Galaxy Quest Review
by Murali Krishnan (murali24 AT my-deja DOT com)January 20th, 2000
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[2.5/4.0]
Few television series have attained the legendary status as the science fiction drama "Star Trek". From the initial incarnation to its modern day descendants, the show has maintained an almost religious following. So much so that not only is the show itself the target of satire, but the show's popularity itself is a fruitful source of satirical humor. Although this film never mentions "Star Trek" directly, it is clear that that show is the inspiration for the story.
The story begins with the cast of the retired show making a personal appearance at yet another convention of fans. They have not had much career success after their original series ended, so they make a living by disdainfully appearing together as the reassembled crew and signing autographs for fans who are enthusiastic and adoring. The fans remember the most minute details in the plot and dialog, and often dress up as characters from the show. In fact, if real aliens were to attend the convention, they would appear to be just another set of fans.
Most of the cast ruefully accept their status as has-beens, and go through the motions of their appearances because it is the only real job they have. However, Jason Nesmith (Tim Allen), who played the commander in the series still revels in the attention. That is until he overhears a couple convention attendees laugh at how pathetic the washed up actors now are. He falls into a funk, but becomes re-inspired when it turns out that one group of enthusiastic "fans" that he met at the last convention really were extraterrestrials, and they transport him aboard his ship.
The first part of the film is clearly the weakest. Its only objective is to set up the following narrative sequences. The introduction of the main characters is terse, and formulaic. Considering that the cast are to reflect the stereotypical science fiction serial, the characters in this film are equally predictable. There is a distant romantic interest for Nesmith in the only female office (Sigourney Weaver), an alien science office played by a Shakesperean actor (Alan Rickman), a quirky technical officer (Tony Shalhoub), a youthful navigator (Daryl Mitchell), and there is even a expendable spare crew member (Sam Rockwell). Even the humor at this time barely steps beyond laughing at exaggerated stereotypes. When the setting shifts to space, the story begins to move fluidly, and the humor becomes sharper.
It seems the aliens interpreted the television episodes as "historical documents", and do not understand that the heroic captain and his crew are fictional characters. It happens that they are being threatened by an interstellar tyrant, and they ask the Nesmith to lead them. Nesmith summons the rest of the gang on board, and they join in thinking that he has found them another job. When they find that they are participating in a space war, their initial reaction is to return to Earth. However, the aliens are innocent and defenseless, and after all they designed their ship, its weapons, and controls, from what they saw on the television series, so the crew already know everything they need to operate--they are simple reprising their roles.
The adventure that the group embarks on never attempts to be unpredictable. However, the stale narrative is counterbalanced by consistent, self-mocking humor that keeps the mood light and enjoyable. It is clear that the intent is to make the audience laugh, rather than to construct a seamless narrative. The special effects are used well in service to the story, which makes them enjoyable.
Recommended. The film is consistently successful at being entertaining and providing laughs. The plot itself is flimsy and predictable, but it provides a sufficient frame on which an enjoyable satire is constructed. The film is a light, and often clever, comedy which should appeal to a wide audience.
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(c) 1999 Murali Krishnan
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