Galaxy Quest
In the 1970’s a group of actors starred in a popular television show called Galaxy Quest. Now it’s 1999, and all the work they can find is conventions where they live out their glory days signing autographs, and answering questions from avid fans.
Series lead Jason Nesmith, is approached by a group who ask him for help. He reluctantly accepts, believing it to be another autograph signing job. However they are actually an alien group called the Thermians. They have watched the show – and unaware of what lies and ‘acting’ is – think the show is real “historical documents”.
They need help in negotiating against their mortal enemy – the ruthless Sarris, and bring up the rest of the crew of Galaxy Quest to steer the replica ship they’ve built, and stop Sarris from destroying the Universe!
Cast/Characters
Tim Allen plays the actor Jason Nesmith, who played the character Commander Peter Quincy Taggart.
Sigourney Weaver plays Gwen DeMarco, who played Lt Tawny Madison.
Alan Rickman plays Sir Alexander Dane, a british stage actor, who also played the alien Dr Lazarus.
Tony Shalhoub plays Fred Kwan, who played Tech Sgt Chen.
Sam Rockwell plays one of the convention hosts, Guy – who starred in a single episode of the show. Even in one of his pre Oscar winning films, he shines in his comedic ability.
Additional cast are; Daryl Mitchell as Tommy (who starred on the show as a child), Enrico Colantoni as Mathesar leader of the Thermians, Justin Long as Brandon an overzealous fan of Galaxy Quest, Missi Pyle as Laliari a Thermian who falls in love with Fred, Robin Sachs as Sarris.
Breakdown
Directed by (mostly) television and occasional movie director Dean Parisot, this has great set designs – and is a perfect imitation of “other” sci fi shows of the 1970’s. The characters and their positions in the show are a direct imitation of “that” show, and according to reports Jason’s overhearing of people making fun of him, happened to the actor who played the captain of “that” show too.
Like other films of the 90’s (and another banger from my favourite year of film, 1999) – this is another film that is so self aware of itself, that it makes the audience experience that one step better. We’re engaged enough with what the characters are going through, and even though it’s so far fetched – it just works.
The cast all play their parts as if the character were written just for them.
Jason is the ‘washed’ up lead, who is arrogant, egotistical and just wants to party.
Gwen is the token written character who is treated with misogyny, whose character was treated just the same (the sex symbol who was the only one who can talk to the computer).
Alexander is the theater star, who thinks he is above his role, and hates his catchphrase (by Grabthar’s hammer, you will be avenged).
I thought that Sarris was a solid villain (The alien make up and costumes were done by the legendary late Stan Winston). In a ‘world’ where his enemies are such simpletons, he is genuinely clever – and has good back and forth with Jason (perhaps I’m not as stupid as I am ugly) moments. I thought his ** spoiler *** death scene was a tad underwhelming considering how solid he was as an antagonist throughout.
The tension moments are written well too, with the continued moments which include the ship attack, loss of berilium sphere sequence.
There is also a good amount of heart. All the characters are seemingly ‘going through the motions’ and their being brought up into space to help, seemingly changes them for the better.
Some ‘downs’ –
There is some editing issues, that the producers wanted to change from an ‘American PG-13’ or Australian ‘M’ to just a PG in the ‘Screw That’ line (go watch Weaver’s lips).
I didn’t buy that Jason would break down at the convention early on. He overhears people making fun of him once, and that causes him to lose control of his anger?
I also didn’t buy that Jason and Gwen (or Peter and Tawny?) would seemingly ‘end up’ together.
Overall
Yet another wonderful film from 1999. It takes itself just seriously enough, with enough meta and parody that the audience is invested without thinking its over the top.
Top performances from all involved. A very strong recommend.
4/5
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