Galaxy Quest is a hidden gem but it's a science-fiction comedy movie that is loved by die-hard fans and a worthwhile watch for new viewers. Complete with action, drama, aliens, comedy, and Alan Rickman, the 1999 movie is still a masterpiece to behold. It centered around a has-been, washed-up cast from a popular sci-fi show from the '70s.
But the cast is mistaken for the real deal and is tasked with helping to save an alien race from extinction against their mortal enemy. Galaxy Quest is loved for not only its comedy but for its realistic portrayal of characters who are no longer in their prime. There's also the fun nod to die-hard Star Trek fans and other science fiction nerds.
10 The Impeccable Cast
The lineup for the movie is top-notch and made up of some of Hollywood and even Broadway's most famed actors. The lead character of Jason Nesmith is none other than the voice of Buzz Lightyear, Tim Allen. Alongside him is Sam Rockwell, who is well recognized for movies such as Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.
The movie also gained notoriety for the portrayal of Fred Kwan by Tony Shalhoub, who became famous for his role in Monk. Alien star, Sigourney Weaver, joined the cast in the role of Gwen DeMarco. Last but not least is the esteemed Alan Rickman as Alexander Dane. Fans can't get a better cast than this.
9 The Reason Why The Aliens Chose Them
The reason why the Thermian people seek help from the cast of Galaxy Quest is comical yet realistic in some way. In the movie, Galaxy Quest was an immensely popular sci-fi show from the '80s with a big fanbase. Somehow, however, the show's episodes were transmitted across space and viewed by the Thermian alien race.
The Thermians truly believe that the episodes are an account of real events on Earth. Facing their mortal enemy, the evil warlord, Sarris (Robin Sachs), the Thermians kidnap and seek help from Jason and the show's cast to save their people.
8 The Villain Alien
Sarris is a reptilian general who leads his humanoids to destroy the Thermians and he is quite fun to watch on screen. The character will give any viewer the creeps, as he had green scaly skin, antennas, and grotesque reptile armor and skin.
His character arc plays out well, as he's a big bad villain who actually executes the majority of his plan. At one point, he even takes over the Thermians' ship and learns that Jason and the crew aren't actual space heroes. Sarris even manages to survive his ship's explosion and attack the main characters, fatally wounding them.
7 The Heroes Aren't Heroes
The main characters in the movie are initially not the greatest heroes, by any means. But this is what gets the audience hooked. These characters were depicted as space's mightiest heroes on the television show and still loved, years later, by their fandom. When the Thermians come to ask for their help, they are also under the impression they are heroes.
In reality, the characters are far from it. They're mundane, ordinary actors who were once in their prime and are now struggling in the industry. It's only through the bizarre intergalactic mission that they rise to the challenge to save the Thermians.
6 Each Character's Personal Struggle
Being once in their prime, each character of Galaxy Quest has their own struggles to face that might seem relatable in some way. Jason was the main character and captain who thrives on the endless attention fans give him. This leads him to be conceited but also to somewhat resent how the fans see him.
Gwen was the communications officer on the show and had all the sex appeal amongst the characters. Alexander Dane played the science office and member of an alien race. Alexander is done with the show and its demands and the fans' constant need to talk about his show and character. While the show made them successful, they all resent Jason and the show in some way.
5 A Redemption Story
As the main characters are all down on their luck in their lives and careers, they have their own story arc and resoultion by the end. Having to go on a dangerous mission to save the Thermians, they each rediscover their worth. Jason realizes how important it is to be a team player and how conceited he was towards his castmates.
Alexander gets a new fresh look at just how important his character is to his fanbase and embraces his newfound purpose. Guy Fleegman (Rockwell) gets a status upgrade, as he's no longer seen as the short-lived, one-episode character and the cast's convention handler. In the new series continuation, Galaxy Quest: The Journey Continues, he gets a new main role.
4 A Fun Love Letter To Fans
Galaxy Quest was made to pay homage to fans of the sci-fi genre. And the movie did it successfully without making fun of the fanbase. It showcased just how much a show can mean to its audience and how attached they can get to the characters, even years after its end.
In the movie, there's a select group of Galaxy Quest fans that the characters come to rely on, at some point. These fans embody what's seen in reality. They're close-knit friends who have passion for the show, share common interests, and dress up for conventions. Not to mention, they have such an immense and detailed knowledge of the show and ship that they help the characters figure out the ship's core and abort the self-destruct sequence.
3 The Lines & Comedy
The movie has many iconic lines. Ironically enough, the main characters are forced to reiterate a lot of the lines that their characters in the show became known for. In the beginning, it's comical to see the characters have to say them with little enthusiasm and progress to being proud when they do the new show.
Throughout the movie, audiences will have a laugh as the Thermians try to act as human as possible. There also heartfelt moments and lines as a Thermian is shot and tells Alexander that he always saw his character as a father. Alexander recited his character's recognized speech as a farewell.
2 The Special Effects
Fans of the movie. love the array of special effects used in the movie. After all, it does mimic a lot of what's seen in sci-fi shows. For example, the way the Thermians transport the character to the ship is by covering them in a gel-like substance that beams them up to space.
Add in some cool alien monsters and the effect used to demonstrate super speed, and it's a sci-fi marvel. Fans couldn't help but also be impressed by the effects used to bring to life the Omega 13. The Omega 13 is a superweapon that resembles floating blue molecules.
1 Star-Trek Parody
One of the main reasons sci-fi fans gravitate towards this movie is because it was specifically made to mimic, parody, and pay homage to the famed Star Trek series. The similarities are easy to spot, from the ship, the ship's crew and titles to the alien villain. The movie itself gained good praise from the actual cast of Star Trek.
Sir Patrick Stewart commented in an archived BBC interview that he thought the movie was brilliant and laughed wholeheartedly. Above all, Stewart was impressed that the ship and characters were saved, "simply by the fact that there were fans who did understand the scientific principles on which the ship worked ... and it was both funny and also touching in that it paid tribute to the dedication of these fans."
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