William Shatner's new documentary “The Captains” is a must-experience voyage for any Trekkie.
The project was both produced and directed by the actor, who played Captain James T. Kirk from 1966 to 1969 (and reprised the role several times thereafter). And while “The Captains” may sound like Klingon to the average viewer, it will undoubtedly be pitch-perfect for its target audience – those who have made “Star Trek” one of the most popular science-fiction franchises in history.
In “The Captains,” Shatner travels the world to connect with each of the actors who have played captains over the long life of the “Star Trek” franchise. Recalling his own experiences in the role that made him a star, Shatner interviews Patrick Stewart, Kate Mulgrew, Scott Bakula, Avery Brooks and Chris Pine while interweaving clips from their respective shows and movies.
Needless to say, “The Captains” is a fans-only affair. However, that is perfectly fine as there are plenty of people out there in the galaxy who live and breathe solely to experience TrekFest each year. Moreover, thanks to J.J. Abrams and his 2009 cinematic reboot, an entirely new generation of Trekkies has been born.
Regardless, the most commendable quality about “The Captains” is Shatner's ability to capture an incredible intimacy in his interviews. Each one feels like a genuine, uncensored conversation between actors, sharing their own individual insights about their experiences playing a captain on one of the incarnations of “Star Trek” with one another.
Having said that, “The Captains” sometimes feels like a fan-film than one produced and directed by an industry insider. However, that is likely a testament to the passion Shatner has for the “Star Trek” universe. And the target audience will hardly notice, embracing every minute of an experience where only five men – and one woman – have gone before.
“The Captains” airs Friday, July 22 exclusively on Epix.
Listen to Joseph J. Airdo's “Movie Maverick” radio segment, every Friday morning at 9:30 a.m. during “The Daily Blender with Jeffry O'Brien” on KBSZ - NBC 1260 AM and 96.1 FM.
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