The Borg have returned and are invading Earth's galaxy, resulting in a major battle with Starfleet. The newly-commissioned U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-E, commanded by Captain Jean-Luc Picard, is ordered away from the action as Starfleet command fears that Pickard's previous assimilation by the Borg will affect his judgement. Once it is clear that Starfleet is losing the battle, Pickard disobeys orders and arrives in the nick of time. The Enterprise manages to save the Earth from destruction but it is soon apparent that the Borg do not intend to destroy Earth but change the course of its history. Following on from the mixed bag, Star Trek: Generations (1994), we are treated to one of the finest films in the Star Trek picture line-up. Not only that but it is regarded as (and I am inclined to agree) the best movie featuring the Next Generation cast. Looking back at the series one of the most renowned aspects was the terrifying villains, the Borg and choosing them as the main focus of this epic was simply genius. The Borg were a formidable opponent who bested even the crew of the Enterprise on many occasions, especially Picard in a fatal encounter in the two-parter, 'The Best of Both Worlds'. Picard would be assimilated into Locutus of Borg but was thankfully reverted, at the cost of leaving trauma, which this film digs back up in a personal battle. The movie throws us into the action with the Borg's vessel targetting Earth and the Federation in a gigantic space battle. Here, we get a first look at the new Enterprise-E in action, and I have to say I love the design of this iteration, both inside and out. It just looks awesome and is up there as one of my all-time favourites. The entire space battle is incredible too, with both sides taking a beating. The Federation overcomes them with the aid of Picard's extensive knowledge. However, a Borg sphere manages to escape using time travel to go back to 2063, in an attempt to prevent Earth's first contact with other species. Unbeknownst to them, the Enterprise follows and it becomes a fight to protect Zefram Cochrane, who will make the first leap into a bigger galaxy. The crew split up, with some staying down on Earth to aid Zefram in completing his work in time for first contact whilst the rest stay aboard the Enterprise which the Borg have infiltrated, taking over the crew. Joining the adventure is Lily Sloane who works with Picard acting as a good foil for his outbursts against the Borg being from a different time and not knowing the situation fully. It was phenomenal getting two stories wrapped up into one but, my favourite time was spent on the Enterprise where fights are breaking out in corridors, space walks outside to more battles and a fantastic bit of deception in the holodeck. The holodeck was easily a highlight with Picard creating a 1930s nightclub where he dances with Lily to blend in before acquiring a Tommy gun and going full action hero on the opposing Borg. It is incredible! Picard doesn't mess around in this film either, from killing the converted crew without remorse. He takes the matter very seriously but also shows signs of seeking revenge. Noticeable changes have been made to some of the main characters from Geordi finally losing the visor in favour of implants and Data mastering his emotion chip, being able to turn it on and off at will. It made for some nice growth for these characters. Alongside the main cast, the character Lt. Barclay makes an appearance, which was superb as he was a recurring member of the series I adored. We get a new addition to the antagonists in the form of the Borg queen, who is a strange, seductive and terrifying entity that is a formidable foe who even takes Data hostage, experimenting on him, giving him the choice of finally becoming human. Overall, First Contact is an exceptional entry in the movie franchise and NG stories that throws so much explosive action and adventure at you from the get-go. It manages to balance so many emotions and cleverly jump from comedy to weighty scenes whilst keeping it flowing. A perfect piece of science fiction for fans and general movie-goers, with some time travel to boot. Also, check out the sequel Star Trek: Insurrection (1998).
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