Sci-fi geeks whose salivary glands were kick-started with last month's preview of the upcoming "Star Wars" prequel will be able to temporarily satisfy their star jones with another futuristic sequel: "Star Trek: Insurrection," which opens Friday. The ninth cinematic adventure of the U.S.S. Enterprise (and the third with the "Next Generation" cast) should perform respectably, if the past movies' grosses are any indication: The eight films have grossed a total of $642.9 million (an average of $80.4 million per film). Though hardcore Trekkies believe that the odd-numbered "Star Trek"s are always weak, their prime directive will probably lead them to the ticket line anyway.

Here are the films opening this weekend (with EW Critics' grades):

• Star Trek: Insurrection The Enterprise crew protects a planet that keeps its civilization forever young from an evil, aging race (led by F. Murray Abraham) that wants to take over. Cast member Jonathan Frakes (Commander Riker) directs his second consecutive installment. (EW Grade: C)
• A Simple Plan Family man Bill Paxton and his not-too-bright brother Billy Bob Thornton discover a mysterious downed plane filled with $4 million in cash, and their sibling bonds are strained as they try keeping it a secret. (EW Grade: A)
• Shakespeare in Love A fictionalized account of a love affair with an engaged heiress (Gwyneth Paltrow), who inspired the Bard (Joseph Fiennes -- Ralph's younger brother) to write "Romeo and Juliet." Opens in New York and L.A. tomorrow, and 48 other cities on Christmas Day. (EW Grade: A)
• Jack Frost Michael Keaton plays a musician with a wife and teenage son who is killed in a car accident. Why is this considered a family movie? Because he comes back to life as a snowman, that's why. (EW Grade: D+)