Galaxy Quest (1999)

The plot: Eighteen years after their cult science fiction show is cancelled, the actors of TV’s “Galaxy Quest” are still together, appearing at “GQ” conventions and ribbon-cutting ceremonies, living off their association with the TV show. Some real-life aliens come to Earth to recruit the actors, seeing the show as “historical documents” of real life events, and send them up into space to help them battle a race of warlike aliens out to destroy them.

As a movie, Galaxy Quest is a real breath of fresh air, and one wonders why someone hadn’t thought if it previously. At its core, Galaxy Quest is a spoof of Star Trek, poking fun at the show and its actors while at the same time making it endearing, because everyone who loves Star Trek knows watching for the flaws of the show is just as entertaining as the good qualities.

Dean Parisot, the director responsible for the awful Home Fries the year before, redeems himself with a well-directed and energetic film that is truly funny. The ensemble of actors is perfectly cast, with both aliens and earthlings extremely likeable, and I must say that Sigourney Weaver, at 50 years old, has never looked better.

Galaxy Quest is an absolute must-see for hardcore fans of Star Trek, but the film is constructed in such a fashion that even those unfamiliar with it can still find it an enjoyable action-comedy. It would be the irony of ironies if we see Galaxy Quest garner a series of sequels and have a following all its own.

Qwipster’s rating: A

MPAA Rated: PG for some violence, mild language and sensuality
Running Time: 102 min.

Cast: Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Alan Rickman, Tony Shalhoub, Sam Rockwell, Daryl Mitchell, Enrico Colantoni, Robin Sachs, Patrick Breen, Missi Pyle, Justin Ling
Director: Dean Parisot
Screenplay: David Howard, Robert Gordon