For starters, it's no secret that this is not a good film by any stretch. The story doesn't make a whole lot of sense in some places, the acting is either stiff and wooden or completely over the top, the special effects are laughable, even by 80s standards, and everything has an air of cheapness to it.
But of course, that is the entire point of it. it's not trying to be a great movie, it's basically trying to be what the original Flash Gordon serials were, but with a slightly higher budget and in colour: Goofy, old-fashioned space-opera sci-fi fun. And hoo boy, is it fun.
The action scenes are all delightfully ridiculous, Brian Blessed leaves no scenery unchewed (And anything left over is scarfed down by Timothy Dalton, Max Von Sydow and Topol), the costumes are gorgeous (and spangly. Good lord, is there any costume that doesn't involve something shiny?!!), some of the sets are pretty cool, and of course, the soundtrack is pure 80s awesomeness.
So, is it a good movie? Oh hell no, it's one of the silliest sci-fi films ever made! But is it enjoyable? Oh absolutely, yes! This is definitely one for gathering a bunch of guys together, getting some beers and snacks, and all lounging about and enjoying a silly cult classic together.
Ridiculous, cheap, poorly acted, over-the-top, nonsense. I love it, I love it, I LOVE IT!!!
For starters, it's no secret that this is not a good film by any stretch. The story doesn't make a whole lot of sense in some places, the acting is either stiff and wooden or completely over the top, the special effects are laughable, even by 80s standards, and everything has an air of cheapness to it. But of course, that is the entire point of it. it's not trying to be a great movie, it's basically trying to be what the original Flash Gordon serials were, but with a slightly higher budget and in colour: Goofy, old-fashioned space-opera sci-fi fun. And hoo boy, is it fun. The action scenes are all delightfully ridiculous, Brian Blessed leaves no scenery unchewed (And anything left over is scarfed down by Timothy Dalton, Max Von Sydow and Topol), the costumes are gorgeous (and spangly. Good lord, is there any costume that doesn't involve something shiny?!!), some of the sets are pretty cool, and of course, the soundtrack is pure 80s awesomeness.
So, is it a good movie? Oh hell no, it's one of the silliest sci-fi films ever made! But is it enjoyable? Oh absolutely, yes! This is definitely one for gathering a bunch of guys together, getting some beers and snacks, and all lounging about and enjoying a silly cult classic together.