In the late 23rd century, retired Starfleet officers James T. Kirk, Scotty, and Chekov are guests of honour aboard the newly-christened U.S.S. Enterprise-B. However, her maiden voyage takes an unexpected turn when the starship encounters two vessels trapped inside the Nexus, a mysterious energy ribbon. During a perilous rescue, Kirk sacrifices himself in a heroic attempt to save the lives of the passengers. Seventy-eight years later, Captain Jean-Luc Picard and the Enterprise-D crew encounter Dr. Soran, a renegade scientist who plans to harness the power of the Nexus at the cost of millions of lives. Picard's only hope for the future now rests within the Nexus, and a legendary Captain from the past. Following swiftly on from the hit show Star Trek: The Next Generation (TV Series 1987-1994), the crew take a big leap onto the big screen in their first motion picture that, quite honestly, ended up being a mixed bag. I am very on the fence with it as there is a lot I liked, but some choices just felt off. I was sadly left disappointed by this film, not to say it was a total disgrace but it was not what I was hoping. We open with the Enterprise-B being overseen by Kirk and other returning OG cast that felt just like the previous movies. Despite that, I actually would have preferred not to have had any connection with the OG series as I felt they had a perfect ending in Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991). I know this film was meant as a passing of the torch between old and new in the cinematic arena but I think they had already well established themselves without the need for such. Considering the movie was filmed directly after the series ended everything featured in the serials was transitioned over with sets of the Enterprise interior, the crew's uniforms (that faze in and out with the DS9 uniforms) as well as some of the crew's quarters. One aspect of the ship that got an overhaul was the holodeck in a fantastic opening sequence of the crew aboard the 19th century brig, H.M.S. Enterprise at sea. Donning sailors attire, they partake in a ceremony for Worf's promotion to Lt. Comdr. that was a delightful sequence. Seeing them all laughing and having a good time (except of course Data) was pure entertainment. This event also spurs Data to try the emotion chip he recovered in the episode 'Descent, Part II', which he never used on account of being damaged. It leads to some interesting reactions of Data experiencing new emotions which were a mix of being outright hilarious to a little annoying. My favourite moment from this subplot was his life-form song. It was so random that I loved it. Each member of the crew is a continued delight. Even if some don't get much to do (Dr. Crusher). I was most captivated by Picard, who was a highlight when he wasn't being overshadowed by Kirk. Even Guinan has some time to shine and is a wonderful addition, being a recurring character of the show. Other characters from the series, the Duras sisters (rival Klingons), join forces with the villain, Dr. Soran who, unfortunately, falls flat as the main adversary. He's okay but nothing special and can be a bit forgetful. Skip past the red for spoilers. *Spoilers* During a space battle against the Klingons, the Enterprise takes a lot of damage and is forced to separate its saucer as the warp core explodes sending the saucer on a collision course with the planet. Watching yet another Enterprise fall was a sad sight but an epic and iconic sequence as it plummets, not slowing down as it rams the ground. A defining moment, that saw the end of a beloved vessel from the long-running show. Also, worst of all, was the death of Kirk. Frankly, I don't like the fact they killed him off as I loved the ending of VI and seeing him die alone without his friends was just upsetting and felt unwarranted. Overall, whilst I think Generations is an underrated movie in the franchise, though not the best with some bizarre choices that felt like a last-second idea. It does also manage to deliver some iconic scenes that are some of the finest in Star Trek. It may not be the best but it is far from being the worst. Check out the next exciting outing in Star Trek: First Contact (1996) that raises the stakes in a personal battle with the Borg.
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