. . . that this picture is the most authentic sequel to Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY. Even casual fans will recall that Stan ordered all the sets, props and scripts of his original masterpiece destroyed after filming wrapped, to prevent any live-action sequels. However, there is no record of Stan taking any legal action against STAR PINK, though this Pink Panther episode explicitly states that it is 2001 1/2. Purists realize that STAR PINK beat the egregious rip-off film 2010 to the theater, and is much closer to the vibe of the original than that lamentable misfire. Some may quibble that Hal, Junior does not sing "Daisy, Daisy" and we hear nothing about the "Bicycle Built for Two" during STAR PINK. But the pathos of that bittersweet ballad is echoed when Junior buttonholes solar pump jockey Pink to garner his promised red lollipop. There is absolutely nothing in 2010 to rival this touching moment.
Star Pink
(1978)
The consensus of properly certified film historians is . . .
2 February 2023
Warning: Spoilers