I wonder if they had gone with an instrumental version instead it would have been accepted much better. The visuals are totally Star Trek and exploration/innovation. Not exactly classical music, but it was having lyrics/established song from a popular singer that hit the wrong way. Ironic that the TOS theme had lyrics as well, although I don't think any episode that I recall ever played that version.
The funny thing is that even though there are people on both sides dead set they are right, if they hear someone say the opposite pronunciation they still understand what the speaker is referring to. So there's absolutely no context lost, it's just preference, and I have a feeling given the age of the name GIF those preferences are very regional, as the internet had not become a national/international thing yet.
Way too many good movies to have a single best, but that one is one of my favorites certainly. If I recommend it to someone I avoid any spoiling of the twist because it was so great when it happened. It might be obvious before that point for some, it came from left field for me.
And while I heard the sequel wasn't all that great, I felt that even if a sequel could be good it was totally unneeded. It'd be like trying to make a second Highlander movie, if one could even imagine that.
At least Reg was using the characters to deal with his anxiety in reality. Geordi should have known better though and at least had a bit of security on that holodeck program. Even if Leah had been into him right away, seeing that playback would still be awkward.
I can understand why. The motivations and message are a bit deeper than WoK. But UC wouldn't have happened (in the same way) without WoK first, since I don't think Kirk had the same hatred towards Klingons before. Distrust sure, but not revenge level hate.
UC also has that connection with one of the best TNG episodes, Yesterday's Enterprise.
It's as much Star Trek as the unofficial Trek movie Galaxy Quest. Doesn't matter if the characters and universe are different, it's got the same vibe to fit in.
I do prefer the beard, but later Riker without a beard works well. I think it's because the character and actor have grown into the part at that point and don't present themselves the same as the early season Riker. I was going to call him "gangly" but I don't think that's right, but first season Riker was less sure of things.
Let's not forget the other badass old Riker with the peppered gray beard who said "I'll get the Klingon's attention".