Galaxy Quest (1999)

2053. Galaxy Quest (1999):

-Written by Kyle Bain.

When the cast of a space-odyssey television show, Galaxy Quest, is tasked with facing off against real aliens, they must overcome their differences, step up to the plate, and save an entire foreign race from extinction. Through a combination of satire, spoofing, and genuine appreciation for the science fiction genre, Galaxy Quest takes viewers on a comedic journey for the ages. 

In what initially appears to be a ridiculous film, there are layers to Galaxy Quest that force viewers to analyze not just the importance of fandom in science-fiction circles, but of our place in the real world as well. The film takes time to develop in this regard. Through the first twenty minutes or so of the film, which certainly doesn’t seem like a long time, Galaxy Quest feels like little more than a full-on spoof of Star Trek. Some characters are nearly identical to characters from the beloved show and there is significant commentary on the fanbase. Again and again I questioned whether or not this was a roast of Star Trek and its fandom–and if I were unwilling to heavily analyze the film, I think by the end of my viewing I might still believe that Galaxy Quest was created as a way to belittle Star Trek. 

As the tone of the film begins to shift ever so slightly after about the twenty-minute mark, it starts to become a bit more clear that there’s a gravitas present in the narrative, the characters, and the overarching social commentary of Galaxy Quest. There’s a ton of meaning present in this film, one that is aesthetically so far from being grounded. By the end of the film, and more prominently during the ensuing discussion on Star Trek: The Undiscovered Podcast, I found myself experiencing something visceral as it dawned on me the emotional and social relevance of this film. This aspect of Galaxy Quest is what I adore about film. 

With an all-star cast, Galaxy Quest was sure to provide viewers stellar acting–as long as Writers David Howard and Robert Gordon provided the slew of actors with effective characters. Each character exists in a niche place of society. One is a bit narcissistic, another deals with the ogling eyes of men, one may just be a stoner. They all represent something with which we are incredibly familiar, and whether it’s Tim Allen (Jason Nesmith), Sigourney Weaver (Gwen DeMarco), Tony Shalhoub (Fred Kwan), or someone else, they have the opportunity to develop well-scripted characters. Each character sees moments in which it’s hard for viewers to appreciate them, but far more often those characters are seen developing in a way that speaks to the audience. Again, each character exists in a place unique to themselves, one that resonates with viewers. Slow and steady wins the race, and the slow, but meticulous development of each and every one of these eccentric characters works out in the end. 

The cheesiness of the standard science-fiction show from the 1980’s and 90’s fills the space on screen throughout. To a degree this is a hindrance for Galaxy Quest, as I feel viewers are likely tasked with trying to look past the frustratingly dense lenses through which we are forced to watch. I found myself, on multiple occasions, frustrated with the fact that there was such power in the narrative, and that I was forced to trudge through remedial nonsense in order to find it. It’s there if you’re willing to work for it, but the surface level of this film is a bit too simplistic for my liking–and I’m almost certain I’m not the only one who feels this way about Galaxy Quest. 

Galaxy Quest is something of a roller coaster ride, asking viewers to look past the intentional idiosyncrasies and appreciate the familiar characters and their arcs. I feel that Galaxy Quest often runs the risk of being a bit too confrontational, even condescending from time to time–another reason why I feel some viewers will struggle to get to the meat and bones of the film. There’s so much here, as Director Dean Parisot develops a truly brilliant film that is often masked by calculated risks and faux pas. I’m certainly impressed by what Galaxy Quest offers viewers, but I wish that there had been a bit more low hanging fruit available in a film of this nature. 

Directed by Dean Parisot. 

Written by David Howard & Robert Gordon. 

Starring Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Alan Rickman, Tony Shalhoub, Sam Rockwell, Daryl Mitchell, Enrico Colantoni, Robert Sachs, etc. 

7.5/10 = WORTH RENTING OR BUYING