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New Star Trek film aims for the gut, not just the head
November 23, 1996
Web posted at: 8:00 a.m. ESTFrom Correspondent Dennis Michael
HOLLYWOOD (CNN) -- The first Star Trek movie with exclusively the "Next Generation" cast is now on theater screens around the country, and long-time fans may be in for a surprise.
Critics have hailed "Star Trek: First Contact" as the best of all films in the series
( 1.8 MB / 46 sec. "Star Trek: First Contact" )
"Star Trek-First Contact" contains none of the politically correct, environmentally conscious, intellectual discussions of previous Star Trek movies. Rather, it is designed to stimulate the adrenal glands as well as the brain.
"I think in light of the way Roddenberry always envisioned Star Trek, which was a very non-violent, non aggressive offering, it is a real departure in that regard," said Jonathan Frakes, the film's director who also plays Commander Will Riker.
It may be different from what has boldly gone before, but that was a must for survival of the franchise.
"If there are ever going to be any other Star Trek movies after this one, this needs to be really good," said actor Le Var Burton, known in the film as Geordi La Forge. "This needs to be -- if not a home run -- at least a triple."
So far Frakes is winning plaudits for his role as director, at least from his fellow castmembers. "Jonathan was an authentic director the first day he walked onto the set," said Patrick Stewart, who plays Captain Jean Luc Picard. "His work on this has been absolutely outstanding."
Added Brent Spiner, who plays Commander Data: "He really was on top of all of us on performance, and adjusted things, and gave us great notes."
"Star Trek-First Contact" shows the latest grappling between the human race and the Borg. This not only produces more action than all the previous films put together, but unexpected sensuality between Data and Alice Krige as the sinister Borg Queen.
"It's dark and yet it never loses its sense of potential," said Frakes. "It's sexual. There is still humor in it."
Critics have hailed Star Trek-First Contact as the best of all the films in the series, but the final vote will be up to audiences.
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