Galaxy Quest follows a cast of washed up actors who are hilariously mistaken for their TV space crew characters by real aliens. Galaxy Quest found a rare balance between poking fun at and simultaneously respecting its subject matter. Let’s consider the pros and cons…
Pros: This movie is an absolute delight from start to finish. The pacing is well balanced and the endlessly quotable dialogue will keep you engaged throughout. David Newman’s score is also a bright spot, doing a wonderful job of capturing that 80’s Sci-Fi TV show aesthetic. Another takeaway from this most recent viewing was the theme of supporting your friends and family and simply leading a more selfless lifestyle. At the start of the film, Tim Allen’s character is vain and self absorbed. After realizing the laughingstock he’s become, his determination to redeem himself leads him to embody his old TV role in order to help a struggling alien race. By the end of the film, he finds a new appreciation for his friends and his fans. To sum up, it’s a humorous and heartfelt homage to Star Trek.
Cons: There aren’t many ways to critique such a well crafted movie that doesn’t take itself seriously, but I will try. For one, the plot is rather silly and doesn’t make much sense. However, the preposterous events in the beginning lead to a highly entertaining journey and return. Secondly, the CGI is slightly dated which is understandable after 20 years. But once again, It’s worth noting that many effects are practical and still hold up. For instance, Alan Rickman’s fin head helmet looks as real as any CGI you might see today.
I give Galaxy Quest a solid A. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, but it’s clever dialogue and tasteful direction make it a joy to watch nonetheless. If half as many parodies showed this much respect to their source material, this comedy would be in much better company. Happy Watching!
“Never give up… Never surrender.”