terrible, but because it's a bit tired. New creative blood revitalized the original crew's films - Nicholas Meyer and Harve Bennet, who knew nothing of Star Trek, managed to give the series the jolt it needed to remain popular for a decade. Another dose of outsiders, with outside perspectives, will be needed to get Star Trek up and running again, sometime in the future...
Tired franchise?
GLanoue1 January 2011
Warning: Spoilers
This movie is certainly watchable, especially for fans. However, putting the emphasis on Data and Picard weakened what was always TNG's strength, its ensemble cast that worked well together and was more than the sum of its parts (certainly, apart from Stewart, no one is cruising for an Oscar). SPOILER: For example, the B-4 subplot is entirely unnecessary except to prepare viewers for Data's demise, but since it was fairly clear the series was ending with this film, why bother? This is not the only example: lots of things have to be explained to viewers, such as the Reman-Romulan link, the clone plot that was abandoned, the years in the salt mines. And it's all for naught, since none of it really makes sense. Shinzon hates the Romulans who made his life a living hell, yet manages to weave together a complex plot and engage the loyalties of numerous Romulans to conquer Earth, or is it Romulus, or just a desire to rape Troi or get some sort of psychological revenge on Picard who inadvertently contributed his DNA? SHinzon is apparently envious of Picard, and we get that he is in a love-hate relationship, but the strength of TNG was always that psychological dimensions were fairly well explored and certainly believable. Shinzon's relationship to Picard is simply not believable. The end result is heavy scripting in an effort to make everything clear, and therefore glacial pacing. The problem here is not franchise exhaustion but no one at the wheel.
Better than some, but poor for a Finale
LBytes14 October 2003
This apparently final flick of the TNG crew went unnoticed in the theaters, and I don't think Paramount invested heavily in either the movie itself or its promotion. Despite the many scathing reviews I found some quality in the movie. Many of what have been interpreted as ripoffs of previous scripts were deliberate nods to the series' high points, and if it wasn't clear enough the many cameo appearances should have given the hypercritical some pause. Many of the sets and scenes were well done, and Tom Hardy and bad guys did good. The weakest part of the movie is that there should have been more sense of the crews' closeness, principally through better dialog. Even Data doesn't have many good lines. It just doesn't have much of an edge to it. Even if they didn't get a huge budget for it better character interaction could have made this a much more memorable movie. Certainly not the worst Star Trek, its too bad that it couldn't have been a better movie to end the series.
Star Trek: Nemesis
phubbs26 January 2015
Warning: Spoilers
The final showdown for the next generation crew and FINALLY the Romulans get a chance to shine. Thing is they are overshadowed and pushed to the side by the Remans, guess the Romulans had to wait for the reboot.
Sooo here we are again, Earth in danger from an alien race and Picard is also being abused by another alien race, again. First he's assimilated now he's being mentally tortured by his power crazed clone who wants his blood...literately, some days huh.
I must admit I can't get my head around film responses at times, I've read this was looked upon negatively. Why? its actually a pretty good Trek adventure and possibly the slickest of the next generation films, maybe the best of the four. Certainly better than 'Insurrection' and 'Generations' and much more open for everyone instead of just the Trekkies, which is probably for the best if you think about it.
Plot wise this is total Star Trek, exactly as you would expect with overblown ideas and fantastic notions of sci-fi. Its not original and its not gonna surprise you but at the end of the day it does the job and entertains for the run time. Hardy is the bad guy dressed in shiny black armour (and am I the only one who forgot all about him being in this?! I was like...hey that's Tom Hardy!), He's bald, he sounds like David Thewlis and he's unpredictable with bouts of sulky anger down to his young age, I presume that was intended. Put simply he was a darn good villain (finally) who was perfectly slimy enough to get under your skin, just what the franchise needed.
The rest of the bad guys all look really decent too. The Reman makeup/prosthetics are excellent in fact, first really good Star Trek aliens I've seen to be truthful. OK they do look like a race of Nosferatu, in fact a bit too close really, almost a complete rip- off, but I must admit they look damn good, highly aggressive and imposing visually, kudos.
Actually the bad guys in this film coupled with the nice makeup and regal work/designs on the Romulans completely steal the show from the Enterprise crew. We all know the next gen crew are dull but they pale in comparison to the villainy on screen here, I actually wanted the bad guys to win this, would of been much more interesting.
It was also weak to see they finally got the balls to kill off one of the next gen crew (Data) only to basically have him survive on by introducing an earlier model. I could see that coming miles away, and of course Data conveniently manages to upload all his personal 'data' into the earlier model before he sacrifices himself. So basically Data was killed but low and behold the replica earlier model takes his place complete with all Data's personal memories and attributes, as if he had never left *groan*.
As I said earlier this is easily the best looking of the next gen films, probably all the Trek films. Production values look high with pretty much everything in the film, all sets look quite swish with depth and a solid appearance. Picard and his crew look as boring as ever in their grey uniforms but as I said before both the Romulans and Reman outfits all look superbly crafted and border more on Star Wars quality.
Space sequences look delicious as they tend to in these films but this time the starships look much better than before. Its mainly CGI as usual but clearly much sharper and with some good looking weight to them, still not quite up to Mr Lucas' spaceships but getting close, the cloaking effect still looks a bit dodgy. Must mention the rather sweet looking cityscape on Romulus at the start of the film, very much on form with another certain popular sci-fi fantasy, dare I say quite Naboo-ish. A big kudos to the death sequence of the Romulan Imperial Senate also at the start. The infection and fast decay shown is some of the best CGI mixed with real time model work I've seen. These effects really put the film in good stead showcasing a newer sexier Trek offering.
I guess you could say this one film is merely an action film in Star Trek clothes and not exactly what Star Trek is all about. Where has all the exploration gone? the seeking out of new worlds and new civilisations etc...There is definitely more bias towards fighting, death, multiple laser blasting and even the obligatory action film 'car chase' sequence. But its hard to win with Star Trek, either its too flashy and gun-ho, not Trekkie enough for the core fans. Or its too dull and slow for everyone like some of the older Trek films or its too in depth for non core fans and more of a Trekkie treat fan film.
Its not very original and is pretty much a cookie cutter production but what do you expect with Star Trek. Plenty of decent action in space and a bit on land with a moon buggy chase, some of the best effects so far (about time), great visual designs throughout with the usual high caliber imagination but maybe it loses the true Star Trek essence along the way?
Entirely predictable to the last minute but ultimately very enjoyable like most of the good Trek adventures. Another good franchise bookend, this time for the next generation crew. It hasn't been as memorable as the classic crew films in my opinion but a valiant effort none the less.
7/10
Sooo here we are again, Earth in danger from an alien race and Picard is also being abused by another alien race, again. First he's assimilated now he's being mentally tortured by his power crazed clone who wants his blood...literately, some days huh.
I must admit I can't get my head around film responses at times, I've read this was looked upon negatively. Why? its actually a pretty good Trek adventure and possibly the slickest of the next generation films, maybe the best of the four. Certainly better than 'Insurrection' and 'Generations' and much more open for everyone instead of just the Trekkies, which is probably for the best if you think about it.
Plot wise this is total Star Trek, exactly as you would expect with overblown ideas and fantastic notions of sci-fi. Its not original and its not gonna surprise you but at the end of the day it does the job and entertains for the run time. Hardy is the bad guy dressed in shiny black armour (and am I the only one who forgot all about him being in this?! I was like...hey that's Tom Hardy!), He's bald, he sounds like David Thewlis and he's unpredictable with bouts of sulky anger down to his young age, I presume that was intended. Put simply he was a darn good villain (finally) who was perfectly slimy enough to get under your skin, just what the franchise needed.
The rest of the bad guys all look really decent too. The Reman makeup/prosthetics are excellent in fact, first really good Star Trek aliens I've seen to be truthful. OK they do look like a race of Nosferatu, in fact a bit too close really, almost a complete rip- off, but I must admit they look damn good, highly aggressive and imposing visually, kudos.
Actually the bad guys in this film coupled with the nice makeup and regal work/designs on the Romulans completely steal the show from the Enterprise crew. We all know the next gen crew are dull but they pale in comparison to the villainy on screen here, I actually wanted the bad guys to win this, would of been much more interesting.
It was also weak to see they finally got the balls to kill off one of the next gen crew (Data) only to basically have him survive on by introducing an earlier model. I could see that coming miles away, and of course Data conveniently manages to upload all his personal 'data' into the earlier model before he sacrifices himself. So basically Data was killed but low and behold the replica earlier model takes his place complete with all Data's personal memories and attributes, as if he had never left *groan*.
As I said earlier this is easily the best looking of the next gen films, probably all the Trek films. Production values look high with pretty much everything in the film, all sets look quite swish with depth and a solid appearance. Picard and his crew look as boring as ever in their grey uniforms but as I said before both the Romulans and Reman outfits all look superbly crafted and border more on Star Wars quality.
Space sequences look delicious as they tend to in these films but this time the starships look much better than before. Its mainly CGI as usual but clearly much sharper and with some good looking weight to them, still not quite up to Mr Lucas' spaceships but getting close, the cloaking effect still looks a bit dodgy. Must mention the rather sweet looking cityscape on Romulus at the start of the film, very much on form with another certain popular sci-fi fantasy, dare I say quite Naboo-ish. A big kudos to the death sequence of the Romulan Imperial Senate also at the start. The infection and fast decay shown is some of the best CGI mixed with real time model work I've seen. These effects really put the film in good stead showcasing a newer sexier Trek offering.
