Galaxy Quest

PG	Rottentomatoes.com Rating: 90%	1999
(Several instances of mild-moderate language; mild action suspense/violence; mild sensuality - mostly related to a female character's constant low-cut neckline)	Picky Flicks Quote: "A sparkling blend of sci-fi and comedy that affectionately spoofs every Star Trek cliché known to man, Romulan, or Klingon." -Neil Smith, BBC	RUNTIME: 1 hr. 42min.
Visit: www.screenit.com for complete details		Movie Mood:Spacetacular

Fair Warning: If you’re a serious Trekkie who doesn’t like to be teased about the show (which, I think, is probably the definition of a serious Trekkie), you might want to skip this review. Galaxy Quest is essentially a spoof of every Star Trek episode ever made, squashed into a palatably short runtime, with a little real heart and warmth thrown in to take the edge off the mockery.

It’s also one funny movie. Quite frankly, it cracks me up all the way down to my toes (which is pretty much a physical impossibility, I know, but that’s figures of speech for ya!) and does it at the most unexpected moments and in the most unexpected ways. And a movie that can do that can make me love it no matter what its other shortcomings.

Now, I’ve known some (one quite rabid) Trekkies in my time, and, no matter how normal they seemed otherwise, once the words, “Star Trek” came up, all normalcy took a nosedive out the nearest window. Suddenly, they were earnest and nervous, hotly debating the merits of cast members and plotlines in a foreign language that, to a non-initiated Trekkie know-nothing, sounded downright loony.

Galaxy Quest ably taps into that fan-boy fervor as it tells the story of a washed up group of actors whose Star Trek clone of a show has been canceled. But that doesn’t stop them from desperately hanging onto the coattails of its success by signing autographs at ribbon-cutting ceremonies at electronic stores and at sci-fi nut conventions filled with their adoring admirers.

Most of them know they’re washed up losers – the most notable exception being their “fearless leader” Jason Nesmith (Tim Allen), who’s convinced that he has only to show up, suck in his gut for a photo-op, and the world will swoon at his feet. While it’s true of most of his middle-aged female fan base, his “crew” is less than impressed. In fact, they’re talking mutiny.

So, when a group of squawky, gawky, chalky (sorry, but just wait ‘til you see them; it fits) guys and gals show up, begging for his help, he assumes it’s for a solo name-scribbling thing and thinks, sure, what can it hurt? He’s hung-over and woozy (his usual state), but even he can see that the “costumes” at this gig are really good. It’s hard to see the seams or the face paint.

That, of course, is because his hosts are actually friendly aliens; they’ve watched his show without realizing it’s make-believe, which means they really think he’s a commander of a starship; and they truly believe he’s going to help them vanquish their longtime foe, Sarris, who’s threatening their annihilation.

Once Nesmith becomes convinced, he makes it his mission to sign everybody else up for the ride. There’s Gwen (Sigourney Weaver) the boobilicious (as with most shows of this caliber, the girls are most known for their feminine assets, NOT their brains or acting ability) sole female cast member who’s expertise extends to saying, “Computer, do this, or, zap that.” Then there’s Alexander (Alan Rickman), the classically trained thespian who despises his character’s signature oath: “By Grabthar’s hammer…” (but then, who wouldn’t?). “I played Hamlet once,” he laments in despair.

Tony Shalhoub (in his pre-Monk days, so minus the OCD tics) is also on hand to fall for a lovely lady alien, and Sam Rockwell plays a crewmember named Guy who gets killed off very early in the series, which makes him very nervous about his fate once life in the final frontier starts imitating art a bit too closely.

The final fourth of the film is more conventional in its approach to the problem of defeating the enemy aliens and the requisite action sequences, special effects, and redemption for the crew that must accompany such a plotline. It still has its share of laughs, but the best humor comes from the rest of the movie’s knowing nods, winks, and sharp elbows at the sci-fi genre in general and Star Trek in particular. It’s a comic goldmine, and Galaxy Quest digs up some nuggets of hilarious fun.

“By Grabthar’s hammer,” Galaxy Quest is all systems go!

Until next Wednesday, stay picky. Your mind will thank you later!