What was right about the movie.
The amazing musical score, excellent enough to silence even those most ardent in their demands that Oldziey or Fatman should have composed it.
The introduction sequence... the map/historical overlay was a brilliant piece of film-making -- and the attack on Pegasus a wonder of 3D rendering skills.
The aforementioned rendering skills -- watch the movie on DVD for the best effect, as they appeared too dark in the theaters. The action is intense and detailed...
The choice of actors -- Prinze plays the perfect confused newbie; Lillard the perfect arrogant jerk.
The little references for the fans -- mentioning Hornets and Lt. Dibbles, the Dorkier on Paladin's VDU... the little things that reminded us that they hadn't forgotten about the longtime fans.
The sets -- Roberts envisioned a submarine in space, and he created the illusion perfectly.
The fact that it brought out wonderful new merchandise at a time when Origin had abandoned Wing Commander -- the Confederation Handbook, a new series of novels, long-begged-for Wing Commander toys!
The absolute thrill of, after nine years of waiting, seeing a Wing Commander movie in a theater.
And last, but not least, the fact that it leaves us with something to talk about years later.