LogFAQs > #972522353

3. Galaxy Quest (1999)
Directed by Dean Parisot
Score: 79

Vis: 1
Suprak: 2
GavsEvans: 3
Plasma: 4
Tangy: 6
Karo: 7
Poke: 10
Mythiot: 10
John: 12
Forty: 24

1. Vis
I had a smile on my face for the entire runtime of this movie. Its amazing. Yes, you should have a basic understanding of some cliches and conceits from Star Trek (specifically the original series), but even then, you can follow a plot that is basically some washed up actors from a sci-fi show get teleported into space to play their roles for real and the jokes still make sense. Thats the thing: this is a genuine sci-fi movie that happens to have a comedic tone because the main characters are NOT sci-fi characters. Theyre normal humans who have been sucked up into a fish-out-of-water situation, but the aliens (as quirky as they are) feel real in their alien mannerisms. Everything in the plot is sincere, and the comedy comes specifically from the characters driving the action.

Its crazy to look at this cast and see how stacked of an ensemble it is. Tim Allen in his prime, Sigourney Weaver, Alan Rickman (R.I.P.), Tony Shaloub, Sam Rockwell, and others. You have Tim Allen as the Shatner-like captain who gets into this strange plot strangely fast, and he plays the conquering hero with all the hammy goodness youd expect. Weavers sex symbol character pokes fun at how useless her character was on the show itself, taking to her job on the real ship and just generally hating the writing that brought her into this situation. Rickman is, of course, playing a character far beyond his Shakespearean talents, and that hatred and general malaise informs every aspect of his character (with his sad sack performance making some of the best quotes in the movie). Tony Shaloubs character being constantly high, and thus totally cool with all the alien shit, is great. And Sam Rockwell is a goddamn star, poking fun as the random redshirts who serve one purpose on a Star Trek show, and that sorta shit is terrifying when youre really in that situation.

The whole movie is great; I just want to highlight a few of my favorite quotes:

I know! You construct a weapon. Look around you. Can you form some sort of rudimentary lathe?

What is this thing? I mean, it serves no useful purpose for there to be a bunch of chompy, crushy things in the middle of a hallway! ... No! I mean, we shouldn't have to do this! It makes no logical sense! Why is it here? ... Well, forget it! I'm not doing it! This episode was badly written!

"I see you managed to get your shirt off."

Lets get out of here before one of those things kills Guy!

By Grabthars hammer, what a savings."

3. GavsEvans
It would have been easy to make this film a mean-spirited spoof, but Galaxy Quest resists that temptation in favour of being an affectionate homage to its inspiration. Theres a clear appreciation and passion of Star Trek tropes and archetypes, and yet it remains accessible even if youre unfamiliar with Star Trek. There is plenty of comedy here, but that isnt all this works as a genuine sci-fi movie as well, with excitement and emotional moments as well as laughs. The heroes using the minefield to their advantage in the climax is a cheer-worthy moment for me which could have been from a serious sci-fi film.

Alan Rickman steals the show as Dr Lazarus, who especially resents that he is recognised only for Galaxy Quest, and not the roles that he is prouder of, with the resulting typecasting leaving him unable to find work. His delivery of almost every line is steeped in exasperation at his unsatisfying career and the fans, especially the ones who recite his dreaded catchphrase. The scene towards the end where Lazarus says the catchphrase with the utmost sincerity is a scene that manages to be funny, heartwarming, emotional and awesome, all at once! There were definitely goosebumps from at least one of those emotions, though Im not sure which.

Im not a Trekkie, but I still enjoyed this one a lot. Perhaps the added context would have been enough to push this up to number 1? Tellingly, Trekkies love this film so much that they have adopted it as an unofficial Star Trek film. That its inclusion in the Star Trek canon continues the even numbers good, odd numbers bad film curse is an added bonus. Never give up, never surrender!

4. Plasma
Entirely amazing. Ive never watched an episode of Star Trek in my life, yet I found this movie full of clever ideas, well-drawn characters, and tons of heart. Every character serves a purpose and has an arc, and there are some great feels at the end. A

6. Tangy
At this point, Ive seen more Star Trek homages than I have any actual Star Trek. Which is one of the things that makes this movie so delightful. The homages are less about the show itself and more about low budget tv series in general. While I may not have seen any Star Trek, I loved me some Power Rangers growing up and seeing the same corniness in the costumes, set design dialogue and archetypes was an absolute treat. Then the film takes it to another level and has the retired actors themselves be in charge of where this particular episode goes and instead of the characters overcoming trials, its the actors that do.

I also think the movie has a ton of heart. When it comes to fame, most people think of the celebrity life and tons of money, but this movie is a great reminder that none of that actually matters, its actually the impact you can have on others is what matters at the end of the day. I also think this was the point in my rankings where I could switch around the rest of these and it would make sense for me.

Biggest Laugh: Sam Rockwell's entire character arc. Not only was it played for laugh's very well, but he also manages to be one of my favorite characters as a result.

7. Karo
The actors in a TV show that is totally not Star Trek get mistaken for actual interstellar heroes by naive aliens and hilarity ensues. This motley crew of incompetent space sailors has to work together to save the galaxy and become the heroes they pretend to be in a plot that is quite predictable but still fun.
It is such a brilliant satire of the elements of the classic series that even someone like me who has only a passing interest in the Trek series can find it hilarious.