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Considering the overwhelmingly successful release of J. J. Abrams’s new .com/articles/09/NW0900218.php>Star Trek, I think it’s safe to say that there are still a few science-fiction fans out there—fans who have no qualms about getting dressed up in full Starfleet garb and hanging out at their local theater all weekend long. But you don’t have to be a faithful science-fiction fan to love the 1999 sci-fi comedy, Galaxy Quest.
It’s been twenty years since the popular sci-fi TV show, Galaxy Quest, went off the air. But, in the years since, the show’s cast has keep busy by traveling to appearances and conventions, where they spend long, exhausting days signing autographs and listening to the ramblings of obsessive fans.
For Jason Nesmith (Tim Allen), who played the show’s illustrious captain, every convention is a reminder of how beloved he is—or, at least, how beloved he once was. In fact, he’s starting to fear that he might be a has-been.
At one convention, Jason is approached by a strange group of fans, who call themselves Thermians. He goes along with their act, not realizing that they really are an endangered race—and they’ve come to Jason for help, believing that he’s a great and powerful commander.
Once he figures out what’s going on, Jason’s eager to tell his old crew. Thinking that he’s taking promotional jobs without them, they demand to be included in the next one. So they soon find themselves transported to a ship that looks just like the one from the show—only with real outer-space dangers.
Galaxy Quest is one of those classic comic adventures that appeal to a surprisingly wide audience—from science-fiction fans to the science-fiction phobic. If you’re a Star Trek fan, you’ll love the subtle little references—not to mention the fact that the geekiest and most devoted of fans, led by Justin Long’s Brandon, are called in for help. If, on the other hand, you tend to steer clear of science-fiction (and its die-hard fans), you’ll love the clever sci-fi parody. And, for everyone in between, Galaxy Quest offers a witty script, lovable characters, a brilliant cast, and plenty of action, too.
The story is cleverly written—all in good-natured fun—with an amusingly imaginative plot. At the same time, it has plenty of heart, too—thanks, especially, to Enrico Colantoni’s dutiful Thermian spokesman, Mathesar. In the midst of the gags, he manages to make viewers feel for this sweet and trusting alien, who’s just trying to save what’s left of his people.
Each of the characters, though, is entertaining (and even likeable) in his or her own way. There’s Allen’s Jason, the cocky, self-centered star who’s getting a hearty dose of reality. There’s Sigourney Weaver’s Gwen, the token female who’s always gone along for the ride. And there’s my favorite, Alexander (Alan Rickman), the classically-trained thespian who’s embarrassed to have been a part of it (and bitter that it’s how he’s remembered). Each character is perfectly cast—and expertly acted.
With its satirical script and its shockingly unlikely ensemble cast (Really…who ever thought that Alan Rickman and Tim Allen would appear in the same movie?), Galaxy Quest is a surprisingly delightful film—one that gives fanboys and mainstream moviegoers something to agree on.
DVD Review:
The new deluxe edition DVD release of Galaxy Quest includes a surprising number of all-new extras. In addition to the trailers and deleted scenes (as well as a special Thermian audio track, which dubs the entire movie in Thermian), you’ll find a number of making-of features on everything from the cast to the effects. The cast and crew look back on their experiences—and audiences’ reactions—in Historical Documents. In Never Give Up. Never Surrender, they discuss the characters—and how each actor played (and prepared for) the part. Other extras include short features on the film’s effects (including the makeup effects by Stan Winston), the aliens, and the stereotypical actors portrayed by the various characters. And, finally, there’s Sigourney Weaver Raps, a short video that Weaver created (with the help of a few of her castmates) in honor of her agent’s birthday.
Just like the movie itself, the DVD offers a little bit of something for everyone. If you love the sci-fi aspect, you’ll want to check out By Grabthar’s Hammer, What Amazing Effects. If you love a little Hollywood dirt, you’ll enjoy Actors in Space. And if you appreciate the film’s clever writing or the brilliant cast, you’ll enjoy the longer, more in-depth making-of features. So, whatever the case—and whatever your interests—you’re sure to find a worthwhile feature or two on this out-of-this-world DVD re-release.
