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.
618 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hopefully, the DVD will have the director's cut.
Li-131 January 2003
6 out of 10
If the rumors are to be believed, then approximately fifty minutes of footage for Star Trek: Nemesis are lying somewhere in Paramount's vault. While the movie itself is technically well-edited with a slick Hollywood gloss, this might explain why everyone but Picard and Data are left short-handed with minimal screen time and dialogue. Hopefully, the missing footage will find its way to the DVD release, where we can get the final tribute the crew of The Next Generation deserves.
As a story for a final adventure, Nemesis isn't quite the epic one may hope for. The plot mostly focuses on the parallels between Picard and the new Romulan leader, a human named Shinzon (Tom Hardy), who claims to desire peace between the Romulans and the Federation. He also has a special bond to Picard, which I won't give away, suffice to say Data also gets to experience something similar throughout the film. Essentially, the plot isn't particularly interesting and it works primarily as a set-up for the climactic space battle, definitely the movie's highlight.
Before then, the only setpieces worthy of interest are a gratuitous but enjoyable car chase (!) on a desert planet that resolves in a grin-inducing fashion, and a fast-paced shootout on board Shinzon's warship, the Scimitar, which also resolves in a pretty cool manner. That's all the action we get in the first 80 or so minutes, meaning there's a lot of talky scenes that go nowhere and clumsily insert the good ol' "Nature vs. Nurture" debate to no avail. Outside of the action, what makes the first 3/4's of the movie watchable are the excellent special effects and the crew's camaraderie. Acting wise, we get excellent performances from Patrick Stewart and Brent Spiner (by the way, is it just me or does Stewart look even more physically fit than ever? Old age is doing little to bring him down)
Clearly, the final space battle is what we've been waiting for, and after 10 movies and 23 years, we get what is easily the most elaborate action sequence of the entire Trek franchise. The segment runs just short of a half-hour and features the Enterprise going toe-to-toe with the Scimitar, and to keep the concept of one starship battling another from getting boring (because let's face it, that gets old in a matter of minutes), director Stuart Baird throws in a few more ships, some more phaser fights from boarding enemy parties (which prove to be the most exciting parts of the movie), fisticuffs, and even a self-destruct sequence that could prove fatal for everyone. It's a doozy of an action scene, even if it is slightly marred by Troi's psychic link and tiresome reports of collapsing shields. This is the sequence that makes the movie worth watching to sci-fi action fans.
Personally, I would have preferred had Baird just spaced the action out more evenly (a la First Contact), rather than stuffing it all in the conclusion, since the plot itself is hard to hold interest on its own. Still, from the space battle alone, this is more action-packed than any of the original crew's films and comes out just ahead of First Contact in terms of quantity, if not in quality. The finale also features the death of a beloved character, which isn't executed quite as properly as it should have, but is touching on its own. Once again, I'm hoping the director's cut will fix that up. Until then, this is just satisfying enough to those who thirst for outerspace action.
If the rumors are to be believed, then approximately fifty minutes of footage for Star Trek: Nemesis are lying somewhere in Paramount's vault. While the movie itself is technically well-edited with a slick Hollywood gloss, this might explain why everyone but Picard and Data are left short-handed with minimal screen time and dialogue. Hopefully, the missing footage will find its way to the DVD release, where we can get the final tribute the crew of The Next Generation deserves.
As a story for a final adventure, Nemesis isn't quite the epic one may hope for. The plot mostly focuses on the parallels between Picard and the new Romulan leader, a human named Shinzon (Tom Hardy), who claims to desire peace between the Romulans and the Federation. He also has a special bond to Picard, which I won't give away, suffice to say Data also gets to experience something similar throughout the film. Essentially, the plot isn't particularly interesting and it works primarily as a set-up for the climactic space battle, definitely the movie's highlight.
