Viaje a las estrellas: Insurrección

Though often reviewed as a typical "odd numbered" Star Trek movie (for some reason, the even numbered movies in the series have performed much better than the even numbers), Star Trek: Insurrection is actually a rather strong forte into the Trek universe.

The conflict of this film works on two levels: First, there is the conflict between two races of people (a plot point as old as time but one that, if done right, can be quite effective). Second, there is the conflict between Captain Jean-Luc Picard (and thus his crew) against upper-ranking Federation officials, who want to violate the sacred Prime Directive of the universe. Both of those areas of conflict, acting simultaneously throughout the movie, are surprisingly effective and compelling.

Besides the effectiveness of the main plot, however, this film also (much like the previous First Contact film) contains some interesting and humorous character development. While trying to rescue a persecuted race of people, the crew of the Enterprise investigates a planet on which the effects of aging are reversed. Thus, while the android Data is unaffected, other characters are taken on an interesting hormonal journey: Worf begins acting like a typical (violent!) Klingon youth, Crusher and Troi notice certain, um, body parts firming up, and Geordi LaForge regains the use of his natural eyes.

To conclude, Star Trek: Insurrection, while generally regarded as a sub-par effort, actually breaks the "odd-bad, even-good" chain of Star Trek movies. If you are new to the Star Trek universe and are interested in this movie, I would recommend watching the previous film, First Contact, in order to get a better handle on the Next Generation characters before watching this film. If you thoroughly enjoyed First Contact, this movie (with its action/adventure combined with great human drama and humor) will not disappoint you.

Insurrection features a wonderful score during the opening sequence and throughout. This added to my enjoyment of the film. I have to admit, the battle sequence between the Enterprise and the S'ona ships is too fast, poorly edited and unimpressive. Overall, however, I enjoyed the performances from Stewart and Donna Murphy and the light-hearted tone of the film. While not in the same league as First Contact, Insurrection is a satisfying Sci-Fi film which feels more like a good tv episode (with great cinematography). Don't expect FC and you'll do fine with this movie.

Data is on a remote planet as part of an covert exploration mission when he malfunctions, attacks his colleagues and exposes the mission to the small group of natives on the planet. The Enterprise is called in to help capture him and, when they do, they find that he was protecting the inhabitants for some reason. Picard investigates and uncovers a plot between members of the Federation and the aging Son'a's to move the Ba'Ku off the planet and harvest it's age defying effects for themselves.

While it is 100% fact that the odd numbered Star Trek films are not as good as the even numbers, this film will not help to dispel the theory. While not the worst Star Trek film, it does have plenty of problems that stops it being better than it should be. The main weakness is the plot which, at the start, is morally difficult. I mean – why wouldn't it make sense to move the Ba'ku and allow them to share the power of the planet with many millions of others and not just keep 500 alive forever? This is nicely forgotten when the film decides it needs a bad guy and gives things over to the Son'a – a good move in terms of creating a more action packed climax but a poor move in terms of plot logic. The action is so-so allowing for battles in space and on the planet, but it is not as dramatic as I hoped with the planet based stuff taking away from the film and not being as dramatic as it could have been.

The script does allow some witty moments but too often the dialogue is a bit ponderous, and there are no great lines or really memorable spells of dialogue or interaction. The romance between Picard and Anij is a bit of a distraction, as is the stuff between Riker and Troy – points of the film feel a bit more like a space soap/romance rather than sci-fi as I think of it.

The cast are average. Most have the odd good line or scene but really the majority of the group do not have much to do. Stewart has the lion's share of the film, despite the romance slowing things down. Frakes has some good scenes but is a far second, seeming happy to direct. Abraham does an OK baddie and the rest of the Enterprise cast basically do what they are accustom to doing weekly and they don't really rise to the film occasion.

Overall this is an average film and keeps the trend of `even good, odd not so good' Star Trek films going nicely. The holes in the plot are a bit of a pain no matter how hard I tried to ignore them – it would have been nice if the debate hadn't been side tracked by a more traditional plot.

If you are a Star Trek fan( of which i am) you will not be disappointed by Insurrection. The story is good and the acting is up to it's high standards the only let downs are the lack of any real great special affects and the lame enemies. I would not say this is as good as first contact but never the less well worth watching. 7 out of 10

Don't let some of the bad reviews for this film put you off watching it. I finally got around to watching it last week and I must say that It was no where near as bad as what some people have said about it. In-fact I thought it was pretty good. It's not the best Star Trek film but it's not the worst either. Some people have criticized it by saying that it looks like an extended television episode- All the films except 'the motion picture' have - what's the point of changing the television look and feel when it is so good? The one time they did try to change it from the episode feel (the motion picture) it was crap. Come on people, this is Star Trek - what were you expecting - this was not meant to be another Shawshank Redemption. I like this film so I'm going to give it 8 out of 10 because I don't care what other people say.