# Trekkies (1997)

### reviewed by
Bob Bloom

Trekkies (1999) 4 stars out of 4. A documentary directed by Roger Nygard.

If you know the name of the bit actor who played the red-shirted security officer zapped within the first minute of episode eight of the second season, or if you can speak Klingon, than "Trekkies" is your kind of movie.

"Trekkies," directed by Roger Nygard, is a documentary about one of the largest fan phenomenons in pop culture.

And the truly amazing aspect of Nygard's look at some of these eccentric people is that he treats them with respect.

How easy it would have been to make a documentary mocking the obsession of these fanatics. Instead, Nygard displays an affection for them. His approach is non-judgmental.

The movie has no narration; these people speak for themselves.

Our guide through this strange world is Denise Crosby, who serves as the film's co-executive producer, and who played Lt. Tasha Yar on "Star Trek: The Next Generation" before deciding to leave the show.

Crosby takes us into the conventions, the homes and workplaces of people and families to whom "Star Trek" is more than a television series.

In "Trekkies" we meet such people as Barbara Adams of Little Rock, Ark. Adams had been chosen for jury duty in the Whitewater trial and wore her Starfleet uniform every day.

Some people may consider such behavior odd, but, as Adams sincerely explains, as Lt. Cmdr. Barbara Adams she never leaves home without her rank pips, tricorder, phaser and communicator badge.

Adams has embraced the philosophy of "Star Trek" and lives her life accordingly. We see her at various "Star Trek" conventions signing autographs. Because of the publicity affored her by wearing her uniform to the trial, she has become a minor celebrity in her own right, admired by others for her convictions.

Then there is Dr. Denis Bourguignon, an Orlando, Fla., dentist whose office has a "Star Trek" theme. He and his entire staff wear "Star Trek" uniforms, and his office is a treasure trove of "Trek" memorabilia.

"Trekkies" may elicit some rather odd reactions. At first you may feel embarrassed for some of these people. You laugh or chuckle, maybe even mentally ridicule them. You think to yourself that you wouldn't want to be caught dead in the same room with them.

But as you watch and listen, a feeling of understanding and respect and possibly even a bit of admiration creeps into your psyche. They may be different, but they are principaled and decent human beings.

They are devoted individuals who have found a purpose in "Star Trek."

And that is this documentary's greatest asset. Cast members from the various "Star Trek" series and films are included and they speak with awe and great affection of their fans.

Even William Shatner, who mocked them years ago in a famous "Saturday Night Live' sketch in which he told the Trekkies to "get a life," speaks of his regard for these individuals.

"Trekkies" is a warm, enjoyable experience, as cuddly as a tribble and as refreshing as a cup of tea - Earl Grey.

Bob Bloom is the film critic at the Journal and Courier in Lafayette, IN. He can be reached by e-mail at bloom@journal-courier.com or at cbloom@iquest.net

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