And, that's it; in a nutshell.The references to Star Trek were numerous; some blatant and some more
subtly hidden away, but this was not really a p--s-take, although some of the
more fanatical and obsessive fan club members may take some offence at their
portrayal.
As a light-hearted romp through space, where washed-up actors re-animate their
careers in a far away galaxy, it was pleasant enough. The plot was straight
forward, and, although weak in concept, had its notable moments.
Tim Allen and Alan Rickman once again proved that you don't need Mormon
like teeth to act, whilst Sigourney Weaver, well supported by the costume
department, couldn't have got further away from her Ripley character.
The Thermians were a brilliantly concocted idea although their leader, Mathesar,
Enrico Colantoni, started to grate a little in places. Missi Pyle, with
her inane smile throughout most of her scenes, was strangely captivating and
delivered the on-board sexual chemistry and romance; seven out of nine for
effort.
The special effects couldn't be faulted and an excellent script and tight
directing kept everything rolling along smoothly. Carrying it over its
hour and forty minutes, its lack of substance might have started to show;
it is always pleasing to see directors who know, and acknowledge, their
film's limitations.
It wasn't what one could call a roaring comedy and a lot of the humour and
in-jokes would have been lost on those without an appreciation of TV Sci-Fi.
The corridor full of clashing pistons was the highlight of the show for me,
not only highlighting the ludicrousness of some TV series' plots, but cruelly
parodying Lucas's Phantom Menace's reactor scene.
Cruel, but deeply enjoyable.
In a year when it looks like the science fiction genre is going to dominate
the screen, Galaxy Quest was an enjoyable alternative to the hardcore
promised elsewhere.
