The most thorough review yet of the next Trek feature film, titled 'Star Trek: Nemesis' and written by 'Gladiator' scribe John Logan, appeared online earlier today.

"I’m encouraged by the direction 'Star Trek: Nemesis' seems to be heading," wrote reviewer Moriarty at Ain't It Cool News. "The screenplay by John Logan, from a story by Logan, Rick Berman, and Brent Spiner, is compellingly built, and if this turns out to be the last Next Generation installment in the series, as has been rumoured, it’s a great place to leave these characters. There is a sense of closure for them, even if the film allows for an open ending."

The site's source added that Jonathan Frakes (William Riker), director of 'First Contact' and 'Insurrection' would also be helming 'Nemesis.' "Jonathan Frakes certainly has his work cut out for him," wrote Moriarty.

The following major plot points are detailed in the review:

• The credit sequence shows genes being manipulated, and molecules being spliced. A three-year old human boy stands before a meeting of the Romulan Senate, before being led down to the mines on Reman, Romulus's sister planet. The reviewer describes the images as "stark and simple" and "haunting," particularly when the boy takes a last look at the stars above before being led into the mines.

• Next the script crosses to Alaska, on Earth, where the wedding reception of William Riker and Deanna Troi is being held. Picard is serving as best man, and Dr. Crusher, Worf, Data and Geordi are also at the reception. With Geordi is his girlfriend, Dr. Leah Brahms, who appeared in 'Booby Trap' and 'Galaxy's Child.' Picard leads everyone in a toast to the happy couple, wishing them "full sails and a clear horizon."

• After this happy interlude, the film's villain, Shinzon, makes an appearance, talking about his plan with his viceroy. Moriarty describes this sequence as "standard bad guy stuff" but "Logan handles it quickly, though, and with economy, and that’s what makes the script snap."

• Following the wedding reception on Earth, the Enterprise heads off to Betazed, where the nude wedding ceremony is to be held. In this segment there's a discussion between Picard and Data about "human behaviour," but the journey is interrupted when the Enterprise intercepts a positronic signal coming from a distant star system. As only Data and Lore are supposed to have a positronic signature, the Enterprise changes course to investigate.

• When they reach the star system, Picard, Worf and Data head down to the planet where the signal originated. In this sequence, Picard drives what is described as a "24th century military jeep." "There are a number of moments in this film in which Picard seems to be taking joy in life’s simple things," wrote the reviewer, "like a man realizing he’s near the end of something, and it’s this characterization more than any other that makes the script work, I think."

• The positronic signals lead the crew to a replica of Data, split into its various parts and scattered over the desert. The crew are attacked as they attempt to recover the pieces by a group of alien nomads, which leads to an action-packed fight scene.

• Shizon and the Reman soldiers break in on the Romulan Senate and announce their plot: they intend to engage the Federation in a conflict in order to take back the Neutral Zone.

• While Data attempts to investigate his new brother, known as 'Benign' or 'B-9,' Shinzon manipulates the situation on Romulus. The review describes this as a defining moment for Data "in his quest to define his identity."

• When word gets back to the Federation about the situation on Romulus, the Enterprise is sent to investigate. Upon arrival, it is "engaged by Shinzon's Romulan Warbird, the Scimitar, a ship that is at least twice the size of the Enterprise, armed with weaponry that the Federation is totally unaware of." Deanna Troi senses a deep feelign of hatred from Shinzon directed towards Captain Picard.

• The review also confirms the appearance of Voyager's Captain Janeway in the film - she apparently has two big scenes. Captain Picard will confide in her his feelings of unknown dread about the mission.

• 'Nemesis's' major twist is not revealed until page 52 of the script, and is understood to involve cloning. The relationship between Shinzon and his opposite mirrors that between Data and his brother. Difficult choices will have to be made about the consequences that looking at a mirror image of oneself has for the character. Both will eventually be brought to "understand something about their better natures."

The review ends with the news that one of the film's main characters will lose their life by the conclusion. "There’s a definite echo in the ending of this film as one of the major players sacrifices him or herself in a very moving way, and the results of that play out over the last ten pages with real honesty," the review said. "As long as they don’t undermine the move a la 'Search For Spock,' it should stand as one of the emotional high points for all involved."

Please bear in mind that none of this has been officially confirmed by Paramount and should be treated as you would any rumour from an unofficial source.

The full analysis of the script can be found here.

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