I guess you could say this one film is merely an action film in Star Trek clothes and not exactly what Star Trek is all about. Where has all the exploration gone? the seeking out of new worlds and new civilisations etc...There is definitely more bias towards fighting, death, multiple laser blasting and even the obligatory action film 'car chase' sequence. But its hard to win with Star Trek, either its too flashy and gun-ho, not Trekkie enough for the core fans. Or its too dull and slow for everyone like some of the older Trek films or its too in depth for non core fans and more of a Trekkie treat fan film.
Its not very original and is pretty much a cookie cutter production but what do you expect with Star Trek. Plenty of decent action in space and a bit on land with a moon buggy chase, some of the best effects so far (about time), great visual designs throughout with the usual high caliber imagination but maybe it loses the true Star Trek essence along the way?
Entirely predictable to the last minute but ultimately very enjoyable like most of the good Trek adventures. Another good franchise bookend, this time for the next generation crew. It hasn't been as memorable as the classic crew films in my opinion but a valiant effort none the less.
7/10
Plagued with inconsistencies.
NewDivide170122 September 2005
Warning: Spoilers
"Actually a 6.5 out of 10."
Not a good way for a generations final journey to being.
Though a relatively decent movie, it is plagued with inconsistencies. From an interview, John Logan is a Star Trek: The Next Generation fan, but it seems as though he neglected to truly include that series into the movie. As well as the other Star Trek series, such as Deep Space Nine and Voyager.
Such inconsistencies includes (mostly based upon trailers and the 3 mentioned Star Trek series) the initial introduction of the Remans. Worf being on board the Enterprise though he is suppose to be an ambassador to Qo'noS (Klingon home world) at the series finale of DS9. Having Wesley Crusher making a cameo when he is suppose to be with a super being known as the Traveller. As well as technical information of the Enterprise that doesn't conform to information with a previous movie. As well as what could be ridiculous technology or equipment that includes the Star Fleet "SUV." But what is even more troubling is that nearly a third of the movie wasn't shown, which includes a very intense scene on the turbolift involving Counsellor Troi. Shown on the trailer, but not on the movie. And some of those deleted scenes could have added support to the movie. Fortunately many of the inconsistencies are mended with Star Trek novels that are directly related to the movie.
However, everyone in the movie did make a real attempt at making this a good movie, with some success. In fact, though plagued with budget constraints, many areas of the limited budget made the movie even better. For example, the planet Kolarus III was shot with digital flairing and other relatively inexpensive techniques, and it really felt like you were on an alien planet. And on a scene that has Captain Picard interacting with Shinzon via hologram, the hologram was originally suppose to be partially transparent, but budget restrictions made Shinzon solid but with a distorted voice, yet felt more true to the interaction between the two of them.
Mostly a remake of Star Trek's 2 and 6, it's okay, but the inconsistencies and clichés really hurts it. Otherwise, it would be about an 8 or 9 out of 10.
Not a good way for a generations final journey to being.
Though a relatively decent movie, it is plagued with inconsistencies. From an interview, John Logan is a Star Trek: The Next Generation fan, but it seems as though he neglected to truly include that series into the movie. As well as the other Star Trek series, such as Deep Space Nine and Voyager.
Such inconsistencies includes (mostly based upon trailers and the 3 mentioned Star Trek series) the initial introduction of the Remans. Worf being on board the Enterprise though he is suppose to be an ambassador to Qo'noS (Klingon home world) at the series finale of DS9. Having Wesley Crusher making a cameo when he is suppose to be with a super being known as the Traveller. As well as technical information of the Enterprise that doesn't conform to information with a previous movie. As well as what could be ridiculous technology or equipment that includes the Star Fleet "SUV." But what is even more troubling is that nearly a third of the movie wasn't shown, which includes a very intense scene on the turbolift involving Counsellor Troi. Shown on the trailer, but not on the movie. And some of those deleted scenes could have added support to the movie. Fortunately many of the inconsistencies are mended with Star Trek novels that are directly related to the movie.
However, everyone in the movie did make a real attempt at making this a good movie, with some success. In fact, though plagued with budget constraints, many areas of the limited budget made the movie even better. For example, the planet Kolarus III was shot with digital flairing and other relatively inexpensive techniques, and it really felt like you were on an alien planet. And on a scene that has Captain Picard interacting with Shinzon via hologram, the hologram was originally suppose to be partially transparent, but budget restrictions made Shinzon solid but with a distorted voice, yet felt more true to the interaction between the two of them.
Mostly a remake of Star Trek's 2 and 6, it's okay, but the inconsistencies and clichés really hurts it. Otherwise, it would be about an 8 or 9 out of 10.
Boldly Going Into Dark Territory...
spaceboy_a10 February 2003
This was a very different Star Trek film mainly due to its dark tone. Despite mainstream belief, I think 'Insurrection' was a beautifully written film and despite the simple story, it worked nicely as the characters were having fun.
This film is very serious and although I don't like action films, this movie was pretty intense thanks to its villain. The characters aren't having fun at all which I think detaches the audiences a little cause it's not a fun adventure. The stakes in this film are more personal to the characters so there's no time for the regular jokes once the story kicks in as there's too much at stake.
That aside, this film is handsomely produced with a great production design and has some exciting conflict between Picard (Patrick Stewart) and his nemesis, Shinzon (Tom Hardy). The face off between the two characters in the final 30 minutes is very exciting.
The performances where all brilliant in the film and I hope to see the full version of the film on DVD as I think the mind rape suffered by Troi (Marina Sirtis) could have been further explored.
Why this film failed at the box-office was the timing. You don't release a Star Trek film 5 days before Lord of the Rings. L.O.T.R. is more popular than Star Trek right now but this film could have re-ignited the franchise if people went and saw it. Delaying its release in Australia was a good idea as this has given it a no. 1 spot on opening weekend which it deserves despite an almost non-existent marketing campaign here.
It wasn't a bad film by any means and I think the critics didn't like it because it was so dark and that there's little sense of fun.
I think 'Nemesis' is a very worthy chapter in the Star Trek franchise. It took a while to reach Australian audiences but most of us believe it was well worth the wait. 8 out of 10
This film is very serious and although I don't like action films, this movie was pretty intense thanks to its villain. The characters aren't having fun at all which I think detaches the audiences a little cause it's not a fun adventure. The stakes in this film are more personal to the characters so there's no time for the regular jokes once the story kicks in as there's too much at stake.
That aside, this film is handsomely produced with a great production design and has some exciting conflict between Picard (Patrick Stewart) and his nemesis, Shinzon (Tom Hardy). The face off between the two characters in the final 30 minutes is very exciting.
The performances where all brilliant in the film and I hope to see the full version of the film on DVD as I think the mind rape suffered by Troi (Marina Sirtis) could have been further explored.
Why this film failed at the box-office was the timing. You don't release a Star Trek film 5 days before Lord of the Rings. L.O.T.R. is more popular than Star Trek right now but this film could have re-ignited the franchise if people went and saw it. Delaying its release in Australia was a good idea as this has given it a no. 1 spot on opening weekend which it deserves despite an almost non-existent marketing campaign here.
It wasn't a bad film by any means and I think the critics didn't like it because it was so dark and that there's little sense of fun.
I think 'Nemesis' is a very worthy chapter in the Star Trek franchise. It took a while to reach Australian audiences but most of us believe it was well worth the wait. 8 out of 10
Decent But Not Original Movie
tabuno26 January 2019
15 December 2002. The execution of the overall movie was good. The humor at the beginning was cute but it disappeared. The cloaked ship had too much power for one ship. The bad guy was too one or at most two dimensional. And the originality of science fiction in the movie has become too mainstream to distinguish it from other science fiction movies. Of course the ending will be remember for some Star Trek fans because of how it deals with some of the original cast members of the Next Generation.
But, really, this movie is decent. It entertained. It wasn't done poorly. It had some developed acting scenes in it. There was some attempt at depth that could have been easily cut out. Seven out of Ten stars.
But, really, this movie is decent. It entertained. It wasn't done poorly. It had some developed acting scenes in it. There was some attempt at depth that could have been easily cut out. Seven out of Ten stars.
And Star Trek Shuffles Off into the Sunset...
The_Other_Snowman7 December 2009
Warning: Spoilers
"Star Trek: Insurrection" didn't do too well with audiences or critics, so the folks in charge of the franchise made a few executive decisions. First, they decided to bring in some new blood: John Logan, award- winning screenwriter of "Gladiator", and Stuart Baird, director of action flicks. The former choice was not a bad idea, since Logan was a fan of the series and threw in some treats for his fellow fans: Riker and Troi get married, and the Enterprise gets seat-belts. The latter choice was not so good: Baird was a stranger to the show and didn't know anything about the characters.
The second thing the Powers That Be decided to do was try to evoke the most successful Trek movie to date, "Wrath of Khan". They gave Captain Picard a personal enemy and built the movie around a space battle. It was going to be "darker and grittier".
The result is a movie pulled in opposite directions. Logan's script dwells on mirror images, with Shinzon, the evil young clone of Picard, and B4, the undeveloped "brother" of the android Data. It's a story about how everyone is able to make their own decisions and create their own "destinies", rather than having their fates predetermined by their genes or programming. All in all, that's a pretty clever subject for a Star Trek story to deal with.
