Review of Star Trek: Nemesis (2002) by Jonathan Y — 12 Jul 2008

What was clearly intended to be a knockout adventure opus for the Next Gen crew ends up being a kinda-sorta impressive swan song that both dazzles and disappoints in equal measure. The main problem is John Logan's script, which is certainly clever, but also ragged and slack-paced, delivering many intriguing plot twists with little fanfare.

It doesn't help that the returning cast, under the uneven guidance of professional action-flick editor turned director Stuart Baird, all seem strangely subdued and awkward in their performances. The central concept, which has Picard squaring off against his own brutal, cold-hearted clone and an army of conniving alien soldiers, is certainly a doozy, and Baird does deliver some bravura action sequences (even if he also seems baffled about what made TNG work in the first place).

Regrettably, much of the drama falls flat, which leaves not much else to enjoy besides the spectacle. Still, even though Logan's script was in need of at least a couple of polishes, the story still contains enough intrigue and melodrama to be compelling, and Baird does manage to keep things moving.

It's not the masterpiece it could have been, but 'Nemesis' does at least serve as a passably enjoyable final chapter.