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Genes
and Clones
Sticky
problems on the Enterprise.
BY
LOIS WADSWORTH
STAR TREK NEMESIS: Directed
by Stuart Baird. Written by John Logan. Based on a story by Rick Berman;
John Logan and Brent Spiner. Star Trek created by Gene Roddenberry.
Producer, Rick Berman. Executive producer, Marty Hornstein. Cinematography,
Jeffrey L. Kimball. Production design, Herman Zimmerman. Editor, Dallas
Puett. Costumes, Bob Ringwood. Makeup, Michael Westmore. Special Effects,
Terry Frazee. Visual effects, Mark Forker. Composer, Jerry Goldsmith.
Starring Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, Brent Spiner, Levar Burton,
Michael Dorn, Gates McFadden, Marina Sirtis and Ron Perlman. Paramount
Pictures, 2002. PG-13. 117 minutes.
 |
| DATA
(BRENT SPINER) AND HIS CLONE, B4. |
Now in its fourth decade on the small screen
and 10th big screen appearance, the Star Trek franchise no
longer amazes but instead rewards with comfort and familiarity. In
an ordinary world gone strange, entertainment that does not elicit
anxiety or terror is worth a lot. While our country's leadership erodes
civil liberties, the dark, prescient dream George Orwell called 1984
becomes truer everyday. But onboard the Starship Enterprise, Captain
Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) and his civilized crew explore alien
worlds and peoples and try to bring them into the Federation or prevent
them from harming others.
The film opens with the celebration of Officer William
T. Riker (Jonathan Frakes) and Counselor Deanna Troi's (Marina Sirtis)
wedding, at which Captain Picard tells Commander Data (Brent Spiner)
to shut up, and notes that he's wanted to say that for a long time.
This is our first clue that Data, who is psychologically incapable
of holding a grudge, will do something big to humble the captain and
win his approval.
A mysterious electromagnetic disturbance from a hostile,
backward planet attracts the attention of the Enterprise. Picard,
Data and others go to the planet to locate the source of the signals,
collect the various parts of an android that looks just like Data,
and return to the ship to reassemble it. Later Picard encounters his
biologically identical clone, a younger male person called Shinzon
(Tom Hardy). The leader (called Praetor) of the planet Romulan but
a native of the planet Remus, Shinzon puts on a pleasant face with
Picard but is a cruel, vengeful tyrant to the conquered Romulans.
The democratic society on board the Enterprise presents
an attractive, idealized image to loyal viewers. They represent the
kind of people we might like to be and the kind of government we desire
for the future. This time the writers ask Picard and his cronies to
delve into one of the stickiest ethical, scientific and philosophical
problems of our technological age: clones.
The issue goes beyond whether the influence of genes
or the environment is primary. We have a hundred years of scientific
study, yet no definitive answer. Psychology has investigated some
aspects of the question through twin studies, for example, while the
ever-growing base of genetic evidence speaks to other aspects, such
as disease and behaviors linked to specific aberrant or missing genes.
But this science fiction movie adds to the debate, by showing viewers
what Picard and Data think (and do) about their clones.
Stuart Baird is a more lively director than Jonathan
Frakes, who directed the last two Star Treks And for a plot-driven
genre that's still dependent on characters to humanize its conflicts,
the slow motion special effects toward the end of the movie are quite
spectacular. Stewart plays Captain Picard with his usual solemnity,
but Spiner seems a little more playful than usual as Data. As always,
the film comes down solidly with its belief that ongoing self-improvement
contributes to the general well-being of all. In a cynical age such
as ours, such a philosophy is hard-pressed by world events to accommodate
serious doubts about progress.
Recommended, Nemesis is now playing Cinema
World and Cinemark.
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OPENING
OR RETURNING:
Films open the Friday following
date of EW publication unless otherwise noted. See
archived movie reviews.
Bowling for Columbine: Michael Moore takes
on America's love for guns in his usual abrasive, in yo' face manner.
He covers a span of history from the first colonial settlers to the
Columbine High School shootings, and he doesn't let national chain
gun sellers off lightly. He also goes toe-to-toe with Charlton Heston,
NRA's head honcho gunslinger that should be worth the price of admission.
Widely acclaimed and long anticipated, it's the first documentary
entered in competition at Cannes (2002) since 1956. Took home a special
55th Anniversary Prize. R. Bijou.
Gangs of New York: In Martin Scorsese's film
about New York in the mid-1800s, Leonard DiCaprio plays a hoodlum
caught up in the Civil War draft riots that rocked the city. He's
also looking for his father's killer, played by Daniel Day-Lewis).
Also stars Cameron Diaz, John C. Reilly and Jim Broadbent. Written
by Steven Zaillian, Kenneth Lonergan and Jay Cocks, this promises
to be one of the great films of the season. R. Cinemark.
Ghost Ship: Steve Beck's horror film about
an ocean liner missing since 1935 that turns up in the Bering Sea.
