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Ive
never really got Star Trek, and to be honest I still havent!
For despite Nemesis being the tenth movie in the series and not
withstanding the fact that its a great action film, I had to have
Trekkie (sorry - fan!) Luke
Ashmead there to explain to me what the hell was going on!
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must be a baddie |
On
the way there I felt quite confident. Because even though I had
never been a fan, Star Trek is part of popular culture. We all know
the familiar phrases, and the characters have been satirised and
spoofed for years. I was even quite looking forward to it. But soon
my heart sank.
"Leonard
Nimoy must be getting on a bit now" I offered, trying to look
like I knew what I was talking about, only to be informed to my
horror that Dr Spock wasnt in it any more and worse - there
was no more Captain Kirk and the Klingons were no longer the enemy.
In fact, one was even on the staff of the Enterprise.
It
was Star Trek alright - but not as I knew it.
With
a heavy heart, I took my seat. Things started to look up when they
started off in romantic comedy stylee with a nice wedding of two
characters who I was told were called Riker and Troi.
But
of course this wasn’t going to last because the Enterprise crew
were suddenly (and obviously) diverted on an unexpected diplomatic
mission to a planet called Romulus, whose residents were apparently
long time enemies of the ‘Federation’.
It
took about half an hour for me to work out that Romulans wanted
to negotiate unity in the galaxy and another 30 minutes to realise
that they didn’t.
Because
eventually Picard meets his nemesis, who could not only be his most
dangerous enemy yet, but whose actions could also lead to the destruction
of Earth. Of course! Isn't the Earth always in danger in Star Trek?!
It
turns out that in the past, Picard was cloned with stolen DNA, but
this clone, known as Shinzon was left on another planet called Remus
when the plan was abandoned. Years later, this clone escapes and
becomes the first human ruler of the Romulan empire! With me so
far?
The
already creaking plot (the bits that I understood anyway!) got increasingly
shakier because Picard's clone actually doesn't look much like him!
Although this is explained away by a story of his experiencing serious
facial injury in the past.
So
let the battle commence.
And
thats about the gist of it really except to say that in the
ensuing all action part of the film there are some superb special
effects and an ending that will surprise true fans.
These
real fans, with their knowledge of all the previous films and endless
TV series and spin-offs will, I'm sure, be able to discuss the good
and bad points at length, and enjoy doing so. (See
Lukes's review >>)
For
the uninitiated, as a stand alone film it's OK if you like explosions
and fights, but if not, and you don't want to endure endless stretches
of meaningless conversation, I'd seriously suggest doing some research
first.
Oh
yes, I nearly forgot - there is also the customary message, in this
case we learn what it is that separates the human from the android.
Something about free will and the desire for self-improvement. To
all involved with Star Trek - please take note if you ever do another
one!
Read
a Trekkie view >>
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