Review of Star Trek: Generations (1994) by Hans N — 11 Jul 2010

I've gone back and forth on whether I actually liked this movie as a Trek fan and I think I've finally come around to not liking it. I grew up with the Next Generation crew. When I think of my childhood I think of wanting to be either a paleontologist or Commander William Riker (cause the actor's name was Jonathan too). So I, for a long time, was very forgiving to the Next Generation movies including this one. Not anymore. The humor which always stood out as groan worthy is in truth unbearable. Data's arc is compromised by the fact that we're forced to put up with him singing the Lifeforms Song and talking about Mr. Tricorder. The dramatic parts hold up a bit better but even then they're a bit maudlin. The script doesn't make a whole lot of sense (something the screenwriter admits) and it's full of little holes and logic problems. More importantly what stood out this time is how unnecessary the original crew is. The story isn't really enhanced by their presence, they just feel perfunctory.

It's a really beautiful movie, I've always thought so. The Enterprise-D is finally given a chance to shine on a bigger screen (it was always too wide for TV) and the new more dynamic lighting brings a new shine to a very old familiar set. The score is great too. But it's not a good movie, and I think I've finally come around to admitting that.