Galaxy Quest

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	Dir:	Dean Parisot
	Star:	Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Alan Rickman, Tony Shalhoub
	Cert / Year:	PG / 1999
	Format:	DVD R1
'

The crew of the early eighties hit sci-fi series Galaxy Quest, that was cancelled over seventeen ago, now make a living via appearances at sci-fi conventions. These has-been actors have no other careers except for recreating the character from the show that made them famous. During the latest convention Jason Nesmith (their captain) is approached unbeknownst to him by real life aliens, the Thermians. led by Commander Mathesar. They have mistaken the TV show for real life historical documents. They now need their heroes to pilot their ship to defeat the evil Saris. It's time for these actors really are bodily going where no man has gone before.

To call this film a spoof would definitely be unfair. Spoofs are usually unkind to the subject matter (in this case Star Trek or to a lesser extent any TV sci-fi show) in an attempt to get laughs, Galaxy Quest isn't. It is brilliantly funny and yes it does hit the obvious targets but it is never cruel in an attempt to get a cheap laugh. In fact it makes the oft laughed at sci-fi fans the heroes for a change. This does not mean that the film will only appeal to sci-fi fans (although without doubt they will get more of the in jokes) far from it as it is so well written that all should find it a real laugh

This would have been all well and good if the film had no story or plot, but what truly lifts this film above a mere spoof is the fact that behind the laughs is a gripping adventure. A fine cast give flawless performances imbuing the characters with genuine personalities. Tim Allen is excellent as the Kirk-a-like captain and Sigourney Weaver shows again her talent for comedy ( as seen in Ghostbusters) as she is cast in a role that is the total opposite of her Ripley character from Alien. Stealing the show however with his dry sense of humour is Alan Rickman who in short superbly hilarious. This is just the crowing glory of a brilliant cast, see below for a full breakdown:

Actor	Name	Character	Star Trek Equv	Notes
Tim Allen	Jason Nesmith	Capt Peter Quincy Taggart	James Kirk	Scene stealing egotist always keen to play his good side and get his shirt off
Alan Rickman	Alexander Dane	Dr. Lazarus	Spock	Bitter consumate actor who hates his half alien character
Sigourney Weaver	Gwen DeMarco	Lt. Tawny Madison	Uhuru	Blonde Bimbo who repeats the computer
Tony Shalhoub	Fred Kwan	Tech Sgt Chen	Scotty	Nervious yet unphasable engineer who knows nothing
Daryl Mitchell	Tommy Webber	Lt. Laredo	Wesley Crusher	Ex child actor still a big kid
Sam Rockwell	Guy Fleegman	Lt. Roc Ingersol	Crewman in red shirt	Galaxy Quest extra convinced he is dead meat

So its funny and action packed thanks to the brilliant script so what about the effects. I'm happy to report that they are of a top quality. Sets. props, costumes and CGI are beautifully used to create the look and feel of a Star Trek like universe. Close enough to aid the comparative humour yet unique enough to avoid a law suit. Everything is present from the sliding doors to the polystyrene rocks. Some of the nicest touches come in the form of the 'original series' footage which is just spot on.

This is a clever, exciting, funny, very funny film. It entertains as much as it provides the laughs. This is not your Leslie Neilson Zucker Abrahams Zucker inspired rubbish, it is so much more. It is never offensive to its subject matter yet it rings out every last laugh out of a concept that some take a little too seriously. Add to this a top flight cast and outstanding performances from Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver and especially Alan Rickman and you have something special. So get your shirt off and grapple a rock monster because this is where Star Trek ends and comedy begins.

	2.35:1 Anamorphic	Flawless
	Dolby Digital 5.1	Good we1l used mix
	On Location Featurette
	Some great deleted scenes
	Thermian Language sound track, yes really
	Trailers
	Cast and crew Bios
	Production Notes
	Omega 13 device (just you see)
	Superb animated menus
	Great disc with a fine sense of humour, shame there aren't more extras. Note, the Region 2 release is missing the Thermian soundtrack and Omega 13 device.