Forgotten Fridays: Galaxy Quest

Thanks for checking out our new feature, Forgotten Fridays. This is something we want to try out to review some older films that maybe you have forgotten about or maybe never got around to seeing that we just want to share. I have done some of these reviews in the past called Forgotten Gems, but now we want to try and bring you something on a more regular basis.

Today’s review is Galaxy Quest

With the successful sequel/reboot of Star Trek getting so much attention lately, I thought this great comedy film that satires Star Trek both on and off screen would be a great start.

THE GENERAL IDEA

Eighteen years after their sci-fi adventure show “Galaxy Quest” was canceled, actors Jason Nesmith (Tim Allen), Gwen DeMarco (Sigourney Weaver), Alexander Dane (Alan Rickman), Tommy Webber (Daryl Mitchell), and Fred Kwan (Tony Shalhoub) are making appearances at sci-fi conventions and store openings in costume and character. They’re wallowing in despair and at each other’s throats until aliens known as Thermians arrive and, having mistaken the show for fact and consequently modeling their entire culture around it, take them into space to save them from the genocidal General Sarris and his armada.

THE GOOD

Ok, I am not going to gush over every last frame, but there is a LOT about this film that I just love. First off is the premise. Yeah, its an updated take on the movie star mistaken identity gag that brought us The Three Amigos (a future Forgotten Friday feature no doubt) but it works in its own right. The actors spoof on the convention circuit to poke some fun at the rabid fanboy/girl Trekkies, as well they focus on the interpersonal relationships and conflicts that for Star Trek are almost as much cannon off screen as the show and films are on screen. We get to watch as these modest actors have no careers and are clinging to the only thing that made them popular nearly two decades previous.

Then there is the cast. The Galaxy Quest actors that make up the core command of the show are all stars in this. Tim Allen is not for everyone, but in this movie he is. I just love the guy as his genuine personality and comic timing bring life into anything he does. He is far from A-List, but he has his own flavour that he brings to any project he is on. Here he gets to play the Kirk archetype embodying him both on and off set. He is egotistical, and everyone talks about him behind his back and quietly despises him.

Allan Rickman plays the PERFECT theater snob who’s career got railroaded for his involvement in the show, and dare I say that I have NEVER seen Sigourney Weaver look hotter. Wrap up the cast with the polar opposites played by Sam Rockwell and Tony Shalhoub. Rockwell plays a “red shirt” from an early episode who dies before the first commercial break and catches up with the cast trying to ride their coat tails of fame that they are desperately hanging onto. Shalhoub plays the laid back Engineer. When these two are doing there thing they give us two completely different reactions to the impossible scenario they find themselves in.

Rockwell (Guy) is giving the more realistic reaction. He is in a constant state of panic. If aliens dragged me off into space and I would be acting the same way. Shalhoub (Tech Sgt Kwan) however seems to unrealistically go with the flow and takes it all in stride like someone told him the cable guy was coming the next day instead. No biggie. He just rolls with it. And in that comes some of the great comedy he is known for.

And that is just the “Crew” The Thermians – aliens who have built their culture around the “historical documents” (the show) – play a supporting role but brilliant as well. The leader of this outcast alien race is played by Enrico Colantoni (Veronica Mars, Just Shoot Me) and he just hits it out of the park. The odd mannerisms and dialouge of the aliens is delievered perfectly while still portraying their dire need and awe. Missi Pyle and Patrick Breen make up his entourage and they too have their presence.

The plot, the premise, the cast, the comedy, the clever dialogue. Everything about this movie is awesome.

THE BAD

There is a little bit of suspension of disbelief required to FULLY enjoy the movie. The Thermians build their entire culture around the Galaxy Quest TV Show, replicating the technology and it just so happens the rest of the universe co-operates. They even re-create make the Omega 13 (watch the movie, you will know what it is) without knowing what it can do. Yet when it is used, it works just like the fans presumed it would. And when they require spare parts, it just so happens there is a mining world that has the power supply they need. Meh. You have to over look some of that stuff for the premise to work.

Other than that, I got nothing. I could watch this movie a dozen times a week and not be tired of it. I am watching it right now.

Shut up. Just go watch the movie. Its made of awesome.

OVERALL

I cannot give any higher praise for this movie. And in rewatching it after some time I find myself enjoying it more and more. There are little things you catch like some of the minor supporting cast. An easy spot is Brandon, the sterotypical “Questarian” fanboy who’s devotion is challenged when he encounters the actor he worships on a bad day is played by a young Justin Long. And you will catch brief moments when Ted the lawyer from Scrubs (Sam Lloyd) and Rainn Wilson from The Office, appear as one of the Thermian crew. And The pilot of the ship shown only in the clips from the Galaxy Quest TV show was a 8 year old prodigy. That kid was played by Corbin Bleu (now famous as Efron`s best pal Chad on Highschool Musical)

Typically this is where we would write a “Out of 10″ rating, but since all of these Forgotten Friday reviews are going to be what I would already give a high rating to, I have made my own rating system.

TV – Make a point of watching it if you see it listed on TV.
Rent – Good enough to go out of your way to see it, but not enough to buy it.
Buy – So good. You will watch it again and again. Buy it!

So on a scale of TV, Rent or Buy I suggest BUY!

They just released a new version of the DVD called the Deluxe Edition which has a LOT of behind the scenes stuff. Nothing earth shattering but there is a music video of Sigourney Weaver rapping. Just sayin.