Before then, the only setpieces worthy of interest are a gratuitous but enjoyable car chase (!) on a desert planet that resolves in a grin-inducing fashion, and a fast-paced shootout on board Shinzon's warship, the Scimitar, which also resolves in a pretty cool manner. That's all the action we get in the first 80 or so minutes, meaning there's a lot of talky scenes that go nowhere and clumsily insert the good ol' "Nature vs. Nurture" debate to no avail. Outside of the action, what makes the first 3/4's of the movie watchable are the excellent special effects and the crew's camaraderie. Acting wise, we get excellent performances from Patrick Stewart and Brent Spiner (by the way, is it just me or does Stewart look even more physically fit than ever? Old age is doing little to bring him down)
Clearly, the final space battle is what we've been waiting for, and after 10 movies and 23 years, we get what is easily the most elaborate action sequence of the entire Trek franchise. The segment runs just short of a half-hour and features the Enterprise going toe-to-toe with the Scimitar, and to keep the concept of one starship battling another from getting boring (because let's face it, that gets old in a matter of minutes), director Stuart Baird throws in a few more ships, some more phaser fights from boarding enemy parties (which prove to be the most exciting parts of the movie), fisticuffs, and even a self-destruct sequence that could prove fatal for everyone. It's a doozy of an action scene, even if it is slightly marred by Troi's psychic link and tiresome reports of collapsing shields. This is the sequence that makes the movie worth watching to sci-fi action fans.
Personally, I would have preferred had Baird just spaced the action out more evenly (a la First Contact), rather than stuffing it all in the conclusion, since the plot itself is hard to hold interest on its own. Still, from the space battle alone, this is more action-packed than any of the original crew's films and comes out just ahead of First Contact in terms of quantity, if not in quality. The finale also features the death of a beloved character, which isn't executed quite as properly as it should have, but is touching on its own. Once again, I'm hoping the director's cut will fix that up. Until then, this is just satisfying enough to those who thirst for outerspace action.
One film to many for Picard and the crew?
CharltonBoy3 January 2003
Let me start by saying i am a massive Star Trek fan. I have had over the years aprox 300 videos of Gene Rodenberry's creations and i was really looking forward to watching The Next Generation's final big screen outing. After seeing Nemesis i was left empty and dissapointed and i couldnt help thinking was this one to many films for Picard and Co. Dont get me wrong , Nemesis is ok but when i make an effort to go and see a Star Trek motion picture i expect the script writers to have made an effort too and the story in the 10th Trek film is , im sorry to say , Dull. It shows little imagination and i have seen many TV episodes that are better. Without going into the story the film starts really well and some of the special affects are brilliant , especially the terrorist attack on the the Romulans but after the initial 30 minutes it slows down to a crawling pace and i felt myself feeling tired and bored and this seemed to last until the last 15 minutes when the climax , which is a little predictable , raises the film back to a respectable level. I so hope that the next film involves the crew of Deep Space Nine or the New Enterprise Crew and not Voyager who ,in my opinion was the worst of all the Star Trek franchises . Who ever are the stars of the next film i do hope they get a decent script and a worthy enemy to fight which is is what Nemesis majorly lacks. 7 out of 10 (just)
THE crappiest Star Trek -movie ever
kz714 August 2003
I don't know where to start so here goes: Star Trek: Nemesis sucks. Terribly. The script apparently was thrown out early in the making. Next they brought in some corporate sponsors who brought completely unnecessary and (to Star Trek -universe) totally irrational vehicles in silly action sequences. (I'll dub this the Lucas -syndrome: The Movie Shall Have A Speedy Scene For Future Gaming Exploitations.) Then the actors just seemed tired at their parts (who wouldn't be after so much unchanging cliches?) and some were just casted in wrong parts. Star Trek was never about blowing things in pieces and Shoot-First-Ask-Later -mentality that seems to have grasped every small production company in the last decade or two. And in the end the action sequences sucked too (crappy imitation of heroism).
pretty good...hey, its better than 5!
beproductions200520 February 2005
when it was released, this movie gots lots of bad word of mouth. i think it really didn't do very well.
we didn't catch it until it hit video, and thought it was actually a lot better than other movies in the series.
the story is about a clone of captain picard who can infiltrate the enterprise and crew.
the one thing we noticed is that the special effects had really improved with this entry.
while we didn't like st: generations much, this one was entertaining enough to make it a purchase.
really like the wedding scene.
we didn't catch it until it hit video, and thought it was actually a lot better than other movies in the series.
the story is about a clone of captain picard who can infiltrate the enterprise and crew.
the one thing we noticed is that the special effects had really improved with this entry.
while we didn't like st: generations much, this one was entertaining enough to make it a purchase.
really like the wedding scene.
