Film Review: Galaxy Quest (1999)

If the franchise is long-lasting and successful enough, it is quite certain that it would become an object of many parodies. If it is extraordinarily long-lasting and successful, some of those parodies would be successful too. An example can be found in Star Trek, franchise that spawned The Orville, popular television series that is still on air after three seasons and it is now considered that franchise’s best known parody. Roughly a quarter of century earlier the honour of being the best Star Trek parody was held by Galaxy Quest, 1999 film directed by Dean Parisot.

The plot begins at the convention for fans of Galaxy Quest, cult science fiction television series that was aired between 1979 and 1982 and showed voyages of NSEA Protector, space ship commanded by brave Captain Taggart. Years after the show’s cancellation none of the regular cast managed to build successful careers and they are forced to make ends meet by appearing on conventions in front of crazed fans. The only one who appears to like this situation is Jason Nesmith (played by Tim Allen), actor who played Taggart and who is obviously more popular than his colleagues. His popularity would get him in trouble when he meets strange group of fans led by Mathesar (played by Enrico Colantoni). It turns out that they are Thermians, actual aliens who believe Galaxy Quest to be a documentary and want Taggart and his cast members to help them in fight against evil reptilian space warlord Sarris (played by Robin Sachs). Nesmith and other cast members are teleported on actual Thermian space ship that represents perfect replica of Protector. Before Nesmith can explain to Thermians that he is just an actor playing the part, evil Sarris would force him to actually act as real space hero.

Galaxy Quest is notable parody not only for being a direct parody of Star Trek, more precisely the 1960s original series, but also for satirising the phenomenon of Star Trek fandom, which was subject of Trekkies, 1997 documentary by Roger Nygard and 1999 comedy Free Enterprise by Robert Meyer Burnett. In this film “trekkies” are given mildly humorous treatment that includes showing devotion to series that has been off air for years, “shippers” that dream of romance between various characters and tech geeks that try to work out the actual physics and science behind space ships that were never more than props in studio. The cast is very good for a parody. While Tim Allen isn’t exactly a superstar, he does well playing Shatner-like character, while Alan Rickman has great fun playing Nimoy/Spock character of Alexander Dane/Dr. Lazarus. The most impressive role is played by Sigourney Weaver who plays Gwen DeMarco, actress playing bimbo-like communication officer Lt. Tawny Madison. Weaver tried very hard to escape from tough feminist character of Ripley from Alien franchise and, like the rest of cast, had great fun on the set, obviously enjoying opportunity to play woman with blonde wig and large cleavage.

This approach works best in the first part of the film, when everyone even remotely familiar with Star Trek would enjoy both many references to characters and actors playing them, as well and see contrast between Hollywood fiction and film “reality” being put to great comic use. Unfortunately, scriptwriters David Howard and Robert Gordon lose a little bit of focus in the second half when fictional show cast members are forced to become real heroes and save the day. Galaxy Quest starts looking less like a parody and more like a “regular” and not exactly inspiring space opera. However, general impression is still good, and this is the verdict shared by almost anyone, including Star Trek original cast and “trekkies”. Galaxy Quest won prestigious science fiction awards like Hugo for Best Dramatic Presentation and Nebula Award for Best Script. As such, it represents one of the most successful parodies of its time that could be recommended even to audience that doesn’t care much about Star Trek or science fiction.

RATING: 6/10 (++)

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