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

[BAYLOR]

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.

But the writing in the Flash Gordon films isn't very good, What they should have done is have the people that did the 1979 Flash Gordon animated tv series rte the story for the movie.

 

[paranoid marvin]

But the writing in the Flash Gordon films isn't very good, What they should have done is have the people that did the 1979 Flash Gordon animated tv series rte the story for the movie.

It's (admittedly) a while since I last watched the movie, but from what I recall the dialogue and on-screen action can at times seem 'cheesy' , but it's very much in line with the old serials of the 30's. For me, it's the closest attempt at creating a comic book in cinematic form; the humour, the action and the clear definitions between good and evil.

I though that a more serious Flash Gordon movie would be a great idea, and all the pieces are there for someone to come along and write it. Same with Dan Dare.

The music, the costumes the actors all seemed to blend together to make a perfect movie, and I remember when (as a child) I went to see this movie at the cinema I left the cinema possibly more impressed than when I had been to see Star Wars. Even today, I think I would be more excited to meet in person Sam or Brian than say Mark Hamill or Harrison Ford. Not to say FG is a better movie, but the blend of continuous action, music and bright colours left more impression on me as a child than did the more sedate SW.

I've seen Sam Jones giving talks at some conventions, and I also went to one with both Brian and Sam on stage at the same time. I get the impression that Sam's off-screen personality is not much different to his on-screen portrayal of Flash. Both Brian and Sam were keen to point out the very positive messages that Flash Gordon the movie tries to get across, and it was great to see that whilst some actors are embarrassed or prefer not to talk about some of their more popular roles, these two guys really were just as enthusiastic (and still prepared to appear in a sequel!)

If you haven't already seen it, I highly recommend watching the movie 'Life After Flash', which is largely Sam Jones and Brian Blessed talking about the movie.

 

[Vladd67]

I think that sadly Brian Blessed has climbed one too many mountains without oxygen.

 

[JunkMonkey]

I think that sadly Brian Blessed has climbed one too many mountains without oxygen.

I read his auto-hagiography Absolute Pandemoniumrecently. (Well the bits about Flash Gordon.) The man has an ego as gig as his beard and a writing style that is, to say the least, extraordinarily chatty and self-serving. He came over as a right pompous prick.

 

[Swank]

There have never really been any imitators to Star Wars. Almost no one has made an honest effort to offer an original, sophisticated, high budget far flung SF adventure story. The closest I can think of is the Riddick films and Supernova.

The problem with Galactica is that it was conceived as soup opera - at the end of every episode the characters go home to their comfy ship, just like Star Trek.

As a stand alone film, Wrath of Khan is very close. But it brings all its Trek baggage with it.

 

[ctg]

The classic fight, redone, and it's way better than the original one

 

[BAYLOR]

The classic fight, redone, and it's way better than the original one

Yes it does.

 

[BAYLOR]

There have never really been any imitators to Star Wars. Almost no one has made an honest effort to offer an original, sophisticated, high budget far flung SF adventure story. The closest I can think of is the Riddick films and Supernova.

The problem with Galactica is that it was conceived as soup opera - at the end of every episode the characters go home to their comfy ship, just like Star Trek.

As a stand alone film, Wrath of Khan is very close. But it brings all its Trek baggage with it.

The Original BattleStar Galactica's writing was not great . The critics did have much in the way of respect or use for this show , Newsweek ran less then flattering reviews of Galactica and . at television aware show later that year the only cast member that show up was the Chimp who played Daggit, not sure category he was competing for.

In the case of The Wrath of Khan being a sequel to the Star Trek Episode Space Seed did have some baggage to it.

 

[OuttaInc]

Gotta throw "Space Mutiny" out there in the worst category.

So bad it got picked up by Mystery Science Theater 3000 and became one of their most popular episodes.

 

[BAYLOR]

Gotta throw "Space Mutiny" out there in the worst category.

So bad it got picked up by Mystery Science Theater 3000 and became one of their most popular episodes.

I think ive seen this particular Space Opera travesty.

 

[BAYLOR]

Space Mutiny reused footage from Battlestar Galactica and , it didn't even do that very well.

 

[BAYLOR]

It's (admittedly) a while since I last watched the movie, but from what I recall the dialogue and on-screen action can at times seem 'cheesy' , but it's very much in line with the old serials of the 30's. For me, it's the closest attempt at creating a comic book in cinematic form; the humour, the action and the clear definitions between good and evil.

I though that a more serious Flash Gordon movie would be a great idea, and all the pieces are there for someone to come along and write it. Same with Dan Dare.

The music, the costumes the actors all seemed to blend together to make a perfect movie, and I remember when (as a child) I went to see this movie at the cinema I left the cinema possibly more impressed than when I had been to see Star Wars. Even today, I think I would be more excited to meet in person Sam or Brian than say Mark Hamill or Harrison Ford. Not to say FG is a better movie, but the blend of continuous action, music and bright colours left more impression on me as a child than did the more sedate SW.

I've seen Sam Jones giving talks at some conventions, and I also went to one with both Brian and Sam on stage at the same time. I get the impression that Sam's off-screen personality is not much different to his on-screen portrayal of Flash. Both Brian and Sam were keen to point out the very positive messages that Flash Gordon the movie tries to get across, and it was great to see that whilst some actors are embarrassed or prefer not to talk about some of their more popular roles, these two guys really were just as enthusiastic (and still prepared to appear in a sequel!)

If you haven't already seen it, I highly recommend watching the movie 'Life After Flash', which is largely Sam Jones and Brian Blessed talking about the movie.

The film for all of its flaws and silliness does have entertainment value and very good casting. Max Von Sydow's over the top portrayal of Ming makes this film work and Sam Jones does manage turn in a decent acting performance as Flash Gordon.

 

[BAYLOR]

Yor The Hunter From the Future 1983 very cheesy but fun to watch.

 

[BAYLOR]

Then there's Star Crash A made in Italy Star Wars ripe off. This is what Stars Wars would have looked liked had it been produced in the 1950's. The film starred Christopher Plummer( The Emperor) , David Haselhoff ( Prince Simon ) and Caroline Munroe( Stella Star) and a robot Sheriff Elle( Hampton Kamp) . It's an epic Sci fi cheese fest ,but that said , I absolutely cannot hate this fun. It's flat out fun to watch !