But then there's Baird's direction. It's dark, muddy, and not particularly distinguished. Budget cuts seem to have hit the production designers hardest of all, and both the Enterprise and the enemy ship end up looking like submarines, filmed on the cheap and with gloomy lighting. Baird wanders through scenes of dialogue and character development with disorienting close-ups, then fast-forwards to the next action scene. Star Trek gets its first car chase, a repetitive and very loud space battle, and some punch-ups here and there. At most it's an efficient action movie, but Baird clearly has little interest in his actors or characters.
Finally, Data's death makes little difference. It's such an inept film in many ways that even the heroic sacrifice of a beloved character seems tacky and unbelievable. I think John Logan should get credit for trying to concoct a worthy Star Trek story -- he even remembered that Troi was a telepath! -- but the whole thing inevitably collapses in an unpolished, generic mess.
The second thing the Powers That Be decided to do was try to evoke the most successful Trek movie to date, "Wrath of Khan". They gave Captain Picard a personal enemy and built the movie around a space battle. It was going to be "darker and grittier".
The result is a movie pulled in opposite directions. Logan's script dwells on mirror images, with Shinzon, the evil young clone of Picard, and B4, the undeveloped "brother" of the android Data. It's a story about how everyone is able to make their own decisions and create their own "destinies", rather than having their fates predetermined by their genes or programming. All in all, that's a pretty clever subject for a Star Trek story to deal with.
But then there's Baird's direction. It's dark, muddy, and not particularly distinguished. Budget cuts seem to have hit the production designers hardest of all, and both the Enterprise and the enemy ship end up looking like submarines, filmed on the cheap and with gloomy lighting. Baird wanders through scenes of dialogue and character development with disorienting close-ups, then fast-forwards to the next action scene. Star Trek gets its first car chase, a repetitive and very loud space battle, and some punch-ups here and there. At most it's an efficient action movie, but Baird clearly has little interest in his actors or characters.
Finally, Data's death makes little difference. It's such an inept film in many ways that even the heroic sacrifice of a beloved character seems tacky and unbelievable. I think John Logan should get credit for trying to concoct a worthy Star Trek story -- he even remembered that Troi was a telepath! -- but the whole thing inevitably collapses in an unpolished, generic mess.
A fine finale
sparky_jcs19 June 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Star Trek: Nemesis has gone through the mill. At first it had the pressure of being an even numbered Trek film, usually a tell tale sign that it would be good. Then it has the pressure from fans who were not happy with Insurrection. So let's first put all things into perspective. Insurrection was not as good as First Contact but it certainly wasn't a bad film. It had a tight plot, developed the characters and was well paced. In fact all the Next Generation films are very watchable films, even Generations which seemed to think it needed William Shatner to prop it up.
I really can not see how people can complain about this film. Again it develops the characters further, has plenty of decent actions sequences, which includes by far the best space battle of all the films. The story moves along nicely and I find it thoroughly enjoyable to watch. Jerry Goldsmith gives it a dark edge with his score and so much so that it ends up being darker at times than First Contact.
However, for all the story it has, the reason Nemesis is a fine finale to the Star Trek films is the epic battle at the end. People can moan about its similarities to Wrath of Khan and The Undiscovered Country but they were great battles and why not take elements that work and build on them? I have to admit I sat in the cinema, loving Picard's desperate move, gripped in anticipation. That was something we had never seen. In all other space battles, the enemy had a little trick up their sleeve to beat our heroes. This time, they were out gunned and overpowered, yet sheer bravery and determination win the day, not a fancy homing torpedo or a tricky move. Sheer guts was all that they had left.
It's a good action film and a good Star Trek film. Not the best but still a fine finale
I really can not see how people can complain about this film. Again it develops the characters further, has plenty of decent actions sequences, which includes by far the best space battle of all the films. The story moves along nicely and I find it thoroughly enjoyable to watch. Jerry Goldsmith gives it a dark edge with his score and so much so that it ends up being darker at times than First Contact.
However, for all the story it has, the reason Nemesis is a fine finale to the Star Trek films is the epic battle at the end. People can moan about its similarities to Wrath of Khan and The Undiscovered Country but they were great battles and why not take elements that work and build on them? I have to admit I sat in the cinema, loving Picard's desperate move, gripped in anticipation. That was something we had never seen. In all other space battles, the enemy had a little trick up their sleeve to beat our heroes. This time, they were out gunned and overpowered, yet sheer bravery and determination win the day, not a fancy homing torpedo or a tricky move. Sheer guts was all that they had left.
It's a good action film and a good Star Trek film. Not the best but still a fine finale
Lots of Action, But.....
domino100315 May 2005
Warning: Spoilers
"Star Trek: Nemesis" is (supposedly) the last of the "Star Trek" films.
As the crew celebrate Riker and Troi's marriage (It's about time!), something is happening on the planet Romulus. Seems that the entire senate was killed by a mysterious device that turns them into powder. Sent to investigate (With a clever cameo by Kate Mulgrew as Admiral Janeway), Picard (Patrick Stewart) finds a new man in power, Shizon (Tom Hardy), who turns out to be a clone of Picard. Seems that Shizon wants something that only Picard can give him, even if it means to destroy Earth to get it.
There's lots of action to it, and a particularly disturbing scene in which Troi is mentally raped by Shinzon (What is it with her? This is the SECOND time she was mind raped! See the episode "Violations," when she, Riker AND Dr. Crusher are mentally raped.).
The most heartbreaking moment is when Data sacrifices himself to save the Enterprise (Like Mr. Spock in "Wrath Of Khan."). I got teary eyed when this happened (Like Mr. Spock), but knowing that B4 (The duplicate version of Data that was found during their investigation)would possibly take his place brought no comfort (Sure it's the same actor, the fantastic Brent Spiner, but come on: It's Data!).
Clearly the franchise is showing it's age, because many plot points seem to have been lifted from previous films and episodes. The cast members hearts don't seem to be in their work. Maybe it would be best for the series to end. Someday, like the original, it will return again.
As the crew celebrate Riker and Troi's marriage (It's about time!), something is happening on the planet Romulus. Seems that the entire senate was killed by a mysterious device that turns them into powder. Sent to investigate (With a clever cameo by Kate Mulgrew as Admiral Janeway), Picard (Patrick Stewart) finds a new man in power, Shizon (Tom Hardy), who turns out to be a clone of Picard. Seems that Shizon wants something that only Picard can give him, even if it means to destroy Earth to get it.
There's lots of action to it, and a particularly disturbing scene in which Troi is mentally raped by Shinzon (What is it with her? This is the SECOND time she was mind raped! See the episode "Violations," when she, Riker AND Dr. Crusher are mentally raped.).
The most heartbreaking moment is when Data sacrifices himself to save the Enterprise (Like Mr. Spock in "Wrath Of Khan."). I got teary eyed when this happened (Like Mr. Spock), but knowing that B4 (The duplicate version of Data that was found during their investigation)would possibly take his place brought no comfort (Sure it's the same actor, the fantastic Brent Spiner, but come on: It's Data!).
Clearly the franchise is showing it's age, because many plot points seem to have been lifted from previous films and episodes. The cast members hearts don't seem to be in their work. Maybe it would be best for the series to end. Someday, like the original, it will return again.
Trekkies Should Weep
David_Frames10 June 2005
Warning: Spoilers
Oh that it should end like this. After four years of reflection the producers of Star Trek finally realised that they should hire an experienced movie director and writer, one imagines in an attempt to finally give the Next Generation a chance to enjoy a truly cinematic adventure, divorced from the production methodology of the T.V series.
The budget had been upped dramatically and writer John Logan (co-writer of the not especially good Gladiator) made encouraging soundings about an epic, grandiose finale with a brooding revenge story at it's heart. Sounds good doesn't it? But Nemesis is not a good movie, in fact its a fitting epitaph for the way the series had progressed and sheds light on the how and why of its ultimate failure.
Producers Rick Berman and Brannon Braga have consistently affirmed that its franchise fatigue that caused the film to die at the box office - a contributory factor perhaps but not the most important reason. In some respects the film's failure was set in stone prior to it's production because the three previous Trek's had been simply so average. You can blame the television shows but frankly, if you've been doing your job right there should be an audience out there looking forward to the new movies because its the kind of event story and spectacle that they can't get on the small screen.
Nemesis had come during a period in which successive Treks both on and off the small screen simply hadn't cut the mustard and this was bound to catch up with Paramount sooner or later. It's ultimate failure though is, as ever, the script.
Logan's story is clearly based on his favourite - The Wrath of Khan and you can see where he's coming from. Khan has it all. The perfectly recreated spirit of the T.V series, the emphasis and development of character, excellent action set pieces and the perfect, solid storyline that mixes the personal and the epic. Nemesis however does none of these things.
It's funny it should be a story about doubles because it's Khan's poorer clone, a sort of a B-4 to the 2nd film's Data if you like, which desperately needs to assert itself an a big-budget action spectacle but in doing so looses the subtly and the character dynamics that produced the best of the T.V series. Stewart and Spiner were given story input and huge salaries to effectively add-testosterone to their characterisations and unsurprisingly place the story emphasis on themselves but in doing so managed to alter both characters so as to divorce from their small screen counterparts. They'll claim they have the right of course but such self-indulgence only points to the general loss of grip exhibited here.
In turning Star Trek into some kind of action-franchise, phaser rifles and the like, the shows heart is gradually lost. In fact the general contempt for the show's history is there everywhere from the way in which Wesley Crusher is relegated to a non-speaking background part (his return warranted explanation), the Romulans are carelessly neutered and Data is needlessly dispatched for for the sake of plot rather than logic. A really awful way to end the series but frankly, if this the kind of thing we're going to get then perhaps it's for the best. Star Treks II, III and IV sure seem a long time ago now...
