Star Trek: Nemesis (2002)

Directed by: Stuart Baird | 116 minutes | action, drama, adventure, science fiction, thriller | Actors: Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, Brent Spiner, LeVar Burton, Michael Dorn, Marina Sirtis, Gates McFadden, Tom Hardy, Ron Perlman, Shannon Cochran, Dina Meyer, Jude Ciccolella, Alan Dale, John Berg, Michael Owen, Kate Mulgrew, Robertson Dean, David Ralphe, J. Patrick McCormack, Wil Wheaton, Majel Barrett

The ‘Star Trek’ film series has built up a tradition: odd numbers are by definition less good than even numbers. ‘Star Trek: Nemesis’ is the tenth part and with that director Stuart Baird had both advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, he didn’t have the stigma that the film would be poorly received by fans anyway, on the other hand, expectations were high. Especially when you consider that it was already certain that this would be the last journey of the so-called Next Generation.

Director Baird had little experience on the director’s chair (‘Executive Decision’, ‘US Marshals’), but has acted often enough as editor (‘Lethal Weapon 2’, ‘Demolition Man’). The experience should have taught him how action can logically fit into a movie, but that’s not the case with ‘Nemesis’. For example, the first action scene in which Picard, Data and Worf set off in a jeep (for the first time in their careers as space explorers) and are chased by enemies who also happen to be in ground vehicles.

The first half of the film is mainly filled with long dialogues interspersed with minimal (and illogical) action. The Federation’s major opponent, leader of the Remans named Shinzon, is new, but hails from the Romulan Empire that the Federation has been at war with since its inception. The dialogues are therefore intended to make the threat of this opponent clear. Shinzon is played by Tom Hardy who unfortunately didn’t have a lot of acting experience. Then to face Patrick Stewart who has grown into the role as Picard for years is no easy feat. Kudos to how he manages to hold his own, but unfortunately he doesn’t really come across as a truly feared antagonist.

Because this is the last trip with the crew, it is a terribly missed opportunity to give all members a chance. Especially Picard and Data are present, here and there assisted by Worf, Riker and Troi. Beverly Crusher only has one sentence in the entire movie and her son Wesley and Guinan don’t even show their faces. The farewell with the fans seems rather unfinished and they are left with an empty feeling.

The tenth part closes the Star Trek series with an anti-climax. The action scenes would be judged by Mister Spock as “illogical”. The opponent is liked, but not nearly as impressive as the Borg. And it’s a shame it’s forgotten that the Next Generation crew consists of more members than just Picard and Data. Anyway, the final space battle is big enough to make the film interesting for science fiction fans and generally save it from a fail.