Siskel Praises Latest 'Star Trek'

CBS This Morning Contributor Gene Siskel says he doesn't know much about the whole world of Star Trek.

He says he wouldn't know a Klingon if one bit him. He wouldn't even know if Klingons have teeth.

But, Siskel, says, he knows a good movie when he sees one, and Star Trek: Insurrection, the ninth installment in the Star Trek film franchise, is a good movie.

As a matter of fact, Siskel says, "Star Trek: Insurrection is one of the best in the series, with a good story, exciting conflict, and, at times, some cutting-edge effects that truly entertain."

This time, Captain Picard (Patrick Stewart) and his Enterprise crew defend a group of people called the Ba'ku, who may have discovered a fountain of youth on the planet where they have settled. This places the Ba'ku under the threat from the Federation itself and its ally, the Son'a, who would both like a taste of springtime in their lives.

Picard is thus in conflict with the Federation high command, and that's what the Insurrection of the title refers to.

Brent Spiner as Data (PARAMOUNT PICTURES)

Siskel says he has always felt that the Star Trek films consistently lacked cutting-edge effects, placing them behind the Star Wars films, for example.

Not so with Insurrection, says the film critic.

"Insurrection did dazzle me with a few tricks I haven't seen before," Siskel says.

The movie also carries a strong moral lesson, and the writing is good - so good that Siskel looked up the name of the screenwriter to mention it in his review.

"I found out it was someone I worked with 25 years ago at [CBS station] WBBM-TV in Chicago. His name is Michael Piller. He has written a really good script. Keep it up, Mike! Congratulations."