Collection ID 1728
Director: David Carson
Starring: Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, Brent Spiner, LeVar Burton, Michael Dorn
Genre: Action, Adventure, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Studio: Paramount Pictures   Release date: 1994   Rated: PG   
Language (Country): English, Klingon (USA)
Summary: In the late twenty-third century, the gala maiden voyage of the newly-christened U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-B boasts such luminaries as Pavel Chekov, Montgomery Scott, and the legendary Captain James T. Kirk as guests. But her maiden voyage turns into a disaster as the unprepared starship is forced to rescue two transport ships from a mysterious energy ribbon. The Enterprise manages to save a handful of the ships' passengers and barely succeeds out intact, but at the cost of Captain Kirk's life. Seventy-eight years later, Captain Jean-Luc Picard and the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D crew find themselves at odds with renegade scientist Dr. Tolian Soran, who is destroying entire star systems. Only one man can help Picard stop Soran's scheme, and he has been dead for seventy-eight years.
My Rating:
My Review: In September of 2020, I purchased a 10 movie bundle from Apple (using my AppleTV). This 10 movie collection included the first 10 Star Trek movies. These movies were all produced before the ‘re-imagining’ in 2009. The first six are Original Series films (1979-1991), followed by four Next Generation films (1994-2002). The bundle does not include any movies from the Kelvin time line. This Star Trek represents the transition between 'The Original Series' and the 'Next Generation' era. The crew/cast of two generations are included in this movie. The writing credits include Gene Roddenberry (creator of the Star Trek universe), with 'Story' credits to Rick Berman, Ronald D. Moore, and Brannon Braga. Ronald D. Moore and Brannon Braga are credited with the screen play. David Carson (Primarily directs TV shows, including Next Generation and Deep Space Nine) takes the helm to direct this movie. The movie stars the usual cast: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, James Doohan, George Takei, Walter Koenig, Nichelle Nichols, and others. In addition to the original crew of the Enterprise, we also note the addition of the crew of the Next Generation: Patrick Steward (as Captain Picard), Jonathan Frakes (as first officer William Riker), Brent Spiner (as the Android science officer Data), LeVar Burton (as chief engineer Geordi), Michael Dorn (as the Klingon weapons officer Worf), Gates McFadden (as Dr. Beverly Crusher), Marina Sirtis (as the Betazoid (alien race) ships counselor Deanna Troi). Additional cast members include: Malcolm McDowell (as the El Aurian (alien race) bad guy/Soran), Alan Ruck (as the ineffective junior Starfleet officer Capt. Harriman), Jaqueline Kim (as Sulu's daughter, weapons officer Demora), Gwynyth Walsh (as B'Etor, one of the Klingon bad guys), Barbara March (as Lursa, one of the Klingon bad guys), Whoopi Goldberg (as an El Aurian (alien race) suvivor and the enigmatic bartender from Star Trek Next Generation series, Guinan - For some reason, she wasn't credited in the movie). In my opinion, this large cast detracted somewhat from the story. There were too many characters for one movie. The story involves the survivors of an encounter with an 'Energy Ribbon'. The newly-christened USS Enterprise (NCC-1701B) is diverted to rescue two ships in distress. The ships contain several El Aurian pilgrims who are trying to enter 'The Nexus' a place outside of time. They've piloted their spacecraft into this 'Cosmic Ribbon' because it’s a gateway to 'the Nexus'. Kirk takes over as Captain of the Enterprise when the inexperienced Capt Harriman can't manage to give orders. Kirk inexplicably leaves the bridge to control the 'main deflector dish', which results in him saving the Enterprise (and all hands, including the rescued pilgrims) from destruction by the 'Energy Ribbon'), but ends up killing him. Long live 'The Kirk' - Unfortunately, that not the last we see of Kirk… He's dead now, but the movie 'flashes forward' another 78 years so we can once again encounter the 'Energy Ribbon'. This time it's making it's way through habitable space and one of the El Aurian survivors has concocted a crazy scheme which involves the 'Nuclear Inhibitor' Trilithium. He creates a star-killing weapon, and uses it to alter the course of the 'Energy Ribbon' so he can get back into 'The Nexus'. The crew of the Enterprise D (NCC-1701D) is called upon to investigate a distress call from a stellar observatory. When they arrive, they find that Klingon's have attacked. They were looking for 'Trilithium'. During the investigation, the nearby star is destroyed, and they have to flee. Captain Jean-Luc Picard and crew are thrown into a pursuit of the station's main scientist. They must stop him before he destroys another star and the billions of inhabitants of the star system. In the effort to thwart Dr. Soran, Picard ends up entering the Nexus, finds Kirk, and together the two of them thwart the evil Dr. Tolian Soran, who has destroyed two entire solar systems in his efforts to enter 'The Nexus'. The movie was only two hours long, but it should have been longer. The movie's pace was too quick, and the story too thin. It really should have been two movies (the first one ending with the death of Kirk). I give this movie a 3 out of 5.