Very powerful film, one of the best Star Trek films
ZenAjax214 December 2002
Although the movie has its corny moments, Nemesis is a very powerful film, due in no small part to Shinzon, perhaps the best villain in the franchise after Khan. Shinzon is a complex, human character, and Tom Hardy brings him to life better than most Star Trek villains. Another reason for any success this film achieves is that it borrows elements and themes from the original Star Trek film series and applies them well. The action scenes are well conceived and not excessive, compared to the fight sequence in the recent, second Star Wars movie, which suffered from overkill. Several scenes, in particular, were very powerful and when the movie ended, I continued to sit for several minutes, speechless.
Going out with a whimper...
Asteri-Atypical20 August 2005
While not the worst film I've seen in recent years (many have been pretty bad), Nemesis is a sad adieu for the Next Generation crew.
What has happened to Star Trek et al? Have the creators simply run out of ideas? Have they gotten cocky? Or is it that they've been given too much carte blanche power when before the lion's work of the creativity came from other team members? Who's to say? All that matters is that Star Trek is going where EVERYONE has gone before and how it's going there can no longer be described as "boldly", but "badly".
Nemesis (which could easily be called "The Wrath of Shinzon") would have been a reasonable 1-hour TNG episode, entertaining for those purposes. The irony is that in the 2-hour movie, most of the best lines and scenes were actually cut! What idiot decided to cut the wedding of Troi and Riker? Sure, these were sub-plots and sidelines but, frankly, they were worth at least as much as the main story. Why I say this would have worked as an episode of TNG was that it was not special enough nor original enough to be a major motion picture, must less the FINALE of the TNG crew! It has been mentioned that Shinzon was miscast. I have to agree. The idea of his character was interesting but the development and characterization were lackluster at best. He just faded into the backdrop of "another hate-filled, vengeance-minded rogue with a starship". Sorry, but we'd had a better version of this character and scenario for exactly 20 years.
I would recommend to any Trek fans to watch the DVD with all the extras. It IS worth watching. It's just not worthy of the place it holds in Trek history. Yet, all that being said, it echoes the overall decline of the Trek legend in recent years (and was a better send-off than poor Enterprise had, at any rate).
The Trek franchise needs a break. Give it a rest. If it ever comes back, bring in a new creative crew entirely. One who actually appreciates and understands Sci-Fi, not one which is trying to repackage it for the mass market and the lowest common denominator.
What has happened to Star Trek et al? Have the creators simply run out of ideas? Have they gotten cocky? Or is it that they've been given too much carte blanche power when before the lion's work of the creativity came from other team members? Who's to say? All that matters is that Star Trek is going where EVERYONE has gone before and how it's going there can no longer be described as "boldly", but "badly".
Nemesis (which could easily be called "The Wrath of Shinzon") would have been a reasonable 1-hour TNG episode, entertaining for those purposes. The irony is that in the 2-hour movie, most of the best lines and scenes were actually cut! What idiot decided to cut the wedding of Troi and Riker? Sure, these were sub-plots and sidelines but, frankly, they were worth at least as much as the main story. Why I say this would have worked as an episode of TNG was that it was not special enough nor original enough to be a major motion picture, must less the FINALE of the TNG crew! It has been mentioned that Shinzon was miscast. I have to agree. The idea of his character was interesting but the development and characterization were lackluster at best. He just faded into the backdrop of "another hate-filled, vengeance-minded rogue with a starship". Sorry, but we'd had a better version of this character and scenario for exactly 20 years.
I would recommend to any Trek fans to watch the DVD with all the extras. It IS worth watching. It's just not worthy of the place it holds in Trek history. Yet, all that being said, it echoes the overall decline of the Trek legend in recent years (and was a better send-off than poor Enterprise had, at any rate).
The Trek franchise needs a break. Give it a rest. If it ever comes back, bring in a new creative crew entirely. One who actually appreciates and understands Sci-Fi, not one which is trying to repackage it for the mass market and the lowest common denominator.
Misunderstood Movie
Sir Rob8 February 2003
Well, it's quite sad to see so many people who have misunderstood so many of the movie's plot lines.
A few friends of mine (well respected SciFi gurus) had claimed that this film was one of the top Star Trek movies. I have to say I agreed. So what? The scriptwriters borrowed some scenes. God forbid any other "original" movie has done the same in the last decade.
