What Do You think Are the Best and Worst Star Wars Imitations ?

[BAYLOR]

Which films and Why?

 

[paranoid marvin]

I think Wrath of Khan had more in common with Star Wars like Motion Picture had 2001 for it's inspiration. It goes without saying that it is very good!

Two of my favourites though are Battle Beyond the Stars (which I admit I haven't seen for quite some time now), about a kid who finds there's a galaxy out there that needs saving. The other is the far more irreverent - and hilariously funny - Spaceballs.


I also enjoyed the Darth/Grouch cameo in Night at the Museum.

 

[BAYLOR]

I think Wrath of Khan had more in common with Star Wars like Motion Picture had 2001 for it's inspiration. It goes without saying that it is very good!

Two of my favourites though are Battle Beyond the Stars (which I admit I haven't seen for quite some time now), about a kid who finds there's a galaxy out there that needs saving. The other is the far more irreverent - and hilariously funny - Spaceballs.


I also enjoyed the Darth/Grouch cameo in Night at the Museum.

Battle Beyond the Stars is a fun film and a very good . Its basically The 7 samurais in Outer space But it slo in the vein of Star Wars as well. Its a classic in its own right.

 

[hitmouse]

Battle Beyond the Stars is a fun film and a very good . Its basically The 7 samurais in Outer space But it slo in the vein of Star Wars as well. Its a classic in its own right.

It is fun, but honestly, it is also a bit crap. I tried rewatching it a couple of months ago.

 

[reiver33]

Of course it's crap, but it's a 'B' movie that knows it's a 'B' movie, right from the get-go.

 

[paranoid marvin]

Re Battle, there are some great characters and in many ways quite similar to those from Star Wars. Plus Sador was a great baddy, with the (unique?) method of replacing his body parts with those from his defeated enemies. Although by today's standards it's B movie stuff, it was probably the closest alternative to Star Wars whilst we waited for Return of the Jedi. Robert Vaughan, although at heart it is more of a Magnificent 7 homage.

Another notable Star Wars type films include The Last Starfighter which was worth a watch (but again not seen it in a while). One I can barely remember (but do remember being bored to tears with) was The Black Hole which I remember being promoted as a rival to Star Wars (but it really wasn't). Ironically seems to have disappeared down it's own black hole as I can't remember it being on tv/satellite/cable in forever.

 

[hitmouse]

Of course it's crap, but it's a 'B' movie that knows it's a 'B' movie, right from the get-go.

Not sure I agree with that. I remember when BBTS came out, it was promoted as a straight up SF adventure.

 

[BAYLOR]

Message From Space 1978 This movie is Japan's answer to Star Wars and its so bad it s good. It has special effects and model work that looks like something out of the 1960's. And as for acting ? corny , hammy , silly and over the top . This film boasts such memorable dialogue as " Im a human being From planet Earth " and "They don't call me Kamikaze for nothing " But all that said, this film is a positive joy to watch " It's lovable and very entertaining .

We need more films like this !

 

[BAYLOR]

Re Battle, there are some great characters and in many ways quite similar to those from Star Wars. Plus Sador was a great baddy, with the (unique?) method of replacing his body parts with those from his defeated enemies. Although by today's standards it's B movie stuff, it was probably the closest alternative to Star Wars whilst we waited for Return of the Jedi. Robert Vaughan, although at heart it is more of a Magnificent 7 homage.

Another notable Star Wars type films include The Last Starfighter which was worth a watch (but again not seen it in a while). One I can barely remember (but do remember being bored to tears with) was The Black Hole which I remember being promoted as a rival to Star Wars (but it really wasn't). Ironically seems to have disappeared down it's own black hole as I can't remember it being on tv/satellite/cable in forever.

We're getter a sequel to the Last Star Fighter .

 

[BAYLOR]

It is fun, but honestly, it is also a bit crap. I tried rewatching it a couple of months ago.

Of course it's crap, but it's a 'B' movie that knows it's a 'B' movie, right from the get-go.

Its basically the 7 Samurai in Outer Space . Ive see it a number of time and footage from it has show up in several other B films of that era . Still, I find the film very enjoyable.

 

[soulsinging]

Serenity.

 

[BAYLOR]

Serenity.

But there are no aliens

 

[Rodders]

Surprised no one has mentioned Battlestar Galactica. Released following the success of Star Wars and a blatant attempt to cash in on space opera fever.

Still great fun though. I loved it.

 

[BAYLOR]

Surprised no one has mentioned Battlestar Galactica. Released following the success of Star Wars and a blatant attempt to cash in on space opera fever.

Still great fun though. I loved it.

And it was the Inspiration for the critically acclaimed Ron Moore Reboot.

 

[Rodders]

Star Wars was of course famously inspired by the Flash Gordon serials of Lucas's youth. Ironic that its success meant the studio wanted to cash in with a Flash Gordon movie. (a reboot, perhaps?) Famously camp and hugely entertaining. I adore this movie.

 

[BAYLOR]

Star Wars was of course famously inspired by the Flash Gordon serials of Lucas's youth. Ironic that its success meant the studio wanted to cash in with a Flash Gordon movie. (a reboot, perhaps?) Famously camp and hugely entertaining. I adore this movie.

Lucas original wanted to do a Flash Gordon film.

 

[JunkMonkey]

Worst Star Wars Imitations? Just about everything with the Star Wars name on it after The Empire Strikes Back.

 

[paranoid marvin]

The Flash Gordon the movie is very much in line with the comic books and early serials of the eponymous hero. There's none of the modern angst about whether he is doing the right thing or other troubling things in his life, he's a straight up, square-jawed action hero fighting for good against evil. Very much in line with Chris Reeve's Superman movies. With all of the Marvel and DC movies we've seen since, there's a lot of joy in watching a superhero where the main character's only powers being his athletic ability and desire to do good.

 

[paranoid marvin]

And it was the Inspiration for the critically acclaimed Ron Moore Reboot.

Yeah this was definitely the best thing about it. The original series started off well, but (perhaps due to budget limitations) lost it's way. For a tv series though, the battle scenes in space were not matched for at least a decade.

 

[BAYLOR]

Yeah this was definitely the best thing about it. The original series started off well, but (perhaps due to budget limitations) lost it's way. For a tv series though, the battle scenes in space were not matched for at least a decade.

Given the cost per episode of the original BSG , the series was not sustainable as a series even though it did decently in the ratings . Originally Larson wanted to make it a miniseries and series tv films and y hen series . What would have been a better option is if the made 3 or 4 TV movie per year and make them tv event films , thye could hav run with for serial years. One thing I would have dome had I been Glen A Laron is would hired better writers.