Star Trek: First Contact

Star Trek: First Contact (1996)

Image From IMDB

I enjoy all the Next Generation movies, but Star Trek: First Contact has always been my favourite. It’s such a classy movie all round. Not just a great Trek movie, but a great film fullstop. The story telling is fantastic. The script tight. The performances brilliant. The score, cinematography and editing are all of the highest standard. In time, I like to think it will be remembered as a classic film.

First Contact wastes no time getting into the story as we watch the Borg travel back in time to destroy the Federation before it’s founded. But, Jean-Luc and the crew of the Enterprise have no intention of letting that happen as they once again battle their most dangerous enemy, while making sure history unfolds the way it should.

First Contact is a movie about ego, approached from all sides. The Borg Queen’s belief that they are the superior race in the galaxy. Jean-Luc’s thirst for vengeance and need to prove himself as the man to stop the cyborgs, and Zefram Cochrane fight to remain true to his more punk rock lifestyle than the heroic figure he’s destine to become.

The movie deals with all the stories with a confident hand. Everything told at the pace it should be, with conflict and humour playing an equal role despite the sometimes serious tone. The scenes down on Earth are particularly funny with director Jonathan Frakes having a whale of a time with his character Riker, and the interactions between Zef and Deanna Troi are hilarious.

While the action in the movie might be considered slow by modern Trek and movie standards, I personally love it. It’s one of the things that differs from the show to the big screen. The phaser fights are intense, and the stakes feel high.

And as mentioned, the movie looks gorgeous. Most of the film takes place aboard the Enterprise and the ship has never looked better in my eyes. Every set is beautiful, ready for the big screen. The colours, designs, and costume are all superb.

It really is an absolutely fantastic movie. Everyone brings their A game in the cast and crew. The regulars all know their characters so well, while everyone brought in from the outside treats the subject matter seriously. James Cromwell, Alfre Woodard and Alice Krige all deserve plenty of praise for their roles.

Maybe some of the movie will go over your head if you’re not a Star Trek fan, but i’d still recommend giving it a go. I think the movie does a great job introducing the world and the stakes, and it really is an amazing sci-fi. It has great ideas, and delivers them. The best Next Gen film, and within the top three Star Trek films overall. I highly recommend First Contact.