Some fans need to rid themselves of the notion that a full length motion picture is made for their sole consumption, and respect that many people viewing may not have even heard of the series. However, the script writers also need to understand the strong following of fans, and include "in" sequences/jokes etc. Which I felt they did nicely enough.
The detail spent on the Romulan Star Empire could have been slightly more expansive, the political games being played in the Romulan Senate never were quite "fleshed out" which is a shame, because the Romulans are one of the races throughout the Star Trek saga who have been rarely visible.
The film took current events to add a current affairs style plot, which I admire. The smaller (as in, less spelled out) plotlines were excellent, and made the film something to follow rather than a Die Hard clone (yes, First Contact was a.k.a "Die Hard on the USS Enterprise").
I hope this really isn't the end for Picard and crew, it didn't feel like a goodbye picture. If it was, then the fine actors from the TNG series should take a well deserved bow, it's been a great series to follow, and as a retired trekkie (I retired when the TNG series wrapped up) I think the TNG series (and original series) will prove to stand the test of time over more recent efforts, kudos to the actors and other people involved.
A few friends of mine (well respected SciFi gurus) had claimed that this film was one of the top Star Trek movies. I have to say I agreed. So what? The scriptwriters borrowed some scenes. God forbid any other "original" movie has done the same in the last decade.
Some fans need to rid themselves of the notion that a full length motion picture is made for their sole consumption, and respect that many people viewing may not have even heard of the series. However, the script writers also need to understand the strong following of fans, and include "in" sequences/jokes etc. Which I felt they did nicely enough.
The detail spent on the Romulan Star Empire could have been slightly more expansive, the political games being played in the Romulan Senate never were quite "fleshed out" which is a shame, because the Romulans are one of the races throughout the Star Trek saga who have been rarely visible.
The film took current events to add a current affairs style plot, which I admire. The smaller (as in, less spelled out) plotlines were excellent, and made the film something to follow rather than a Die Hard clone (yes, First Contact was a.k.a "Die Hard on the USS Enterprise").
I hope this really isn't the end for Picard and crew, it didn't feel like a goodbye picture. If it was, then the fine actors from the TNG series should take a well deserved bow, it's been a great series to follow, and as a retired trekkie (I retired when the TNG series wrapped up) I think the TNG series (and original series) will prove to stand the test of time over more recent efforts, kudos to the actors and other people involved.
A generations final journey is perfect for this film
agentvangough8 May 2005
Now don't get me wrong, I'm not saying this movie was bad but it isn't up to Star Trek standards. This movie had a great idea and perfect setting for the television show but not for a motion picture. This plot would have been better off used for a two part show at the end of an era. They learned this at the end of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. That ending was perfect for a television show. This movie did have some good to it. The idea of the evil seen puts a close to what happened in the television series. The romulans were still a touchy subject during DS9 and we see some what of a close to this chapter. The action in this film is OK standard but not what you think of Star Trek. Many things in this film have upset me on how they handled this situation. There would have been many ways the Federation would have used this opportunity to make peace without just using Captain Picard. Some characters in this movie weren't used to their fullest potential or character that was built up to in the past.
Though this film had a lot of rough spots in it, it did have its qualities. I was pleased to see how some of the characters ended this saga. This film could have been a lot better and a lot worse. This era of Star Trek did not leave on a high note but they did start the finish of their story and that is what I am pleased about.
Though this film had a lot of rough spots in it, it did have its qualities. I was pleased to see how some of the characters ended this saga. This film could have been a lot better and a lot worse. This era of Star Trek did not leave on a high note but they did start the finish of their story and that is what I am pleased about.
No Surprises in Another Adventure of the Enterprise and Their Crew
claudio_carvalho21 December 2003
Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) and the crew of the Enterprise are celebrating the marriage of Captain William T. Riker (Jonathan Frakes) with the Betazoide and Counselor Deanna Troi (Marina Sirtis), and the promotion of Will to captain of the Federation starship Titan, when they are invited to go to a mission of peace with the Romulans. When they arrive in the Neutral Zone, they realize that Shinzon ( Tom Hardy), the leader of the Romulans, is a clone of Captain Picard and indeed wants to destroy the Enterprise first and then Earth. This new adventure of Star Trek does not present any surprises, but fans like me will not be disappointed. The special and sound effects work perfectly on DVD. My vote is seven.
