Star Trek: First Contact

Name: Star Trek: First Contact
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Released: November 22, 1996
Duration: 111 min
Rating: 71
Cast: Alfre Woodard, Alice Krige, Brent Spiner, Gates McFadden, James Cromwell

1996

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 18 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 156 Ratings

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7.9

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7.9	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 156 Ratings

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Star Trek: First Contact

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Movie Details & Credits

American Broadcasting Company (ABC) | Release Date: November 22, 1996 | PG-13

Starring: Alfre Woodard, Alice Krige, Brent Spiner, Gates McFadden, James Cromwell, Jonathan Frakes, LeVar Burton, Marina Sirtis, Michael Dorn, Patrick Stewart

Summary: Picard orders the Enterprise to follow the Borg back in time to stop them from destroying the Phoenix, Earth's first warp-speed vessel. (Paramount Pictures)

Director: Jonathan Frakes

Genre(s): Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller

Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 111 min

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

Kenneth Turan

Blessed with clever plot devices and a villainous horde that makes the once-dread Klingons seem like a race of Barneys, First Contact does everything you'd want a "Star Trek" film to do, and it does it with cheerfulness and style. Read full review

Roger Ebert

Certainly the best in its technical credits, and among the best in the ingenuity of its plot. Read full review

Desson Thomson

First Contact, written by Ric Berman, Brannon Braga and Ronald D. Moore, pulsates with great imagination, amusing characters and the fundamental optimism handed down by "Star Trek" founder Gene Roddenberry. Read full review

Susan Wloszczyna

Note this in your Starlog: Tacky toupees are out. Chrome domes are in. And not only is the future in safe hands, so is the "Star Trek" franchise. [22 Nov 1996 Pg.05.D]

George Powell

Even those unfamiliar with the entire "Star Trek" phenomenon (it's now been 30 years since the original TV show sprang from the fertile mind of creator Gene Roddenberry) will find this a clever action movie, with a well-written screenplay and tight direction of a fine cast. Read full review

Empire Angie Errigo

Unfortunately, left alone on the big screen, distinctly thin characterisation and a plot that looks like a distended television episode, let the new crew down slightly but there are still enough classic moments to keep fans happy. Read full review

David Sterritt

The action is carefully calculated to captivate a wide audience while allowing hard-core trekkies to savor nuances of plot and personality. Read full review

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User Reviews

BusterB.

May 16, 2008

I'm an original Star Trek series (you know, Kirk, Spock) fan myself, but I can honestly say that this is not only one of the best Star Trek films ever, but this may be one of the best Sci-fi movies ever. Period. Kudos to Jonathan Frakes.

1 of 1 users found this helpful

Kai82

Mar 15, 2020

The best TNG movie. It uses two of the most interesting assets. The Borg and time travel. Also it explores Picards mental scars. I recommend you should have watched the TNG episodes “Q Who” and the two parter “The best of both Worlds”. All are truly excellent (or legendary?) 10/10 episodesThe best TNG movie. It uses two of the most interesting assets. The Borg and time travel. Also it explores Picards mental scars. I recommend you should have watched the TNG episodes “Q Who” and the two parter “The best of both Worlds”. All are truly excellent (or legendary?) 10/10 episodes and fan favourites. The Borg are the most dangerous and frightening enemy the Federation has ever encountered. It was a new and unique idea for the show and entered pop culture history. The dread is so serious. The Borg are a force that cannot be reasoned with and wont stop until you destroy them. Furthermore they will assimilate everything you have and use it against you (people, resources and technology). Then there is the legendary first contact. It is the starting point for the Federation. There is no weak point in the story. For the characters: You have Picard in one of his best performance. Behind his calm appearance you have a tortured man with scars on his soul that will never heal. Then you have Zefram Cochran. This is the result of heroes worship. The reality cant keep up with the legend that was created. A praiseworthy performance. While all characters deliver a good performance I want to praise especially Lily Sloane, Worf and Data. I must also praise Jonathon Frakes as director for his performance. Overall this is the best movie they did with TNG (by far) and a must see recommendation. Bonus knowledge 1: The Star Trek Destiny novels are a must read for fans. This time it is serious as the Borg see the Federation as treat after the destruction the Voyager crew did in the final episode (= Full scale Borg attack with all available assets!). It closes also all loopholes I am aware of and gives a fascinating origin and praiseworthy conclusion to the Borg. Bonus knowledge 2. There is the gardener theory. It says that the Borg attack in small forces (1 cube / ship) to advance the technological development. The final assimilation occurs only if the civilisation can keep up or they become to close to be a real threat.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

ShaneH.

Sep 2, 2006

This movie is Jonathan Frakes' directing at it's best. With the almost Star Wars-like space battles and epic action it is easily one of the best sci-fi movies of the 20th century. The acting talents of the lead characters are absolutely their best performances.

1 of 1 users found this helpful

ItayM.

Mar 13, 2008

OK movie, better since Enterprise came out.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

hassenpheffer

Apr 5, 2022

The best of the TNG films and unfortunately the end of quality Star Trek on any format. It has a great story that uses ST lore properly and efficiently with sharp direction by Frakes. It's smart, funny and has you entranced by its themes and ideas. The effects are great and the acting andThe best of the TNG films and unfortunately the end of quality Star Trek on any format. It has a great story that uses ST lore properly and efficiently with sharp direction by Frakes. It's smart, funny and has you entranced by its themes and ideas. The effects are great and the acting and dialog are the best that the TNG cast have had. It's up there with the other previous even numbered ST film classics.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

FilipeNeto

Aug 21, 2018

This movie is the eighth of the franchise. It has two great points: the excellent performance of Patrick Stewart and an interesting and entertaining script that shows us how was the first contact of the human race with beings from another planet, as well as the way the Warp engine wasThis movie is the eighth of the franchise. It has two great points: the excellent performance of Patrick Stewart and an interesting and entertaining script that shows us how was the first contact of the human race with beings from another planet, as well as the way the Warp engine was invented. The film moves between drama and comedy in a very elegant and pleasant way, with some well-thought-out humor and excellent dramatic scenes. The use of good special effects and CGI brightened the movie without losing focus. There are many sci fi movies that get all the special effects available and forget the story, but that did not happen here. Stewart was exceptional, probably getting one of his best performances in the role of Captain Picard. James Cromwell gave birth to Warp's father, Zefram Cochran, who appears to be some sort of rebel and alcoholic scientist. I confess that I enjoyed the performance of the actor but, in fact, I couldn't like his character.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

RickyB.

Aug 21, 2006

You guys are all wrong!! Dis movie is really boring and no fun, it was soooo boring that it keeps making me fall asleep.

0 of 4 users found this helpful

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38	#38 Best Movie of 1996
17	#17 Most Discussed Movie of 1996
60	#60 Most Shared Movie of 1996