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Galaxy
Quest (1999)
This
would be my review 15 minutes into "Galaxy Quest:" Who
is this film for? It spoofs "Star Trek," in particular
the 60's version of the TV dynasty, but it does so in
a pretty unbearable way. People who don't like Sci-Fi
or "Star Trek"just won't get it. They won't even come
to the film. Those who love "Star Trek" will hate this.
It makes fun of their beloved icons.
At
20 minutes in, my opinion changes. Sigourney Weaver
delivers a biting and hilarious line and the film comes
to life. It gets really good. It becomes that loving
and sweet spoof of our beloved "Star Trek" that we all
hoped for. It gets a brain, and a heart, and the belabored
set-up starts to pay off.
The
film, for those who don't know, is about a group of
has-been actors who used to star on a Sci-Fi TV show
a few years back. They have been reduced to doing conventions
and public appearances. When their Captain, played by
Tim Allen, meets some groovy people dressed like aliens,
he thinks they are fans who want him to be in their
silly student film or something. In reality, of course,
they are true aliens who have watched Earth's TV transmissions
and think the old TVshows are "historical documents"
and that the cast of the show are the space heros who
can save them and defeat their enemies. Of course, the
cast of the show get beamed up to space and have to
accomplish this mission.
There
are problems, sure. There are some continuity bugs,
like when Sam Rockewell mentions a scene that supposedly
just took place that we didn't see so we know it's on
the cutting room floor. But when the film begins to
glide, it's pure fun. Even though we see some of the
resolutions and typical moments coming from a mile off,
it doesn't matter; We want them to happen. We are delighted
when they do.
And
some of the best stuff comes from unexpected places.Tony
Shaloub is hilarious, really funny as a laid back actor
caught in a real Sci-Fi situation. Weaver gets the jokes
and passes them on with aplomb. Alan Rickman and Sam
Rockwel lredeem their characters in the end. Rockwell
has a really cheesy and funny final moment.
The
best part of the film, however, is the "real" aliens.
The race of space travelers who hero-worship Allen and
his crew are just delightful. We grow to love them and
their sweet, subtle nuttiness. The way they talk, with
almost, but not quite perfect human voices, is adorable.
They make everything that happens in the film work.
It's just great.
Still,
what was true in the beginning is still true at the
end. If you ain't a "Star Trek" fan, the film isn't
for you. But if you are a fan, you gotta see this one.
You will laugh your ass off. And maybe get choked up
a bit here and there too.
Note:
The
film begins mimicking the "flat ratio" on screen to
give the appearance of a "box" picture, like a TV screen
image.Then it widens to "scope ratio" or widescreen
at a point around the end of the first reel in the film.
This effect was also used in "The Horse Whisperer."
The
film's final segment is a subtle nod to "Star Trek:
TheNext Generation."
Kevin
MacDonald of "Kids in the Hall" has a small role.
Report
Card
Script:
B+
Acting: A-
Cinematography\Lighting: C
Special Effects\Make Up: A+
Music: C
Final
Grade: B+
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