A group of actors from a beloved science-fiction television series make ends meet by appearing at sci-fi conventions. Some of the cast members are a little fed up with continually celebrating their long-ago cancelled series, while others get a charge out of the adulation of their adoring fans. Sound a little familiar? If you're thinking this sounds a lot like Star Trek, you're not too far off the mark. Galaxy Quest (1999), an entertaining science-fiction adventure film, takes the concept one step further. What if a group of actual aliens viewed transmissions of the television series Galaxy Quest, and think they're watching real-life adventures? These aliens want the heroic crew to help them defeat an interstellar villain threatening their race with extinction.
Galaxy Quest is a funny, action-filled and often touching tale that's become something of a cult classic in the years since its original release. While the movie resonates strongly with Star Trek fans, it's also garnered its own group of devoted followers, who celebrate the film's clever allusions to science-fiction fandom. Never Surrender: A Galaxy Quest Documentary (2019), takes an in-depth look at the making of the movie, and features interviews with the cast and crew, including actors Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Enrico Colantoni, and Sam Rockwell, director Dean Parisot, screenwriter Robert Gordon, and producer Mark Johnson.
The making of Galaxy Quest is covered in detail, from early script concepts to the film's eventual release. The documentary features some fascinating stories about the production, including the fact that Harold Ramis was originally going to direct the film, which at the time was set to be even more brash and comedic in tone. There's also intriguing information and behind the scenes details regarding the film's casting, music and special effects. The cast and crew are quite candid about DreamWorks Pictures, whose post-production mandate was that the producers should tone down some of the film's language and content, thus making it more family friendly.
In addition to the comments from the cast and crew, there are some delightful interviews with famous fans of the film, such as Trek cast members Brent Spiner and Will Wheaton, and writer-producers Damon Lindelof (Lost) and Greg Berlanti (Arrow, The Flash). Many fans consider Galaxy Quest to be a sort of honorary Star Trek film, and in fact it's been voted "one of the best Trek movies" as part of many online fan surveys and polls. Several of the interviewees note that Galaxy Quest predates the explosion of "comic book, sci-fi and nerd culture" that now sees comic book and sci-fi films and television series appealing to a much wider audience. In a way, the movie really was ahead of its time.
Never Surrender also follows a group of Galaxy Quest fans who are attending a convention, and are participating in cosplay as the film's characters. They talk about their love for the film, and what its characters and themes have meant to them. Their heartfelt comments help to bring this delightful documentary full circle. Never Surrender: A Galaxy Quest Documentary (2019), is a loving and insightful tribute to a movie that has become a true cult favorite for science-fiction fans. Never Surrender is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime, and is well worth your time. As a bonus, you'll get to see Brent Spiner's terrific Patrick Stewart impression! Here's a link to the film's trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39cVvN28UXE.
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