One Of My Favorites
changedabullets8 October 2018
Highly underrated TNG film. I dont know what the hate was about this movie, but I surely enjoyed it. I saw it when it came out in theaters on my birthday, great present to me. I was actually routing for Shinzon to destroy the federation. I can kind of see a Khan vs Kirk vibe but still a great action sci-fi film. Only thing i didnt like was when Troi had that mins rape scene that was kinda unnecessary. But overall great film, and a must see for all star trek fans. Tom Hardy rocks
Different, But Good
universalcritics5 December 2004
Now there has been great debate raging about this particular movie. It's hard to have perspective when there is no measure, so with that said I can say safely without a shadow of doubt in my mind that Star Trek II: Wrath of Kahn is the greatest of the Star Trek Movies ever made, period. There has never been a movie prior or post this movie that has engaged, excited or enthralled a Treker. If you want to know why exactly, read my review on it.
Now during this era of Star Trek movies they never muddled with the plot killer dimension, time, except one, Star Trek IV: Return Home. All of the other movies where, how would 'Q' put it, linear. Honestly, anything that has a plot where someone goes back into time and tries to change it or prevents its change, well lets say, it kills the plot by putting a plot hole the size of a black hole.
I was never a real fan of the time travel as a script concept simply because if it was possible at all, everybody and anybody would eventually try to go back in time and change things to a more favorable outcome for themselves. Basically if you were able to go back in time, wouldn't you pick the winning lottery ticket numbers? So if you can do that why can't I? The next thing you know, you've got a million winning tickets. Star Trek: Nemesis, gets one gold star for having a plot that does not change time on a clock.
In fact it's pretty good. There are flaws and incongruities especially in regards to the Generations episodes and there is no justification for some of the oversights, but the movie shines where it should. A real attempt was made to develop the villains character Shinzon of Remus, Picard's clone. He isn't just a villain, he is a Picard, an alternate version.
So what's new? Picard embodies the perfect Starfleet officer. But take that uniform off and replace it with tattered clothes and remove that individual form his starship and place him in the deep recesses of a sunless world mined by slaves, tortured by Romulans and you get the picture.
What I think people missed in this movie was the big question, are Picard and the clone so different. Shinzon even asks Picard that in the movie. Could Picard have changed or convinced the clone had he had more time? Could the original Picard in a similar situation become evil? Either way, it is the human element and conflict within each of the Picard's and is what will intrigue an audience and is what I especially liked about this movie.
The special effects are good and really enhance a situation not nearly explored enough in Star Trek, the tactics of starship combat. This and only a few other instances has there been such an emphasis on strategy and tactics in starship combat.
Jean-Luc Picard ( Patrick Stewart) and his clone Shinzon of Remus (Tom Hardy) are both at the top of their game and fluently exercise their Shakespearean acting talents. Especially Hardy, who convinces us that he is Picard's clone, and then convinces us he's nothing like Picard. The Enterprise crew is at their best and Stuart Baird's direction gave Nemesis a movie like feeling rather than TV mini-movie feeling.
In closing, who wants to be an ensign when you can be a captain? In the end Trekers have to realize that Star Trek and its stories are about its captain. It is the captain who gets to say those cool lines like: 'Energize', and 'Fire', 'Divert Warp Power' 'Meet me in my ready room' and Picard's trademark lines 'Make it so!'.
A must see for Sci-Fi buffs and open-minded Trekers.
Now during this era of Star Trek movies they never muddled with the plot killer dimension, time, except one, Star Trek IV: Return Home. All of the other movies where, how would 'Q' put it, linear. Honestly, anything that has a plot where someone goes back into time and tries to change it or prevents its change, well lets say, it kills the plot by putting a plot hole the size of a black hole.
I was never a real fan of the time travel as a script concept simply because if it was possible at all, everybody and anybody would eventually try to go back in time and change things to a more favorable outcome for themselves. Basically if you were able to go back in time, wouldn't you pick the winning lottery ticket numbers? So if you can do that why can't I? The next thing you know, you've got a million winning tickets. Star Trek: Nemesis, gets one gold star for having a plot that does not change time on a clock.
