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Movie:		8.0
Picture:		7.0
Sound:		8.0
Extras:		8.0
Score:		8.0

Director(s):	Dean Parisot
Writer(s):	David Howard, Robert Gordon
Starring:	Alan Rickman • Enrico Colantoni • Justin Long • Missi Pyle • Patrick Breen • Rainn Wilson • Robin Sachs • Sam Rockwell • Sigourney Weaver • Tim Allen • Tony Shalhoub
Genre:	Comedy • Sci-Fi
Release Date:	May 12, 2009
Rated:

List Price:	DVD - $14.98
Amazon:

It would not be inaccurate to call Galaxy Quest slight, airy, and lacking in ambition, but it would be beside the point. Like with most mainstream comedies, your ability to buy into it depends greatly on how generous you're feeling when you're watching it; but unlike most mainstream comedies, Quest makes no apologies or excuses for what it is, wholeheartedly buying into its own vindication of fandom while still lampooning with great accuracy.

Galaxy Quest is a television show that has been off the air for twenty years, but still maintains a huge, devoted fan base that continuously organizes conventions devoted to memorabilia, re-enactments, and greeting the original actors (think it's a reference to any other show). These conventions would be the absolute bane of the existences of the lead actors, being James Nesmith (Tim Allen), Gwen DeMarco (Sigourney Weaver), Alexander Dane (Alan Rickman), and Fred Kwan (Tony Shalhoub), were they not the only thing keeping them in house and home. Naturally, that changes when Nesmith is approached by four aliens (played by Enrico Colantoni, Patrick Breen, Missi Pyle, and Rainn Wilson) who, not understanding the fictitious nature of the show, ask for their assistance in fighting off the genocidal alien warlord Sarris (Robin Sachs). Not recognizing the gravity of the situation, the actors go along with it, only to realize once they are they are there that they are going to have to assume their original roles from the show.

The plot is familiar (ever seen Three Amigos or A Bug's Life?), but the film gains surprising traction by treating the aliens as an extension of their fandom, and giving their devotion to the show a surprising emotional authenticity. It's a big risk, considering few people want to identify themselves with trekkies, but it pays off in spades once the team actually takes off into space (the depiction of which is rather elaborate and appealing for a comedy). The film walks a thin line between adventure and comedy, always being sure to remind us what's at stake without losing the brevity of touch that is so necessary to making it work. For the most part, it always manages to do it, and even fits in a few pretty good jokes along the way (the Gilligan's Island bit ranks among my favorites).

In short, if you haven't seen this film already, you might want to. They're clearly timing this DVD release to coincide with the new Star Trek film, so even if that doesn't end up being a huge disappointment, it might be nice to have a slightly more light-hearted antidote to what promises to be a far darker incarnation of the series. So rent it, buy it, or catch it on TV if you've already seen it - although if you do feel compelled to buy it, this edition does have a hefty set of extra features.

DVD Bonus Features

"Historical Documents: The Story of Galaxy Quest" - a making-of documentary in which the producers  and stars of the film largely spend their time talking about the film's appeal years after the fact.

"Never Give Up, Never Surrender: The Intrepid Crew of the NSEA Protector" - a similar documentary that focuses on the casting process for the major characters in the film.

"By Grabthar's Hammer. What Amazing Effects" - Another short documentary, this one focusing on the special effects of the film (which are largely notable for having been done by Stan Winston and Industrial Light and Magic).

"Alien School: Creating the Thermian Race" - A short documentary about how they realized the various physical attributes of the depicted alien race, the Thermians (probably the most interesting one in the set).

"Actors in Space" - Another short doc about how the actors depicted in the film reflect how many actors in real-life are also washed up and desperate for work.

"Sigourney Weaver Raps" - Believe it or not, this is exactly what it sounds like, with assistance from Sam Rockwell and Daryl Mitchell.

Thermian Audio Track-a separate audio track that plays the entire film in the indistinguishable language of the Thermians. No joke.

Deleted scenes and a theatrical trailer are also included.