Common Sense Media Review
By Charles Cassady Jr.
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
age 10+
Starfleet heroes old and new team up for smart TV connectivity.
Based on 4 opinions of parents
What is the story?
STAR TREK: GENERATIONS came to theaters as a bridge between the Star Trek films starring the classic TV cast and a series of new blockbusters continuing with the (younger) Next Generation respect In the 23rd century, retired Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner) is a guest on the ceremonial maiden voyage of a new starship Enterprise when a dangerous deep space energy field cuts off part of the hull, taking Kirk with it. Seven decades later crew later Enterprise meets an alien mad scientist (Malcolm McDowell) who conspires with renegade Klingons and blows up entire star systems on a personal mission to conjure up that same energy field, which serves as a gateway to a timeless dreamlike state of existence where wishes and longings can come true. Consequently, a solid 24th century Enterprise Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) comes face-to-face with the legendary, long-lost Kirk.
Is it good?
If you’re Trek illiterate, you’ll get lost here, but if you’re a follower, you’ll be delighted by the dense Treklore and references to trivia from the TV episodes. Trying to imagine a film/TV nut with no knowledge of Star Trek is so unbelievable it borders on pure science fiction, but only the most dedicated fans will be able to pick up all the references in Star Trek: Generations (two Klingon sisters as recurring villains, holodeck, Picard’s brother, etc.).
Yeah, the plot line doesn’t stand up to scrutiny — it’s mostly a clever time-warp deal to get series icon William Shatner on board for a farewell. But that’s a small gripe thanks to the good pacing, the great special effects, and most of all the way the script is cleverly executed generations background and character development to play with audience expectations like a flute. It’s smart and fun for the fans, young and old, who have invested in this saga so far.
Talk to your kids about…
-
Families can talk about the appeal of Star Trek in its various spin-offs and incarnations. Why are these stories so popular and why do they still resonate with fans today?
-
What are the similarities and differences in the personalities of James T. Kirk, a maverick who often circumvented the rules of Starfleet, and Jean-Luc Picard, an authoritarian stickler for rules and decorum? Is one method better than the other?
-
What things in the Star Trek universe are possible and what are pure science fiction?
-
Mr. Data struggles with simulated emotions. What can we, as humans, do when we struggle with emotions?
Did we miss something about diversity?
Research shows a connection between children’s healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in the media. That’s why we’ve added a new “Different Representations” section to our reviews, which will be published continuously. You can help us help children