The budget had been upped dramatically and writer John Logan (co-writer of the not especially good Gladiator) made encouraging soundings about an epic, grandiose finale with a brooding revenge story at it's heart. Sounds good doesn't it? But Nemesis is not a good movie, in fact its a fitting epitaph for the way the series had progressed and sheds light on the how and why of its ultimate failure.
Producers Rick Berman and Brannon Braga have consistently affirmed that its franchise fatigue that caused the film to die at the box office - a contributory factor perhaps but not the most important reason. In some respects the film's failure was set in stone prior to it's production because the three previous Trek's had been simply so average. You can blame the television shows but frankly, if you've been doing your job right there should be an audience out there looking forward to the new movies because its the kind of event story and spectacle that they can't get on the small screen.
Nemesis had come during a period in which successive Treks both on and off the small screen simply hadn't cut the mustard and this was bound to catch up with Paramount sooner or later. It's ultimate failure though is, as ever, the script.
Logan's story is clearly based on his favourite - The Wrath of Khan and you can see where he's coming from. Khan has it all. The perfectly recreated spirit of the T.V series, the emphasis and development of character, excellent action set pieces and the perfect, solid storyline that mixes the personal and the epic. Nemesis however does none of these things.
It's funny it should be a story about doubles because it's Khan's poorer clone, a sort of a B-4 to the 2nd film's Data if you like, which desperately needs to assert itself an a big-budget action spectacle but in doing so looses the subtly and the character dynamics that produced the best of the T.V series. Stewart and Spiner were given story input and huge salaries to effectively add-testosterone to their characterisations and unsurprisingly place the story emphasis on themselves but in doing so managed to alter both characters so as to divorce from their small screen counterparts. They'll claim they have the right of course but such self-indulgence only points to the general loss of grip exhibited here.
In turning Star Trek into some kind of action-franchise, phaser rifles and the like, the shows heart is gradually lost. In fact the general contempt for the show's history is there everywhere from the way in which Wesley Crusher is relegated to a non-speaking background part (his return warranted explanation), the Romulans are carelessly neutered and Data is needlessly dispatched for for the sake of plot rather than logic. A really awful way to end the series but frankly, if this the kind of thing we're going to get then perhaps it's for the best. Star Treks II, III and IV sure seem a long time ago now...
Death Knoll for an Era...
cariart6 December 2003
Warning: Spoilers
STAR TREK: NEMESIS was doomed before it ever reached theaters. When four long years passed between INSURRECTION and NEMESIS, and Paramount (always skittish about the expensive series) chose to advertise the film as THE END OF TREK ("A Generation's Final Journey..."), you knew that not only the film, but the entire franchise was in serious trouble. Certainly Rick Berman's growing indifference was a factor in the demise of the legendary series of films, but other factors were involved, as well. First, the 'Next Generation' crew was facing the same obstacle that had destroyed the credibility of the original cast; they were getting too old for their roles. With the youngest 'regular', LeVar Burton, now 45, and series favorite, Brent Spiner, 53 (and getting pretty 'long-in-the-tooth' for the 'ageless' Data), the youthful edge of the 'Next Generation' had settled into middle-aged complacency. The only cast members who seemed believable reprising their TV roles were Patrick Stewart (at 62, still the 'father figure' he'd always been), and Michael Dorn, 49, as the Klingon, Worf (heavy makeup made him unrecognizable, anyway). The 'age' issue made NEMESIS feel more like a TV 'Reunion' special, created to tie up 'loose ends' than a 'cutting edge' Science Fiction film.
Second, competition both on TV and in film had not only 'caught up' with 'Trek', but passed it, in terms of originality and excitement. 'Babylon 5' had given 'Deep Space 9' all it could handle during their TV runs, and 'Voyager' and 'Enterprise' had everything from 'Stargate 1' to 'Farscape', 'Andromeda', and other SF series vying for, and capturing their audiences. At theaters, a crop of FX-heavy SF features exposed a 'Trek' series that had become 'quaint', and even the object of parody (GALAXY QUEST).
Of course, had NEMESIS been as dynamic as THE WRATH OF KHAN or FIRST CONTACT, none of these factors would have become issues. Sadly, it wasn't.
The premise, that a youthful 'cloned' Picard, Shinzon (Tom Hardy), leading a Remus rebellion that conquers the Romulan Empire, decides to attack the Federation to 'get back' at the Enterprise captain, defies logic or believability. "Years spent in the mines" as an explanation for his irrational behavior and variation of appearance are ridiculous (and brings up the question, 'Was Picard ALWAYS bald?', as it seems to be the only common trait Shinzon and Picard share). As a villain, Shinzon lacks the menace of the Borg Queen or the pathos of Khan, and seems more petulant than threatening.
There is a sense of desperation in NEMESIS, of trying to find some 'gimmick' to make the film memorable. Certainly the most flagrant case of this was falling back on the WRATH OF KHAN climax, and having Data die, to save the crew (conveniently after another 'Prototype' Data has received a copy of his memory chip). What was noble in Spock's gesture seems, in NEMESIS, to be nothing more than an excuse to give Spiner a 'big' scene, and to stir up loyal 'Trek' fans, when all else had failed.
With Patrick Stewart enjoying the worldwide success of the X-MEN films, it is unlikely he will don a Federation uniform, again (at least at a salary that won't break Paramount), which most likely finishes off the 'Next Generation' films. With no plans at present to move another 'Trek' TV series to the big screen ('DS9' lacked the wide appeal or ratings of 'The Next Generation', 'Voyager' concluded their 'mission', returning to Federation space, and 'Enterprise' is only barely holding it's own on the small screen), an era has come to an end. Perhaps an 'original' concept film can be produced (STARFLEET ACADEMY has long been discussed), but unless visionaries like Gene Roddenberry can be found to return the excitement to 'Trek', it will never get past the 'talking' stage at Paramount.
As the dying James Kirk said, in GENERATIONS, "It was...fun..." Certainly there is a legacy in the best of the 'Star Trek' films that those of us who grew up on them will always cherish...
Second, competition both on TV and in film had not only 'caught up' with 'Trek', but passed it, in terms of originality and excitement. 'Babylon 5' had given 'Deep Space 9' all it could handle during their TV runs, and 'Voyager' and 'Enterprise' had everything from 'Stargate 1' to 'Farscape', 'Andromeda', and other SF series vying for, and capturing their audiences. At theaters, a crop of FX-heavy SF features exposed a 'Trek' series that had become 'quaint', and even the object of parody (GALAXY QUEST).
Of course, had NEMESIS been as dynamic as THE WRATH OF KHAN or FIRST CONTACT, none of these factors would have become issues. Sadly, it wasn't.
The premise, that a youthful 'cloned' Picard, Shinzon (Tom Hardy), leading a Remus rebellion that conquers the Romulan Empire, decides to attack the Federation to 'get back' at the Enterprise captain, defies logic or believability. "Years spent in the mines" as an explanation for his irrational behavior and variation of appearance are ridiculous (and brings up the question, 'Was Picard ALWAYS bald?', as it seems to be the only common trait Shinzon and Picard share). As a villain, Shinzon lacks the menace of the Borg Queen or the pathos of Khan, and seems more petulant than threatening.
There is a sense of desperation in NEMESIS, of trying to find some 'gimmick' to make the film memorable. Certainly the most flagrant case of this was falling back on the WRATH OF KHAN climax, and having Data die, to save the crew (conveniently after another 'Prototype' Data has received a copy of his memory chip). What was noble in Spock's gesture seems, in NEMESIS, to be nothing more than an excuse to give Spiner a 'big' scene, and to stir up loyal 'Trek' fans, when all else had failed.
With Patrick Stewart enjoying the worldwide success of the X-MEN films, it is unlikely he will don a Federation uniform, again (at least at a salary that won't break Paramount), which most likely finishes off the 'Next Generation' films. With no plans at present to move another 'Trek' TV series to the big screen ('DS9' lacked the wide appeal or ratings of 'The Next Generation', 'Voyager' concluded their 'mission', returning to Federation space, and 'Enterprise' is only barely holding it's own on the small screen), an era has come to an end. Perhaps an 'original' concept film can be produced (STARFLEET ACADEMY has long been discussed), but unless visionaries like Gene Roddenberry can be found to return the excitement to 'Trek', it will never get past the 'talking' stage at Paramount.
As the dying James Kirk said, in GENERATIONS, "It was...fun..." Certainly there is a legacy in the best of the 'Star Trek' films that those of us who grew up on them will always cherish...
Good ending episode in the long running ¨Star Trek series , the New generation¨
ma-cortes19 July 2005
The film talks about the Enterprise crew that after celebration of betrothal between Riker (Jonathan Frakes) and Troy (Marina Sirtis) getting homeland , but the discovery a dismantled prototype of android Data (Brent Spiner) originates news dangers and risks . Captain Picard (Patrick Stewart) then acts as an ambassador in the conflict between the Romulans and the Federation , but he receives the Romulans's intention of dealing with an important peace treatise . The ruler of Romulans (Tom Hardy) has an absolutely likeness to a young Picard and seems his dark wishes aren't clears but treacherous and taking off comes out.