Stars Julianna Margulies, Gabriel Byrne, Ron Eldard and Isaiah Washington.
R. Movies 12.
Jackass: The Movie: Based on the MTV series,
more dangerous and silly stunts. R. Movies 12.
Jonah: A Veggietales Movie: Christian-themed
direct-to-video franchise goes big screen in this version of Jonah
and the Whale. Biblical figures are played by talking vegetables.
Directed by Mike Nawrocki and Phil Vischer. G. Movies 12.
Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers: Directed
and re-imagined by Peter Jackson, part two of J.R.R. Tolkien's trilogy
follows the ring-bearer Frodo (Elijah Wood) and Sam (Sean Astin) deeper
into enemy territory, with Gollum (Andy Serkis) as their guide. Meanwhile
Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen), Legolas (Orlando Bloom) and Gimli (John-Rhys
Davies) try to rescue Merry (Dominic Monaghan) and Pippin (Billy Boyd).
Many new characters, a surprise return and battles against the forces
of evil. Long anticiapated popular favorite. PG-13. Cinemark. Cinema
World.
Sweet Home Alabama: Andy Tennant directs the
fabulous Reese Witherspoon in this comedy about a hot fashion designer
who returns to the South to get a divorce from scruffy hubby #1 (Josh
Lucas) so she can marry rich Patrick Dempsey. PG-13. Movies 12.
Two Weeks Notice: Hugh Grant and Sandra Bullock
star as a very, very rich man and his lawyer. When she quits, and
he replaces her with Alicia Witt, she reconsiders. Written and directed
by Marc Lawrence (The Out-of-Towners). PG-13. Cinema World.
Cinemark.
Wakin' Up in Reno: First-run for this film,
starring Billy Bob Thornton and Natasha Richardson, who are friends
with another couple, Patrick Swayze and Charlize Theron. They all
decide to go to the Monster Truck Show in Reno together, and mishaps
ensue. Romantic comedy directed by Jordan Brady. R. Movies 12.
Wild Thornberrys, The: In this animated film,
Eliza Thornberry (Lacey Chabert), a girl who talks to and understands
animals, goes to Africa with her parents, nature filmmakers, and her
best friend, a chimp. Other voices: Rupert Everett, Marisa Tomei,
Tim Curry, Brenda Blethyn, Lynn Redgrave and Obba Babatunde. Directed
by Jeff McGrath and Cathy Malkasian. PG. Cinema World. Cinemark.
CONTINUING:
Analyze That: Sequel reunites crazy-as-a-fox
Paul Vitti (Robert De Niro) and Dr. Ben Sobel (Billy Crystal), but
Sobel's wife (Lisa Kudrow) is not happy about having Vitto around.
Has he really lost his mind, or is it just a ruse to get out of the
slammer? Directed by Harold Ramis. R. Cinemark.
Die Another Day: Pierce Brosnan returns as
James Bond for a new mission that takes him to Iceland in this action
adventure yarn directed by Lee Tamahori. Costars Halle Berry, John
Cleese and Judi Dench, with Rosamund Pike. Evil enemies played by
Toby Stephens and Rick Yune. PG-13. Cinemark.
Drumline: Directed by Charles Stone, this tale
of a talented street drummer from Harlem who goes to a college in
the south, expecting to lead its marching band stars Nick Cannon,
Zoe Saldana and Orlando Jones. PG-13. Cinemark.
Emperor's Club, The: Kevin Kline plays a dedicated
prep school teacher and Emile Hirsch, the son of a powerful senator,
is his student. Twenty years later, they meet again. PG-13. Movies
12.
Empire: John Leguizamo stars in this tale of
a drug dealer getting out of the life for a straight job on Wall Street.
But of course it's not simple to live down the past. Great supporting
cast includes Peter Sarsgaard, Denise Richards, Ruben Blades, Sonia
Braga and Isabella Rossellini. Directed by Franc Reyes .R. Cinemark.
Far From Heaven: Director Todd Haynes and cinematographer
Edward Lachman deliver an exceptionally beautiful, emotionally resonant
film. Excellent performances by Julianne Moore, Dennis Quaid, Dennis
Haysbert and Patricia Clarkson. The best picture of the year so far.
Very highest recommendations. PG-13. Bijou. Online archives.
Harry Potter: Chamber of Secrets: Again directed
by Chris Columbus, Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint)
and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) try to uncover a dark force terrorizing
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. G. Cinema World. Cinemark.
Online archives..
Hot Chick: Verbally abusive cheerleader wakes
up in the body of Rob Schneider. Yikes! Directed by Tom Brady. PG-13.
Cinema World. Cinemark.
Maid in Manhattan: Ralph Fiennes is a well-off
politician staying at a swank New York hotel. Jennifer Lopez is a
single-mother maid working there. He sees her dressed in a guest's
clothing and falls for her, like Richard Gere fell for Julia Roberts
in Pretty Woman. Not too enlightened nor original an idea.
