Trekkies 2 (2004) / Documentary

MPAA Rated: PG for language
Running Time: 93 min.

Cast: Denise Crosby
Director: Roger Nygard
Review published September 2, 2004

There haven't been too many sequels of documentaries made, and most of those that have been are usually documenting what has happened to the situation or people that had appeared in the first film.  Trekkies 2 does revisit some things from Trekkies to be sure, but it is also a branching out from the first entry, looking around the globe for the most extreme hardcore Star Trek fans and conventions.  Well, at least it is for part of it, as most of the documentary looks at the sometimes crazy people in the United States.  Trekkies 2 isn't really a lesser film in production quality than its predecessor, but it is somewhat expendable.  It doesn't cover much more new ground this time around, and for a mostly vacuous documentary, it is a tad on the longish side.  However, it is still entertaining to watch for fans of the series, as well as those who are shocked at how much people can have an obsession with a work of pure fiction.  You'll laugh at them or laugh with them, but the important thing is that you'll laugh.

Even if you haven't seen Trekkies, you should be able to enjoy Trekkies 2 without much notice.  There are some references to the older film, but clips are presented when necessary that explain them well.  It's nice to know some of the social misfits can actually get girlfriends (yes, there is hope for everyone), and there is a cathartic experience as a viewer to know that whatever hang-ups you think you have, at least you aren't as bad off as some of these people.  In the end, you don't feel sorry for any Trekkie (or Trekker, if you prefer) as you have a distant admiration.  They unabashedly have embraced the vision, concepts and ideals as put forward by Star Trek creator, Gene Roddenberry, and aren't afraid to let the world know it, participating in art, music, and wardrobe to express themselves and their love of the show.

Crosby (who played Lt. Tasha Yar on the "Next Generation" series) and the rest of the production team offer little commentary on whether or not they themselves feel that the Star Trek fans are actually crazy or if they are merely having fun with a benign obsession.  I'm guessing it is probably the latter, as the film stays light and amusing for the duration, despite the fact that darker subject matter looms in the background when one of the Trekkies will mention being the subject of taunting, or another will mention how his wife left him as his obsession grew more passionate. 

If you are a hardcore Star Trek fan and can laugh at yourself, you'll find a lot to like in Trekkies 2.  Even if you aren't someone who has really watched the program before, it's still an interesting viewing, amusing in seeing how a mere television show can produce almost a cult-like devotion from hundreds of thousands of people from around the world.  As a sequel, it's often redundant, but it's still cute, and recommended as a diversion of a different sort on the video store shelves. 

Qwipster's rating:

©2004 Vince Leo