¨Star Trek¨ series remains a landmark in the story of science fiction cinema and television . In this ¨next generation's ¨ incarnation find the usual saga actors , the previously named , plus Worf (Michael Dorn) , Levar Burton (La Forge), Beverly Crusher (Gates McFadden )and her son (Will Wheaton) . Besides , there appears a masked Ron Perlman with a good make-up and other original characters making a brief appearance as Woopi Goldberg and Kate Mulgrew who is starring in her proper ¨spin off¨, Star Trek's Voyager . The movie has more comedy and romance than customarily made in the ordinary development of the franchise . As always , for comic relief is in charge of android Data , well performed by Brent Spiner . Humor, idealism , species' protection , humanity, trademark effects are several features that abound these films and will please the enthusiasts as well as the initiated viewers . Excellent effects specials are magnificently realized , courtesy of Industrial Light and Magic , I.L.M. by George Lucas production . This thrilling picture has a climatic and exceptional ending . Jerry Goldsmith's soundtrack ( episodes' habitual musician ) is spectacular and atmospheric . The motion picture was correctly directed by Stuart Baird . The yarn will appeal to hard core trekkers.
¨Star Trek¨ series remains a landmark in the story of science fiction cinema and television . In this ¨next generation's ¨ incarnation find the usual saga actors , the previously named , plus Worf (Michael Dorn) , Levar Burton (La Forge), Beverly Crusher (Gates McFadden )and her son (Will Wheaton) . Besides , there appears a masked Ron Perlman with a good make-up and other original characters making a brief appearance as Woopi Goldberg and Kate Mulgrew who is starring in her proper ¨spin off¨, Star Trek's Voyager . The movie has more comedy and romance than customarily made in the ordinary development of the franchise . As always , for comic relief is in charge of android Data , well performed by Brent Spiner . Humor, idealism , species' protection , humanity, trademark effects are several features that abound these films and will please the enthusiasts as well as the initiated viewers . Excellent effects specials are magnificently realized , courtesy of Industrial Light and Magic , I.L.M. by George Lucas production . This thrilling picture has a climatic and exceptional ending . Jerry Goldsmith's soundtrack ( episodes' habitual musician ) is spectacular and atmospheric . The motion picture was correctly directed by Stuart Baird . The yarn will appeal to hard core trekkers.
Don't shoot until you see the white of his bald head..
Rob_Taylor20 May 2003
Warning: Spoilers
Oh dear. As a Star Trek fan of long-standing, I was hoping for more from the final movie of the Next Gen saga. It's not bad, but it's just full of everything we've seen before, neatly repackaged and with shiny new names to make them seem different.
There's the standard plot....Enterprise and crew must save the Earth. Just like in First Contact. There's the evil baddie, this time a supposed clone of Picard - you know he's related to Picard because he's bald as well (I actually snickered when I saw him the first time - it's such a terribly predictable thing to do). Come to think of it, the Borg Queen was bald too. I'm sure there's no connection. Then you have the obligatory "Data's the main character" plot-device, just like First Contact again. And Worf is once more relegated to a comedy sidekick role (whatever happened to the mean, glowering Worf that killed the Klingon who murdered his mate in the series?).
On the plus side, both Riker and Troi have lost weight and look like they fit into their uniforms without assistance from a shoehorn anymore.
But holes abound in this movie, for instance (spoilers ahead):
Just how did the Remans build the universe's most powerful warship (in secret, no less) when they have been slaves for...well...ever? How did they get the parts/skills/crew knowledge etc?
When they scan the Scimitar (Reman warship) Worf reports untold numbers of disruptors and photon launchers, yet in battle apparently only a couple of the disruptors fire at a time and there's nary a sign of a photon.
And just how many Data androids did Dr Soong build for Chrissake!? And why do they all look the same? And just how did the all-singing, all-dancing Remans find one? Let alone learn how to reprogram it. And why, when the whole Trek-loving audience was murmuring "Lore" did the characters in the movie never mention him once?
How does the (supposedly) flagship crew of the Federation not realise that by going through the nebula they will be out of communications and therefore liable to immediate attack until its too late? Doh!
How come the Enterprise runs out of photons? I didn't count how many they fired, but it didn't seem like that many. You'd think the Federation would make sure they had plenty, seeing as how it's always the Enterprise that saves the day.
And how come shields apparently don't stop kinetic energy impacts (like another ship ramming you)? If that was the case surely all vessels would be armed with good old fashioned projectile weapons? None of this namby-pamby phasers-and-photons-that-don't-go-through-shields nonsense.
Ah well, at least there were two actors I was pleased to see in the film. Dina Meyer, playing a Romulan commander and Ron Perlman (mostly wasted here beneath heaps of make-up) as the Reman viceroy. C'mon, you remember them! Dina was Dizzy from Starship Troopers and Ron was the big grunt from Alien Resurrection and err...many other films where he also plays bit-part bad-guys.
Overall though, a disappointing film to end the franchise with. The starship battle looked a bit tired. Not the exciting stuff from Wrath of Khan. But then again, the bad guy wasn't the amazingly overacting Ricardo Montalban either, so maybe that's why. Maybe Geordie could invent a new gizmo for the next movie. He could call it the "anti-plot device" device and it would instantly nullify all the cliched nonsense that has ruined Star Trek over the last few years. Speaking of Geordie, I note in this film that he gets to plug things into Data's head again....all good stuff.
Well, enough ranting. Though if enough of us pester Paramount, do you think they'd ever make a "Star Trek - The Musical" movie? That'd be cool. Tim Curry as the singing and dancing villain...Yay! And you'd just have to have Leonard Nimoy guesting as Spock (if you've ever heard "The Hobbit Song" he did, you know it'd be a winner!)
Ack! I'm ranting again. Time to go. ST: Nemesis is OK, but nothing new.
There's the standard plot....Enterprise and crew must save the Earth. Just like in First Contact. There's the evil baddie, this time a supposed clone of Picard - you know he's related to Picard because he's bald as well (I actually snickered when I saw him the first time - it's such a terribly predictable thing to do). Come to think of it, the Borg Queen was bald too. I'm sure there's no connection. Then you have the obligatory "Data's the main character" plot-device, just like First Contact again. And Worf is once more relegated to a comedy sidekick role (whatever happened to the mean, glowering Worf that killed the Klingon who murdered his mate in the series?).
On the plus side, both Riker and Troi have lost weight and look like they fit into their uniforms without assistance from a shoehorn anymore.
But holes abound in this movie, for instance (spoilers ahead):
Just how did the Remans build the universe's most powerful warship (in secret, no less) when they have been slaves for...well...ever? How did they get the parts/skills/crew knowledge etc?
When they scan the Scimitar (Reman warship) Worf reports untold numbers of disruptors and photon launchers, yet in battle apparently only a couple of the disruptors fire at a time and there's nary a sign of a photon.
And just how many Data androids did Dr Soong build for Chrissake!? And why do they all look the same? And just how did the all-singing, all-dancing Remans find one? Let alone learn how to reprogram it. And why, when the whole Trek-loving audience was murmuring "Lore" did the characters in the movie never mention him once?
How does the (supposedly) flagship crew of the Federation not realise that by going through the nebula they will be out of communications and therefore liable to immediate attack until its too late? Doh!
How come the Enterprise runs out of photons? I didn't count how many they fired, but it didn't seem like that many. You'd think the Federation would make sure they had plenty, seeing as how it's always the Enterprise that saves the day.
And how come shields apparently don't stop kinetic energy impacts (like another ship ramming you)? If that was the case surely all vessels would be armed with good old fashioned projectile weapons? None of this namby-pamby phasers-and-photons-that-don't-go-through-shields nonsense.
Ah well, at least there were two actors I was pleased to see in the film. Dina Meyer, playing a Romulan commander and Ron Perlman (mostly wasted here beneath heaps of make-up) as the Reman viceroy. C'mon, you remember them! Dina was Dizzy from Starship Troopers and Ron was the big grunt from Alien Resurrection and err...many other films where he also plays bit-part bad-guys.
Overall though, a disappointing film to end the franchise with. The starship battle looked a bit tired. Not the exciting stuff from Wrath of Khan. But then again, the bad guy wasn't the amazingly overacting Ricardo Montalban either, so maybe that's why. Maybe Geordie could invent a new gizmo for the next movie. He could call it the "anti-plot device" device and it would instantly nullify all the cliched nonsense that has ruined Star Trek over the last few years. Speaking of Geordie, I note in this film that he gets to plug things into Data's head again....all good stuff.
Well, enough ranting. Though if enough of us pester Paramount, do you think they'd ever make a "Star Trek - The Musical" movie? That'd be cool. Tim Curry as the singing and dancing villain...Yay! And you'd just have to have Leonard Nimoy guesting as Spock (if you've ever heard "The Hobbit Song" he did, you know it'd be a winner!)
Ack! I'm ranting again. Time to go. ST: Nemesis is OK, but nothing new.
It's not the worst Trek film.
JaAmPoWeR1 February 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Honestly, after watching the film, not only is Nemesis not that bad for a Star Trek film, but I find it to be one of the better Star Trek films and The Next Generation's best film. While the plot has issues (which I'll get to) and there are aspects of the film I just don't care for (which I'll defiantly get to), I personally think the good far outweighs the bad.
