_**Solid Trek Film**_

So many people inexplicably love to hate "Star Trek: Nemesis" (2002), but it's actually a solid Trek film featuring the Next Generation cast. The lengthy space battle in the final act is second to none in the Star Trek franchise. But that's not the main reason I like it.

I like the whole exploration of the conflict of flesh (Shinzon) and spirit (Picard) and the debate over nature (Picard) vs. Nurture (Shinzon), or is it nature (Shinzon) vs. Nurture (Picard)? Like "Star Trek VII: Generations" (1994), it entertains while delving into deeper themes, although "Generations" is better (a near masterpiece, in fact; see my review for details).

Data's course of action at the end is way more compelling and moving than a similar scene in "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan" (1982). Think about it, Data becomes the Christ figure by making the ultimate gesture of love and loyalty; an android, no less.

Speaking of TWOK, "Nemesis" is often said to be a quasi-remake of that film. It shares some plot elements of the trilogy (TWOK, TSFS and TVH), but that's it (more specifically, the space stand-off, Data's sacrifice and the "resurrection" of a blank-version of himself). It's an homage, not a remake, and better than the overrated TWOK.

While NEMESIS may not rank with the greatest of Trek films, it's certainly a solid Trek movie, along the lines of "Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country" (1991). It has the most beautiful space sequences in the series and the score by Jerry Goldsmith is superlative as usual, not to mention welcomely familiar.

Concerning the incredible ire the dune buggy sequence has provoked, I'm at a loss. The landing party had to cover a lot of terrain, how else would they do it without something to travel in? Why walk miles on end when you don't have to? Besides, it's a fun scene and gives the austere proceedings a much-needed jolt at that particular point.

Be sure to check out the deleted scenes; there are a couple that shouldn't have been cut, like the one involving Riker's joke on Picard's new First Officer and an amusing one involving Picard and Data having a discussion over wine.

The film runs 1 hour, 55 minutes.

GRADE: B+