Picking up the right after “Star Trek Generations” came out in 1994 around the same time “Star Trek: The Next Generation” or TNG for short ended, Paramount Pictures commenced development of a second film focusing on TNG crew with the time travel playing a pivotal role for the Enterprise trying to stop the Borg from conquering Earth an altering the timeline. As a result of Captain Jean-Luc Picard’s encounter with the Borg in the two-part episode, “The Best of Both Worlds,” he can sense their presence. With time running out, he and his crew will do whatever they take to prevent the Borg from achieving their goal.
Released in 1996, (same year Jamiroquai’s third album Traveling Without Moving came out) “Star Trek First Contact” received positive reviews from critics, fans and movie goers alike. In addition to good reception, it was also a box office hit. TNG related films “Insurrection” & “Nemesis” didn’t top First Contact. Anyway, I have two reasons why I wanna share my thoughts on First Contact.
- Patrick Stewart will reprise his role as Professor X along with some of the OG X-Men cast in the highly anticipated “Avengers: Doomsday.” It’ll be released on December 18, 2026. Approximately a week before Christmas.
- I’m also watching and reviewing the best and worst films of 1996 to celebrate my personal favorite year of cinema.
Logical & Illogical Aspects
Logical: The Cast reprise their roles and they all did an excellent job for their respective performances.
Other Cast Members such as Alfre Woodard, James Cromwell & Neal McDonough all did a decent job for their respective performances.
In addition to playing Riker, Johnathan Frakes also did a solid job directing.
Brannon Braga (Star Trek: Voyager) & Ronald D. Moore (Battlestar Galactica 2004, For All Mankind) co-wrote the script.
Rick Berman served as a producer.
Fun Facts
- Tom Hanks (a Trekkie) was rumored to play Cochrane. Paramount confirmed an A-Lister like Mr. Hanks would’ve overshadowed the cast. So, they handpicked character actor, James Cromwell.
- This isn’t the last time Steppenwolf’s “Magic Carpet Ride” is used in a movie involving time travel. “Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me” ring any bells?
- Patrick Stewart, Alfred Woodard & Neal McDonough later played Marvel characters, Professor X, Mariah Dillard & Dum Dum Dugan.
Random Thoughts
- Even though I’m not Star Trek aficionado, I some of the films. I consider First Contact as my favorite with the TNG cast.
- I watched most of the Star Trek film on DVD growing up.
- My favorite Enterprise crew member is probably Worf. When I was a kid, I didn’t realize Michael Dorn voiced Weasel from “I Am Weasel” on Cartoon Network. He’s also Battle Beast from “Invincible.”
Action Sequences are pretty good.
Jerry Goldsmith (Alien, Total Recall, L.A. Confidential) orchestrated the soundtrack.
Practical and Visual Effects were heavily involved. A nice blend of both.
Costumes and Set Pieces were manually crafted by decorators.
Prosthetic Makeup transformed the cast including Michael Dorn & Brent Spiner as their characters, Worf & Data.
Sound Effects are spot-on.
According to Mr. Frakes mentioned “Alien,” “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” & “Jaws” as influences.
Chemistry between Enterprise members, Lily & Cochrane serves as the main highlight.
Pacing felt stable. I was hooked without looking at the clock.
“Moby Dick” is alluded regarding Picard and the Borg.
Callbacks to the two-part episode, The Best of Both Worlds.
Primary Themes are Teamwork, Trauma, Loyalty & Respect. Each one’s handled maturely.
Character Development involving Picard. As the film progresses, he refrains from going full-on Rambo towards the Borg and act like a leader to his Enterprise crew.
Lily & Cochrane were interesting. The latter made an appearance on an episode of “Star Trek: The Original Series. It’s titled, “Metamorphosis.”
Joe Dante’s frequent collaborator, Robert Picardo makes a cameo appearance as The Doctor from “Star Trek: Voyager.”
Illogical: The final battle with the Borg Queen felt anticlimactic. Pales in comparison to one of my all-time favorite movies, “Independence Day.”
The Final Verdict: A-
Despite one drawback, I thought Star Trek: First Contact kept me entertained. The only good TNG film. Generations, Insurrection & Nemesis were duds. If you’re new to Star Trek, check out TNG show and the films focusing on the Enterprise crew. Which Star Trek TV show or movie should I watch and review next? Please leave a comment.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 