(Not including the reboot trilogy as that’s a different altogether topic)
I was recently in a mood to binge the first ten Star Trek films as I hadn’t seen any of them in several years, and I notice that the TOS films are better than the TNG films. Which is weird because when it comes to the tv series, I far prefer TNG and its spin-offs over TOS but when it came to the films, it’s the opposite. I love First Contact, and like Generations but Insurrection and Nemesis are pretty bad IMO, whereas the only TOS film I truly dislike is V. (My favorites are IV and VI) Was wondering what others here thought, I think this may be the standard opinion in fact.
As for why they’re better, I think for whatever reason the TOS movies feel more cinematic, whereas the TNG films were mostly trying to capture the TNG feeling and not as much be cinematic?
Somewhat related, in another thread here, someone else and myself had the idea that All Good Things would have made a better premise for a TNG film and it might have been cool to swap generations and AGTs. Or at least have Q film. Might have felt more cinematic in the sense you’re thinking of.
All that being said, First Contact is my favourite Trek film and I’ve got soft spurs for both generations and insurrection (except for the kid, why does Hollywood think bratty boys are good ideas in movies).
I’m not sure I actually like any of the TOS films that much TBH. I like the vibe of TMP and I like the story Abe overall directing of TUC (prob my fav TOS film). But I’m not sure about the others.
Yeah I agree that All Good Things should have been a big feature film. It’s my favorite TNG episode and probably favorite Trek episode of all time.