The Intro: The concept is pretty straightforward. Aside from going to the theater way too much, I also watch way too many movies on TV (or DVD). Since they're not new releases, I don't typically write a review for them, but there are often some things I'd like to say about them. Since I have a tendency to always find the negatives in things (I'm a champion pessimist), I've decided to pick five things from a movie that I've recently viewed that catch my eye or crack me up or inspire me or whatever. They could be anything from a whole performance, a single line (or even a single word), a sight gag, plot line, anything. So...5 Great Things About...Galaxy Quest
1. One hell of a deep supporting cast. Yes, this is probably my favorite Tim Allen film (which by itself says nothing), and Sigourney Weaver and Alan Rickman are excellent as usual. However, for a goofy sci-fi comedy, it's cast is filled with names that only got bigger after its release. Among them: Justin Long (making his film debut), Tony Shalhoub, Sam Rockwell, Enrico Colantoni (Just Shoot Me), Rainn Wilson (in a bit part), and even Seinfeld's Heidi Swedberg (Susan).
2. The slow reveals. In keeping with the theme of a sci-fi/action parody, the filmmakers snuck in a few subtle touches that, while in plain sight, aren't obvious to the casual viewer. As the film progresses, just keep an eye of Alan Rickman's scalp prosthetics and Sigourney Weaver's neckline. Brilliant.
3. Along similar lines, on two separate occasions, the characters swear (visibly), only for us in the audience to hear an overdubbed, cleaner (read: TV friendly) version, suitable for syndication. First, Daryl Mitchell's Tommy tells Tim Allen's Jason Nesmith that he "is so full of sh*t," which turns into "you are so full of it." Later, as Allen and Weaver are forced through a series of deadly obstacles in the bowels of the star cruiser, Weaver's clearly visible "f*ck that!" is turned into a much more innocent "screw that!"
4. This exchange, specifically the delivery of the last line:
Jason Nesmith: What? What was that?
Alexander Dane: Uh, nothing.
Jason Nesmith: I heard some squealing or something.
Gwen DeMarco: Oh, no. Everything's fine.
Teb: But the animal is inside out.
Jason Nesmith: I heard that! It turned inside out? [the pig-lizard explodes]
Teb: And it exploded.
5. Enrico Colantoni. If you were a glutton for punishment (and/or David Spade at his unfunniest) and watched Just Shoot Me regularly, then you were already familiar with Colantoni. With that said, there's still a decent chance that you didn't even recognize him upon first viewing here. Aside from the pale makeup and black hair, Enrico sported a strange, happy, monotone...that somehow completely worked for the character, regardless of how ridiculous he sounded at times.
5b. "EXPLAIN!...as you would a child!
12 people have chosen wisely: on "5 Great Things About...Galaxy Quest"
Holy crap, that was Rainn Wilson? You just made my day.
That's like learning that Glenn Close was in Hook...but less frightening.
Haha - yeah. If you click on that picture to blow it up, I believe that's him on the far right, halfway cut out. Which is fitting, because it seems as though that's what happened to him in the film. He actually has a line or two in the first 30 minutes of the movie, but then all but disappears into the background (hanging out with Fred/Tony Shalhoub in the engine room, mostly).
This really is a fun flick. It's one of the few in my library that we can watch when my in-laws come to visit, because my youngest brother-in-law is 9 and he can't watch anything rated R, which is 95% of our dvd collection.
I really dig this film too and for me, Sam Rockwell steals every scene he's in. I love how his character is the butt of all the "red uniform" (aka the guy who always gets killed in STAR TREK ep.) jokes in the film. His delivery of his dialogue is also freakin' hilarious ta boot.
One of my favorites as well, but I have to point out that the censored dialog was present in the theatrical version as well, because Dreamworks (somewhat inexplicably) decided to market it as a family film at the last minute.
Great post!
Sorry I wasn't clear enough. I know the swearing is there on an unedited copy. Whatever the intention, it plays as if it were an in-joke in that it's spoofing a TV show (that couldn't have swearing).
That's what I meant, if that makes sense.
And yeah, J.D. - Rockwell is fantastic. It's a tough call between him and Shalhoub, though, as to who steals more scenes...
This was a pretty good flick. Right up there with some of Tim Allen's other greats such as Wild Hogs.
My friend and I went to watch Scream 3 and then lied to my parents, telling them we had watched Galaxy Quest.
In retrospect, I wish I had watched this movie instead.
Regarding Your Comment: Cate Blanchett's cameo was the worst part of Hot Fuzz for me. I recognized her right way and was mad that she wasn't in the rest of the film. :)
Saw this in the theatre. Thought is was hilarious as is, but couldn't help but wonder...
How much funnier would this movie be if they actually got the cast of the original STAR TREK series to play their respective roles.
Now that would have been a work of genius.
Actually I think the guy that is cut off is actually Sam Lloyd (or, Ted from Scrubs).
Awesome list, this is one of those movies that when I see it on I absolutely have to finish it.
Brilliant movie!
Don't forget the best part...
"Let's get out of here before one of those things kills Guy!"
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