Collection ID 1730
Director: Jonathan Frakes
Starring: Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, Brent Spiner, LeVar Burton, Michael Dorn
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Studio: Paramount Pictures   Release date: 1998   Rated: PG   
Language (Country): English (USA)
Summary: While on a mission to observe the peaceful Ba'ku race, Lieutenant Commander Data suddenly behaves as if having to fear for his existence. The immortal Ba'ku, whose planet offers regenerative radiation, and therefore incredible lifespans, live in harmony with nature and reject advanced technology. Their planet and their culture is secretly researched by the Federation associated with an alien race called the Son'a. But the Son'a intend to abduct the Ba'ku in order to take the planet for themselves and for the Starfleet officials who all would like to regenerate their bodies. But they did not think of the loyalty of Captain Jean-Luc Picard and the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-E to the Prime Directive.
My Rating:
My Review: In September of 2020, I purchased a 10 movie bundle from Apple (using my AppleTV). This 10 movie collection included the first 10 Star Trek movies. These movies were all produced before the ‘re-imagining’ in 2009. The first six are Original Series films (1979-1991), followed by four Next Generation films (1994-2002). The bundle does not include any movies from the Kelvin time line. This movie features a morality play, something that Star Trek has always been good at. Thankfully, they did a good job at it. The writing credits include Gene Roddenberry (creator of the Star Trek universe), with 'Story' credits to Rick Berman and Michael Piller. Michael Piller is credited with the screen play. Jonathan Frakes (Plays first officer William Riker in the Next Generation and Deep Space Nine Star Trek series. Also known for directing many other television shows/series) directs this movie. The movie stars the Next Generation cast: Patrick Steward (as Captain Picard), Jonathan Frakes (as first officer William Riker), Brent Spiner (as the Android science officer Data), LeVar Burton (as chief engineer Geordi), Michael Dorn (as the Klingon weapons officer Worf), Gates McFadden (as Dr. Beverly Crusher), Marina Sirtis (as the Betazoid (alien race) ships counselor Deanna Troi). Additional cast members include: F. Murray Abraham (as Ad'har Ru'afo, the Son'a (alien race) commander), Donna Murphy (as Anij, one of the Ba'ku (alien race) residents of a planet named Ba'ku in the 'Briar Patch' a hazardous region of the Alpha Quadrant), Anthony Zerbe (as Mathew Dougherty, the Starfleet Admiral assigned as liaison / in charge of the Son'a mission), Gregg Henry (as Gallatin, the Son'a (alien race) first officer) and others. The movie opens with the Captain Picard and the crew of the Enterprise (NCC-1701E) engaged in a diplomatic mission entertaining some aliens aboard the Enterprise. An urgent message comes in from Star Fleet; apparently, Data has 'gone crazy' and he's attacking Star Fleet officers. Data was assigned to a 'Cultural Observation' mission on the planet 'Ba'ku' in the Briar Patch region of the Alpha Quadrant. Something happened, and now he's taken some scientists hostage. Picard is forced to turn over Data's schematics so that Data can be 'deactivated'. Concerned about this turn of events, Picard puts a swift end to the diplomatic function, and heads out to the Briar Patch. He arrives as Data is attacking federation and Son'a spacecraft. What follows is a conspiracy involving the Son'a and the Federation. It turns out that the Ba'ku planet has properties that extend the life of its inhabitants, and the Federation is conspiring to forcefully remove the inhabitants so it can be