We're now far enough into DS9 that, chronologically, TNG completed its run. So, we're going to take the opportunity to watch the TNG movies, starting with the hybrid "Generations" film that spans TOS and TNG. No overall plotline here--just my thoughts:
- It's clear that Paramount didn't have enough faith that TNG would transfer into movies, so they leaned heavily on the old TOS warhorses for this film. We don't see Picard and Co until 18 minutes in--and doing a goofy holodeck to boot.
- It's also clear that most of the TOS cast wisely skipped this one--only Shatner, Doohan, and Koenig accepted the check. Tuvok (Tim Russ) also manages to get a cameo minus the ears.
- Wouldn't you think the reporters, there for the maiden voyage, should be cleared from the bridge once the real action started?
- Speaking of the bridge--even on the Enterprise-B and even -D, Starfleet hasn't figured out the need for seat belts
- The TV-based Enterprise-D sets don't translate well into film--just more dramatically lit. Again, lack of faith by Paramount translates to minimal investment. Keep in mind that the first TOS film was, at the time, the most expensive film ever made.
- They did add a "stellar cartography" set, though--just an excuse for more CGI.
- Data's "if I only had a heart/magic computer chip" storyline gets old quickly
- At one point, Picard is looking at a "SPACE" photo album--you know it's "SPACE" because the photos have a holographic border. Physical photo albums are out of date today, much less in the 24th century.
- LIke all modern action movies, there's an incredibly complicated "macguffin" that has to be stopped--in this case, a probe that will destroy a populated planet.
- In the grand tradition of Trek films, the Enterprise-D is destroyed in an impressive display of CGI. Don't worry, there's plenty of letters to go.
- I did enjoy the dramatic meeting of Kirk and Picard--and Kirk's unwillingness to leave his dream. In a nice touch, you can just barely see Starfleet china in a cabinet in Kirk's kitchen. We have one of those sets--it's in our china cabinet.
- They also included a horse riding sequence for Shatner, who's an accomplished rider and owner of quarter horses.
- Of course, the real reason Shatner came back was to get a glorious death sequence. I'm sure he was always jealous of Nimoy getting his in TWOK.
ST: First Contact comes up next. Star Trek: Generations is available on Hulu, Netflix, and Amazon.