Star Trek: First Contact (5 Stars)

"Star Trek: First Contact" is arguably the finest entry in the film series, and certainly a considerable improvement on "Generations". It has a strong story, plenty of action and, most importantly, some excellent performances.

Patrick Stewart is once again the heart of the film as Captain Picard. His personal history with the Borg gives the story an emotional intensity that goes well beyond the usual battle between good and evil. Picard's hatred of his former captors threatens to overwhelm his judgement, and his confrontations with Lily are among the film's best moments.

Then there's Alice Krige as the Borg Queen. The Borg have always struck me as rather uninteresting antagonists, something of a cross between the Daleks and the Cybermen, but without the appeal of either. The Queen changes that completely. Krige gives the Borg a personality they previously lacked, and her extraordinary relationship with Data is one of the film's most fascinating aspects. There's something distinctly seductive about their exchanges, making the Queen simultaneously attractive and terrifying.

Brent Spiner is excellent as Data, as usual, but the biggest surprise for me is James Cromwell as Zefram Cochrane. Whoever thought of casting him deserves a medal. Cochrane is supposed to be a great historical figure, responsible for humanity's first warp flight, but Cromwell plays him as an unremarkable, rather disreputable man with more interest in money and alcohol than his place in history. He's absolutely wonderful. Artistic licence has made him considerably older than the character is supposed to be, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

The story itself is exciting, balancing the battle aboard the Enterprise with Cochrane's attempts to complete his historic flight on Earth. The humour is well judged, and the eventual first contact with the Vulcans provides a satisfying conclusion.

"Star Trek: First Contact" is entertaining, occasionally moving and blessed with three particularly memorable performances. It also gives the Borg a much-needed new dimension.

A thoroughly enjoyable film, and one of the highlights of the Star Trek franchise.

I'm aware that I've repeated a lot of what I wrote in my last review. I hope the inclusion of the lobby cards will make up for it.

"Resistance is futile".

Success Rate:  + 1.2

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