turned over to the Son'a. It's a very sophisticated plot and a moral dilemma that Picard and crew must unravel and resolve. The final twist involving the relationship between the Bak'u and the Son'a was very interesting, but it could have been played up a bit more. The movie was extremely well written, acted and directed. The Son'a commander is a truly despicable man, and you fully support Picard's insurrection which opposes the Federation to support the Bak'u inhabitants. Filmed mostly on location at Lake Sherwood, California, there was an enormous set of buildings crafted to represent the Bak'u village. Many mountain scenes were also filmed on location around Lake Sabrina in California's Sierra Nevada mountain range. Aside from these gorgeous location settings, there was also extensive use of CGI. Thankfully it was done right, and it was very difficult to find flaws with the execution of the CGI shoots. The costumes and make-up were also well done. This film was very well produced, scored and directed. I'm really surprised that it didn't garner more awards and praise. I give it a 4 out of 5.

Collection ID 1731
Director: Stuart Baird
Starring: Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, Brent Spiner, LeVar Burton, Michael Dorn
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Studio: Paramount Pictures   Release date: 2002   Rated: PG-13   
Language (Country): English (USA)
Summary: After a joyous wedding between William Riker and Deanna Troi, Captain Picard and the Enterprise crew stumble upon a positronic signature which results in a prototype version of the android Data. Then the Enterprise is invited to Romulus to negotiate a peace treaty with the Romulans by their new leader, Praetor Shinzon. However, Shinzon is revealed to be a clone of Picard who was raised on Remus, a slave planet to the Romulans. Later on, Picard discovers that this peace treaty was nothing more than a set-up on account of the fact that Shinzon needs Picard in order to survive. But little do the Enterprise crew know that Shinzon also plans to do away with the Federation by unleashing a weapon that could destroy a whole planet.
My Rating:
My Review: In September of 2020, I purchased a 10 movie bundle from Apple (using my AppleTV). This 10 movie collection included the first 10 Star Trek movies. These movies were all produced before the ‘re-imagining’ in 2009. The first six are Original Series films (1979-1991), followed by four Next Generation films (1994-2002). The bundle does not include any movies from the Kelvin time line. This is the final movie in that ten movie bundle. Finally it features conflict with the Romulans. The writing credits include Gene Roddenberry (creator of the Star Trek universe), with 'Story' credits to Rick Berman and John Logan and Brint Spiner (plays Data). John Logan is credited with the screen play. Stuart Baird directs this movie. The movie stars the Next Generation cast: Patrick Steward (as Captain Picard), Jonathan Frakes (as first officer William Riker), Brent Spiner (as the Android science officer Data), LeVar Burton (as chief engineer Geordi), Michael Dorn (as the Klingon weapons officer Worf), Gates McFadden (as Dr. Beverly Crusher), Marina Sirtis (as the Betazoid (alien race) ships counselor Deanna Troi). Additional cast members include: Tom Hardy (as Shinzon (the 'Romulan' Praetor/clone of Jean-Luc Picard)), Ron Perlman (Reman (Romulan sub-race) Viceroy to Shinzon), Shannon Cochran (the Romulan Senator Tal'aura), Kate Mulgrew (as Admiral Janeway), Wil Wheaton (as Wesley Crusher - appears (silently) in one scene), and of course as in every Star Trek movie and series (up to this point) - Majel Barret-Roddenberry, as the voice of the Enterprise computer. The movie opens with a coup