I regret reviewing Star Trek: Nemesis, the tenth installment in the “Star Trek” series. This is because of the fact that such a wonderful, long-living series has just died in our very hands. To make nine movies, all of the same concept, and have them do well is amazing. This is something that the makers of the “Friday the Thirteenth” series failed to do. I was excited about seeing Star Trek: Nemesis, but now I am in a state of tremendous disappointment. All of this is not to say that the latest installment is agonizing, but simply does not live up to the high stakes that the other films in the series have set for it. Nemesis will definitely please all trekkers, and some casual audiences, but it is lacking originality.

     One of the other and most predominant problems with Star Trek Nemesis is the way that it executes. The filmmakers attempt to change the regular “Star Trek” formula, and try to replace it with more mainstream and less thoughtful material. This might benefit teenage viewers, who I believe will find it boring, but doesn’t help the flick at all. The once exciting action now seems pointless and redundant, and lacks the charm that the battle scenes the first few movies contained. There is no true substance to the material in Nemesis, just constant usage of boring clichés. What this film needs is a better understanding of what its viewers want. We feel as though it has no purpose, and are uninvolved in the characters hopes and interests; as well as the entire motion picture.

      As for the special effects – I’m not that impressed. It seems as though they are of no significance to the story, that’s intelligence is covered up by unoriginal material. The visuals are good, but we are never blown away by their presence; as I was with this year’s Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones and Spider-Man. The typical blow-ups and computerized characters are well-done, but don’t work with the plot’s premise. When making a movie, filmmakers must decide whether they want it to be judged by its visual effects, or its story. Attack of the Clones decided that special effects were what made good, which is true and respectable; but Nemesis has not made this decision yet, and no longer has this ability. It is a worthwhile one-time rental but is certainly not any type of thought provoking cinematic achievement.

     Despite Nemesis’ mediocre taste in the growing science fiction genre, trekkers will be pleased. Without full knowledge of each of the characters, it’s hard to enjoy. There were several jokes that I didn’t pick up on, felt unwelcome to, and just didn’t like because I wasn’t familiar with several of the various personalities’ profiles. The tenth installment of the “Star Trek” series may give many average movie-goers their money’s worth, but it cannot live up to any critical standards. I liked some of the characters, such as the dark and villainous Shinzon, but I won’t go so far as to say that they were well-written. The plot reminded me of Return of the Jedi, and it encases a few “Luke I am your father” type situations and confrontations. These might not be obviously seen by the average person, but do show through in the script an enormous amount of times.

    If you are a fan of the “Star Trek” series, or are a hardcore trekker, you will most likely enjoy Nemesis; and should see it while in theatres. But, if you are the average viewer, or don’t know anything about the other movies, you are better off seeing this one on DVD or not even considering it. Don’t go expecting your average “Star Trek” movie either; this film, in particular, is especially like the television series.  I admittedly, do think highly of the other nine flicks in the series, but Nemesis is just a plain waste of time. Too many studios just aren’t putting enough work into sequels, and just think of them as get rich quick schemes. This leaves me all the more excited to see The Two Towers on Wednesday. It was shot at the same time as the first in the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, and I’m interested to see if it is a worthy follow-up to the beautifully done Fellowship of the Ring. Nemesis certainly doesn’t come anywhere near The Wrath of Khan.