In fact it's pretty good. There are flaws and incongruities especially in regards to the Generations episodes and there is no justification for some of the oversights, but the movie shines where it should. A real attempt was made to develop the villains character Shinzon of Remus, Picard's clone. He isn't just a villain, he is a Picard, an alternate version.
So what's new? Picard embodies the perfect Starfleet officer. But take that uniform off and replace it with tattered clothes and remove that individual form his starship and place him in the deep recesses of a sunless world mined by slaves, tortured by Romulans and you get the picture.
What I think people missed in this movie was the big question, are Picard and the clone so different. Shinzon even asks Picard that in the movie. Could Picard have changed or convinced the clone had he had more time? Could the original Picard in a similar situation become evil? Either way, it is the human element and conflict within each of the Picard's and is what will intrigue an audience and is what I especially liked about this movie.
The special effects are good and really enhance a situation not nearly explored enough in Star Trek, the tactics of starship combat. This and only a few other instances has there been such an emphasis on strategy and tactics in starship combat.
Jean-Luc Picard ( Patrick Stewart) and his clone Shinzon of Remus (Tom Hardy) are both at the top of their game and fluently exercise their Shakespearean acting talents. Especially Hardy, who convinces us that he is Picard's clone, and then convinces us he's nothing like Picard. The Enterprise crew is at their best and Stuart Baird's direction gave Nemesis a movie like feeling rather than TV mini-movie feeling.
In closing, who wants to be an ensign when you can be a captain? In the end Trekers have to realize that Star Trek and its stories are about its captain. It is the captain who gets to say those cool lines like: 'Energize', and 'Fire', 'Divert Warp Power' 'Meet me in my ready room' and Picard's trademark lines 'Make it so!'.
A must see for Sci-Fi buffs and open-minded Trekers.
From a die hard fan...
AtlantaGayBoi14 December 2002
Ok. I'm a die hard fan. No, I don't wear the uniforms, but I have every episode of TNG through Season 5, and will have Season's 6 & 7 by the end of the year (2 more weeks!). I know just about everything there is to know (especially about TNG). So, that being said - I think that Nemesis was INCREDIBLE. I'm tired of hearing all of the complaints about how it did this or failed to live up to that. Come on folks! This was an amazing outing for the TNG cast...much better than any previous incarnation.
Let's examine what it offered: plenty of stuff for the fanboys. Wesley Crusher, Guinan, Janeway (and IMDB credits Dr. Pulaksi? Did anyone see her?)and references to the first mission (Riker remembers his first meeting with Data - on the holodeck, where he was whistling "Pop Goes The Weasel". Extreme action. Excellent special effects (the best to date, in my opinion). New technology - the ATV and new shuttlecraft & the Scimitar, and newly designed Romulan Warbirds. And also some very major events: the death of Data, Will & Deanna's wedding, Riker's promotion to Captain, the discovery of B-4, the first appearance of Janeway as an Admiral, first appearance of the Remans, and the allusion to possible peace between the Federation and Romulan Empire. The storyline was solid, and did not lull. And wasn't it great to see Deanna contribute to the success of a mission? What more could you ask for?
Let's examine what it offered: plenty of stuff for the fanboys. Wesley Crusher, Guinan, Janeway (and IMDB credits Dr. Pulaksi? Did anyone see her?)and references to the first mission (Riker remembers his first meeting with Data - on the holodeck, where he was whistling "Pop Goes The Weasel". Extreme action. Excellent special effects (the best to date, in my opinion). New technology - the ATV and new shuttlecraft & the Scimitar, and newly designed Romulan Warbirds. And also some very major events: the death of Data, Will & Deanna's wedding, Riker's promotion to Captain, the discovery of B-4, the first appearance of Janeway as an Admiral, first appearance of the Remans, and the allusion to possible peace between the Federation and Romulan Empire. The storyline was solid, and did not lull. And wasn't it great to see Deanna contribute to the success of a mission? What more could you ask for?
The Greatest Star Trek Film That Will Ever Be Made
gavin69428 November 2008
Riker and Troi have been married in the Earth custom and are on the way to Betazed to have their ceremony on Troi's native planet. Along the way, they discover two things: a prototype android that bears a striking resemblance to Data, and a young human warrior who bears a striking resemblance to Picard in his younger days. The ceremonies will have to wait, as the Romulan Empire has been brought to its knees.