For the bad aspects, I'll admit the logistics of the narrative are somewhat shoddy. Apparently, Shinzon planted the B4 android on that planet near the neutral zone hoping the Enterprise's close proximity will lead Picard to Romulus. Not only does this film use the "you're the closest ship in range" ploy to get the plot going, but Shinzon planning it hoping that the Enterprise would conveniently be there is contrived to say the least. Also, the dune buggy chase not only feels forced, but Picard breaks the Prime Directive by engaging a pre-warp civilization. It feels as if that the movie was originally written without the buggy chase, but the studio or producers forced an action scene to make the film more exciting. Many people have criticized about the mind rape scene and rightfully so. Not only are the crew of the Enterprise already on to Shinzon's scheme, but it feels off weird with the character in Star Trek. I can't quite explain why it feels so weird, but it should have been cut out and the only point to that scene is Troi's mental connection to the Viceroy which is used in the final battle. There are other niggling things like Picard apparently going into shock which after killing Shinzon and Data needing to rescue him, leading to Data's death. While I actually don't mind Data's death in of itself, I think that Picard, seeing all the things we've seen him go through in the various shows and movies probably wouldn't have gone into shock. Also, after Shinzon dies it feels like an eternity until Data arrives, so whoever was the editor of this film should have cut down on that time. This actually leads me to my next point, while Stuart Baird is an accomplished editor, and his direction of this film isn't that bad, the cast didn't get along with him and he had little knowledge of Star Trek, so I think his lack of experience led to the film's stranger scenes which I've already mentioned to remain in the film. The last point here is that while I get Shinzon's hatred for Picard since he feels like an inferior copy so long as Picard lives, but I don't entirely get why he wants to destroy Earth and the Federation so badly. If I was to guess, Shinzon considers the Remans to be his true parent race and wants to ensure a good future for them which is why he not only took control of Romulus, but now intends to bring the Federation to its knees so the Remans can conquer the Federation as well.
Now to be fair there are other aspects I can nitpick like how did a slave race like the Remans build the Scimitar ship in secret, and how is that ship so overpowered with the ability to fire when cloaked, carry fighter craft, and carry the Thaleron Radiation weapon. That said, and I'm sure many people who are deep into the lore of Star Trek look at me with ire, but I don't really care much for the technical stuff. Granted, I would prefer that the writers, or whoever made these continuity errors, would have ironed-out these mistakes. However, I'm willing to live with a few continuity errors if the overall film is better and honestly I found this to be the best TNG film.
For a start, the film's plot and premise managed to balance both Picard's and Data's plots to the overall story and themes in a satisfying way. Picard's confrontations with Shinzon, and Data's relation to B4 I found compelling in that both characters wrestle with the idea that they could have ended up differently had their lives been different. Picard believes that he could have ended up as maniacal as Shinzon had he lived his life and Data could have been like B4. However, both Picard and Data realize that their drive to better themselves is what led to both characters being who they are. I even liked that Picard tries to convince Shinzon to see this as well, but he decides to side with his Reman heritage and rejects Picard's plea.
Now, one of the biggest criticisms of the TNG films (and the reboot films) was that they leaned too much into action. While I did not care for this direction, Star Trek IV is one of my favorite Trek films and that isn't an action film (if anything it's a comedy). That said, If the Star Trek films had to have gone down the action movie route, I think Nemesis handled it the best. Granted, some of the action feels a bit too excessive, and it has been said that many character scenes were removed to make way for action scenes. But overall, I did like the action scenes from the infamous dune buggy chase to Picard and Data's escape, to the big final battle.
Speaking of those deleted scenes, I have seen a few on YouTube and I feel that if these scenes were left in then Nemesis would have flesh out it's characters better. These include scenes such as Picard and Data discussing what life will be like when some of the crew leave (mainly Riker and Troi), and probably more character scenes with Shinzon. Now Tom Hardy plays Shinzon quite well and comes off as a younger and more arrogant version of Picard, not bad for an early performance. I've even heard criticism about how weak the performances from the main cast are in this film or how out of character everyone feels. The thing is that this film follows Insurrection where everyone had been affected by the Baku planet's radiation which gave everyone their sense of youth back, hence why Riker and Troi have rekindled their romance and are married. However, everyone believes that Picard is out of character, but this isn't the case. Not only is Picard more adventurous after the event of Insurrection, but he learned to open-up to others during the events of the series, hence why he was willing to play poker in the finale of the series. So, if anything the change in personalities is actually good character development and continuity.
Now, one aspect of the film that people detest which I actually don't mind is Data's death. While admittedly it does come off as very sudden, and I'm not a fan of Picard going into shock and just standing there, I do like how Data's journey to becoming human is complete by his sacrifice. Essentially Data dies doing one of the most human things one could do, that being giving up your own life for another.
I know that this likely won't convince anyone into believing that Nemesis is a great film. Heck, I still have a lot of issues. However, I don't consider this to be anywhere near the worst Trek film, nor do I believe that this film should have bombed as badly as it did. Honestly after Voyager wrapped-up, Enterprise was struggling, and Nemesis bombed so it seemed like Star Trek was just fizzing-out. Its day had come and gone, and the franchise was running out of borrowed time. However, there is still plenty to like about the later Rick Berman produced Star Trek and Nemesis, in spite of its many issues, is a worthwhile entry in the series.
For the bad aspects, I'll admit the logistics of the narrative are somewhat shoddy. Apparently, Shinzon planted the B4 android on that planet near the neutral zone hoping the Enterprise's close proximity will lead Picard to Romulus. Not only does this film use the "you're the closest ship in range" ploy to get the plot going, but Shinzon planning it hoping that the Enterprise would conveniently be there is contrived to say the least. Also, the dune buggy chase not only feels forced, but Picard breaks the Prime Directive by engaging a pre-warp civilization. It feels as if that the movie was originally written without the buggy chase, but the studio or producers forced an action scene to make the film more exciting. Many people have criticized about the mind rape scene and rightfully so. Not only are the crew of the Enterprise already on to Shinzon's scheme, but it feels off weird with the character in Star Trek. I can't quite explain why it feels so weird, but it should have been cut out and the only point to that scene is Troi's mental connection to the Viceroy which is used in the final battle. There are other niggling things like Picard apparently going into shock which after killing Shinzon and Data needing to rescue him, leading to Data's death. While I actually don't mind Data's death in of itself, I think that Picard, seeing all the things we've seen him go through in the various shows and movies probably wouldn't have gone into shock. Also, after Shinzon dies it feels like an eternity until Data arrives, so whoever was the editor of this film should have cut down on that time. This actually leads me to my next point, while Stuart Baird is an accomplished editor, and his direction of this film isn't that bad, the cast didn't get along with him and he had little knowledge of Star Trek, so I think his lack of experience led to the film's stranger scenes which I've already mentioned to remain in the film. The last point here is that while I get Shinzon's hatred for Picard since he feels like an inferior copy so long as Picard lives, but I don't entirely get why he wants to destroy Earth and the Federation so badly. If I was to guess, Shinzon considers the Remans to be his true parent race and wants to ensure a good future for them which is why he not only took control of Romulus, but now intends to bring the Federation to its knees so the Remans can conquer the Federation as well.
Now to be fair there are other aspects I can nitpick like how did a slave race like the Remans build the Scimitar ship in secret, and how is that ship so overpowered with the ability to fire when cloaked, carry fighter craft, and carry the Thaleron Radiation weapon. That said, and I'm sure many people who are deep into the lore of Star Trek look at me with ire, but I don't really care much for the technical stuff. Granted, I would prefer that the writers, or whoever made these continuity errors, would have ironed-out these mistakes. However, I'm willing to live with a few continuity errors if the overall film is better and honestly I found this to be the best TNG film.
For a start, the film's plot and premise managed to balance both Picard's and Data's plots to the overall story and themes in a satisfying way. Picard's confrontations with Shinzon, and Data's relation to B4 I found compelling in that both characters wrestle with the idea that they could have ended up differently had their lives been different. Picard believes that he could have ended up as maniacal as Shinzon had he lived his life and Data could have been like B4. However, both Picard and Data realize that their drive to better themselves is what led to both characters being who they are. I even liked that Picard tries to convince Shinzon to see this as well, but he decides to side with his Reman heritage and rejects Picard's plea.
Now, one of the biggest criticisms of the TNG films (and the reboot films) was that they leaned too much into action. While I did not care for this direction, Star Trek IV is one of my favorite Trek films and that isn't an action film (if anything it's a comedy). That said, If the Star Trek films had to have gone down the action movie route, I think Nemesis handled it the best. Granted, some of the action feels a bit too excessive, and it has been said that many character scenes were removed to make way for action scenes. But overall, I did like the action scenes from the infamous dune buggy chase to Picard and Data's escape, to the big final battle.
Speaking of those deleted scenes, I have seen a few on YouTube and I feel that if these scenes were left in then Nemesis would have flesh out it's characters better. These include scenes such as Picard and Data discussing what life will be like when some of the crew leave (mainly Riker and Troi), and probably more character scenes with Shinzon. Now Tom Hardy plays Shinzon quite well and comes off as a younger and more arrogant version of Picard, not bad for an early performance. I've even heard criticism about how weak the performances from the main cast are in this film or how out of character everyone feels. The thing is that this film follows Insurrection where everyone had been affected by the Baku planet's radiation which gave everyone their sense of youth back, hence why Riker and Troi have rekindled their romance and are married. However, everyone believes that Picard is out of character, but this isn't the case. Not only is Picard more adventurous after the event of Insurrection, but he learned to open-up to others during the events of the series, hence why he was willing to play poker in the finale of the series. So, if anything the change in personalities is actually good character development and continuity.
Now, one aspect of the film that people detest which I actually don't mind is Data's death. While admittedly it does come off as very sudden, and I'm not a fan of Picard going into shock and just standing there, I do like how Data's journey to becoming human is complete by his sacrifice. Essentially Data dies doing one of the most human things one could do, that being giving up your own life for another.
