Flawed, but surprisingly worthwhile.
I first became a fan of "Star Trek" in the late 1990s, so this sci-fi action movie was
the first of the series I saw in theaters, a month after its December 2002 release.
I still have the ticket stub!
Unfortunately, not many others did, as "Nemesis" earned only $6 million more than its $60 million
dollar budget - making it the lowest grossing entry in franchise.
In fact, this box office disappointment all but sank the struggling series - until a completely
overhauled reboot was produced in 2009.
But, more on that next week.
When the Enterprise is baited into a Roluman civil war, they're shocked to discover a clone
of Captain Picard is behind it all.
From the dumb-looking backwards letters in of the opening title until the thirty-minute
mark, there's no real conflict for our heroes.
And when there is, it's because - yet again - the Enterprise is the "closest ship in range".
Are they seriously still using this tired excuse?
Is it so hard to come up with a more convincing reason this particular crew were required
for this particular mission?
Like, I don't know, "The dangerous Romulan who just assassinated the Senate also happens
to be your long-lost clone, so we thought maybe you'd like first dibs on the assignment."
Come on, it's easy.
Picard is portrayed for the final time by Patrick Stewart, who, despite taking a salary
cut to keep the budget under control, reportedly made as much money working on this film as
he during for his entire 7-year-run on the TV series.
He is afforded some really meaty dialogue and introspective scenes in the PG-13 rated
film, and as you'd expect, completely nails his performance.
Something that was no doubt second nature to the seasoned actor by then.
A yet unknown Tom Hardy is compelling as his evil, and younger doppelganger.
But, if we're being fair, Picard's true 'nemesis' was John DeLancie's "Q" - who never had the
opportunity to appear in any of the films.
Hardy though demonstrates an uncompromising desire for domination - a stark contrast to
Stewart's refined and diplomatic portrayal.
Which is necessary, as it raises interesting theories and ideas about the possibilities
of life.
Here we have the exact same person, whose vastly different histories and hardships molded
them into completely separate individuals.
To that end, Hardy remarks, "If you had lived my life and experienced the suffering of my
people you'd be standing where I am."
It's a chilling, and undeniably sound hypothesis.
As a reasonably privileged white-male who grew up in an affluent east-coast city, it
made me wonder; what if I was raised in a third-world country, or even just went to
school in a state that wasn't ranked #1 in education?
How much different would my life be?
What combination of factors might cause me to turn to violence or crime?
It's certainly a fascinating thought-experiment worth exploring... but to attribute all of
its academic merits to "Star Trek: Nemesis" is probably giving the film too much credit.
So let's move on.
The rest of the TNG cast return as well, there's even a non-speaking cameo from Wil Wheaton
and an expositional appearance from "Voyager" star Kate Mulgrew.
But director Stuart Baird's lack of familiarly with the franchise is evident, as few players
besides Patrick Stewart or Brent Spiner are given anything significant to do.
In addition to "US Marshals" and "Executive Decision", (both of which we've also reviewed
here on the show) this PG-13 rated adventure would be the third and final film for Baird
- as he returned to a career in editing afterwards - which was probably for the best, as his
editing resume is far more impressive.
During the film's bigger moments and twists, there's undeniable shades of "The Wrath Of
Khan", but strictly speaking the story remains mostly original...
even if the thread involving Data's long-lost brother feels particularly familiar.
A lengthy mid-act space battle that pits man against clone might honestly be the best in
the series; it's a fast and ferocious mix of phaser volleys
and exploding torpedoes.
But an early off-roading sequence is as silly as it is unnecessary.
It's nothing but a thinly-veiled excuse to shoehorn a car-chase into a "Trek" film.
A technique Paramount tried again for "Star Trek: Beyond" with similarly eye-rolling results.
Excluding the rejected score he'd create for the time-travel film "Timeless" the following
year, this picture would be the penultimate effort for famed composer Jerry Goldsmith.
The use of high-pitched strings throughout the tense conversations seem more befitting
a contained horror film rather than a space opera.
But when the moment calls for it, and the classic "Star Trek" theme swells to full volume,
there's really nothing else like it.
For example, the 116-minute film is capped off with a finite, yet optimistic emotional
epilogue... as the opening drumbeats of the theme steadily grow faster and louder.
Chronologically speaking, this is the last substantive look fans ever got into the universe
Gene Roddenberry created all those years ago.
And since the upcoming "Star Trek: Discovery" show is yet another prequel, this distinction
is likely to remain for the foreseeable future.
So, for that reason, and perhaps that reason only - fans will want to check this picture
out, at least once anyway.
Let's see what you had to say about the tenth 'Trek' film.
Once it gets going "Star Trek: Nemesis" has excellent action, but remains decidedly unambitious.
We both thought it was a GOOD movie.
That does it for this quick excerpt - but if you'd like to watch full episodes of "Movie
Night", and submit your own reviews to be included on the show, please visit the Jogwheel
YouTube channel.
My name is Jonathan Paula, thanks for watching and have a good Movie Night!