There is a saying: "Rules are made to be broken". Star Trek IX: Insurrection has done just that, namely the 'rule' that says: "If the Star Trek movie is followed by an odd number, it sucks".
Insurrection, the ninth film in the successful series and the third with the cast of the Next Generation (two odd numbers *gasp*) proved to be one of the best of the series. It was a fun and funny film, and unlike any other Trek film. It was basically an action tale without the heavy subject matter or moralizing that we have come to expect. That's not to say it was pointless.
The film's story revolves around the relationship between two peoples, the Soran and the Bak'u, and the Federation's place in this relationship. The seemingly simple Bak'u live on a world whose rings contain a material the Soran can use to cure the ailments that are slowly killing them and leaving them disfigured. The rings also cause aging to cease on the planet below.
Soon a sinister plot is uncovered and Captain Picard takes it upon himself to thwart it. This being a Trek film, his senior staff join him even though doing so is in violation of direct orders from the supervising Admiral on scene and Picard himself.
This film is full of the sort of humor that differentiated The Next Generation from the other Trek incarnations., easily making it the funniest of the Trek films. After watching Insurrection you will never view Gilbert & Sullivan, beards or breasts (both female and male) the same way again. And that is just the beginning!
Jonathan Frakes' direction was nearly flawless. He is quickly evolving from a talented television director to a skilled big screen helmsman. Patrick Stewart served as an associate producer.
The entire Next Generation cast returns and is joined by superbly cast supporting players Anthony Zerbe as Admiral Dougherty, F. Murray Abraham as Ru'Afu - Soran Leader, Daniel Hugh Kelly - Bak'u Leader, Donna Murphy as Anij, Michael Welch as Antrim and Michael Horton as an Enterprise crewman.
As someone who very rarely goes to the movies (the last time being two years ago for First Contact) and someone who has never, ever paid to see a movie twice, I am likely to make my first exception with Insurrection.
It's that good!
Ishani
rating: 4.5 of 5 stars