Movie reviews: Galaxy Quest
Because squallina demanded it!
In the universe of this movie, Galaxy Quest was a sci-fi show not unlike Star Trek that was cancelled in the early 80s. Eighteen years later, the stars of the show have been reduced to appearing conventions and opening electronics stores, though most of them now despise the show, its fans and each other. The only one that enjoys the new life is Jason Nesmith (played by Tim Allen), the egomaniac actor that played the captain in the show. Again, just like Star Trek, the rest of the cast thing that he's a massive jerk.
Then one day, aliens come to Nesmith asking for help. The aliens believed that the episodes of the TV show were actually historical documents. They want the crew's help in defeating an evil alien warlord names Sarris.
Other highlights include Alan Rickman as Alexander Dane, a bitter Shakespearean actor who believes that he is above all this nonsense. Sigourney Weaver as Gwen DeMarco, whose role in the show was nothing more than to repeat whatever the computer said. Another favourite role of mine was Sam Rockwell as Guy Fleegman, a Red Shirt from the original show who is sucked into the situation and fears he will meet the same fate.
A thoroughly enjoyable comedy, this one. The movie doesn't make fun of Star Trek in a nasty way, it's more of an affectionate parody. According to several of the original Star Trek cast, this movie is a disturbingly accurate portrayal of things that went on in the show.
I think my favourite character would be Alexander Dane. You have to feel sorry for a 'proper' actor that is subjected to acting in a cheesy sci-fi series like Galaxy Quest. You have to wonder how Patrick Stewart felt about appearing in Star Trek. Dane's hatred of his role is also similar to Leonard Nimoy's past feelings about his role as Spock.
Definitely worth a watch, this one. You don't even have to be a fan of the subject material it's based on. Four out of five pointy hats.
Next time: Ginger Snaps
In the universe of this movie, Galaxy Quest was a sci-fi show not unlike Star Trek that was cancelled in the early 80s. Eighteen years later, the stars of the show have been reduced to appearing conventions and opening electronics stores, though most of them now despise the show, its fans and each other. The only one that enjoys the new life is Jason Nesmith (played by Tim Allen), the egomaniac actor that played the captain in the show. Again, just like Star Trek, the rest of the cast thing that he's a massive jerk.
Then one day, aliens come to Nesmith asking for help. The aliens believed that the episodes of the TV show were actually historical documents. They want the crew's help in defeating an evil alien warlord names Sarris.
Other highlights include Alan Rickman as Alexander Dane, a bitter Shakespearean actor who believes that he is above all this nonsense. Sigourney Weaver as Gwen DeMarco, whose role in the show was nothing more than to repeat whatever the computer said. Another favourite role of mine was Sam Rockwell as Guy Fleegman, a Red Shirt from the original show who is sucked into the situation and fears he will meet the same fate.
A thoroughly enjoyable comedy, this one. The movie doesn't make fun of Star Trek in a nasty way, it's more of an affectionate parody. According to several of the original Star Trek cast, this movie is a disturbingly accurate portrayal of things that went on in the show.
I think my favourite character would be Alexander Dane. You have to feel sorry for a 'proper' actor that is subjected to acting in a cheesy sci-fi series like Galaxy Quest. You have to wonder how Patrick Stewart felt about appearing in Star Trek. Dane's hatred of his role is also similar to Leonard Nimoy's past feelings about his role as Spock.
Definitely worth a watch, this one. You don't even have to be a fan of the subject material it's based on. Four out of five pointy hats.
Next time: Ginger Snaps
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