Now Watching: Galaxy Quest (7/24)

So it seems a lot of people on this forum like sci-fi and a few people haven't seen this one so let's give it a try. Pretty sure it's readily available out there, the blu-ray is cheap if you've seen it and just feel like taking the jump.

Galaxy Quest came out in 1999, it was directed by some guy and I say that only because this was one of his only directorial works in the movies. He still directs stuff on TV (I've seen shows like Modern Family in his credits) and the writer who came up with the story only has this has is credit. In other words, it was the ultimate one hit wonder. The film is on the surface a send up of the classic Star Trek shows and of fandom but has been pretty well received from both Star Trek fans and cast alike who recognize that the film is more about the importance of the fans than blatantly making fun of them (another good movie with a similar theme: Trekkies...check it out).

Patrick Stewart, for instance, said of the movie: "I had originally not wanted to see Galaxy Quest because I heard that it was making fun of Star Trek, and then Jonathan Frakes rang me up and said "You must not miss this movie! See it on a Saturday night in a full theatre." And I did, and of course I found it was brilliant. Brilliant. No one laughed louder or longer in the cinema than I did, but the idea that the ship was saved and all of our heroes in that movie were saved simply by the fact that there were fans who did understand the scientific principles on which the ship worked was absolutely wonderful. And it was both funny and also touching in that it paid tribute to the dedication of these fans."

I personally haven't seen the film in ages, but I'm excited to give it another watch to see how the humor has aged but considering there are jokes I'm still quoting from it today I imagine it will go well.

Some more random facts:

The serial number of the ship "NTE" stands for "Not The Enterprise"

This was Justin Long's and Rainn Wilson's big screen debuts.

The character Fred Kwan is shown eating in almost every scene he's in.

J.J. Abrams has also mentioned that Galaxy Quest is one of his favorite "trek films"

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

Spoiler:

I'm really looking forward to watching this again just so I can discuss it when it's fresh in my mind. There's so much to like and, you cited, it doesn't treat the fans or source material with anything but love. Might have to watch Trekkies again with this. Should probably still be on Netflix.

Amazon and Best Buy have the Blu Rays for $9 and Wally World may have it in their $5 bins. I bought it the beginning of this year for $5 on Amazon. Honestly, it's worth it at $9.

Never seen it. Might see if I can grab a cheap copy or borrow it.

In the cart.

Awesome, when you get it let us know

I love this movie! Anyone who hasn't seen it really needs to.

chocobot wrote:I love this movie! Anyone who hasn't seen it really needs to.

You oughto watch it again and get in on the discussion.

I'll try to watch it again, I'm actually not too sure if I've still got this on DVD or not.

There are...other means >.>

But that would be the easiest way

Fiiine, I will absolutely watch Galaxy Quest. BY ANY MEANS POSSIBLE.

Dear NSA: I am of course referring to going to your local library, who may offer DVDs and videos and to ask (politely) for a copy.

Dear NSA,

This movie is the BOMB. I put it on my WATCHLIST after reading up on some RPG Maker Ace tutorials.

Taking a page from Trip's book will do a series of discussion questions:

1. How did you like the movie? Roughly on a scale of 1-10 and you can be as weird about the scoring as you please.


2. Do you feel the jokes held up considering it was a movie of the 90's?


3. What didn't age well?


4. What was your favorite scene?


5. Who's your favorite character?


6. Any other comments?

1. How did you like the movie? Roughly on a scale of 1-10 and you can be as weird about the scoring as you please.

If I have to give it a numerical score I'll say 8.5. It's enjoyable for pretty much anyone. It really doesn't try to be more than it is.

2. Do you feel the jokes held up considering it was a movie of the 90's?

The jokes are kept in context and rarely get period specific. Still cracks me up since it isn't above vaudeville. Some potty humor was there but it doesn't detract like a Sandler movie.

3. What didn't age well?

Can't think of anything.

