DVD Review
Galaxy Quest
Directed by: Dean Parisot Cast: Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Alan Rickman, Tony Shalhoub, Sam Rockwell, Daryl Mitchell Running Time: 1 hr. 41 mins. Rating: PG Release Date: May 12, 2009
Plot: "Galaxy Quest" is pretty much the TV show "Star Trek." Got it? Well, many years after the "Galaxy Quest" TV show, the frustrated actors are stuck doing sci-fi conventions. Suddenly, an interstellar race mistakes the show for "historical documents" and takes the actors to space to save the day.
Who's It For? Trekkers should appreciate this film, because even though at first it looks like it's just making fun, it's embracing the fandom. And this is a nice family movie to give your kids a taste of sci-fi comedy.
Movie: I got to be honest ... I think I had seen this entire movie once in the last decade. But I had seen parts of Galaxy Quest probably 50 times. And that built up this film beyond belief. I was trying to decide if I was going to give it a 9 or 10. Sadly, I watched the whole thing again. And while it's a solid film, it's not Shakespeare (sorry Alexander Dane). It doesn't move as quick as I remember, but the last hour is a really good ride. And I assume you all know by now, Ted from "Scrubs" (Sam Lloyd) and Dwight from "The Office" (Rainn Wilson) are part of the Thermian race. Without a doubt, you'll enjoy Weaver's cleavage, Fred (Tony Shalhoub ) and Guy (Rockwell). In fact, you'll love everything Guy does. Score: 7/10
EXTRAS
Historical Documents: The Story of Galaxy Quest - A good basic look back, with interviews from everyone in the cast. One nugget ... on the ship with the chompers, Weaver orginially drops an F-bomb, but that never made it to the screen due to the PG rated, so she was dubbed over. The gist of this extra is to explain that they really embrace the fandom, instead of make fun of it.
Never Give Up. Never Surrender: The Intrepid Crew of the NSEA Protector - They actually let you know when you're watching a dated interview, that alone is a nice touch. This extra gives Tony Shalhoub a chance to shine, explaining that his character was very underwritten, and how he found Fred. And they explain, no, he wasn't stoned. Plus, Justin Long is friends with Sam Rockwell, and Long breaks out his Rockwell impression.
Sigourney Weaver Raps - She explains that it was her agent's birthday, and since Daryl "Chill" Mitchell was around, she rapped. And it's not god awful.
The other extras: By Grabthar's Hammer, What Amazing Effects Alien School: Creating the Thermian Race Actors in Space Deleted Scenes Theatrical Trailer Thermian Audio Track
Extras Score: 9/10
OVERALL
By Grathar's Hammer, you'll enjoy this DVD. With J.J. Abrams' Star Trek blowing up at the box office, Galaxy Quest has more relevance. Tim Allen and Alan Rickman take a backseat to all of the side characters. Guy asking everyone what his last name is, because he's just an extra, well it's just gold. talk about the best or worst parts of the movie and of the extras.
There's two ways to look at this film. You can either continue to catch this film on cable and always be disappointed that you didn't start from the beginning, but at the same time be really happy you stumbled upon it at all. Or, you can own this DVD and take the chance that the shine will come off a little. Here's the great thing, the movie isn't as great as you remember when viewed in full ... but the extras are great. New interviews really show how much the actors, screenwriters and director truly love this film.
Final Score: 8/10