Wow. That's the word to describe this one -- wow. I watched "Insurrection" not long ago, and found it to be a decent movie. For the fans who wanted to see the crew travel and explore, it was a nice treat. However, for those who paid to see it in theater... it was a slap in the face. We were treated to nothing we couldn't have seen for free on the average episode of the series. Why bother with a film if you're just going to showcase characters for no reason? "Nemesis" doesn't mess around. The Riker and Troi saga finally enters the next phase. Data's history is explored, and he goes on one of his greatest adventures yet (the "free float" in space scene is awesome). Picard must face himself, the ultimate adversary... this is a film that taps into the characters' personas as much as it gives us action. There's even some romance towards the end... wait for it.
Some of the other characters get sidelined (Worf and LaForge are pretty minor here) and Janeway from "Voyager" is brought in for no good reason. But it works. We are given the characters we want most and a story of the Romulans that was bound to happen. As great of villains as they've been, they've never been discussed to their fullest possibilities. This film changed that, thank goodness.
If you're not a "Trek" fan, this may not be for you. But you probably wouldn't pick it up in the first place if you weren't, would you? If you are a "Trek" fan and haven't seen it yet, you're missing out. "Generations" was good, "First Contact" was good. But this is by far, easily, without a doubt, the best "Next Generation" film that was made... and since I do not believe they'll ever return to the series, it's the film you'll want to remember these characters in... pure brilliance. Brent Spiner, who plays Data and also wrote the screenplay, should be commended -- where was his writing prior to this one? Oh, and Wesley Crusher shows up for about five seconds, too.
Wow. That's the word to describe this one -- wow. I watched "Insurrection" not long ago, and found it to be a decent movie. For the fans who wanted to see the crew travel and explore, it was a nice treat. However, for those who paid to see it in theater... it was a slap in the face. We were treated to nothing we couldn't have seen for free on the average episode of the series. Why bother with a film if you're just going to showcase characters for no reason? "Nemesis" doesn't mess around. The Riker and Troi saga finally enters the next phase. Data's history is explored, and he goes on one of his greatest adventures yet (the "free float" in space scene is awesome). Picard must face himself, the ultimate adversary... this is a film that taps into the characters' personas as much as it gives us action. There's even some romance towards the end... wait for it.
Some of the other characters get sidelined (Worf and LaForge are pretty minor here) and Janeway from "Voyager" is brought in for no good reason. But it works. We are given the characters we want most and a story of the Romulans that was bound to happen. As great of villains as they've been, they've never been discussed to their fullest possibilities. This film changed that, thank goodness.
If you're not a "Trek" fan, this may not be for you. But you probably wouldn't pick it up in the first place if you weren't, would you? If you are a "Trek" fan and haven't seen it yet, you're missing out. "Generations" was good, "First Contact" was good. But this is by far, easily, without a doubt, the best "Next Generation" film that was made... and since I do not believe they'll ever return to the series, it's the film you'll want to remember these characters in... pure brilliance. Brent Spiner, who plays Data and also wrote the screenplay, should be commended -- where was his writing prior to this one? Oh, and Wesley Crusher shows up for about five seconds, too.
Far too Indulgent, with nothing behind it
colinjamesmcdermott11 January 2022
The best sci-fi makes you think. Nemesis leads you down a path that yes you will be thinking of alternate paths in life....
Then pretty much nothing.
It's the movie that Fanflick writers wanted. LOTS OF DATA, lots of Piccard. Clearly the writers of this movie really loved these characters too much. Everyone else takes a back seat. They bring Worf back from DS9 on the flimsiest excuse too do... NOTHING.
They build up a massive threat, people scarier then the Borg to do... not much.
It's corny, it's indulgent. It lacks an ending and a real plot to drive the movie forward. Never committing it has two feet in each way, lacking the realism of First Contact that made that movie great. No humour no nuance.
Turn your brain off and play this at double speed if you have too. Very missable.
Then pretty much nothing.
It's the movie that Fanflick writers wanted. LOTS OF DATA, lots of Piccard. Clearly the writers of this movie really loved these characters too much. Everyone else takes a back seat. They bring Worf back from DS9 on the flimsiest excuse too do... NOTHING.
They build up a massive threat, people scarier then the Borg to do... not much.
