Star Trek: Insurrection

The least of the four Next Generation films, but has its highlights Released in 1998 and directed by Jonathan Frakes, "Star Trek: Insurrection" is the third Star Trek film featuring the Next Generation cast and ninth overall. The plot revolves around a serene alien race, the Ba'ku, whose planet offers regenerative radiation and therefore extremely long lifespans; moreover, they live in harmony with their environment and reject advanced technology. With the aid of an alien race called the Son'a, the Federation secretly (deceptively) researches the Ba'ku culture, but the Son'a intend to take the planet for themselves and others who secretly want to regenerate their bodies (i.e. drink of the 'Fountain of Youth'). The problem is that Captain Picard and the Enterprise-E crew are loyal to the Prime Directive. The plot is good with some interesting ideas, like the paradisal planet where immortality is nigh reality and the innate desire for regeneration and eternal life. I like the new black Federation uniforms and the cast is as likable as ever. Unfortunately, something prevents the movie from soaring. It's decent and sometimes thought-provoking; it's just underwhelming with some bits falling flat. I like it but, for me, it’s the least of the four TNG films. The film runs 103 minutes and was shot in California at Convict Lake, Mammoth Lakes Park; San Gabriel Dam, Angeles National Forest; Lake Sherwood; Bishop; and Paramount Studios, Los Angeles. GRADE: B-

I just never warmed to the "Next Generation" crew and here they did little to improve that feeling. It all begins with the most annoying of them all - the android "Data" (Brent Spiner) going a bit rogue in an ostensibly peaceful, and tech-free, settlement. What's afoot? Well after a space-chase and some Gilbert and Sullivan we discover that the Federation and the smooth-skinned "Son'a" have joined forces to capitalise on some curative radiation that emanates from the planet. Thing is, by harnessing this phenomena they will render the place uninhabitable - so what to do with the locals (all 600 of them)? It seems our singing "Data" has cottoned on to this and it isn't long before "Picard" (Patrick Stewart) and the rest of his charm-free crew are en route to save the day. It picks up slightly for the last twenty minutes which at least gives us some phaser action, but otherwise it's all pretty turgid and dialogue heavy. The Captain manages a little bit of frankly rather cloying love interest with Donna Murphy's "Anij" and there is the obligatory child with his small creature too. F. Murray Abraham and Anthony Zerbe tried their best as the conspiring powers-that-be, but there is simply no jeopardy here at all. Messrs. Shatner et al had charisma - even if their stories were often just as weak, but this shower lack that on-screen presence and the (not so) subliminal pontificating just got on my nerves. At just under 1¾ hours it looks like a two-part episode from the series and no amount of Viagra is going to get this insurrection going, sorry.