Star Trek: Nemesis [VHS] [2003]

But the reviews were dreadful. Had I got it wrong? Were my expectations so low that Nemesis couldn't help but exceed them and prove a pleasant surprise? Would I be disappointed when it came to watching it again on the small screen and realise that my initial impression was wrong - it really wasn't all that good afterall? (another Attack of the Clones?) Had the critics got it right all along?

No. When I got the DVD and found that Paramount had quoted from a review by Paul Ross in the News of the World I admit I was was a bit worried. Was that the only favourable review they could quote from? Paul Ross? I was ready to concede I'd got it all wrong there and then. Having watched the DVD a few times now I have to stand my my initial first impression. Good story, great special effects, great action sequences and a damned enjoyable way of passing 1 hour and 45 minutes.

I won't recount the plot - its been done ably by the other reviewers - though I will add that when the film opens you could be forgiven for thinking you've stumbled across a strange mix of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace (what with all the talk of the Senate, Viceroys, etc.) and Neighbours (Alan "Jim Robinson" Dale crops up as a Romulan who bites the dust!).

Perhaps Nemesis is a bit of a rehash of The Wrath of Khan - but it is still one of the best Next Generation films to have been released and is certainly up there with First Contact. The film does lack some of the genuine humour of Insurrection (though Picard and Data's little exchanges are great). But whereas Insurrection, as good as it was, felt more like an extended episode from the TV series at times, Nemesis not only has the intelligent dialogue/issues you'd expect from Star Trek TNG (ok- there is some technobabble!) it also has the feel of a blockbuster action type movie which can be enjoyed by both Trek and non Trek fans.

DVD extras? There are over 40 minutes worth of interviews with the cast and director, a director's commentary, half a dozen deleted scenes and a gallery of photos and drawings. Quite a package really - and all on the one disc. I had a few problems when I tried to play all the deleted scenes in a continuous run (sound and picture started skipping for some reason) but stopping the DVD and starting again seemed to solve the problem. There's also the usual irritating pause in the film you tend to experience with most DVDs (unless it's my DVD player that's at fault!)

Basically a great film to end the adventures of the TNG crew. If it really is the end...

It maintains that esprit de corps and spectacular film. Maybe expectations hurt this. Everyone went in expecting this or that from the film. I did not, so I truly enjoyed it. I have watched if several times and each time I am impressed.

So kick by and stop analyzing and enjoy the fun.