taz1004 I don't usually write review unless it's really good or really bad. This obviously falls in the latter category. Having watched all the movies in the series, I don't even bother with how the special effects of movie made in 1998 is worse than Alien which was made in 1979. But it's the stupidity of the story that drove me to write this review.I actually sympathize with the villain, the Admiral in this movie. If there is a way to benefit everyone in the galaxy, why wouldn't you? Just because few people found the planet first? They get to keep something as powerful as immortality for themselves? Just because Picard fell in love with the 300 year old woman he deny billions of people from benefiting from it? I wanted to punch Picard's face throughout the movie.And no one else on the Enterprise object to this? Because it's an order? Everyone in Starfleet so disciplined? But then Picard has no problem disobeying direct order from Admiral.The people of the planet also. They posses something everyone desired for centuries. Immortality. And they don't bother with any form of defense. Even tho they have the technology, they just think pacifism will save them.Story is very immature.

Eric Stevenson As one of the last "Star Trek" movies I've seen, I don't have much of a strong opinion on this one. The things that work work, but the things that don't work, don't work. I really thought this should have been longer. Like the "Doctor Who" movie, I got the feeling that I was just watching a long episode of the show. I guess I can't judge as I've never seen the show, but that's not what you should feel when watching a movie. A lot of this film is also just plain boring. There's way too much dialogue in the first half. They do get some pretty decent action scenes later, but it takes too long.I guess in order for me to judge it, I'd have to be more familiar with the mythos, but I know a lot already. I actually do like the scenes where Data is talking with the boy about playing. It shows an interesting perspective for the both of them. The idea is kind of interesting too with the crew helping hundreds of people evacuate. Unfortunately, there isn't that much payoff and the other films just did it so much better. One of the people looked like William Shatner! It would have worked better as an episode of the show as there wasn't enough story to stretch out an entire movie. So, this one's just okay. I think most people agree with me. **1/2

Wuchak Released in 1998 and directed by Jonathan Frakes, "Star Trek: Insurrection" is the third Star Trek film featuring the Next Generation cast. The plot revolves around a serene alien race, the Ba'ku, whose planet offers regenerative radiation and therefore extremely long lifespans; moreover, they live in harmony with their environment and reject advanced technology. With the aid of an alien race called the Son'a, the Federation secretly (deceptively) researches the Ba'ku culture, but the Son'a intend to take the planet for themselves and others who secretly want to regenerate their bodies (i.e. drink of the 'Fountain of Youth'). The problem is that Captain Picard and the Enterprise-E crew are loyal to the Prime Directive.The plot is good with some interesting ideas — the paradisal planet where immortality is nigh reality — but something prevents the movie from taking off and soaring. It's decent; it's just underwhelming and doesn't always 'click.' Some kinks needed worked out in the creation process. The film runs 103 minutes and was shot in California at Convict Lake, Mammoth Lakes Park; San Gabriel Dam, Angeles National Forest; Lake Sherwood; Bishop; and Paramount Studios, Los Angeles. GRADE: B-

Will "Star Trek: Insurrection" is a mildly enjoyable entry for the film franchise. Much like "Star Trek V: The Final Frontier", ILM was left out of the effects work on this one and it shows. It shows big time. Unlike that film, this one is competent in other ways, despite shoddy effects work. Jonathan Frakes continued to prove he deserved to make it big as a director, and he continues the gentle good humor, quick pacing, and eye to detail he showed in the last installment. So to this day I am saddened he didn't make it as a big studio director, since he so clearly shows the talent for it.The cast is fine, the story is bland but just engaging enough, and the movie generally achieves what it sets out to do. It might be one of the entries that is less accessible for the uninitiated, however. 3 (out of 4)