4. What was your favorite scene?

Sigourney Weaver's character making damn sure she's taken seriously. I can go into detail once more people post so I don't spoil it.


5. Who's your favorite character?

Every character was written and acted perfectly. Alan Rickman is my favorite if I have to choose.

6. Any other comments?

The movie is definitely a gem. This and The 5th Element really show how to give good fan service on a limited budget without compromising fun and quality.

Yeah, the one movie where Tim Allen really fits as well...

1. How did you like the movie? Roughly on a scale of 1-10 and you can be as weird about the scoring as you please.

It's not one of those that I've seen hundreds of times (although it'd be an excellent example) but I've always had a blast when I saw it. It cleverly lampooned Star Trek: TOS but the digs it took at fandom (at the same celebrating it) also made it memorable. Also notable is the situation where actors just can't escape the roles that made them famous (Rickman's audibly complains about this very issue and he's got a point) and either the actors enthusiastically ride with whatever opportunities their connection provides or they go through the motions like zombies.  Just one of the best ensemble casts ever, where everyone gets plenty of moments to shine. Even the war plot between Sarris and The Thermians is treated with enough care. 8.5


2. Do you feel the jokes held up considering it was a movie of the 90's?

Every decade has great films and shitty ones in every genre. I loved the 90s, thank you very much, especially the films. Overall, I think the jokes are consistently good. There's some early stuff with Tim Allen that made me roll my eyes (like the early scene where The Thermians meet him for the first time) but that's minor stuff.

3. What didn't age well?

The early Tim Allen stuff. He's meant to be a self-absorbed jackass but I've never been crazy about Allen. Honestly, his arc in the film is pretty strong and as a result, it's his best work in a film. Outside of the Toy Story films, he hasn't had much luck in films.

4. What was your favorite scene?

Oh, good lord. I can't choose between the two so I'll make a tie between:

• Tommy's near disastrous attempt to guide the ship out of the spaceport (the crewmates' reactions are priceless)
  
• the sequence where Allen contacts  Justin Long's superfan to guide him and Weaver through the ship to where they can abort the self-destruct sequence. I love it when Weaver freaks out at the sight of one obstacle-laden corridor ("WELL, SCREW THAT!!!")
  

5. Who's your favorite character?

It's easy and understandable to say Rickman. He's not in many comedies which is a shame because I feel there's some untapped potential there. I could say Weaver for the same reason pspiddy pointed out ("Look! I have one job on this lousy ship, it's stupid, but I'm gonna do it! Okay?").

But look, this is the first time I took notice of Sam Rockwell and while it would be a few years where he'd be getting work worthy of his talents, this was the first time we'd catch a glimpse of how gleefully unhinged he could be with the right material. In a film where sci-fi tv tropes were being mocked, the subject of the "red shirt" or the expendable extra was one that the film cleverly tackled and it's all on Rockwell's shoulders. From trying to get whatever attention he could for his limited work on the show or his fears for his own life expectancy for the actual mission, it's easy for him to be really annoying and he's anything but.

6. Any other comments?

I've always liked how Rickman's character never took off his makeup, even when he's home.
Justin Long isn't someone I'm particularly fond of (those Mac commercials didn't do him any favors) but his bit role as the fan is perfection.

Outside of that early Tim Allen sequence, the writers and actors really nailed it. I'm glad they left out the deleted scenes because they honestly weren't needed. (unlike in Apocalypse Now!...ahem...avid...)

Sam Rockwell was pretty hilarious on the trip to the planet. His desperate "What's my last name!?" is so funny. That sequence has so many moments. My favorite being Tommy and his "caw" thing. I've seen the movie so many times but that's just such a good bit I laugh out loud every time.

"Red thingy headed toward....green thingy........I think we're the green thingy."

I forgot how god damn funny Sam Rockwell is in this movie...

We need a new movie now that you're back, T-wolf. Oh, and welcome back. From the pics you look like you had some fun.

No idea how to unsticky this.

Unstickied!

Yay! Trip to the rescue