Star Trek First Contact, 1996. My journey into Science Fiction Part 5.

Hello, and welcome to My Journey into Science Fiction Part 5. The connection between both my previous review Legend, 1985 and Star Trek First Contact comes with the help from Roberto Picardo. Picardo played Meg Mucklebones in Legend, and the Emergency Medical Hologram in Star Trek First Contact. He is widely known for playing the Hologram on seven seasons of Star Trek Voyager. Star Trek First Contact, was released in 1996, and is the first stand-alone film for the cast of Star Trek The Next Generation. The movie is the most successful film of the Next Generation era. The film was directed by Jonathan Frakes, and written by Brannon Braga and Ronald D. Moore. Anyway, let’s begin. Resistance is Futile. 

 

The crew of the Enterprise finds themselves in pursuit of a Borg sphere, after ignoring strict instructions from Starfleet. Those instructions are the set-in motion because of the assimilation of Captain Picard Patrick Stewart, which later resulted in him becoming Locutus of Borg. They follow the Sphere back in time to 2Ist century, where the Borg intend on disrupting Earth’s history. First Contact is achieved by Zefram Cochrane James Cromwell, and his historic warp drive flight. The Vulcan’s visit Earth, and this results in humanity’s first official contact with an alien race. The crew must do anything, and everything possible to make sure the Borg don’t destroy this important timeline.  For Captain Picard, he must learn what sacrifices he is willing to make to achieve that.

I think the main reason this film was so successful, was the fantastic script that they had. A wonderful story that isn’t limited to Star Trek fans alone. How would you react if someone told you that they are from the future? Lily Sloane Alfre Woodard  has to face that very question, as she ends up on the Enterprise, and is faced with all this future technology. However, she isn’t given the time to digest her predicament, as has to help fight an enemy that is far more superior than anything she has ever come across before. I can only imagine, that it is both terrifying, and exciting at the same time. And finally, there is Zefram Cochrane. This fun-loving, hard drinking everyday man, has to accept these visitors have come from the future. And also learn that he is a figure of great importance in the future. Could you imagine someone explaining to you where your statue will be placed one day. No? Me neither. 

 The story of Picard, and his hatred for the Borg draws parallels to Moby Dick. The Captain is willing to give some grave orders to save his ship. Only with the help of Sloane, can he finally realise his mistakes. The most interesting development in the film, involves Data Brent Spiner  and the Borg Queen Alice Krige. Data has always wanted to feel the complexities of becoming human. The Borg Queen gives him exactly what he wants, by grafting some human tissue and skin onto his arm and face. However, compassion and a sense of belonging to others is also a human quality. The crew of the Enterprise, along with help from some of the People of Earth win the battle against the Borg, and first contact goes ahead as planned. First Contact has received a lot of criticism since its release, and I can understand that. However, it was a perfect film for the time, and one I still enjoy to this day. Plus, we still have, All Good Things to enjoy.

So, where will I be going next on My Journey to Science Fiction Part 6? I had two movies to choose from this time around. The first was Dune, 1984, due to Patrick Stewart playing Gurney Halleck in that film. However, I am just going to stick with the theme of first contact. The Day the Earth stood Still, 1951, is a perfect example of our first interaction with alien life. Alternatively, it is a movie that I can’t wait to watch again. 

 

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