Saturday, January 26, 2013

Trek Nation (2010) **1/2




DIR: Scott Colthorp
Rating: UNRATED
Running Time: 88 mins.


In 1991 at the young age of 17, Eugene Roddenberry lost his father, Gene Roddenberry, to a heart attack. Young Gene knew his father created "Star Trek" but as the years passed he began to realize he never knew a lot about his father and his creation. He sets out to speak with the people who knew him, the fans and others who can help him understand just who his father was and what he meant to so many.

This well intentioned documentary features some interesting interviews with countless luminaries from not only Trek but other franchises and brands as well. For fans of the series, much of what is said is pretty well documented so about the only thing this doc really has going for it is its premise which is a son seeking to know his father after he has died. The best sequences feature interviews with Stan Lee, George Lucas and J.J. Abrams.

In the end does he find the answers he was seeking? I'm not really sure, at the risk of sounding insensitive many of the emotional moments felt like they were being played for the camera and Rod's narration throughout is always at the same level so I suppose the answer is "I hope so."

If you don't know who Gene Roddenberry was then this will be an enlightening viewing. As for fans, it's hit or miss.

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