This is the second movie directed by Johnathan Frakes. The first one I saw was the last Star Trek movie, Star Trek: First Contact. He certainly did a passable job in that one, but it is generally inadvisable for actors to try to direct movies they are in. With a few notable exceptions, they just have too much to do and don't do most of it very well.
This whole movie comes across as a really long episode with a big budget and F. Murray Abraham screaming maniacally. The problem is that the episode that it would be is - at best - middle of the road. The series had its ups and downs, and concentrating on one of Picard's many and fleeting love interests simply isn't the way to go with these things. It slows everything down, and it is hard to really develop something like that in the timeframes that these movies are written for.
They managed to ham-fist Worf into this one just like they did the last one. Again, the weapon he wields isn't enough during a battle and he uses it as a club instead.
So, the story goes along these lines: The Federation has been duped into a plan to relocate a group of people from one planet to another. The rings around this planet help rejuvenate cells, and this other group of aliens (obsessed with prolonging their own lives) wants to harness the power from the rings, destroying the planet. That's why The Federation is involved. Unfortunately for them, Data discovered their plans and eventually helps to bring it to light.
The dullards on the planet are portrayed as wise, skillful families. The entire settlement (described as 600 people, but we see far fewer) is a paradise, as they have dismissed technology. You know, it's the Sci-Fi fans who REALLY understand that technology is evil and only embracing a simple life could possibly lead to perfection. Really, the settlement reminds me of the one that Picard was on for a lifetime in the episode where he learned to play the flute (The Inner Light).
The creepy aliens headed by F. Murray Abraham have constant facelifts and yell a lot. They are generally unpleasant, and it's hard to understand why any of the federation guys were working with them in the first place. Even after watching the whole thing and hearing the reasoning, I still don't understand it.
The one notable space battle is kind of lousy. The Enterprise E, the flagship of the Federation, appears to be outmatched by just one of the alien vessels. They have to resort to guile to beat them at all, and it just does not make any sense - much like these aliens themselves. It seems like the whole ship to ship combat is used as a time waster and to show off how cool Riker can be in command. It's unfortunate, as the effects are truly outstanding.
Directing was poor
Story was not good
Acting was generally pretty good
Dialogue could get downright tedious at times
Effects were impressive
2.25/5