The dream of every fan of space exploration shows like Star Trek is to see their favourite fictional characters turn out to be real. Galaxy Quest (1999) is a movie about that very thing. I’m glad I finally got to see this cult classic, even though it was made 25 years ago. Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, and the rest of the cast did a great job of capturing the essence of the starship crew we love without imitating them. Director Dean Parisot created a science fiction film that is by definition beyond facts but still manages to create relatable characters who are not perfect heroes. If you are a Star Trek fan, you will not want to miss this movie. and it gets a Ripe from mangoidiots.
The actors of a TV show are being mistaken to be real by an alien crew, who seek the help of these ‘fictitious’ space explorers. When faced with real existential danger, did they turn out to be the heroes their fans think they are, or not is the story. Normally in these situations, the fakes will suddenly turn experts by tapping into their ‘unknown’ potential, but here the transformation was gradual, never complete, and that made the screenplay enjoyable. The costumes were great, befitting a movie. I liked the characterisation of the alien species Thermians and their naive leader Mathesar.
The actors in the screenplay are constantly aware that they are not real space explorers, and this leads to a lot of great moments of comedy. They are often scared and inadequate, but they also have a lot of heart. Overall, this was a funny, heartwarming, and thought-provoking movie that will make you wish your favourite TV show was real.
Commander Peter Quincy Taggart, Dr. Lazarus, Tawny Madison, Guy Fleegman, Pilot Laredo, and Tech Sergeant Chen
The Thermians – Mathesar, Laliari and others
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