Review of Galaxy Quest

Introduction

For almost as long as Star Trek has existed in the public consciousness, so have Star Trek spoofs. For the first time however, a movie comes along and outdoes the genre it was meant to lampoon. Galaxy Quest takes the Star Trek stereotypes and refreshes them in a witty and inventive comedy. The most amazing thing about this film is that it works on so many levels. If you`re a newcomer to the genre, then you can just sit back and have a laugh riot. If on the other hand you are familiar with Star Trek and the like, you get the film on a series of levels. There are in-jokes about the series, and there are in-jokes about the behind the scenes cast rivalries. None of this detracts from the enjoyable film, however.

Galaxy Quest as described in the film was a short-lived television Sci-Fi show, which has lived only in syndication for the last twenty years, and in the hearts of countless loyal fans. The once famous cast have since only been able to find work at conventions and supermarket openings. This is where the movie starts, with the cast reliving past glories at a geek filled fan convention. The star, Jason Nesmith still behaves like the megastar only he believes himself to be, while his co-stars are reaching the end of their patience with his prima-donna behaviour. It`s at this convention that he first encounters the Thermians who are looking for the fearless Captain of the NSEA Protector to assist in their galactic struggle against tyranny. Thinking that he has a quick easy gig, he agrees. The next day, the Thermians arrive in a limo to take him to his ship. As he is still hung over, he is fairly unaware of his circumstances. He goes to the bridge of the ship, confronts the bad guy, Sarris and lets rip with all barrels. When he then attempts to leave, he realises that he is actually in space. On returning to Earth, he goes to see his co-stars to relate his adventure. They are sceptic until the Thermians return again. Apparently Sarris has survived and is seeking retribution. Now the entire cast return to the ship and yet more comical adventure ensues.

Video

This is an anamorphic transfer as you would expect, crystal clear with no problems. The film design is also excellent. The earth scenes are obviously terrestrial, but once we get into outer space, no expense is spared. The effects rival the Trek Franchise itself, and anything less would have been a failure on the screen. The ship design is well done and you can almost imagine that the TV series actually existed with the amount of effort they put into the retro TV segments. The aliens are particularly well done. The rock monster and the blue babies spring to mind as examples of the effort put into making this film authentic.

Audio

The sound is also well presented, a DD 5.1 track. The music is very Trek like, with more than homage to the series. It really captures the feel of the eighties sci-fi genre.I must note that I went through two copies of the film with a distinctive pop in the sound some 33 minutes before the end, a small problem which knowing my luck only applies to me.

Features

Extras consist of a separate production notes booklet; on disc are the trailer, deleted scenes and a short documentary, "On location in space". The documentary is short and sweet, running to 10 minutes but it does inform and can`t be mistaken as merely a promo. The deleted scenes are very good, also about 10 minutes worth, you can see a couple of scenes which I feel should have remained in the film. One is Tech Sgt Chen`s introduction to the engineering crew. They come to him with a problem and he uses psychology to get them to come to the answer while taking the credit. This goes a long way to explaining why he appears so comfortable in such an alien environment. The other scene is where Lt Tawny Madison confronts two aliens and uses her charms to crush them under a door. This gives her a meatier role in the movie and also explains a continuity error. When the Captain and Madison go into the self-destruct chamber her uniform is immaculate, when they deactivate the sequence, her top is unzipped (not a bad thing). There is an Easter egg in here. If you watch the movie first, you get more deleted scenes under the same option.

Conclusion

The cast is excellent. A nightmare to explain though so please bear with me. Tim Allen is Jason Nesmith who stars as Captain Peter Quincy Taggert. Alan Rickman is Alexander Dane who plays Dr Lazarus. Sigourney Weaver is Gwen DeMarco is Lt. Tawny Madison. Tony Shalhoub is Fred Kwan, the engineer Tech Sgt Chen; Sam Rockwell is Guy, Crewman No.6. Finally Daryl Mitchell, Tommy Webber is Laredo. That wasn`t so bad was it?

Tim Allen manages to out-Shatner the great man himself. He even has the heroic poses down pat. I especially like the thoughtful lean forward in the command chair, simultaneously looking intrepid and courageous. One only has unofficial biographies and TV gossip to go by, but his character`s self importance also seems to ring true. Alan Rickman is a joy to watch as the failed Shakespearean actor eternally cast as Lizard man turned Spock. His lament in the dressing room is especially funny, as is his expression every time he has to spout his catchphrase "By Grabthar`s hammer you shall be avenged". Sigourney Weaver is just gorgeous as Gwen DeMarco, like wow blonde! Sigourney Weaver is naturally a striking actress, but in this role manages to leave me dumbfounded. This and her role in Ghostbusters when Zuul possesses Dana Barrett are my favourite movie moments (O.K Leave it, I`ve got issues, I know…) Here she plays the communications officer who`s only duty is to repeat the computer verbatim. Tony Shalhoub plays the inscrutable engineer. Of all the characters, his seems to fit in best in his hi tech environment, but eventually he is flustered when he becomes responsible for the safety of Nesmith. Sam Rockwell is the obligatory red shirt, the crewman who beams down only to be killed before the opening credits. In this real situation he sees his demise behind every rock and boulder. Finally Daryl Mitchell is the helmsman. Wesley Crusher after the voice broke. He get`s to fly a ship for real but doesn`t quite know how to steer yet. Robin Sachs as the bad guy/crab Sarris and Enrico Colantrini as the head Thermian, Mathasar, join the stellar cast. This is a great ensemble that really makes this film work.

This film is just outstanding, I think no matter what you may think about Sci-fi, you will be entertained by this movie. And for a healthy Star Trek fan like myself this is manna from heaven. One final niggle, I couldn`t change subtitles from within the movie. Otherwise this one`s a keeper.