PG-13. Cinema World. Cinemark.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding: It's about the 30-year
old, unmarried daughter (Nia Vardalos) in a passionate but demanding
Greek NY family, who meets the man she to marry (John Corbett), but
he isn't Greek. This sweet romantic comedy entertains. Run-away independent
hit of 2002!. Recommended. PG. Cinema World. Online archives.
Red Dragon: Anthony Hopkins returns as Hannibal
Lecter, the cannibal, serial killer, while Edward Norton, Ralph Fiennes,
Harvey Keitel, Emily Watson, Mary-Louise Parker and Philip Seymour
Hoffman flesh out the cast. Directed by Brett Ratner. R. Movies 12.
Santa Clause 2: Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) begins
looking for the perfect Mrs. Claus, because if he doesn't get married
by Christmas Even, he'll stop being Santa forever. G. Cinemark.
Secretary: Totally original story of a mutually
satisfying but offbeat workplace relationship stars the excellent
Maggie Gyllenhaal as a troubled but game secretary and James Spader,
whose E. Edward Grey is not the right boss for just anyone. Sexual
hijinks from the dark side, Steven Shainberg's non-traditional sex
comedy is highly recommended. R. LateNite Bijou.
Signs: Written and directed by M. Night Shyamalan
and starring Mel Gibson and Joaquin Phoenix in this supernatural thriller
about crop circles. Also stars Rory Culkin and Abigail Breslin. PG-13.
Movies 12. Online archives.
Spirited Away: Latest film from legendary Japanese
animation director Hayao Miyazaki (Princess Mononoke) follows
adventures of 10-year old girl, Chihiro, who discovers a secret world
and must take care of herself after her parents undergo a mysterious
transformation. Newly dubbed by John Lasseter (Toy Story),
this film is not just for kids. Critics are correctly calling it a
masterpiece. Very highest recommendations. PG. Bijou. Online archives.
Spy Kids 2: Island of Lost Dreams: Robert Rodriguez
says his sequel has lots of action, is fun and nobody dies. Stars
Antonio Banderas, Daryl Sabara and Alexa Vega. PG. Movies 12.
Star Trek: Nemesis: Captain Jean-Luc Picard
and the crew of the Enterprise face an alien race and some personal
clones, including Picard's personal nemesis. Stars Patrick Stewart,
Jonathan Frakes, Brent Spiner, LeVar Burton, Michael Dorn, Gates McFadden,
Marina Sirtis, Ron Perlman, Tom Hardy. Dir. by Stuart Baird. PG-13.
Cinemark. Cinema World. See review this issue.
Stealing Harvard: Tom Green, Jason Lee, Leslie
Mann and Megan Mullaly star in this tale of a clean-living, hardworking
guy who dabbles in crime and gets caught. PG-13. Movies 12.
Stuart Little 2: Stuart goes to school now,
and he has big brother George and baby sister Martha to play with.
But a mysterious bird named Margalo involves everyone in an adventure.
Voices of Michael J. Fox, Melanie Griffith, Nathan Lane, Geena Davis
and more. PG. Movies 12.
Treasure Planet: Robert Louis Stevenson's classic
adventure set on a spaceship that runs into hazards like black holes
and supernovas. Animated film directed by Ron Clements and John Musker
includes voices of Emma Thompson and Martin Short. PG. Cinemark.
Tuxedo, The: PG-13. Jackie Chan's a limo driver
who borrows his boss' tux only to discover that it's a high-tech killing
machine. With Jennifer Love Hewitt and Peter Stormare. PG-13. Movies
12.
XXX: Vin Diesel and Samuel L. Jackson star
in this athletic spy thriller directed by Rob Cohen. PG-13. Movies
12.
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New
Releases on Video
Releases subject to change. Available the
Tuesday following date of EW publication, sometimes
sooner. See
archived movie reviews.
Adventures of Pluto Nash: Eddie Murphy, Rosario
Dawson, Randy Quaid, Joe Pantoliano and Jay Mohr in a futuristic comedy
set in 2087; directed by Ron Underwood. PG-13.
Ballistic: Ecks vs Sever: Rival government
spies Antonio Banderas and Lucy Liu have instructions to kill each
other, but then they find out who the real enemy is. Thai director
Kaos directs this thriller. R.
101 Ways: The Things a Girl Will Do to Keep Her
Volvo (2000): Writer director Jennifer Katz' lighthearted romantic
comedy about a hapless young woman who can't keep her life afloat
as a waitress and a sex phone responder. NR.
Jaundiced Eye, The (1999): Documentary about
a domestic situation in which a gay man is accused of molestation
by a child. Written and directed by Nonny de la Peña. NR.
Trapped: Luis Mandoki (Angel Eyes) directs
this by-the-numbers thriller. Charlize Theron is the mother of a kidnapped
child, Stuart Townsend is the diabetic girl's father, and Courtney
Love and Kevin Bacon are the criminals. R.
Next week: Barbershop, Blood Work, Eye See You,
Hey Arnold and XXX.
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