I know that this likely won't convince anyone into believing that Nemesis is a great film. Heck, I still have a lot of issues. However, I don't consider this to be anywhere near the worst Trek film, nor do I believe that this film should have bombed as badly as it did. Honestly after Voyager wrapped-up, Enterprise was struggling, and Nemesis bombed so it seemed like Star Trek was just fizzing-out. Its day had come and gone, and the franchise was running out of borrowed time. However, there is still plenty to like about the later Rick Berman produced Star Trek and Nemesis, in spite of its many issues, is a worthwhile entry in the series.
Mildly entertaining as a superficial action piece, but not much there on a deeper level. Better than Generations or Insurrection, but not by a lot.
nightscreamnovi11 December 2002
Warning: Spoilers
The movie seems to follow the same formula as the last three:
Start off with a quiet or light-hearted scene, involving the crew, send them off to meet the ConflictTM, establish the conflict, and any character arcs, and then wrap it up in an ultimate space battle.
You can pretty much see this as it unfolds. That isn't the worst crime in the world, and since I can guess that the action will be pretty good, the big question for me is whether what really makes a good Trek film-its HEART comes through.
Unfortunately, the answer for me is no.
As a movie, "ST Nemesis" ultimately fails because of its villain-Shinzon. Okay, so he's a clone of Picard. So what?
Cloning has been done loads of times, and the theme of a character experiencing doubt as he ponders how the existence of a doppelganger reflects upon him has been done before. We got this in the NextGen episode "Time Squared." We got it in the episode "Second Chances." We didn't need it again, and the way it's portrayed here, I don't buy it. In "Time Squared," Picard HAD to doubt himself, because the fact that apparently questionable actions on his part resulted in tragedy is something that already happened, albeit in the future. In "Second Chances," Riker has to accept the fact that his doppelganger is him, and was him, right up until eight years ago, and cannot take solace in the fact that they had separate lives and experiences prior to then. The tendency for Riker to ponder how this other Will Riker reflects upon him is inescapable. Here, we're supposed to believe that Shinzon's childish taunt to Picard-the insinuation that Picard somehow shares in the responsibility for things that Shinzon does-actually gives pause to Picard, and I don't buy it for a second. Picard should be smart enough to know that what Shinzon does has nothing to do with him, regardless of his genetics. Anyone with a cursory knowledge of genetics and personality dynamics should know that genetics alone do not determine character, and even if they did, Picard shouldn't be worrying at this stage in his life about whether atrocities committed by someone with the same DNA as him says anything about himself. Thankfully, the movie itself doesn't really embrace this character point wholeheartedly, and after some patented "ABC Afterschool Special"-esque "You can FIGHT it, Shinzon! You can CHOOSE your own destiny!" dialogue, the point is dropped.
This wouldn't be so bad if the movie at least gave him a solid motivation for wanting to attack Earth. This guy was conceived by the Romulans as a weapon, tossed aside when not wanted anymore and tortured by Romulan guards all his life, and his main beef is with the Federation? Why is this? Shouldn't his main problems be with Romulans? What does he care about Earth, or the Federation? His entire plan, if you want to call it that, seems like nothing more than a gigantic child's tantrum. If this kid grew up in Reman mines, where did he get educated? How did he amass an army?
More than anything, both this movie and the previous one give the impression that the creators are just going through the motions. Riker and Troi's wedding seems thrown in, not because the writers are really interested at this point in their relationship, but because the feeling seems to be that well, they might as well get married. It's as if the creators feel at this point that they can no longer rationalize having Riker remain a Commander, so they have to give him his own command. It's as if they feel that well, everyone wants to get him and Troi together, so let's do it now just in case there are no more movies. This is really a shame, because how Riker and Troi got to this point in their relationship might've been a truly interesting character issue to explore in the movie, and that this was abandoned in favor of some worn out clone revenge story demonstrates that creators do not feel that the best stories come from exploring some the regular characters' most familiar conflicts and interactions with one another, but with contrived cardboard villains.
Data's death? Well, there was nothing illogical about it, so I can't really fault it. It flowed logically from the story, but at the same time, though, I can't say I really care. I don't know if it's because I no longer empathize with the character, or because there's nothing to preclude his return in the next movie.
Perhaps Donatra beamed him off at the last second. Who cares?
As far as the action? It's great. Great space battle. Great explosions. The ramming sequence between the Enterprise and the Scimitar will no doubt be remembered as one of the best Trek action sequences, along with the Enterprise-D's saucer crash and the Borg battle from "ST First Contact." The production design and FX are great. Technobabble is at a minimum, except for one or two descriptions of the thelaron weapon. The occasional humorous bits were good, and not as forced as in "ST Insurrection." Despite the theme and characterization problems with the film, I didn't notice any huge fundamental plot holes. It was nice to see Wesley at Riker and Troi's wedding, and Guinan as well. I was also glad that Janeway's appearance was kept brief.
Start off with a quiet or light-hearted scene, involving the crew, send them off to meet the ConflictTM, establish the conflict, and any character arcs, and then wrap it up in an ultimate space battle.
You can pretty much see this as it unfolds. That isn't the worst crime in the world, and since I can guess that the action will be pretty good, the big question for me is whether what really makes a good Trek film-its HEART comes through.
Unfortunately, the answer for me is no.
As a movie, "ST Nemesis" ultimately fails because of its villain-Shinzon. Okay, so he's a clone of Picard. So what?
Cloning has been done loads of times, and the theme of a character experiencing doubt as he ponders how the existence of a doppelganger reflects upon him has been done before. We got this in the NextGen episode "Time Squared." We got it in the episode "Second Chances." We didn't need it again, and the way it's portrayed here, I don't buy it. In "Time Squared," Picard HAD to doubt himself, because the fact that apparently questionable actions on his part resulted in tragedy is something that already happened, albeit in the future. In "Second Chances," Riker has to accept the fact that his doppelganger is him, and was him, right up until eight years ago, and cannot take solace in the fact that they had separate lives and experiences prior to then. The tendency for Riker to ponder how this other Will Riker reflects upon him is inescapable. Here, we're supposed to believe that Shinzon's childish taunt to Picard-the insinuation that Picard somehow shares in the responsibility for things that Shinzon does-actually gives pause to Picard, and I don't buy it for a second. Picard should be smart enough to know that what Shinzon does has nothing to do with him, regardless of his genetics. Anyone with a cursory knowledge of genetics and personality dynamics should know that genetics alone do not determine character, and even if they did, Picard shouldn't be worrying at this stage in his life about whether atrocities committed by someone with the same DNA as him says anything about himself. Thankfully, the movie itself doesn't really embrace this character point wholeheartedly, and after some patented "ABC Afterschool Special"-esque "You can FIGHT it, Shinzon! You can CHOOSE your own destiny!" dialogue, the point is dropped.
This wouldn't be so bad if the movie at least gave him a solid motivation for wanting to attack Earth. This guy was conceived by the Romulans as a weapon, tossed aside when not wanted anymore and tortured by Romulan guards all his life, and his main beef is with the Federation? Why is this? Shouldn't his main problems be with Romulans? What does he care about Earth, or the Federation? His entire plan, if you want to call it that, seems like nothing more than a gigantic child's tantrum. If this kid grew up in Reman mines, where did he get educated? How did he amass an army?
More than anything, both this movie and the previous one give the impression that the creators are just going through the motions. Riker and Troi's wedding seems thrown in, not because the writers are really interested at this point in their relationship, but because the feeling seems to be that well, they might as well get married. It's as if the creators feel at this point that they can no longer rationalize having Riker remain a Commander, so they have to give him his own command. It's as if they feel that well, everyone wants to get him and Troi together, so let's do it now just in case there are no more movies. This is really a shame, because how Riker and Troi got to this point in their relationship might've been a truly interesting character issue to explore in the movie, and that this was abandoned in favor of some worn out clone revenge story demonstrates that creators do not feel that the best stories come from exploring some the regular characters' most familiar conflicts and interactions with one another, but with contrived cardboard villains.
Data's death? Well, there was nothing illogical about it, so I can't really fault it. It flowed logically from the story, but at the same time, though, I can't say I really care. I don't know if it's because I no longer empathize with the character, or because there's nothing to preclude his return in the next movie.
Perhaps Donatra beamed him off at the last second. Who cares?
As far as the action? It's great. Great space battle. Great explosions. The ramming sequence between the Enterprise and the Scimitar will no doubt be remembered as one of the best Trek action sequences, along with the Enterprise-D's saucer crash and the Borg battle from "ST First Contact." The production design and FX are great. Technobabble is at a minimum, except for one or two descriptions of the thelaron weapon. The occasional humorous bits were good, and not as forced as in "ST Insurrection." Despite the theme and characterization problems with the film, I didn't notice any huge fundamental plot holes. It was nice to see Wesley at Riker and Troi's wedding, and Guinan as well. I was also glad that Janeway's appearance was kept brief.
Brilliant movie and Christ allegory
djrandmpr1 December 2012
Warning: Spoilers
Superbly acted by Tom Hardy (Shinzon) and Patrick Stewart (Picard), this movie should be compared more with Blade Runner rather than with the others in the Star Trek series.
Although this is obviously a sci-fi film with a lot of special effects and action sequences, it's the message behind the plot that make it stand out as something special. And in this review I'm going to skip over many of the details to discuss this sub-theme, or perhaps supra-theme would be a better description.
During the course of the movie, Picard is presented as a man who is confident in the correctness, even the righteousness, of his own beliefs. He is the man searching to spread the message of peace and good, attempting to improve both the universe and himself at the same time. However, circumstances suddenly force him to confront a younger clone of himself (Shinzon), a man whose experiences in life have made him a self-interested and villainous alter ego.