on the Romulan homeworld. Picard and the crew of the Enterprise (NCC-1701E) are then diverted to Romulus to 'Negotiate a Peace Treaty'. When they get there, they discover that the new Romulan Praetor to be Captain Picard's clone! Shinzon, the new supreme commander (Praetor) of the Romulan Empire, isn't actually a Romulan - He's 'technically' a Reman. The remans are a Romulan 'Slave' race. Reptilian inhabitants of the Romulan twin. Remans are used as slaves and considered inferior to the Romulans. While the Remans are slaves, they're not stupid or slow, they make fierce warriors, and Shinzon became a Reman when he was condemned to a life of forced labor in a Reman dilithium mine. His second/Viceroy took pity on the puny human boy and protected him from the harsher elements as an alien outcast on a slave planet. Somehow Shinzon rose to become a high ranking member of the military, instigated a coup, and is now Praetor of the Romulan Empire. He has decided to put an end to the endless hostilities between Earth and Romulus - NOT! Of course it's a lie. Instead Shinzon wants Picard himself. He needs his blood for a medically necessary transfusion in order to save his own life. Apparently the clone has some weird 'clone disease' that Picard also has, but it's killing the clone… O.k. whatever. When Picard escapes Shinzon's clutches, Shinzon decides to destroy the Earth using a biogenic weapon, if the Enterprise gets in the way then they'll have to die first. The rest of the film is a chase scene followed by Enterprise versus Scimitar in a mega-Star-Ship Battle-Royale. The Romulan war-bird outmatches the Enterprise in every way. It's a beast. The Enterprise will likely need some help. While the movie contains some great character development, it felt abbreviated. The plot falls apart when Shinzon doesn't get his way, and the extensive star-ship chase/combat seems a cheap way out of the plot hole. Technically, it was outstanding, but the story falls apart when the back-up plan is to simply kill Picard and destroy the Enterprise (FYI: About a third of the movie was cut from the cinematic release. I'll have to go back and watch as many of the deleted scenes as I can find. Ron Perlman, hidden under all that make up and prosethetics (as the Praetor's Viceroy), was excellent. The acting by the supporting cast in general was great. The rest of the acting still smelled a bit like one-ups-manship stage acting from the 'William Shatner' school of acting. Part of that feel is created by direction, framing and transitions. I liked the fact that they weren't afraid to actually damage the Enterprise. In the end, this would have made a better 'two-part' television episode, with some additional plot drivers (the missing footage/scenes?). I give this movie a 3 out of 5.

Collection ID 1723
Director: Robert Wise
Starring: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, James Doohan, George Takei
Genre: Adventure, Mystery, Sci-Fi
Studio: Paramount Pictures   Release date: 1979   Rated: G   
Language (Country): English, Klingon (USA)
Summary: A massive alien spacecraft of enormous power destroys three powerful Klingon cruisers as it makes its way towards Federation space. Admiral James T. Kirk is ordered to take command of the USS Enterprise for the first time since her historic five-year mission. The Epsilon IX space station alerts the Federation, but they are also destroyed by the alien spacecraft. The only starship in range is the Enterprise, after undergoing a major overhaul in drydock orbiting Earth. Kirk rounds up the rest of his crew, and acquires some new members, and sets off to intercept the alien spacecraft. However, it has been three years since Kirk last went into deep space - is he up to the task of saving Earth?
