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by Jim Pappas Published: December 10, 2002
 ”The Romulan Senate Chamber.” “Star Trek: Nemesis” is the latest feature film in Paramount’s venerable film series that has migrated from the cast of the original TV series to the now aging cast of it’s progeny, “Star Trek: The Next Generation.” In it, a somewhat tired seeming Patrick Stewart is again Captain Jean Luc Picard, and the rest of the cast from The Next Generation series is present in their respective roles as well. What unfolds on the screen is a kind of action-packed character study that features a strong performance by Tom Hardy as Shinzon, the new praetor of the Romulan Empire who approaches the Earth and human led United Federation of Planets with an offer of peace, and a desire to meet a representative of the Federation for discussions that might lead to an ending of centuries old conflict between the two interstellar empires. The Federation turns to none other than Captain Picard to be the delegate to go to Romulus and meet Shinzon. This is arranged by a subspace communication between Admiral Janeway (Voyager’s Kate Mulgrew) and Picard immediately following a wedding reception being held aboard the Enterprise. Without giving too much away, the negotiations are not what Picard was hoping for and a conflict erupts. This is where the action part of the film comes in, and exciting they are. There are several scenes reminiscent of “Star Wars,” as well as paid homage to prior Star Trek films and the TV shows by a few clever moments intermingled with other story elements such that a fan of the show will recognize references to earlier Star Trek moments, themes and story lines. The character study aspect of the film is represented by the interaction between Shinzon and Captain Picard. Unfortunately, where Tom Hardy plays his role with passion, Patrick Stewart just seems tired, and somewhat giddy. However, the interplay between the two does possess it’s own relevance and adds depth and texture to the proceedings. The screenplay is by John Logan, with Rick Berman and Brent Spiner (Data) as co-story writers. The film’s story moves quickly, and very little time is wasted on extraneous plot elements. The direction is by Stuart Baird, who directed U.S. Marshalls, and was an editor on such movies as “Superman”, “Lethal Weapon, “ and “Die Hard 2: Die Harder.” With such an action pedigree, Baird is able to bring life to the action sequences, many set in space. There are weaknesses present too. The most obvious ones are in the not very satisfactory explanation of how Shinzon rises to praetor from humble beginnings on the planet of Remus, the sister world to Romulus whose denizens are forced to live on the dark side of the planet due to its orbit about its sun. These people are considered outcasts and second class citizens by the people of Romulus, so there is a natural mutual animosity. There are shocking moments in Nemesis, such that long time fans will definitely be surprised. I can’t say any more about that, but don’t say you weren’t warned! Jerry Goldsmith turns in a solid job with his score for the film, as it adds an air of seriousness to what could have been missed with a lesser effort, and the sound editing and cinematography are first rate, with much of the movie set in space. The following cast members from “The Next Generation” TV series are present: Michael Dorn as Worf; Brent Spiner, Data; Marina Sirtis as Troi; Jonathon Frakes as Will Riker; Levar Burton, Geordi; Gates McFadden, Dr. Crusher; and there are cameos by Wil Wheaton (Wesley Crusher) and Whoopi Goldberg (Guinan). Dina Meyer plays a Romulan starship Captain named Donatra, with Ron Perlman as Shinzon’s Viceroy, and Shannon Cochran as Senator Tal’aura. And of course, Majel Barret Roddenberry is the now beloved computer voice of the Starship Enterprise. I give this movie a solid B. |
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