It's corny, it's indulgent. It lacks an ending and a real plot to drive the movie forward. Never committing it has two feet in each way, lacking the realism of First Contact that made that movie great. No humour no nuance.
Turn your brain off and play this at double speed if you have too. Very missable.
Mostly same old hat
JKolman11 August 2003
For the most part, this entry into Star Trek lore is old hat. Data has
questions about humanity (I thought we were past that two movies
ago) and the Enterprise has a seemingly dire mission and Earth
is once again held at the whim of a warring race, this time the
Remans.
The Remans, as a race, are impressive to look at, but really just
function as humans with funny heads. Far more interesting is
Tom Hardy as Shinzon. As his illness progresses, he becomes
even more menacing. He is a cool character and the "bond"
between him and Picard is most interesting.
The battle scenes are nothing that we haven't seen on "Voyager"
before. The crash scene is awesome to look at though and rocks
on any surround sound system.
All in all, a mostly forgettable installment with some bright
moments. As evidenced by the DVD, a little too much may have
been left on the cutting room floor, similar to Star Trek V. One
deleted scene in particular, the Captain's chair with seatbelts, was
really good for a chuckle.
7/10.
questions about humanity (I thought we were past that two movies
ago) and the Enterprise has a seemingly dire mission and Earth
is once again held at the whim of a warring race, this time the
Remans.
The Remans, as a race, are impressive to look at, but really just
function as humans with funny heads. Far more interesting is
Tom Hardy as Shinzon. As his illness progresses, he becomes
even more menacing. He is a cool character and the "bond"
between him and Picard is most interesting.
The battle scenes are nothing that we haven't seen on "Voyager"
before. The crash scene is awesome to look at though and rocks
on any surround sound system.
All in all, a mostly forgettable installment with some bright
moments. As evidenced by the DVD, a little too much may have
been left on the cutting room floor, similar to Star Trek V. One
deleted scene in particular, the Captain's chair with seatbelts, was
really good for a chuckle.
7/10.
Interesting Enough
marius_nicolescu29 January 2005
When I saw the title of the SF movie I was gonna see in that afternoon on HBO I didn't think I'll stick to it, it's not that I didn't like the Star Trek series, but I heard only bad things about the motion pictures.
But, I said I'd take a chance. and I really found it to be interesting enough. Jean Luc Picard was exceptional, as always, playing the Capitan of the enterprise, a ship that never seizes to amaze me. Also, very well manufactured special effects, very impressing.
So, I think not even the series made me feel like this motion picture did, that is it was very touching in the end;
Very well-contoured characters, whit deep personalities, and a very nice plot, and great actors also. Still, there could be more, but it's like ten times more than I had expected.
It's 8/10 from me.
But, I said I'd take a chance. and I really found it to be interesting enough. Jean Luc Picard was exceptional, as always, playing the Capitan of the enterprise, a ship that never seizes to amaze me. Also, very well manufactured special effects, very impressing.
So, I think not even the series made me feel like this motion picture did, that is it was very touching in the end;
Very well-contoured characters, whit deep personalities, and a very nice plot, and great actors also. Still, there could be more, but it's like ten times more than I had expected.
It's 8/10 from me.
Hubris Precedes Nemesis
inspectors7124 September 2021
It is the height of hubris to assume that a loyal fan-base will tolerate anything thrown up (and I chose that phrase for a reason) on a screen, no matter how badly written.
Thus, Nemesis.
Except for the royalty of Jerry Goldsmith contributing his talents to the film score, there is nothing in this movie worth my time. I sat through it just so that I could say I understood some of what was going on in the first season of Picard.
One of the reviewers on IMDb titled his review, "And I thought Insurrection was bad . . . " More than anything else, Nemesis is dull, sloppy, and a great reason to reconsider the negativity directed at Star Trek: Enterprise.
Ugh.
Thus, Nemesis.
Except for the royalty of Jerry Goldsmith contributing his talents to the film score, there is nothing in this movie worth my time. I sat through it just so that I could say I understood some of what was going on in the first season of Picard.
One of the reviewers on IMDb titled his review, "And I thought Insurrection was bad . . . " More than anything else, Nemesis is dull, sloppy, and a great reason to reconsider the negativity directed at Star Trek: Enterprise.
Ugh.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