My Rating:
My Review: In this first Star Trek movie, Admiral Kirk and crew are recruited to investigate a mysterious 'cloud' of energy moving towards earth. This cloud of energy is actually some strange alien spaceship that has already destroyed three Klingon cruisers on its way towards Federation space. Kirk rounds up members of his old crew, takes command of the Enterprise and the crew heads out to meet the alien force. The alien force takes control of one of the crew (Persis Khambatta playing Ilia) and uses her to communicate with the rest of Kirk's crew. Will the crew of the Enterprise be able to save the Earth from this powerful alien force? While this movie was nominated for three Academy Awards, I consider it one of the weakest Star Trek movies available. Of course it stars the original cast of Star Trek the Original Series: William Shatner as Admiral/Captain Kirk, Leonard Nimoy as Spock, DeForest Kelly as Dr. McCoy, James Doohan as Scotty, George Takei as Sulu, Majel Barrett as Dr. Chapel, Walter Koenig as Chekov, Nichelle Nichols as Uhura, and many others. The story itself is a bit of a re-hash. It's really just one of the episodes from the Original Series. Ref 'The Changeling', episode 3 from the second season of The Original Star-Trek series. The movie moved very slowly, overlayed by great music and visual effects, for the detriment of a story. The pacing was extremely slow and the 'Bad Guy' not very… I enjoyed the nostalgic elements of the movie and the return of my beloved characters, and for that reason I rate this movie a 3 out of 5.

Collection ID 551
Director: George Lucas
Starring: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Peter Cushing, Alec Guinness
Genre: Sci-Fi
Studio: Lucasfilm   Release date: 1977   Rated: PG   
Language (Country): English, Spanish, French (USA)
Summary: Luke Skywalker leaves his home planet, teams up with other rebels, and tries to save Princess Leia from the evil clutches of Darth Vader.
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Collection ID 233
Director: George Lucas
Starring: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Peter Cushing, Alec Guinness
Genre: Sci-Fi
Studio: Lucasfilm   Release date: 1977   Rated: PG   
Language (Country): English, Spanish, French (USA)
Summary: Luke Skywalker leaves his home planet, teams up with other rebels, and tries to save Princess Leia from the evil clutches of Darth Vader.
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Collection ID 950
Director: George Lucas
Starring: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Peter Cushing, Alec Guinness
Genre: Sci-Fi
Studio: Lucasfilm   Release date: 1977   Rated: PG   
Language (Country): English, Spanish, French (USA)
Summary: Luke Skywalker leaves his home planet, teams up with other rebels, and tries to save Princess Leia from the evil clutches of Darth Vader.
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Collection ID 1692
Director: J.J. Abrams
Starring: Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures   Release date: 2019   Rated: PG-13   
Language (Country): English (USA)
Summary: While the First Order continues to ravage the galaxy, Rey finalizes her training as a Jedi. But danger suddenly rises from the ashes as the evil Emperor Palpatine mysteriously returns from the dead. While working with Finn and Poe Dameron to fulfill a new mission, Rey will not only face Kylo Ren once more, but she will also finally discover the truth about her parents as well as a deadly secret that could determine her future and the fate of the ultimate final showdown that is to come.
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Collection ID 552
Director: Irvin Kershner
Starring: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Anthony Daniels
Genre: Fantasy
Studio: Lucasfilm   Release date: 1980   Rated: PG   
Language (Country): English, Spanish, French (USA)
Summary: While Luke takes advanced Jedi training from Yoda, his friends are relentlessly pursued by Darth Vader as part of his plan to capture Luke.
My Rating:
My Review: A classic tale of love, betrayal, good & evil. The second movie in the trilogy. This is one of my favorites. The music is awesome, the acting is o.k., the special effects (for their time) were special. The story (the writting) and the characters are memorable icons. Luke trains with Yoda, while his friends are pursued by Vader in an attemtpt to capture and convert the young Jedi.

Collection ID 1045
Director: Irvin Kershner
Starring: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Anthony Daniels
Genre: Fantasy
Studio: Lucasfilm   Release date: 1980   Rated: PG   
Language (Country): English, Spanish, French (USA)
Summary: While Luke takes advanced Jedi training from Yoda, his friends are relentlessly pursued by Darth Vader as part of his plan to capture Luke.
My Rating:
My Review: A classic tale of love, betrayal, good & evil. The second movie in the trilogy. This is one of my favorites. The music is awesome, the acting is o.k., the special effects (for their time) were special. The story (the writting) and the characters are memorable icons. Luke trains with Yoda, while his friends are pursued by Vader in an attemtpt to capture and convert the young Jedi.