Throughout the film, Picard tries to avoid the idea that anything about this evil twin protagonist could ever have been part of him. He's also asks this of his crew members and they confirm that his character is totally unlike Shinzon's. However, in the dramatic death scene at the conclusion of the movie, as Picard faces his clone in a death embrace, he finally realizes that he and Shinzon are one character, and that he himself has all the evil potential that is displayed in his twin brother.
As he stands stunned by this conclusion, Data who acts as a Christ figure, sacrifices his own unsullied life so that Picard can be saved, both physically and spiritually. In the final scene, the allegory is made complete by the physical return of Data (Christ) in the character of B4.
I hope that this adds to your enjoyment of the movie, and I'd be interested to read anyone else's comments.
Dave
Although this is obviously a sci-fi film with a lot of special effects and action sequences, it's the message behind the plot that make it stand out as something special. And in this review I'm going to skip over many of the details to discuss this sub-theme, or perhaps supra-theme would be a better description.
During the course of the movie, Picard is presented as a man who is confident in the correctness, even the righteousness, of his own beliefs. He is the man searching to spread the message of peace and good, attempting to improve both the universe and himself at the same time. However, circumstances suddenly force him to confront a younger clone of himself (Shinzon), a man whose experiences in life have made him a self-interested and villainous alter ego.
Throughout the film, Picard tries to avoid the idea that anything about this evil twin protagonist could ever have been part of him. He's also asks this of his crew members and they confirm that his character is totally unlike Shinzon's. However, in the dramatic death scene at the conclusion of the movie, as Picard faces his clone in a death embrace, he finally realizes that he and Shinzon are one character, and that he himself has all the evil potential that is displayed in his twin brother.
As he stands stunned by this conclusion, Data who acts as a Christ figure, sacrifices his own unsullied life so that Picard can be saved, both physically and spiritually. In the final scene, the allegory is made complete by the physical return of Data (Christ) in the character of B4.
I hope that this adds to your enjoyment of the movie, and I'd be interested to read anyone else's comments.
Dave
Is this the end?
el jugador13 December 2002
Warning: Spoilers
Star Trek TNG has always been a great show from beginning to end, but when you watch this movie you hope it isn't the end. Nemesis has some of the best action scenes in any movie period. From the cool buggy chase, to the galant battle scene in space. By far I will agree this is the best directed Star Trek movie. The art direction and the cinematagraphy was top notch. I won't give away anything about the story, however it was a fast paced movie from beginning to end. The movie was pushing the 2 hour limit, but for a change I think this movie could have been longer. If this is to be the final Star Trek movie I would have like to have seen more story about certain characters such as Worf, Guinan, and to a lesser degree, even Wesley Crusher. Also a more touching ending to the movie, considering how it ended, it would have been more appropriate. All in all the movie was still good but not great, if it is to be the last one. Star Trek 6 had shown Sulu the captain of a new ship and the rest of the crew still aboard the enterprise, while Kirk, Spock, and McCoy sitting around a camp fire singing (Row, Row, Your Boat),and the last episode of TNG had Picard sitting down at a poker game with the rest of the cast saying (I should have done this a long time ago.) Those are classic endings. Oh, lil' spoiler, the answer to Rikers question at the end of Nemesis is (Pop Goes The Weasel). My Rating 6 out of 10.
And I thought Insurrection was bad...
SigmaEcho29 September 2004
This movie is one big lost opportunity. The budgets for the films just get bigger and bigger, and the plots just get worse and worse. When I saw Insurrection, I thought it was a decent movie but certainly a huge drop from First Contact. I simply assumed that the next film would be better, as has been the pattern with Star Trek films. Now after seeing Nemesis, Insurrection is magnificent by comparison. The problem with this film is there's no passion, and it shows in the whole production. The writer-director team seem to have aimed very, very low. The filmmakers were just trying to make a little self-enclosed film without any substance. The most potential is at the end of a saga, where you can put anything and everything at stake. Instead, the writer just rewrote Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan for the TNG cast, and by his own admission to boot! The people who currently control the franchise have no interest in creating a bold, emotional or epic story. At this point, they are mindlessly cranking out material simply to continue the franchise.
Anyone who has been following the TNG series could have come up with a better way to wrap up the entire TNG saga that beats the pants off of this sorry excuse for a film.
But it looks like that will never happen, as it has been quietly mentioned that this will be the last TNG movie. A horrible shame, as the plot threads remain open, and could easily be closed in an epic and meaningful way.
Anyone who has been following the TNG series could have come up with a better way to wrap up the entire TNG saga that beats the pants off of this sorry excuse for a film.
But it looks like that will never happen, as it has been quietly mentioned that this will be the last TNG movie. A horrible shame, as the plot threads remain open, and could easily be closed in an epic and meaningful way.
Star Trek TNG fan? Look no further...
TheCritic90924 June 2016
Warning: Spoilers
I watched this movie again for the first time since seeing it in the theater more than a decade ago. It holds up quite well. If you're a Star Trek fan, and especially if you're a TNG fan, this movie will sit well with you. It has some interesting plot devices... one of which is what would you be like if your environment growing up was different from the one you experienced? You can judge a criminal for their acts, but what if you were in their shoes? An interesting idea fleshed out nicely in this film. Highly recommended! I grew up with TOS, but TNG is probably my favorite iteration of Star Trek. The cast and writing is top notch. The movie is well acted, well written, and satisfies. I was surprised the TNG movies generally received average reviews. They're great Star Trek movies!
Not as bad as it seems...
ckkoay12 January 2003
Being the tenth of the series, where else could they bring this franchise to? We have the Next Generation crew seeking out new life and new civilizations, boldly going where no television franchise has gone for 7 years. They have covered virtually every facet of science fiction but what are truly gems to me are the "quiet" episodes where human drama takes precedence.
Nemesis is a good human drama that plays in the backdrop of average science fiction. On one hand, you have a charismatic megalomaniac take-over-the-universe-with-weapon-of-mass-destruction villain versus a Federation flagship captain who has seen it all. On another, you have the sweet partings of a family that has stayed together for the past 15 years.
The weakness of this movie is that it tries to balance both within the confines of a feature film catering to 2 crowds simultaneously- the Trek fan and the general public. What ended up on screen is a compromise of sorts, though I guess that Paramount should make it up to the fans in the future DVD release by incorporating some key deleted scenes to make this a movie worthy of being a "generations last journey".
Mainly for the human drama, I'm giving this movie a "10" as a tribute the tireless cast and crew who has extended Gene Roddenberry's vision and made the "Star Trek" universe relevant to the people today.
Nemesis is a good human drama that plays in the backdrop of average science fiction. On one hand, you have a charismatic megalomaniac take-over-the-universe-with-weapon-of-mass-destruction villain versus a Federation flagship captain who has seen it all. On another, you have the sweet partings of a family that has stayed together for the past 15 years.
The weakness of this movie is that it tries to balance both within the confines of a feature film catering to 2 crowds simultaneously- the Trek fan and the general public. What ended up on screen is a compromise of sorts, though I guess that Paramount should make it up to the fans in the future DVD release by incorporating some key deleted scenes to make this a movie worthy of being a "generations last journey".
Mainly for the human drama, I'm giving this movie a "10" as a tribute the tireless cast and crew who has extended Gene Roddenberry's vision and made the "Star Trek" universe relevant to the people today.
The Final Splat
onetimebox21 September 2022
Warning: Spoilers
After warping in to the 21st century the fate of Star Trek was uncertain. Nemesis did not help.
There is a coup on Romulus. The Romulan senate is stoned and misses the chance to stop it after all comes crashing down a savior emerges , in the form of a Reman named Shinzon.
Admiral Janeway dispatches the enterprise to meet the new leader at his request. After a tour of his ship his crew are treated to a mild interrogation and Shinzon hits on Riker's girl.
Picard is not amused but in the interest of diplomacy accepts a second invitation to dinner where Shinzon reveals he is a Picard wanna be clone. In the meantime Data is struggling with his new found cousin B4. More the yokel than complete droid he causes all kinds of havoc in Picard's absence. He is then shut off but not before Shinzon kidnaps Picard.
Meantime the locals on Romulus are beginning to figure out what most anyone watching this movie did after 20 minutes , nothing is going on , nothing coherent is going to happen so why are we dealing with this?
Both Picard and the Romulans lose patience , and Shinzon is " removed from office " .
When the highlight of a film is Data singing. It's a sharp reminder of how flat a project it was. Take note this was a bad long winded yarn.
There is a coup on Romulus. The Romulan senate is stoned and misses the chance to stop it after all comes crashing down a savior emerges , in the form of a Reman named Shinzon.
Admiral Janeway dispatches the enterprise to meet the new leader at his request. After a tour of his ship his crew are treated to a mild interrogation and Shinzon hits on Riker's girl.
Picard is not amused but in the interest of diplomacy accepts a second invitation to dinner where Shinzon reveals he is a Picard wanna be clone. In the meantime Data is struggling with his new found cousin B4. More the yokel than complete droid he causes all kinds of havoc in Picard's absence. He is then shut off but not before Shinzon kidnaps Picard.
Meantime the locals on Romulus are beginning to figure out what most anyone watching this movie did after 20 minutes , nothing is going on , nothing coherent is going to happen so why are we dealing with this?
Both Picard and the Romulans lose patience , and Shinzon is " removed from office " .
When the highlight of a film is Data singing. It's a sharp reminder of how flat a project it was. Take note this was a bad long winded yarn.
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